Legacy Amendment
On November 4, 2008, Minnesotans voted for a Constitutional
Amendment, the Legacy Amendment, that imposed a
2/8ths of a cent sales tax with the proceeds going to dedicated
funding to "protect, enhance, and restore, wetlands, prairies,
forests, and fish, game and wildlife habitat...."
The money is to be spent on NEW projects, not to replace money
already being spent in these areas. MSRPO will remain vigilant to
make sure the money is spent on what voters intended - improving
Minnesota, not to plug short term budget deficits.
WATER
As part of that process, decision-makers are looking to get
input from citizens. We who own forest land and lake-shore property
understand well what the Minnesota
Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan recommended --
incentives would help us keep undeveloped shoreline wild, restore
degraded shoreline, improve septic and runoff, mitigate milfoil,
and protect riparian areas. But if decision-makers do not hear from
you, they will not use the money to help those who own shoreline
manage it.
Be part of the discussion that will determine the quality of
water Minnesota leaves for our children and grandchildren. Find out
more at Minnesotans and Their
Water and participate in their survey.
FORESTS
MSRPO has long supported the idea of incentives. Currently there
are huge, systemic disincentives discouraging us in managing our
land in a way that "Protects, restores and enhances" the forests
and riparian areas in our care. 43% of the forest land and two
thirds of the water front property in Minnesota is privately held
by families like ours. We are the largest ownership block - but
high property taxes force many to sell or subdivide heirloom
properties and accelerate the destruction of our lakes.
Yes, acquiring certain lands is a good way to can
protect them. But we cannot buy it all, and public ownership of
land is no guarantee of its good management. We should also create
a system of incentives that encourages people who own forest and
riparian areas to manage them in a way that "Protects, restores and
enhances" them for the benefit of future
generations.