John Helland’s legacy will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come

John Helland passed away suddenly two years ago. He was a former MCEA board chair, legislative committee chair, and long-time legislative staff leader on environmental policy. It’s no exaggeration to say that he was instrumental in shaping Minnesota’s environmental laws for over four decades. We were privileged to know John and benefit from his wisdom and experience and we miss him greatly. In his honor, his family has established a memorial supporting the future of environmental law. 

"John helped legislators research and draft most of Minnesota's major environmental laws, including the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Environmental Policy Act, the Environmental Rights Act, and the constitutional amendments and legislation that created the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Clean Water Fund, and the Parks and Trails Fund."

– Retired long-time colleague and friend, Mark Shepard

John Helland Memorial Environmental Law Educator at the University of Minnesota

Through the generosity of the Helland family, this memorial provides a three-year commitment of support for the critical work that MCEA provides to the University of Minnesota Law School, providing adjunct educators with expertise in environmental law to the University. This project honors John’s lifelong love of learning, his support of the University of MN, and deep reverence for the confluence of education, environment, and law. 

You can donate to the fund here.