ST. PAUL — Over 90% of Minnesotans are concerned about pollution in their local waters.
That's according to a new statewide survey from the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The key takeaway? Residents want collaborative action, and they think science can provide a solution, with 85% of respondents agreeing.
The survey ran July 31 through Aug. 5, and asked 1,000 adult Minnesotans about their use of and concern about lakes and rivers, views on conservation and support for science-based solutions.
The university highlighted two other survey results in their news release: 97% of Minnesotans value the importance of our waters to their quality of life, and 85% support public funding for water research.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents said state and federal governments should lead public funding efforts, and over half said those entities are not currently doing enough.
"This is a pivotal moment. Minnesotans are not only concerned about our water resources, but they're ready to act,” stated CFANS Dean Brian Buhr in the release.
“We're dedicated to meeting this challenge head on, bringing together our research, partnerships, and the next generation of environmental stewards to make a real difference. It is encouraging to know that 81% of the survey respondents are optimistic that collective efforts across community, government and science can preserve our state’s cherished waters.”
According to the survey results, Minnesotans' top concerns are pollution/water quality, invasive species, habitat loss, climate change impacts and overdevelopment.
The UMN highlighted their research efforts in the news release, including how climate change and invasive species are reshaping fish populations, efforts to safeguard drinking water and tackling stormwater pollution.
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