Founding the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance
MOHA was formed as a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization in August, 1994. This came after a series of meetings held at the request of then State Senator Bob Lessard and Congressman Colin Peterson. They had grown increasingly concerned about threats to our traditional hunting, fishing and trapping sports.Foremost among these threats were the activities of animal rights groups, anti-hunting and trapping groups and gun control advocates.
In addition to these very obvious concerns there was recognition that we faced a growing urban population with little or no understanding of these traditions – people who could vote in favor of anti-hunting, fishing and trapping legislation through ignorance of the issues. And it was also obvious that we were losing the interest of our children, partly through urbanization and partly through dwindling access to the resources.
The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance was formed to address these concerns then, and it continues to lead the way in these efforts today.
MOHA Structure
MOHA consists of a Governing Board and an Executive Committee of that Board. The Governing Board is made up of representatives from as many of Minnesota's outdoor organizations as care to participate. The Governing Board acts as an advisory group to the Executive Committee. This Committee is elected every year on a staggered term basis and handles the details of the MOHA mission.In addition the Governing Board members have responsibility for communicating MOHA education and legislative activities to their own organizations, and in assisting in those activities whenever possible. There are generally anywhere from 35 to 50 members of the Governing Board.
The Executive Committee has 15 elected members. Officers include president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and legal consul. The Executive Committee establishes subcommittees for specific tasks and these include both Executive Committee members and Governing Board members. Standing committees include Communications, Finance, Fundraising, Legislative and Youth Education.
The Executive Committee meets monthly on the second Wednesday. Any Governing Board members who can will also attend these meetings.
The MOHA Process & the Legislative Caucus
Our objective is to involve all concerned outdoor groups in legislative, education and public awareness actions whenever necessary to help protect and enhance our hunting, fishing and trapping heritage.The Minnesota Sportsmen’s Legislative Caucus is the central focus of MOHA’s activities. This nonpartisan caucus has dedicated members from the House and Senate, committed to supporting our outdoor heritage. The MOHA Executive Committee meets officially with the Caucus members every other week during the Session, and maintains regular contact throughout the year through personal calls, meetings, phone and e-mail contact. Minnesota’s Caucus is a member of the National Council of State Outdoor Caucuses.