Minnesota Plans Support for Nature in New Budget Talks

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota lawmakers are entering a special session to finalize the 2026 state budget, with a major focus on environmental protection. As part of the discussions, some budget pieces have already been approved, including renewed backing for conservation programs under the state’s Legacy Amendment. This special fund, supported by sales tax, is designed to protect Minnesota’s wetlands, forests, prairies, and other natural areas.

One major highlight is the $33 million set aside for prairie conservation. "In Minnesota, we still have not much more than 1% of our native grasslands left," said Ann Mulholland, the regional director of the Nature Conservancy. "It's really important to protect what is left."

Scientists agree that restoring grasslands helps keep carbon in the ground and out of the atmosphere. This is important for fighting climate change. However, not all conservation efforts are moving forward smoothly. Another part of the budget, which covers the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, still awaits a final vote. It currently removes a $5 million grant meant to enhance grasslands in wildlife areas owned by the state.

The budget also provides $19 million for projects related to forests. These efforts aim to reduce carbon emissions and help the state’s forests cope with the changing climate. "We think this funding is critically important not just to mitigate climate change and pulling that carbon out of the air, but to actually help nature adapt to climate change," said Mulholland.

The urgency of these actions has grown following recent wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. Lawmakers are also discussing funds for research on how climate change affects wildlife and habitats in these areas.

To reduce further budget cuts in environmental programs, lawmakers have agreed to raise some fees, including the aquatic invasive species charge for watercraft.

These budget efforts show Minnesota’s goal to balance nature protection with financial challenges while preparing for climate-related risks.

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