FHRPineBend.com - FHR/MCEA: About MCEA

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Mission and History
MCEA was founded in 1974. Its mission is to use law, science, and research to protect Minnesota's natural resources, wildlife, and the health of its people. MCEA's founders were instrumental in drafting much of the landmark environmental legislation of the 1970's, such as the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act, the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act.

In the later 1970's and 1980's, MCEA worked effectively to implement these laws. MCEA also led efforts to adopt the nation's most protective acid rain limits and the state's first mercury limits for waste combustors. MCEA's attorneys stopped logging in the Boundary Waters and the sport hunting of timber wolves. In recent years MCEA has expanded its activities and regularly publishes lists of accomplishments.

Management, Staffing and Funding
MCEA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation managed and controlled at the policy level by a 16 member Board of Directors with six established standing committees. MCEA's Board is a diverse group, including members with outstanding backgrounds in science and natural resource disciplines, law, teaching, investing, and bipartisan legislative service.

MCEA's executive director manages a staff which includes lawyers, policy analysts, a GIS specialist, a legislative director, a development coordinator, a communications specialist, and two administrative support staff. MCEA is unique among Minnesota environmental organizations in its depth of staff, whose advocacy experience covers all three branches of government. MCEA's executive director is also responsible for management of outside consultants, interns, and volunteers who assist MCEA on various projects and activities. MCEA is funded by the generous support of over 1200 members, a variety of state and national foundations, and workplace giving.

For a description of these programs, a list of MCEA's recent accomplishments, upcoming events, how to become a member, or for other information about MCEA, please visit MCEA's Web site at www.mncenter.org.