By Marya Hart
Stewards advocate for policies related to water, forests, and wildlife.
Forests and Wildlife
In May, Forests and Wildlife Steward Oriana Rueda attended the MTERA (Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association) 2021 virtual conference. The 4-day event focused on subjects related to renewable energy and tribal nations and featured a variety of speakers including tribal leaders and educators. It also included federal agencies and energy industry experts who talked about successful tribal energy projects, policies, and strategic planning to support the advancement of renewable energy development on tribal lands. Recorded videos from this conference are available to watch on YouTube via this link.
Rueda also represented the Stewards by recently attending a Legacy of Nature Alliance (LONA) meeting. Every two weeks, LONA meets to discuss issues regarding nature and conservation within the Twin Cities metro area. Subjects for these meetings range from legislative updates, to problems happening in specific parks—such as the proposal to change the zoning on an area near Eden Prairie’s beautiful Fredrick-Miller spring. Other interesting topics discussed during their recent meeting included conservation of the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, trail planning, and current legislation.
The Stewards are very excited to be involved with other groups' initiatives on saving our forests and protecting Minnesota’s wildlife!