Bob Anderson, the mayor of International Falls, has been confirmed as the newest member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
Anderson — retired after a 50-year career in the forest products industry, much of that time in public affairs — was confirmed by the state Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. He was elected mayor in November but also had served on the city council and as mayor in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Outdoor Heritage Council recommends to the Legislature how a portion of the sales tax should be distributed for outdoor conservation and habitat projects.
Anderson has been very civic-minded in International Falls over the years, serving as chairman of the airport commission, chairman of the city of International Falls Charter Commission. He's also organized the Fourth of July community celebration for more than 25 years. and served as the chairman of the board of trustees of Falls Memorial Hospital.
The Outdoor Heritage Council is made up of 12 appointees:
● two public members appointed by the Senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration;
● two public members appointed by the House speaker;
● four public members appointed by the governor;
● two senators appointed by the Senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration;
● two House members appointed by the speaker.
The council's recommendation cover projects that include restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game and wildlife, and that prevent forest fragmentation, encourage forest consolidation, and expand restored native prairie.