Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Unveil Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today unveiled the Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights during an event on the Department of Natural Resources grounds at the Minnesota State Fair. In a show of statewide support for this bill of rights, the Governor was joined by the commissioners of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Health, Education, Agriculture, Transportation, Management and Budget, Commerce, Labor and Industry, Pollution Control Agency, and the executive director of Minnesota's Children's Cabinet. The bill of rights affirms Minnesota's commitment to creating equitable outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities to discover the natural environment for children and youth no matter where they live, learn, or play.

"Our state is famous for our great outdoors -- from beautiful city lakes to incredible Greater Minnesota lands -- and as a teacher I know firsthand that being outside means healthier students with stronger academic performance," said Governor Walz. "I'm proud of Minnesota's public and private partners for coming together to commit to make opportunities for all Minnesota kids to enjoy our incredible outdoors and the benefits that come with it."

"We know that kids today spend less time outdoors than they did 20 years ago, and this is especially true for children of color , who face more barriers to equitable, safe, and accessible outdoor experiences," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "The Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights is a call to action to all organizations to create opportunities for all kids to learn from their natural environment and make lifelong memories with family and friends."

The bill of rights calls for the state to promote access to outdoor spaces, clean air and water, connections to the outdoors, and opportunities for environmental education, as well as to engage in shared stewardship of public lands. It lists 15 rights that all Minnesota children have--from swimming, camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, to exploring and playing outdoors in safe, welcoming and culturally affirming spaces.

The Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights is being led through the Minnesota Children's Cabinet, an interagency partnership charged with placing children at the center of government and ensuring that Minnesota is the best state for each and every child to grow up. The Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen encouraged the Children's Cabinet to create a Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights to address the need for children to spend more time outdoors and demonstrate the importance of growing future stewards of public lands. Minnesota is the 16th state to enact a Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.

"Children who love the outdoors today become adults who care about conserving the outdoors for the future," said Commissioner Strommen. "So lifting barriers to getting kids outside not only is critical for their health, it's also critical for the health of Minnesota's environment and natural resources."

"The YMCA of the North is committed to the Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights that ensures all children and families have safe access to learn, grow and thrive from outdoor experiences," said Glen Gunderson, YMCA of the North. "For over 166 years, the Y has engaged thousands of youth in educational and enriching outdoor adventures and we are proud of the state's leadership and joining with other organizations in furthering these opportunities!"

"Time spent outdoors strengthens individuals and communities. The benefits of nature should be enjoyed equitably for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages," said Erika Rivers, Executive Director of Wilderness Inquiry. "The Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights demonstrates a strong leadership commitment to ensuring that all Minnesota youth experience these benefits and grow into the next generation of environmental stewards."

"Exposure to nature is scientifically associated with a host of mental and physical health benefits," said Dr. Molly Sajady, a physician in Children's Minnesota's Development Pediatrics program. "When you consider the benefits, the message is clear -- when we create opportunities for our kids to get outside in nature, we're also giving them the opportunity to thrive."

"As the kid experts, we know that 80% of a child's health happens outside of the walls of our hospitals and clinics. The majority of a child's health happens where they live, learn and play," said Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO of Children's Minnesota. "That's why it's important kids have easy access to outdoor spaces around their neighborhoods and their schools."

"Our Great Outdoors and four unique seasons are the things that define life in Minnesota, but not every child or person living here has the same access to enjoy all our state has to offer. That's why we support the Governor and his agencies in creating the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights," said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota. "We must create a future where a person's zip code does not negatively impact their health and well-being and where all children of every ability, ethnicity, and geographic region have safe opportunities to benefit from and explore the wonders of nature."

"It is exciting to see state agencies and community organizations stepping up and working in partnership to create opportunities to connect children and youth with the outdoors," said Erin Bailey, Executive Director of the Children's Cabinet. "This is an important effort to prioritize child well-being and more equitable access to our beautiful communities across the state."

The Children's Cabinet has created a pledge that cities, counties, and organizations can take to show a commitment to supporting the Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights through programming and services.

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