Minnesota Lottery Proceeds Help Protect The States Future

The Minnesota Lottery is celebrating its 35 anniversary this year. That’s a long time for people to play the games that have in some cases changed their future outlook from the money they’ve won.  

The lottery offers a variety of games with different levels of pricing for players to win some money. And the winning also comes at different payout amounts too.  

And as much as the lottery is about having the chance to score a payday, big or small, here in Minnesota, it’s also about protecting the state’s environment as well. 

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Earlier this week, The Minnesota Lottery outlined where the money has gone over the last 35 years. 

The Creation of an Environmental Trust Fund 

In 1991, The Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) was created to identify issues and work on a plan of protection for those situations for the future.  

The Development of Educational Centers  

Funds from the lottery have helped in the creation of the Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center at the University of Minnesota. This helps to detect, manage, and eradicate invasive species.  

The Habitat Conservation Project 

This was a 13-year effort where the ENRTF combined efforts with 15 partners where they identified over 179,000 acres of fragmented landscapes that needed restoring and enhancing for the betterment of the wildlife around the state. 

 Minnesota’s Science and Natural Areas 

The state has 170 locations around the state that fall into this category, and they have now been protected for future generations thanks in part to funding from the lottery. 

This Money Is For The Birds! 

No, really, some of this money has been used to help the state study the birds that call Minnesota home. The Breeding Bird Atlas has become an invaluable tool for understanding what needs to be done for birds so that we can continue to enjoy and learn about them for many years. 

Minnesota Will Be Protected For Years To Come 

The efforts that have been outlined above and others similar to them in the future were given life last year when 77% of voters in the state said yes to giving 40% of lottery proceeds to the ENRTF until 2050. 

So, the next time you’re thinking about buying a lottery ticket through the Minnesota Lottery, remember no matter whether you win big or not, Minnesota is winning because of you.