1.1A Senate resolution
1.2recognizing Minnesota State Grassland Month.
1.3WHEREAS, one third of the state of Minnesota (18 million acres) was originally prairie
1.4grassland and is now developed or threatened by woody encroachment; and
1.5WHEREAS, grasslands play a major role in maintaining water quality in lakes and streams
1.6by filtering contaminants and capturing precipitation for recharging springs and lakes; and
1.7WHEREAS, healthy soil is a key component of a healthy agricultural landscape, and
1.8perennial grasses help build soil quality and prevent soil erosion; and
1.9WHEREAS, many species of wildlife depend on prairie grassland habitats to live, nest,
1.10and rear young; and
1.11WHEREAS, restored grasslands can play an important role in maintaining prairie plants
1.12and animals by buffering and reconnecting native prairie remnants; and
1.13WHEREAS, Minnesota recreation and tourism activities contribute over 11 billion dollars
1.14in gross sales and 769 million dollars in tax revenue to the state's economy, and these activities
1.15are enhanced by healthy grasslands and the other ecosystems they support, so it is important to
1.16recognize grasslands as a significant contributor to the economic well-being of the state; and
1.17WHEREAS, Minnesota has a strong livestock sector, which contributes 6.2 billion dollars
1.18annually to the state's economy and depends on grasslands as a valuable resource for sustainable
1.19and renewable production of forages; and
2.1WHEREAS, livestock grazing can be an important management tool in maintaining the
2.2health and viability of grasslands and native prairie; and
2.3WHEREAS, the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan calls for the protection of the
2.4state's native prairie and the conservation of over two million acres of other grasslands; NOW,
2.5THEREFORE,
2.6BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it recognizes the month
2.7of July as Minnesota State Grassland Month, a time of year to recognize the contribution of
2.8grasslands to the state's economy and environmental well-being.