State Rep. Rick Hansen — who’d been a frequent critic of conservation-related decisions made by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council — has been replaced on the council.

And outdoors journalist Ron Schara is newly named to the council.

Hansen felt he was likely to be replaced for questioning some council decisions, and talked recently about it with Minnpost.

The council recommends how millions in state Legacy Amendment money is spent.

Today, House Speaker Kurt Zellers made these appointments to the council:

• State Rep. Denny McNamara, a Republican from Hastings, replaces Hansen.
• Rep. Leon Lillie, a DFLer from North St. Paul, replaces Rep. Bob Gunther.
• Schara replaces Darby Nelson as a public member of the council.