Dear neighbors,

Here’s a brief update on the No Child Left Inside program, ongoing efforts to manage CWD, and some great community events.

High Demand for No Child Left Inside Grants

In 2019, we passed legislation that created the No Child Left Inside program. The program provides grants to get young Minnesotans outdoors, particularly those who would otherwise have limited access to these opportunities. So far, it’s been extremely successful! The DNR received hundreds of requests when the first round of applications opened in October. 60 projects received grants of up to $5,000, including our very own Dodge Nature Center! You can read more about some of these great projects here. A full list of initiatives that received funding is available here.

DNR Updates CWD Sampling Maps

The DNR has updated their chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling maps to reflect the results of two special deer hunts that were held last month. Special hunts help limit the spread of CWD by removing infected deer and lowering deer densities in areas where the disease is prevalent. You can see the updated maps here.

Community Events and Activities

River Heights Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Yesterday I attended the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 117^th annual meeting. Recognizing Carol Swenson for her many years of service was one of the highlights of the meeting. The Chamber of Commerce honored her with the 2019 Forrest Glewwe Award in memorium. A video about the impact that Carol had on the community is available here.

South St. Paul Day at the Minnesota History Center

Please save the date for the upcoming South St. Paul Day at the Minnesota History Center! Participants will tour the She Voted exhibit at the Minnesota History Center and learn more about the South St. Paul residents who were the first American women to vote after the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified. To learn more and register, please contact Deb Griffith at 651-554-3230 or Deb.griffith@southstpaul.org.

Climate Action Caucus Community Conversation

Don’t forget that the Climate Action Caucus is holding a community conversation this Sunday at Dodge Nature Center! Please join us to discuss the intersection of climate and environmental issues. More information is available here.

Thank you for your interest in the work that I’m doing in our community and at the Capitol. Please feel free to share your input and ideas.

Sincerely,

Rick Hansen

State Representative