Field Notes: Successful Summit

Long-term funding for fish and wildlife programs topped the list of issues discussed during a recent summit of more than 90 conservation leaders, politicians, and outdoors business leaders at the Nicollet Conservation Club on Swan Lake west of Mankato.

The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance, an umbrella for more than 35 outdoors and conservation groups and businesses, convened the nation’s first sportsman/legislator strategic summit in August. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, and DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam attended.

According to alliance president Mark LaBarbera, the meeting gave hunters and anglers a chance to prioritize issues before the start of the state legislative session.

In addition to long-term funding for fish and wildlife management, priorities included acquiring wildlife management areas, expanding the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program in Minnesota, taking care of publicly owned forests, establishing a mourning dove hunt, recruiting more anglers and hunters, improving shooting ranges, and protecting shallow lakes and wetlands.

"It’s amazing how in tune the DNR is to grassroots sportsmen," LaBarbera said. "When you look at the summit outcomes and the things the DNR was already focused on, everyone’s on the same page."

News of the summit spread to other states through the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, said LaBarbera. "Hopefully, this summit was the beginning of a national groundswell among fish and wildlife stakeholders," he said. "In Minnesota, hunters and anglers are speaking up and letting their voice be heard."

Jason Abraham