In November 2008 Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment dedicating the proceeds of a new state sales tax to protecting and improving Minnesota’s natural resources.  A competitive grant process followed and in March 2009 the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council recommended full funding of Minnesota Trout Unlimited’s proposal to improve coldwater habitat in eleven streams around the State.  In May 2009 the Minnesota Legislature voted to appropriate $2,050,000 to enable Minnesota Trout Unlimited to undertaken these trout stream habitat improvement projects.  The July 2009 appropriation was followed by a late August grant agreement.  Despite being constrained by a five month fieldwork seasons, by June 2011 all eleven projects were completed, totaling nearly 15 miles of improved trout stream habitat.  Minnesota Trout Unlimited and its seven TU chapters, with assistance from the MNDNR, stabilized streambanks, improved water quality, and increased habitat for trout and nongame species.   Minnesota TU members are honored to have been given this opportunity to improve Minnesota’s coldwater resources for all anglers and citizens.   We wish to thank the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota taxpayers for partnering with us to improve our State’s resources.  For further details on MNTU’s first years’ efforts please contact former Council Chair, John Lenczewski, at jlenczewski@comcast.net