The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) was established following voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. For the 2020-2021 biennium, 4% of BWSR's total budget came from the ENRTF. The money in the Trust Fund is generated by the Minnesota State Lottery. The Trust Fund holds assets that can be appropriated, "for the public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources."
ENRTF dollars, as recommended to the legislature by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), are for special environment and natural resource projects.
ENRTF has provided support for the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (MN CREP), Farm Bill Assistance, a cover crop initiative, an update of the statewide drainage manual, and more.