Twin Cities Campus Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences 135 Skok Hall 2003 Upper Buford Circle St. Paul, MN 55108 612-624-3600 Fax: 612-625-5299 23 April 2020 Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen Assistant Majority Leader 3207 Minnesota Senate Building 95 University Avenue West Saint Paul, MN 55155 651297-8063 sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn Dear Senator Ingebrigsten, Foremost, thank you sincerely for your service to Minnesota, especially amid a global pandemic. You and I have shared some Q&A exchanges during LCCMR project presentations the past two summers and your input has been helpful to my efforts and I look forward to more of the same in the future. Like nearly all Minnesotans, it is clear that we both value and share a deep appreciation for this state’s environmental assets and natural resources. I read your recent letter to Representative Hansen regarding the Senate’s intent on an LCCMR appropriations bill this year. As you move toward the end of the 2020 session, I want to share my thoughts on this issue. I also write to request time on your calendar to visit, even if virtually or via phone, and talk about the issue, and discuss my pending research project: The Voyageurs Wolf Project – Phase II. In the face of financial strain and stringency, funding to support Minnesota’s environment and natural resources is no less prudent. The core purpose of the ENRTF is, “…to provide a longterm, consistent, and stable source of funding for activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources (my emphasis).” It is arguably more important to finalize an LCCMR appropriations bill this year because the need is greater than before. There are fewer alternative funding sources for projects this year. I am well aware of the differences in recommendations and that there is less agreement this year. This ought not result in less desire to appropriate funds but rather greater dedication to work through differences and demonstrate leadership that finds a way to fill the core purpose of the ENRTF and the mission of the LCCMR. Every project recommended by the LCCMR is a project for Minnesota’s environments and a project for Minnesota’s economy. If Senate leadership fails to pass an LCCMR appropriations bill, then more jobs will be lost, fewer resources will flow into Minnesota’s economy, valuable research projects will fail or never begin, and an important opportunity to support a key project that addresses coronavirus concerns will be neglected. The Voyageurs Wolf Project has research permission, but will not continue or likely recover without pending LCCMR support. With LCCMR support we employ college students, hire technicians, rent boats and trucks, purchase equipment, gas, and lodging — within Minnesota and mostly in rural Minnesota. We contribute valuable management data to the MN DNR, National Park Service, and Tribal Nations. On social media ~50,000 people follow this project and our outreach has connected with millions globally. This project attracts national and international press, and attention from the very best, blue-chip wildlife film companies, thereby raising the boats of all Minnesotans by showcasing outstanding natural resources. Many other valuable LCCMR projects are in a similar situation: they are worthy of support, citizens support funding them, they provide valuable benefits to both natural resources and the state economy, and they cannot weather a gap year in funding. Your leadership is needed to see an LCCMR bill through this year. Be well and stay safe. Respectfully, Joseph K. Bump, Ph.D. Associate Professor Director of Graduate Studies, Conservation Sciences Graduate Program Gordon W. Gullion Endowed Chair in Wildlife Research & Education Associate, Institute on the Environment CC: Senator Paul Gazelka, Senate Majority Leader Senator David J. Tomassoni, Senate Minority Lead Senator Gary H. Dahms, House Minority Lead Senator Kari Dziedzic Becca Nash, Director of LCCMR