Re-alignment expected on Lessard-Sams Council

Re-alignment of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council is expected to begin soon.

Sen. Tom Saxhaug, DFL-Grand Rapids, is expected to be re-appointed to the council, this time as representative of the DFL majority.

Previously, Saxhaug had served as the Senate minority's representative when Republicans controlled the Legislature.

Also expecting an appointment is Robert "Bob'' Anderson, mayor of International Falls. His term would be for four years.

The Lessard-Sams Council is charged with reviewing conservation projects to be funded from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which was created with passage of the 2008 Legacy Act.

The council's recommendations are just that, recommendations, and the Legislture can accept them or not.

But so far, the council's suggestions have been passed by the Legislture relatively intact.

Eight citizens and four legislators make up the panel.

The House has yet to announce its picks or, possibly, re-appointments. Gov. Mark Dayton also so far has been mum on appointments to be made from his office.

Appointments are staggered to prevent wholesale turnover.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund, through the Lessard-Sams Council and Legislature, pays for almost $100 million in conservation projects each year.