Protecting the Land of Lakes

Following a three-year effort, Minnesota has passed a new wetland protection law. The state's Wetland Conservation Act authorizes more than $15 million for wetland easements and restoration projects and creates 25 new positions in the two state agencies responsible for wetland protection. Although the law extends protection to virtually all previously unprotected wetlands, it contains a number of exemptions favoring the agricultural community. Nonetheless, the law is considered a success by state conservationists.