We all know how grateful we are to have experienced Voyageurs National Park, many of us at a very young age who keep coming back. Voyageurs National Park lacks sustainable funding for environmental education that connects children, young adults, and families to programming and park experiences. As the park’s nonprofit partner, Voyageurs National Park Association is committed to fulfilling this need in collaboration with our members, the Park Service, and community partners.
VNPA needs your help to launch the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative, seeking help from both individuals passionate about the park, business partners, and government funding sources. VNPA submitted a proposal to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) to receive funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). This year, LCCMR received over 329 proposals and selected VNPA’s Voyageurs Classroom Initiative as one of their 2021 project recommendations. Pending legislative approval, VNPA will receive $348,000 over three years to connect kids and families to the park.
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund was established in 1998 when voters approved a constitutional amendment to secure permanent funds from Minnesota State Lottery proceeds and investment income.
The purpose of the ENRTF is to provide sustainable funding for projects that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's "air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.” for current and future generations. Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $700 million to over 1,700 projects around the state.
Bob Molyneux
The LCCMR, a coalition of senators, representatives, governors, and citizens, reviews and recommends projects to receive ENRTF funding. Once recommended, the projects are presented to the Minnesota Legislature for approval. The LCCMR has recommended the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative to receive ENRTF monies in 2021.
The Voyageurs Classroom Initiative
Voyageurs is both a state treasure and an exceptional outdoor classroom encompassing ecological, cultural, and geological wonders. Community surveys and exploratory meetings tell us families, teachers, and partners are eager for increased educational opportunities in the park.
A life-long International Falls resident remarked, “I didn’t step foot in the park until I was 18 years old. I’m trying to change that for my kids.”
With flatlined budgets, the National Park Service continues to lack the resources it needs to sustainably fund community engagement and environmental education. In response, VNPA is working to launch and grow the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative. The Voyageurs Classroom Initiative includes a suite of educational programs for children, college students, and families.
Under the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative, VNPA and the Park Service will increase K-6 environmental education programs, including experiential programs for youth to experience park trails, field days, and floating classroom opportunities that introduce children to the park via its waterways.
In addition, the award-winning National Park Teen Ambassador program will expand. This program sends rural and urban teens on fully-funded, multi-day canoeing, outdoor leadership, and career exploration excursions in the park. The Voyageurs Classroom Initiative also includes paid internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. These fellows will contribute to educational programs, field work, and conservation efforts in the park.
Lastly, the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative will increase opportunities for families and people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels to experience Voyageurs National Park. VNPA and the Park Service will host programs including guided hikes, inter snowshoe walks, volunteer work days, ‘how to’ workshops, and special speakers and performances. Through this effort, local families and community members will gain a greater understanding of the park's resources and a deeper connection to their national park.
Protecting and preserving Voyageurs National Park requires people to recognize the significance and beauty of our public lands. With support from LCCMR and private philanthropy, VNPA will produce quality educational programs that inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility in future generations.
How You Can Help
VNPA has only been recommended to receive funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. This is a significant, exciting step; however, these funds are not yet guaranteed. The LCCMR recommendations for both 2020 and 2021 still have to be approved by the Minnesota Legislature.
The Minnesota Legislature has not passed the 2020 project recommendations. As a result, 77 projects, including the Voyageurs Wolf Project have not yet received their ENRTF funding: funding that is pertinent to enhancing and preserving Minnesota’s natural resources. Minnesota Legislators need to hear from you, their constituents. You can do this by contacting your state legislative representative and expressing your support to fund both the 2020 and 2021 LCCMR project recommendations.
Your voice matters and can help determine the future of conservation and education efforts at Voyageurs National Park. Thank you!
