Saint Paul, MN – January 30, 2015 – Twenty-nine Minnesota environmental and conservation organizations delivered a letter today to Governor Mark Dayton, praising his leadership in proposing expansion of perennial vegetation buffers along the state’s lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. The Governor made his proposal at the state’s Department of Natural Resources Roundtable on January 16.
Buffers of perennial vegetation are known to provide soil and water conservation, protect water quality, and provide essential nesting, feeding, and sheltering habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. “This is the most significant conservation initiative for water and wildlife proposed by a Minnesota governor in decades. Minnesotans enthusiastically support Governor Dayton’s leadership in protecting our water,” said Steve Morse, executive director of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership.
Minnesota has lost roughly a quarter of grasslands enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program, as a result of recent spikes in commodity prices. That has reduced wildlife habitat for popular game species like pheasants and ducks. “We strongly support the Governor’s proposal to increase riparian buffers, said Brad Nylin, executive director of Minnesota Waterfowl Association. “We believe that this will be a huge help on the landscape for habitat and all wildlife.”
The full text of the letter can be viewed here.
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About Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Minnesota Environmental Partnership is a coalition of more than 70 environmental, civic, and conservation organizations working together for clean water, clean energy and protection of our Great Outdoors. MEP engages state leaders, unites environmental efforts and helps citizens take action for the Minnesota they love.