Minnesota Lottery Looks Back on Its 35-Year Mission to Protect Minnesota

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (July 8, 2025) – “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” – Doc Brown

In celebration of our new Back to the Future scratch game, let’s look back at how lottery dollars have been helping to protect and enhance Minnesota’s environment through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) over the last 35 years. Explore the many ways we’re playing our part to keep Minnesota healthy, vibrant, and beautiful.

Stopping the spread of invasive species

Since 1991, the ENRTF has advanced efforts to detect, manage, and eradicate invasive species in Minnesota. It helped establish the Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center at the University of Minnesota to support long-term research. Additional initiatives have tackled threats like purple loosestrife, emerald ash borer, Eurasian watermilfoil, garlic mustard, and common carp.

Surveying natural habitats through the Minnesota Biological Survey

Since 1991, the ENRTF has been supporting the Minnesota Biological Survey, a comprehensive effort to identify and document the state’s most significant natural areas. Conducted county by county, this survey gathers essential data on rare plants, animals, and native plant communities, helping to guide conservation efforts across Minnesota.

Restoring wildlife through the Habitat Corridors Partnership

From 2001 to 2014, the ENRTF backed one of Minnesota’s most impactful conservation efforts — the Habitat Conservation Partnership. Collaborating with 15 partner organizations, the initiative protected, restored, and enhanced over 179,000 acres of fragmented landscapes, including 104,000 acres of restored habitat, 60,000 acres in voluntary conservation easements, and 14,000 acres permanently protected and open to the public.

Protecting and Expanding Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas

Lottery dollars from the ENRTF have played a crucial role in safeguarding almost half of Minnesota’s 170 Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs), supporting restoration and ongoing management efforts. This vital funding will continue to help strategically expand Minnesota’s protected lands for future generations.

Completion of the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas

With support from the ENRTF, Minnesota developed a Breeding Bird Atlas — a comprehensive statewide survey documenting the occurrence, distribution, diversity, and breeding status of bird species. This invaluable resource helps shape conservation priorities, guide habitat protection, and inform restoration and management efforts across the state.

Enhancing Minnesota’s Environment for Future Generations

In 2024, 77 percent of Minnesota voters said ‘I’MN’ to extending the dedication of 40 percent of lottery proceeds to the ENRTF through 2050. Thanks to your support, we can continue funding programs that protect Minnesota’s natural resources and make Minnesota an even better place to live, work and play.