Purpose

To provide funding support for a lake sturgeon project led by the Great Lakes Aquarium, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The project aims to promote rearing and stocking of lake sturgeon and to educate the public about the historical, cultural, and biological importance of lake sturgeon in the St. Louis River.

Main Provisions

• Appropriates $750,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• The money goes to the Commissioner of Natural Resources for a grant to the Great Lakes Aquarium.
• Activities include rearing and stocking lake sturgeon and public education about the lake sturgeon’s significance.
• The project is conducted in cooperation with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Funding and Administration

• Source: Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Recipient: Great Lakes Aquarium, via a grant administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
• Fiscal year: 2026.
• Partners: Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Impact and Rationale

• Supports conservation-related activities (rearing and stocking) for lake sturgeon.
• Enhances public education about the historical, cultural, and biological significance of lake sturgeon in the St. Louis River area.

Changes to Existing Law

• No changes to existing law are described; this is an appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to fund a specific project.

Summary of What It Seeks to Accomplish

• Provide targeted funding to improve lake sturgeon populations and awareness.
• Strengthen collaboration among state, tribal, and federal agencies involved in wildlife management and education.
• Highlight the cultural and historical importance of lake sturgeon in Minnesota’s St. Louis River region.

Relevant Terms - Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund - appropriation - Great Lakes Aquarium - lake sturgeon - rearing - stocking - public education - St. Louis River - Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa - United States Fish and Wildlife Service - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - fiscal year 2026 - grant