Minnesota Agencies

The function of the LCCMR is to make funding recommendations to the legislature for natural resource projects primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. These projects are to help protect and enhance Minnesota's natural resources. The appropriated funds are for the public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Appropriation of funds must be done according to a strategic plan that has both long-term and short-term goals and measurable outcomes. 

In 2006, the commission was reorganized into the LCCMR in order to include citizen membership and input more directly in the decision-making process. However, the origins of the commission goes back to 1963. It started as the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Resources Commission (MORRC), Laws of Minnesota 1963, chapter 790, article 2, section 1. The commission changed to the Minnesota Resources Commission (MRC) in Laws of Minn. 1967, chap. 867, sec. 2. Became the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) by Laws of Minn. 1975, chap. 271, sec. 3 (26), 6. It then changed to the Minnesota Future Resources Commission (MFRC) by Laws of Minn. 1988, chap. 690, art. 1, sec. 9, 19-21. It reverted back to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) through Laws of Minn. 1989, chap. 335, art. 1, sec. 269. It became the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) after the passage of Laws of Minn. 2006, chap. 243, sec. 5.

Laws of Minn. 2022, chap. 94, sec. 4 requires the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources to consider whether statutorily requiring additional information to accompany proposals for capital projects would help the commission better evaluate those proposals. By October 15, 2022, the commission must submit its report and recommendations, along with any proposed statutory changes, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources.

Laws of Minn. 2023 Chap.60, Art. 2, Sec. 3 requires one of the governor's appointments to the commission must be a member recommended by the Tribal governmetn representatives of the Indian Affairs Council. The law also states a citizen member may serve no more than eight years, except as necessary to fill a vacancy. A citizen member may not serve more than ten years if serving additional time to fill a vacancy. Effective July 1, 2023. 

17 members; 10 from the legislature including the chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate committees on environment and natural resources finance or their designees, 4 members of the Senate appointed by the Committees Subcommittee of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and 4 members of the House appointed by the Speaker of the House. At least 2 members from the Senate and 2 members from the House of Representatives must be from the minority caucus. Members are entitled to reimbursement for per diem expenses plus travel expenses incurred in the services of the commission. Appointed legislative members serve on the commission for two-year terms. 7 citizen members; 5 appointed by the Governor, 1 appointed by the Committees Subcommittee of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and 1 appointed by the Speaker of the House.

The citizen members must have experience or expertise in the science, policy, or practice of the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources; have strong knowledge in the state's environment and natural resource issues around the state; and have demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment. They may be removed by an appointing authority for cause, are entitled to per diem and reimbursement for expenses incurred in the services of the commission, as provided in Minnesota Statutes 15.059, subdivision 3. The governor's appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Consultants were used to staff the commission prior to July 1974; Robert E. Hansen, Executive Director (MRC, LCMR): July 1974 - July 1, 1988; John Velin, Executive Director (LCMR, MFRC, LCCMR): August 1988 - March 2008; Susan Thornton, Director (LCCMR): May 2008 - September 5, 2017; Becca Nash, Director (LCCMR): October 2017 -  ; most service dates are approximate.