On its first full day of hearing presentations from groups requesting money for the 2008 funding cycle, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) reviewed fifteen project requests.  Each proposal was only allotted one-half hour and Chair David Hartwell did his best to keep the meeting on pace.  Much to the consternation of several members who felt they were not getting time to fully vet the issues, Chair Hartwell had to resort to cutting questioning short on several occasions. (more…)

On Tuesday, October 9th, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) met to decide which projects will be invited to give presentations to the Commission, hear three presentations for the 2008 funding cycle, and approve a report on Minimum Standards for Forest Conservation Easements.  [Up to this point, the LCCMR has largely been meeting to discuss big picture issues such as developing a statewide conservation plan, how to prioritize appropriations for the 2008 funding cycle, and how conservation easements funded with Environment Trust Fund monies could impact mining rights in the state.  Today was the first day that the Commission heard presentations from groups looking for funding, and the meeting was not without its share of controversy.] (more…)

Given recent events that have befallen the state – the 35W bridge collapse and outstate flooding – it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that funding for the next year is going to be tight. Really tight. (more…)

The LCCMR was back at the capital last week, focusing on wrapping up a few items before the committee breaks until September when they begin reviewing RFPs submitted for 2008 funding. And it didn’t take long for the stir surrounding mining rights on DNR lands that have received funding under the state’s Forest Legacy Act to kick up some dust. (more…)

At the LCCMR’s June 20 meeting at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington the day unrolled at an even, calm pace. Perhaps it was the beatific setting, or the lack of acrimony that colored the previous day’s meeting but all in all, the meeting moved along at its usual clip. And if there were a theme to the day, it was one of cooperation and partnership. (more…)

The Legislative Citizens Committee on Minnesota Resources has resumed a full schedule and things have been busy as of late. (more…)

While it may seem that once funding recommendations are made by the LCCMR to the legislature, there are still more hurdles to overcome. (more…)

At the end of 2006, the LCCMR approved the retention of a consulting team to help them prepare a statewide conservation and preservation plan. (more…)

The House and Senate are in full swing these days, but the status of recommended funding submitted by the LCCMR is in limbo. (more…)

Now that the LCCMR has made its decisions regarding projects it will recommend for funding to the legislature, last Friday’s meeting focused on the details – in particular what kind of wording will be in its recommendations to the legislature. (more…)