Most of the lakes and rivers of Minnesota have not been tested.

Forty percent of those that have been tested fail to meet federal water quality standards. For example, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency lists Cross Lake, Pokegama Lake and the Snake River as impaired.

The water quality team of Pokegama and Cross lakes has independently confirmed that there are too many nutrients in the water leading to algae bloom each summer and sometimes there are far too many E-coli bacteria in streams entering the lake.

Did you know that funding for natural resources in Minnesota has fallen to a 30-year low and continues to decline?

Without making the necessary investment now, in our incredibly important water resources in this state, our water could degrade beyond repairing at a reasonable cost. Minnesota citizens need to act now.

The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment will be on the Minnesota ballot statewide Nov. 4. If passed by a majority of those that vote in that election there would be protection of our natural and cultural resources for the next 25 years:

“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to dedicate funding to protect our drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore our wetlands, prairies, forests, fish, game and wildlife habitat; to preserve our arts and cultural heritage; to support our parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore or lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater by increasing the sales and use tax rate beginning July 1, 2009, by three-eighths of one percent on taxable sales until the year 2034?”

This amounts to about one-third of a cent per dollar on taxable sales.

The citizens of Minnesota have been give the historic opportunity to promote good stewardship of our natural resources by voting yes on this referendum.

Remember, that by not voting on the referendum (leaving it blank) you are automatically casting a “No” vote.