Whether it is enduring below-zero temperatures and bitter windchill readings or hunting and fishing in the state’s abundant woods and lakes, Minnesotans have always had a close connection to the environment.

Let’s face facts: Our climate and environment have an impact on our health, safety, businesses, free time and overall quality of life in Minnesota.

Because of the impact on our lives, knowing what’s ahead in our environment should be a priority for all Minnesotans. A draft of a report card on the environment prepared by the state Environmental Quality Board contains information that could be considered a wake-up call for residents.

For example the report card states:

— Minnesotans need to prepare for an increase in “mega-rains.”

— The state also faces a greater spread of tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease.

The draft report makes for important reading: http://bit.ly/2hoYdos

The report card is divided into water, land, air, energy and climate. Each area is rated good, OK or poor with green, yellow and red colors. The report spells out certain indicators that must be tracked to see the impact on those species by changes in climate or the environment.

We know the debate will continue on “climate change.” While we aren’t in a position to provide answers on that divisive issue, we can say that for whatever reasons, the impact on these “canaries in the coal mine” has to be tracked. Answers must be found when there are sharp declines or increases in key indicators.

For example, the state’s pheasant population is declining and the amount of nitrates in the state’s water is increasing. Both deserve attention and plans to address the concerns.

Another key concern is that, according to the report card, the state’s climate is warming. Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing with an impact on health and climate. Another item is the decline in the state’s cisco fish population. Walleye and trout rely on cisco as a key part of their food supply. The decline in cisco is linked to increased temperatures, according to the report.

The EQB draft report card makes the point that so many of these key indicators can be affected by other segments of the environment.

The next important step in the EQB process is a discussion of the final version of the report card today. After that meeting, there is the Minnesota Environmental Congress, a one-day event on Feb. 3 in the Continuing Education and Conference Center at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus, 1890 Buford Ave, St. Paul.

The report card is in an easy-to-read and understandable format. The EQB deserves credit for making the draft report so accessible to citizens. While many will have various takes on the causes for the changes in the state’s key environmental metrics, everyone needs to pay attention and help find solutions.

— St. Cloud Times, Dec. 17