Voters to decide whether to keep sending Minnesota Lottery proceeds into the outdoors

For the third time since Minnesotans first chose to dedicate a portion of lottery proceeds for the outdoors, voters will decide once again whether to keep that pipeline of money flowing.

In 1990 and 1998, voters overwhelmingly said “yes” to preserving wild places and restoring them with lottery money poured into the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Since 1991, the system has delivered more than $1 billion for the purchase of land, construction of trails, environmental research, fish and wildlife habitat projects, clean water initiatives and more.

On the ballot this November is a measure that would extend the flow of cash beyond next year’s expiration date, until 2050. If it doesn’t pass, the fate of dedicated trust fund money could fall to the mercy of the Legislature.

Over 50% of voters must vote “yes” to approve constitutional protection of the system. Leaving the question blank counts as a “no” vote. It’s the only constitutional amendment up for a vote this year in Minnesota, placed on the ballot by the 2023 Legislature.

“We’re not asking for new money, but to continue the dedication of lottery money already being used,” said Ann Mulholland of the Nature Conservancy.

She and others kicked off a statewide awareness campaign Wednesday at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul, backed by 130 conservation groups, businesses, outdoors clubs and government entities.

Marcus Starr, campaigns director for Conservation Minnesota, said the broad-based coalition known as Minnesotans For Our Great Outdoors will carry out a statewide road show and spend about $600,000 for online messaging to encourage people to vote yes. Members of the coalition include REI, Audubon Society, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Pheasants Forever, Central Lakes College Natural Resources Club, Cannon Falls Campground, All-Terrain Vehicle Association, Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, Dakota County Deep Portage Learning Center and the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn.

“This amendment is critical to our work and will help prevent pollution in our rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as protect the quality of our drinking water,” said Michelle Stockness of Freshwater, another nonprofit group that’s active in the coalition.