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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Nick Halter 651-297-1934
NEWS COLUMN
WASTED OPPORTUNITY
Minnesota has lost many of its wetlands. We have dramatically changed our environment with negative consequences for flooding, wildlife habitat and water quality. However, many have realized the value of wetland restoration as an economic and environmental benefit for Minnesota. Two years ago the Governor did as well when he signed a bonding bill with $25 million in the popular Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program. RIM restores degraded lands to high quality, functioning wetlands. Last year he agreed to $500,000 for RIM in a small bonding bill.
Through RIM, Minnesota has achieved great success in beginning to restore our wetlands. We have been recognized as a national leader in getting this job done the past two years. Our local, state and federal partnerships are successful and effective. The previous commitments are on their way to being fully implemented.
But now the Governor has vetoed $25 million in funding for the next stage of RIM restorations. Let’s look at what these funds would have done for the state.
The money the Legislature authorized for RIM would have been matched by $35 million additional federal conservation dollars. Since those federal dollars were matching funds, they are gone now. Without that combination of state bonding and federal money we will miss the chance to restore about 20,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands throughout the state. Minnesotans want to participate as evidenced by the numbers of farmers and landowners who have lined up to enroll.
This is a program that has broad public benefits. It is effective for everyone. Essentially, RIM pays private landowners to restore and maintain wetlands and wildlife on their property. Tim Koehler, assistant state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Minnesota, says it provides jobs because the restoration work is labor-intensive and requires supplies of native seed, trees, and equipment.
It also has a proven track record. An independent study found that for every dollar the state invests in RIM, it produces a positive economic benefit of $1.28. Wetlands permanently restored through RIM provide habitat and help flooding. Minnesota needs to focus on flood prevention. Wetlands can hold water, allow infiltration, and delay runoff. They also benefit water quality, both for recreation and wildlife population.
This year if the Governor had kept the same level of RIM funding he approved in 2008 all Minnesotans would have benefited. Instead, Minnesota conservationists, farmers, and taxpayers are left asking why. It’s a loss for Minnesota when a proven, successful, science based effort that would have enhanced wildlife populations for future generations, made our water-ways better, and boosted our economy couldn’t survive the Minnesota Governor’s veto pen.
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