The proposed dedicated funding amendment has caused a local environmental activist to take a public stand.

Larry Dolphin, president of Austin Chapter No. 10, Izaak Walton League of America, went on the record with his support of the constitutional amendment.

“On Sept. 8, the Austin chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, approved by a unanimous vote support for the proposed amendment.”

Dolphin’ statement said the amendment would “dedicate funding to protect our drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore our wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve our arts and cultural heritage; to support our parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.”

That would be done, according to Dolphin’s, by increasing the tax rate beginning July 1, 2009, by three-eighths of one percent on taxable sales until the year 2034.

“For example it will cost an additional 3.8 cents on a $10 taxable purchase,” he said.

The sales tax exempts food and clothing, according to Dolphin, who added, “The average household in Minnesota would contribute $56 per year in additional sales tax.”

On Nov. 4 there will be a place on the ballot to vote for the Minnesota Constitutional Amendment. “The Minnesota division of the Izaak Walton League of America has long favored such an approach as have many other conservation organizations,” Dolphin said. “The sporadic funding by a reluctant legislature has been insufficient.”

“The benefits would help protect and improve our waters, woods, prairies, wildlife and outdoor recreation,” the IWLA chapter president said. “Nearly 20 percent of the funding will also benefit the arts and cultural resources.”

“We hope all citizens of voting age in Minnesota along with Izaak Walton League members will see the benefit and ‘Vote Yes’ on November 4,” Dolphin said in the statement.

Not voting for this issue is an automatic “No” vote, according to state law.

‘Yes’ meeting

An informed voters meeting will take place Monday, Oct. 13, on the proposed “Vote ‘Yes’” Minnesota constitutional amendment at the Paramount Theatre. Shelia Smith, executive director for the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, will be the keynote speaker.

There will be a panel discussion among representatives of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, League of Women Voters, Izaak Walton League and other organizations. There will be a special guest appearance by “The Lorax,” a Dr. Seuss character.

An eight-minute video of the proposed Clean Land, Water and Legacy amendment will be shown.

Refreshments will be served.

The meeting begins 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact one of the organizers, Merlene Stiles, Minnesota Environmental partnership, at 507 552-1399 or 507 440-7318 or email Stiles at MerleneStiles@mepartnership.org.