HF 172

1st Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 01/25/2023 05:08pm

A bill for an act
relating to environment; appropriating money from environment and natural
resources trust fund; modifying reporting requirements; modifying capital
construction requirements; modifying prior appropriations; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2022, sections 116P.15; 116P.16; Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivisions 5, 9; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
116P.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the environment
and natural resources trust fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal
years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean
that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2024, or June 30, 2025, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year"
is fiscal year 2025. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Any unencumbered
balance remaining in the first year does not cancel and is available for the second year or
until the end of the appropriation. These are onetime appropriations.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2024 new text end		new text begin 2025 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin MINNESOTA RESOURCES new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 79,833,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund new text end	new text begin 79,644,000 new text end	new text begin -0- new text end
new text begin Great Lakes Protection Account new text end	new text begin 189,000 new text end	new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Definitions new text end

new text begin (a) "Trust fund" means the Minnesota
environment and natural resources trust fund
established under the Minnesota Constitution,
article XI, section 14.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Great Lakes protection account" means
the account referred to in Minnesota Statutes,
section 116Q.02.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information new text end

new text begin 8,219,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Assessing Restorations for Rusty-Patched and Other Bumblebee Habitat new text end

new text begin $75,000 the first year is from the trust fund to
the commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Friends of the Mississippi
River to assess how prairie restoration and
different restoration seeding methods affect
bumblebee abundance, diversity, and habitat
and make recommendations to improve
restoration outcomes.
new text end

new text begin (b) Removing Barriers to Carbon Market Entry new text end

new text begin $482,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop ground-tested carbon
stock models of forest resources throughout
Minnesota to enable better resource
management of public and private forests as
well as generate reliable tools for landowners
seeking to enter carbon markets.
new text end

new text begin (c) Mapping Migratory Bird Pitstops in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $340,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the National Audubon
Society, Minnesota office, to identify avian
migratory stopover sites, develop a shared
decision-support tool, and publish guidance
for conserving migratory birds in Minnesota.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (d) Enhancing Knowledge of Minnesota River Fish Ecology new text end

new text begin $199,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
collect baseline information about the diets,
distribution, status, and movement patterns of
fish in the Minnesota River to inform
management and conservation decisions.
new text end

new text begin (e) Changing Distribution of Flying Squirrel Species in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $186,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research
Institute in Duluth to determine current
distribution and habitat associations of
northern and southern flying squirrels to fill
key knowledge gaps in flying squirrel status
in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (f) Statewide Forest Carbon Inventory and Change Mapping new text end

new text begin $987,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
work with Minnesota Forest Resources
Council, Minnesota Forestry Association, the
Board of Water and Soil Resources, and the
University of Minnesota to develop a
programmatic approach and begin collecting
plot-based inventories on private forestland
for use with remote sensing data to better
assess changing forest conditions and climate
mitigation opportunities across all ownerships
in the state.
new text end

new text begin (g) Predicting the Future of Aquatic Species by Understanding the Past new text end

new text begin $170,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use past and present information
to model future ranges of native aquatic
species in Minnesota to generate publicly
available tools for species and habitat
management.
new text end

new text begin (h) Assessing Status of Common Tern Populations in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $199,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research
Institute in Duluth to assess the population
status of Common Tern breeding colonies in
Minnesota, implement management activities,
and develop a standardized monitoring
protocol and online database for accessing
current and historic monitoring data to help
prioritize conservation and restoration actions
for this state-threatened species.
new text end

new text begin (i) Salvaged Wildlife to Inform Environmental Health, Ecology, and Education new text end

new text begin $486,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural History,
to establish a statewide network to collect,
analyze, and archive salvaged dead wildlife
and build a foundation of biodiversity
resources to track ecosystem-wide changes,
monitor environmental health, and educate
Minnesotans about the value of scientific
specimens.
new text end

new text begin (j) Developing Conservation Priorities for Rare and Specialist Bees new text end

new text begin $619,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to collect data on rare and specialist
bees and their habitat preferences, determine
their conservation status, and develop
strategies to improve their chances of survival.
new text end

new text begin (k) Efficacy of Urban Archery Hunting to Manage Deer new text end

new text begin $393,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities for Bemidji
State University to conduct an analysis of deer
survival, habitat use, and hunter data in the
city of Bemidji to improve special archery
hunt management practices in urban areas of
the state.
new text end

new text begin (l) Mapping the Ecology of Urban and Rural Canids new text end

new text begin $601,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to determine how disease
prevalence, diet, habitat use, and interspecies
interactions of coyotes and foxes change from
urban to rural areas along the Mississippi
River corridor.
new text end

new text begin (m) Maximizing Lowland Conifer Ecosystem Services - Phase II new text end

new text begin $482,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to continue monitoring forested
peatland hydrology and wildlife, conduct new
wildlife and habitat surveys, and quantify
carbon storage to provide support for
management decisions.
new text end

new text begin (n) Modernizing Minnesota's Wildlife (and Plant) Action Plan new text end

new text begin $889,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
modernize the Minnesota Wildlife Action Plan
by filling critical data gaps, including adding
rare plants to the plan, and standardizing
conservation status assessment methods to
ensure Minnesota's natural heritage is
protected into the future.
new text end

new text begin (o) Linking Breeding and Migratory Bird Populations in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $199,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Hawk Ridge Bird
Observatory to map year-round habitat use of
understudied bird species of special
conservation concern and evaluate areas with
the greatest risk of contaminant exposure.
new text end

new text begin (p) Old Growth Forest Monitoring new text end

new text begin $441,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
establish baseline conditions and develop a
cost-effective method to monitor
approximately 93,000 acres of old growth
forest in Minnesota to ensure that these rare
and important forest resources are properly
protected.
new text end

new text begin (q) Integrating Remotely Sensed Data with Traditional Forest Inventory new text end

new text begin $191,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research
Institute in Duluth to calibrate and optimize
the use of LiDAR for forest inventory
purposes and estimate stand-level forest
resource metrics in northeastern Minnesota so
ecosystem services can be better considered
in management decisions.
new text end

new text begin (r) Community Response Monitoring for Adaptive Management in Southeast Minnesota new text end

new text begin $483,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with The Nature Conservancy
to assess community-level plant and animal
responses to past restoration efforts in select
southeast Minnesota conservation focus areas
to determine if management outcomes are
being achieved.
new text end

new text begin (s) Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas - Phase III new text end

new text begin $797,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural History,
to expand the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas
to include more than 2,000,000 records and
images of Minnesota wildlife, plants, and
fungi by adding insect specimens, collections
from new partners, historical data, and
repatriating records of Minnesota's
biodiversity that exist in various federal
institutions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Water Resources new text end

new text begin 8,328,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund new text end	new text begin 8,139,000 new text end	new text begin -0- new text end
new text begin Great Lakes Protection Account new text end	new text begin 189,000 new text end	new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Ditching Delinquent Ditches: Optimizing Wetland Restoration new text end

new text begin $199,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use new techniques to identify
and rank areas statewide where targeted
removal of poorly functioning drainage ditches
and restoration to wetlands can provide
maximum human and ecological benefits,
including aquifer recharge and flood
prevention.
new text end

new text begin (b) Assessment of Red River Basin Project Outcomes new text end

new text begin $920,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Red River Watershed
Management Board acting as fiscal agent for
the Red River Basin Flood Damage Reduction
Work Group to plan and implement
multiresource monitoring at flood damage
reduction and natural resource enhancement
projects across the Red River Basin to evaluate
outcomes and improve design of future
projects at a regional scale. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (c) Wind Wave and Boating Impacts on Inland Lakes new text end

new text begin $415,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the St. Anthony Falls
Laboratory to conduct a field study to measure
the impacts of boat propeller wash and boat
wakes on lake bottoms, shorelines, and water
quality compared to the impacts of
wind-generated waves.
new text end

new text begin (d) Finding, Capturing, and Destroying PFAS in Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $478,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop novel methods for the
detection, sequestration, and degradation of
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
in Minnesota's lakes and rivers.
new text end

new text begin (e) Sinking and Suspended Microplastic Particles in Lake Superior new text end

new text begin $412,000 the first year is to the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota for
the Large Lakes Observatory in Duluth to
investigate the abundance, characteristics, and
fate of microplastic particles in Lake Superior
to inform remediation strategies and analyses
of environmental impacts. Of this amount,
$189,000 is from the Great Lakes protection
account and $223,000 is from the trust fund.
These appropriations may also be used to
educate the public about the research
conducted with this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (f) Ecotoxicological Impacts of Quinone Outside Inhibitor (QoI) Fungicides new text end

new text begin $279,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the University of St.
Thomas to assess the ecological hazards
associated with QoI fungicides and their major
environmental transformation products.
new text end

new text begin (g) Brightsdale Dam Channel Restoration new text end

new text begin $1,004,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Fillmore County Soil and
Water Conservation District to reduce
sedimentation and improve aquatic habitat by
restoring a channel of the north branch of the
Root River at the site of a failed hydroelectric
power dam that was removed in 2003.
new text end

new text begin (h) Mapping Aquifer Recharge Potential new text end

new text begin $391,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the St. Anthony Falls
Laboratory to partner with the Freshwater
Society to develop a practical tool for mapping
aquifer recharge potential, demonstrate the
tool with laboratory and field tests, use the
tool to evaluate recharge potential of several
aquifers in Minnesota, and analyze aquifer
recharge policy.
new text end

new text begin (i) ALASD's Chloride Source Reduction Pilot Program new text end

new text begin $764,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Alexandria Lake Area
Sanitary District (ALASD) to coordinate with
Douglas County and the Pollution Control
Agency to pilot an incentive program for
residences and businesses to install
high-efficiency water softeners, salt-free
systems, or softener discharge disposal
systems to reduce the annual salt load to Lake
Winona and downstream waters. The pilot
program includes rebates, inspections,
community education, and water quality
monitoring to measure chloride reduction
success. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (j) Removing CECs from Stormwater with Biofiltration new text end

new text begin $641,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the St. Anthony Falls
Laboratory to develop a treatment practice
design using biofiltration media to remove
contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)
from stormwater runoff and to provide
statewide stormwater management guidance.
new text end

new text begin (k) Didymo II The North Shore Threat Continues new text end

new text begin $394,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
identify North Shore streams with didymo,
determine the risk of invasion to other streams,
document didymo impacts to stream
functioning, and develop strategies to prevent
further spread of didymo.
new text end

new text begin (l) Leveraging Data Analytics Innovations for Watershed District Planning new text end

new text begin $738,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District to integrate local and
statewide data sets into a high-resolution
planning tool that forecasts the impacts of
changing precipitation patterns and
quantitatively compares cost effectiveness and
outcomes for water quality, ecological
integrity, and flood prevention projects in the
district. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
may license third parties to use products
developed with this appropriation without
further approval from the legislature or the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources, provided the licensing does not
generate income. This appropriation is subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (m) Protecting Water in the Central Sands Region of the Mississippi River Headwaters new text end

new text begin $1,693,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the White Earth Band of
Minnesota Chippewa Indians to assess
aggregate irrigation impacts on water quality
and quantity in the Pineland Sands region of
the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Environmental Education new text end

new text begin 3,905,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Fostering Conservation by Connecting Students to the BWCA new text end

new text begin $1,080,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Friends of the Boundary
Waters Wilderness to connect Minnesota
youth to the Boundary Waters through
environmental education, experiential learning,
and wilderness canoe trips.
new text end

new text begin (b) Statewide Environmental Education via PBS Outdoor Series new text end

new text begin $391,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pioneer Public
Broadcasting Service to produce new episodes
of a statewide public television series and an
educational web page designed to inspire
Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and
to restore and protect the state's natural
resources.
new text end

new text begin (c) Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers new text end

new text begin $763,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources in
cooperation with Conservation Corps
Minnesota and Iowa to ensure a stable and
prepared natural resources work force in
Minnesota by encouraging a diversity of
students to pursue careers in environment and
natural resources through internships,
mentorships, and fellowships with the
Department of Natural Resources, the Board
of Water and Soil Resources, and the Pollution
Control Agency. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (d) Reducing Biophobia & Fostering Environmental Stewardship in Underserved Schools new text end

new text begin $180,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Raptor Center to foster
long-lasting environmental stewardship and
literacy in Minnesota youth in underserved
schools by providing engaging, multiunit,
standards-based environmental programming
featuring positive interactions with raptors and
evaluating program effectiveness and areas
for improvement.
new text end

new text begin (e) Sharing Minnesota's Biggest Environmental Investment new text end

new text begin $628,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota, in
coordination with the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources
(LCCMR), to increase public access to the
results of LCCMR-recommended research,
including through a free online interactive
map, in-depth videos, and public events.
new text end

new text begin (f) North Shore Private Forestry Outreach and Implementation new text end

new text begin $375,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Sugarloaf: The North Shore
Stewardship Association to conduct outreach
to private forest landowners, develop site
restoration plans, and connect landowners with
restoration assistance to encourage private
forest restoration and improve the ecological
health of Minnesota's North Shore forest
landscape.
new text end

new text begin (g) Teaching Students about Watersheds through Outdoor Science new text end

new text begin $290,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited
to engage students in classroom and outdoor
hands-on learning focused on water quality,
groundwater, aquatic life, and watershed
stewardship and provide youth and their
families with fishing experiences to further
foster a conservation ethic.
new text end

new text begin (h) Bioblitz Urban Parks: Engaging Communities in Scientific Efforts new text end

new text begin $198,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to work with volunteers to
collect baseline biodiversity data for
neighborhood and regional parks to inspire
stewardship and inform habitat restoration
work.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species new text end

new text begin 5,104,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Northward Expansion of Ecologically Damaging Amphibians and Reptiles new text end

new text begin $163,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to assess the distribution and
potential for expansion of key detrimental and
nonnative amphibians and reptiles in
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) Developing Research-Based Solutions to Minnesota's AIS Problems new text end

new text begin $4,941,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Research Center to conduct
high-priority projects aimed at solving
Minnesota's aquatic invasive species problems
using rigorous science and a collaborative
process. Additionally, funds may be spent to
deliver research findings to end users through
strategic communication and outreach. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy new text end

new text begin 3,913,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Community Forestry AmeriCorps new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with ServeMinnesota to preserve
and increase tree canopy throughout the state
by training, supporting, and deploying
AmeriCorps members to local agencies and
nonprofit organizations to plant and inventory
trees, develop and implement pest
management plans, create and maintain
nursery beds for replacement trees, and
organize opportunities for community
engagement in tree stewardship activities.
new text end

new text begin (b) Biochar Implementation in Habitat Restoration: A Pilot new text end

new text begin $185,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
pilot the use of portable biochar kilns as an
alternative to open-pile burning of trees and
shrubs to reduce smoke and carbon emissions
and produce beneficial by-products from
invasive species removal and land restoration
efforts.
new text end

new text begin (c) Completing Installment of the Minnesota Ecological Monitoring Network new text end

new text begin $1,094,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
improve conservation and management of
Minnesota's native forests, wetlands, and
grasslands by completing the Ecological
Monitoring Network to measure ecosystems'
change through time.
new text end

new text begin (d) Lichens as Low-Cost Air Quality Monitors in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $341,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop community science
protocols for using lichens as indicators of air
quality and conduct an analysis of air pollution
changes across Minnesota in the present and
in the past century.
new text end

new text begin (e) Environment-Friendly Decarbonizing of Steel Production with Hydrogen Plasma new text end

new text begin $739,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to investigate the use of microwave
hydrogen plasma to reduce fossil fuel use,
carbon dioxide emissions, and waste and
enable the use of alternative iron resources,
including lower quality iron ores, tailings, and
iron ore waste piles, in the iron-making
industry. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (f) Economic Analysis Guide for Minnesota Climate Investments new text end

new text begin $54,000 the first year is from the trust fund to
the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency to create a guide that will
incorporate nation-wide best practices for
considering costs, benefits, economics, and
equity in Minnesota climate policy decisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat new text end

new text begin 15,997,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Bee and Beneficial Species Habitat Enhancement II new text end

new text begin $876,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pheasants Forever Inc. to
enhance grassland habitats to benefit
pollinators and other wildlife species on
permanently protected lands and to collaborate
with the University of Minnesota to determine
best practices for seeding timing and
techniques.
new text end

new text begin (b) Karner Blue Butterfly Insurance Population Establishment in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $405,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Three Rivers Park
District to establish a breeding population of
the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly
on protected lands within the butterfly's
northern expanding range, increase the habitat
area, and evaluate the butterfly establishment
effort to assist with adaptive management.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (c) Root River Habitat Restoration at Eagle Bluff new text end

new text begin $866,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Eagle Bluff Environmental
Learning Center to restore habitat in and
alongside the Root River north of Lanesboro,
Minnesota, and to conduct monitoring to
ensure water quality and fish population
improvements are achieved. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (d) Restoring Mussels in Streams and Lakes - Continuation new text end

new text begin $825,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
propagate, rear, and restore native freshwater
mussel assemblages and the ecosystem
services they provide in the Mississippi,
Cedar, and Cannon Rivers; to evaluate
reintroduction success; and to inform the
public on mussels and mussel conservation.
new text end

new text begin (e) Minnesota Million: Seedlings for Reforestation and CO2 Sequestration new text end

new text begin $906,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Duluth, to collaborate with The
Nature Conservancy and Minnesota Extension
to expand networks of seed collectors and tree
growers and to research tree planting strategies
to accelerate reforestation for carbon
sequestration, wildlife habitat, and watershed
resilience.
new text end

new text begin (f) Panoway on Wayzata Bay Shoreline Restoration Project new text end

new text begin $200,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Wayzata to
restore native lake bottom and shoreline
vegetation to improve shoreline stability,
wildlife habitat, and the natural beauty of Lake
Minnetonka's Wayzata Bay. The recipient
must report to the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources on the
effectiveness of any new methods tested while
conducting the project and may use a portion
of the appropriation to prepare that report.
new text end

new text begin (g) Pollinator Central III: Habitat Improvement with Community Monitoring new text end

new text begin $190,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
restore and enhance pollinator habitat in parks,
schools, and other public spaces to benefit
pollinators and people and to build knowledge
about impacts of the pollinator plantings
through community-based monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (h) Restoring Forests and Savannas Using Silvopasture - Phase II new text end

new text begin $674,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
continue to partner with the University of
Minnesota and the Sustainable Farming
Association to demonstrate, evaluate, and
increase adoption of the combined use of
intensive tree, forage, and grazing as a method
to restore and manage forest and savanna
habitats.
new text end

new text begin (i) Minnesota Community Schoolyards new text end

new text begin $1,433,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with The Trust for Public Land
to engage students and communities to create
nature-focused habitat improvements at
schoolyards across the state to increase
environmental outcomes and encourage
outdoor learning.
new text end

new text begin (j) Pollinator Enhancement and Mississippi River Shoreline Restoration new text end

new text begin $187,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Department of Military
Affairs to restore native prairie, support
pollinator plantings, and stabilize a large
section of stream bank along the Mississippi
River within Camp Ripley.
new text end

new text begin (k) Conservation Cooperative for Working Lands new text end

new text begin $2,611,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pheasants Forever Inc. to
collaborate with Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Board of Water and
Soil Resources, and Minnesota Association
of Soil and Water Conservation Districts to
accelerate adoption of voluntary conservation
practices on working lands in Minnesota by
increasing technical assistance to farmers and
landowners while also attracting federal
matching funds.
new text end

new text begin (l) Quantifying Environmental Benefits of Peatland Restoration in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $754,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to quantify the capacity of restored
peatlands to store and accumulate atmospheric
carbon and prevent release of accumulated
mercury into the surrounding environment.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (m) Renewing Access to an Iconic North Shore Vista new text end

new text begin $197,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail
Association to use national trail design best
practices to renew trails and a campground
along the Bean and Bear Lakes section of the
Superior Hiking Trail that provides access to
one of Minnesota's most iconic vistas.
new text end

new text begin (n) Addressing Erosion Along High Use River Loops new text end

new text begin $368,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail
Association to rehabilitate and renew popular
river loops of the Superior Hiking Trail to
withstand high visitor use and serve
Minnesotans for years to come.
new text end

new text begin (o) Pollinator Habitat Creation at Minnesota Closed Landfills new text end

new text begin $1,508,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency to conduct a pilot
project to create pollinator habitat at closed
landfill sites in the closed landfill program.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (p) Enhancing Habitat Connectivity within the Urban Mississippi Flyway new text end

new text begin $190,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to enhance and restore
habitat in and between urban neighborhood
parks and the Mississippi River to benefit
animals, plants, and neighborhoods
traditionally disconnected from nature and to
raise awareness of the Mississippi River
Flyway.
new text end

new text begin (q) Statewide Diversion of Furniture and Mattress Waste Pilots new text end

new text begin $2,833,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with EMERGE Community
Development to work collaboratively with the
University of Minnesota, Second Chance
Recycling, and local governments to test and
implement methods to expand mattress and
furniture recycling statewide, including by
researching value-add commodity markets for
recycled materials, piloting mattress collection
in greater Minnesota counties, piloting
curbside furniture collection in the
metropolitan area, and increasing facility
capacity to recycle collected mattresses. Any
revenue generated from selling products or
assets developed or acquired with this
appropriation must be repaid to the trust fund
unless a plan is approved for reinvestment of
income in the project. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (r) Phelps Mill Wetland and Prairie Restoration new text end

new text begin $974,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Otter Tail County to plan,
engineer, and restore wetlands and prairie
within the newly expanded Phelps Mill County
Park to improve habitat connectivity for
wildlife and enhance recreational experiences
for users. Up to $322,000 of this appropriation
may be used to plan, engineer, and construct
a boardwalk, viewing platforms, and soft trails
within the park. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2027, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation new text end

new text begin 31,241,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) SNA Stewardship, Outreach, and Biodiversity Protection new text end

new text begin $1,919,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
restore and enhance exceptional habitat on
scientific and natural areas (SNAs), increase
public involvement and outreach, and
strategically acquire lands that meet criteria
for SNAs under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, from willing sellers. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Wannigan Regional Park Land Acquisition new text end

new text begin $727,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Frazee to acquire
land for protecting and enhancing natural
resources and for future development as
Wannigan Regional Park, where the Heartland
State, North Country National, and Otter Tail
River Water Trails will meet. Initial site
development or restoration work may be
conducted with this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Grant Programs new text end

new text begin $3,802,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
solicit and rank applications and fund
competitive matching grants for local parks,
trail connections, and natural and scenic areas
under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019. This
appropriation is for local nature-based
recreation, connections to regional and state
natural areas, and recreation facilities and may
not be used for athletic facilities such as sport
fields, courts, and playgrounds.
new text end

new text begin (d) Outreach and Stewardship Through the Native Prairie Bank Program new text end

new text begin $620,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
enhance and monitor lands enrolled in the
native prairie bank and to provide outreach
and technical assistance to landowners,
practitioners, and the public to increase
awareness and stewardship of the state's
remaining native prairie. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2027, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (e) Minnesota State Trails Development new text end

new text begin $4,952,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
expand recreational opportunities on
Minnesota state trails by rehabilitating and
enhancing existing state trails and replacing
or repairing existing state trail bridges.
new text end

new text begin (f) Construction of East Park new text end

new text begin $700,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of St. Joseph to
increase recreational opportunities and access
at East Park along the Sauk River in St. Joseph
through enhancements such as a canoe and
kayak access, a floating dock, paved and
mowed trails, and parking entrance
improvements.
new text end

new text begin (g) Scandia Gateway Trail to William O'Brien State Park new text end

new text begin $2,689,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Scandia to
engineer and construct a segment of the
Gateway State Trail between the city of
Scandia and William O'Brien State Park that
will be maintained by the Department of
Natural Resources. The segment to be
constructed includes a pedestrian tunnel and
trailhead parking area. This project must be
designed and constructed in accordance with
Department of Natural Resources state trail
standards. Engineering and construction plans
must be approved by the commissioner of
natural resources before construction may
commence. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2027, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Grand Marais Mountain Bike Trail Rehabilitation - Phase II new text end

new text begin $200,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Superior Cycling
Association to rehabilitate and modify existing
mountain bike trails at Pincushion Mountain
to increase the trail's environmental
sustainability and provide better access to
beginner and adaptive cyclers.
new text end

new text begin (i) Acquisition of State Parks and Trails Inholdings new text end

new text begin $5,425,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
acquire high-priority inholdings from willing
sellers within the legislatively authorized
boundaries of state parks, recreation areas, and
trails to protect Minnesota's natural heritage,
enhance outdoor recreation, and improve the
efficiency of public land management. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (j) St. Louis River Re-Connect - Phase II new text end

new text begin $1,375,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Duluth to
increase recreational opportunities and access
to the Waabizheshikana hiking and water trails
in West Duluth with trail and trailhead
enhancements such as accessible canoe and
kayak launches, picnic areas, and restrooms;
restored habitat; stormwater improvements;
directional signage, and trailside interpretation.
This appropriation may also be used to partner
with the St. Louis River Alliance to create an
ambassadors program to engage the
surrounding community and facilitate use of
the trails.
new text end

new text begin (k) City of Biwabik Recreation new text end

new text begin $1,306,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Biwabik to
reconstruct and renovate Biwabik Recreation
Area's access road, parking area, and bathroom
facilities.
new text end

new text begin (l) Silver Bay Multimodal Trailhead Project new text end

new text begin $1,970,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Silver Bay to
develop a multimodal trailhead center to
provide safe access to the Superior Hiking,
Gitchi-Gami Bike, and C.J. Ramstad/North
Shore trails; Black Beach Park; and other
recreational destinations. Before any
construction costs are incurred, the city must
demonstrate that all funding to complete the
project are secured.
new text end

new text begin (m) Above the Falls Regional Park Restoration Planning and Acquisition new text end

new text begin $1,376,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to acquire land along the
Mississippi River from willing sellers for
habitat restoration, trail development, and
low-intensity recreational facilities in Above
the Falls Regional Park. This appropriation
may also be used to prepare restoration plans
for lands acquired. This appropriation may not
be used to purchase habitable residential
structures. Before the acquisition, a phase 1
environmental assessment must be completed
and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation
Board must not accept any liability for
previous contamination of lands acquired with
this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (n) Redhead Mountain Bike Park new text end

new text begin $1,666,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Chisholm as the
fiscal agent for the Minnesota Discovery
Center to enhance outdoor recreational
opportunities by adding trails and amenities
to the Redhead Mountain Bike Park in
Chisholm. Amenities may include such things
as pump tracks, skills courses, changing
stations, shade shakes, and signage.
new text end

new text begin (o) Maplewood State Park Trail Segment of the Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail new text end

new text begin $2,514,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Otter Tail County to partner
with the Department of Natural Resources to
construct the Maplewood State Park segment
of the Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional
Trail. This project must be designed and
constructed in accordance with Department
of Natural Resources state trail standards.
Engineering and construction plans must be
approved by the commissioner of natural
resources before construction may commence.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Administration, Emerging Issues, and Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin 3,126,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) LCCMR Administrative Budget new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources for administration in
fiscal years 2024 and 2025 as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09,
subdivision 5. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2025. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.11,
paragraph (b), Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.281, applies to this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (b) Emerging Issues new text end

new text begin $900,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources to an emerging issues
account authorized in Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).
new text end

new text begin (c) Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin $224,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources, at
the direction of the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources, for
expenses incurred in preparing and
administering contracts, including for the
agreements specified in this section.
new text end

new text begin (d) Legislative Coordinating Commission Legacy Website new text end

new text begin $2,000 the first year is from the trust fund to
the Legislative Coordinating Commission for
the website required in Minnesota Statutes,
section 3.303, subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Availability of Appropriations new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may not
be spent on activities unless they are directly
related to and necessary for a specific
appropriation and are specified in the work
plan approved by the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources. Money
appropriated in this section must not be spent
on indirect costs or other institutional overhead
charges that are not directly related to and
necessary for a specific appropriation. Costs
that are directly related to and necessary for
an appropriation, including financial services,
human resources, information services, rent,
and utilities, are eligible only if the costs can
be clearly justified and individually
documented specific to the appropriation's
purpose and would not be generated by the
recipient but for receipt of the appropriation.
No broad allocations for costs in either dollars
or percentages are allowed. Unless otherwise
provided, the amounts in this section are
available for three years beginning July 1,
2023, and ending June 30, 2026, when projects
must be completed and final products
delivered. For acquisition of real property, the
appropriations in this section are available for
an additional fiscal year if a binding contract
for acquisition of the real property is entered
into before the expiration date of the
appropriation. If a project receives a federal
award, the period of the appropriation is
extended to equal the federal award period to
a maximum trust fund appropriation length of
six years.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end new text begin Data Availability Requirements Data new text end

new text begin Data collected by the projects funded under
this section must conform to guidelines and
standards adopted by Minnesota IT Services.
Spatial data must also conform to additional
guidelines and standards designed to support
data coordination and distribution that have
been published by the Minnesota Geospatial
Information Office. Descriptions of spatial
data must be prepared as specified in the state's
geographic metadata guideline and must be
submitted to the Minnesota Geospatial
Information Office. All data must be
accessible and free to the public unless made
private under the Data Practices Act,
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13. To the extent
practicable, summary data and results of
projects funded under this section should be
readily accessible on the Internet and
identified as having received funding from the
environment and natural resources trust fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end new text begin Project Requirements new text end

new text begin (a) As a condition of accepting an
appropriation under this section, an agency or
entity receiving an appropriation or a party to
an agreement from an appropriation must
comply with paragraphs (b) to (l) and
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P, and must
submit a work plan and annual or semiannual
progress reports in the form determined by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources for any project funded in whole or
in part with funds from the appropriation.
Modifications to the approved work plan and
budget expenditures must be made through
the amendment process established by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (b) A recipient of money appropriated in this
section that conducts a restoration using funds
appropriated in this section must use native
plant species according to the Board of Water
and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines
and include an appropriate diversity of native
species selected to provide habitat for
pollinators throughout the growing season as
required under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.973.
new text end

new text begin (c) For all restorations conducted with money
appropriated under this section, a recipient
must prepare an ecological restoration and
management plan that, to the degree
practicable, is consistent with the
highest-quality conservation and ecological
goals for the restoration site. Consideration
should be given to soil, geology, topography,
and other relevant factors that would provide
the best chance for long-term success and
durability of the restoration project. The plan
must include the proposed timetable for
implementing the restoration, including site
preparation, establishment of diverse plant
species, maintenance, and additional
enhancement to establish the restoration;
identify long-term maintenance and
management needs of the restoration and how
the maintenance, management, and
enhancement will be financed; and take
advantage of the best-available science and
include innovative techniques to achieve the
best restoration.
new text end

new text begin (d) An entity receiving an appropriation in this
section for restoration activities must provide
an initial restoration evaluation at the
completion of the appropriation and an
evaluation three years after the completion of
the expenditure. Restorations must be
evaluated relative to the stated goals and
standards in the restoration plan, current
science, and, when applicable, the Board of
Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines.
The evaluation must determine whether the
restorations are meeting planned goals,
identify any problems with implementing the
restorations, and, if necessary, give
recommendations on improving restorations.
The evaluation must be focused on improving
future restorations.
new text end

new text begin (e) All restoration and enhancement projects
funded with money appropriated in this section
must be on land permanently protected by a
conservation easement or public ownership.
new text end

new text begin (f) A recipient of money from an appropriation
under this section must give consideration to
contracting with Conservation Corps
Minnesota for contract restoration and
enhancement services.
new text end

new text begin (g) All conservation easements acquired with
money appropriated under this section must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be permanent;
new text end

new text begin (2) specify the parties to an easement in the
easement;
new text end

new text begin (3) specify all provisions of an agreement that
are permanent;
new text end

new text begin (4) be sent to the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources in an
electronic format at least ten business days
before closing;
new text end

new text begin (5) include a long-term monitoring and
enforcement plan and funding for monitoring
and enforcing the easement agreement; and
new text end

new text begin (6) include requirements in the easement
document to protect the quantity and quality
of groundwater and surface water through
specific activities such as keeping water on
the landscape, reducing nutrient and
contaminant loading, and not permitting
artificial hydrological modifications.
new text end

new text begin (h) For any acquisition of lands or interest in
lands, a recipient of money appropriated under
this section must not agree to pay more than
100 percent of the appraised value for a parcel
of land using this money to complete the
purchase, in part or in whole, except that up
to ten percent above the appraised value may
be allowed to complete the purchase, in part
or in whole, using this money if permission is
received in advance of the purchase from the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (i) For any acquisition of land or interest in
land, a recipient of money appropriated under
this section must give priority to high-quality
natural resources or conservation lands that
provide natural buffers to water resources.
new text end

new text begin (j) For new lands acquired with money
appropriated under this section, a recipient
must prepare an ecological restoration and
management plan in compliance with
paragraph (c), including sufficient funding for
implementation unless the work plan addresses
why a portion of the money is not necessary
to achieve a high-quality restoration.
new text end

new text begin (k) To ensure public accountability for using
public funds, a recipient of money
appropriated under this section must, within
60 days of the transaction, provide to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources documentation of the selection
process used to identify parcels acquired and
provide documentation of all related
transaction costs, including but not limited to
appraisals, legal fees, recording fees,
commissions, other similar costs, and
donations. This information must be provided
for all parties involved in the transaction. The
recipient must also report to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources any difference between the
acquisition amount paid to the seller and the
state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal, if
a state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal
was conducted.
new text end

new text begin (l) A recipient of an appropriation from the
trust fund under this section must acknowledge
financial support from the environment and
natural resources trust fund in project
publications, signage, and other public
communications and outreach related to work
completed using the appropriation.
Acknowledgment may occur, as appropriate,
through use of the trust fund logo or inclusion
of language attributing support from the trust
fund. Each direct recipient of money
appropriated in this section, as well as each
recipient of a grant awarded pursuant to this
section, must satisfy all reporting and other
requirements incumbent upon constitutionally
dedicated funding recipients as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision
10, and Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P.
new text end

new text begin (m) A recipient of an appropriation from the
trust fund under this section that is receiving
funding to conduct children's services, as
defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
299C.61, subdivision 7, must certify to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources, as part of the required work plan,
that criminal background checks for
background check crimes, as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, section 299C.61,
subdivision 2, are performed on all employees,
contractors, and volunteers that have or may
have access to a child to whom the recipient
provides children's services using the
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end new text begin Payment Conditions and Capital Equipment Expenditures new text end

new text begin (a) All agreements, grants, or contracts
referred to in this section must be administered
on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise
provided in this section. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.41,
expenditures made on or after July 1, 2023,
or the date the work plan is approved,
whichever is later, are eligible for
reimbursement unless otherwise provided in
this section. Periodic payments must be made
upon receiving documentation that the
deliverable items articulated in the approved
work plan have been achieved, including
partial achievements as evidenced by approved
progress reports. Reasonable amounts may be
advanced to projects to accommodate
cash-flow needs or match federal money. The
advances must be approved as part of the work
plan. No expenditures for capital equipment
are allowed unless expressly authorized in the
project work plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Single-source contracts as specified in the
approved work plan are allowed.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end new text begin Purchasing Recycled and Recyclable Materials new text end

new text begin A political subdivision, public or private
corporation, or other entity that receives an
appropriation under this section must use the
appropriation in compliance with Minnesota
Statutes, section 16C.0725, regarding
purchasing recycled, repairable, and durable
materials, and Minnesota Statutes, section
16C.073, regarding purchasing and using
paper stock and printing.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end new text begin Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Guidelines new text end

new text begin A recipient to whom an appropriation is made
under this section for a capital improvement
project must ensure that the project complies
with the applicable energy conservation and
sustainable building guidelines and standards
contained in law, including Minnesota
Statutes, sections 16B.325, 216C.19, and
216C.20, and rules adopted under those
sections. The recipient may use the energy
planning, advocacy, and State Energy Office
units of the Department of Commerce to
obtain information and technical assistance
on energy conservation and alternative-energy
development relating to planning and
constructing the capital improvement project.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end new text begin Accessibility new text end

new text begin Structural and nonstructural facilities must
meet the design standards in the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
guidelines.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end new text begin Carryforward; Extensions new text end

new text begin The availability of the appropriations for the
following projects is extended to June 30,
2024:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section
2, subdivision 6, paragraph (a), Minnesota
Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center -
Phase 4;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section
2, subdivision 8, paragraph (e), Restoring
Forests in Minnesota State Parks;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(d), Minnesota Trumpeter Swan Migration
Ecology and Conservation;
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph
(g), Agricultural Weed Control Using
Autonomous Mowers;
new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 10,
paragraph (d), Grants Management System;
and
new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 10,
Emerging Issues Account; Wastewater
Renewable Energy Demonstration Grants.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Environmental Education

-0-

4,269,000

(a) Teacher Field School: Stewardship through Nature-Based Education

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Hamline University to
create an immersive, research-backed field
school for teachers to use nature-based
education to benefit student well-being and
academic outcomes while increasing
stewardship habits.

(b) Increasing K-12 Student Learning to Develop Environmental Awareness, Appreciation, and Interest

$1,602,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Osprey Wilds
Environmental Learning Center to partner with
Minnesota's five other accredited residential
environmental learning centers to provide
needs-based scholarships to deleted text begin at least 25,000 deleted text end
K-12 students statewide for immersive
multiday environmental learning experiences.

(c) Expanding Access to Wildlife Learning Bird by Bird

$276,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to engage young people from diverse
communities in wildlife conservation through
bird-watching in schools, outdoor leadership
training, and participating in neighborhood
bird walks.

(d) Engaging a Diverse Public in Environmental Stewardship

$300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Great River Greening
to increase participation in natural resources
restoration efforts through volunteer,
internship, and youth engagement activities
that target diverse audiences more accurately
reflecting local demographic and
socioeconomic conditions in Minnesota.

(e) Bugs Below Zero: Engaging Citizens in Winter Research

$198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to raise awareness about the
winter life of bugs, inspire learning about
stream food webs, and engage citizen scientists
in research and environmental stewardship.

(f) ESTEP: Earth Science Teacher Education Project

$495,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Minnesota Science
Teachers Association to provide professional
development for Minnesota science teachers
in environmental and earth science to
strengthen environmental education in schools.

(g) YES! Students Take Action to Complete Eco Projects

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Prairie Woods
Environmental Learning Center, in partnership
with Ney Nature Center and Laurentian
Environmental Center, to empower Minnesota
youth to connect with natural resource experts,
identify ecological challenges, and take action
to complete innovative projects in their
communities.

(h) Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources,
in cooperation with Conservation Corps
Minnesota and Iowa, to encourage a diversity
of students to pursue careers in the
environment and natural resources through
internships, mentorships, and fellowships with
the Department of Natural Resources, the
Board of Water and Soil Resources, and the
Pollution Control Agency.

(i) Diversity and Access to Wildlife-Related Opportunities

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to broaden the state's
conservation constituency by researching
diverse communities' values about nature and
wildlife experiences and identifying barriers
to engagement.

Sec. 4.

Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Habitat and Recreation

-0-

26,179,000

(a) Mesabi Trail: Wahlsten Road (CR 26) deleted text begin to deleted text end new text begin toward new text end Tower

$1,307,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the St. Louis and Lake
Counties Regional Railroad Authority to
acquire easements, engineer, and construct a
segment of the Mesabi Trail beginning at the
intersection of Wahlsten Road (CR 26) and
Benson Road in Embarrass and extending deleted text begin to deleted text end new text begin
toward new text end Tower.

(b) Environmental Learning Classroom with Trails

$82,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Mountain Iron-Buhl Public
Schools to build an outdoor classroom
pavilion, accessible trails, and a footbridge
within the Mountain Iron-Buhl School Forest
to conduct environmental education that
cultivates a lasting conservation ethic.

(c) Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Grant Programs

$3,560,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to solicit, rank, and fund competitive matching
grants for local parks, trail connections, and
natural and scenic areas under Minnesota
Statutes, section 85.019. This appropriation is
for local nature-based recreation, connections
to regional and state natural areas, and
recreation facilities and may not be used for
athletic facilities such as sport fields, courts,
and playgrounds.

(d) St. Louis River Re-Connect

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Duluth to
expand recreational access along the St. Louis
River and estuary by implementing the St.
Louis River National Water Trail outreach
plan, designing and constructing upgrades and
extensions to the Waabizheshikana Trail, and
installing interpretive features that describe
the cultural and ecological significance of the
area.

(e) Native Prairie Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement Acquisition

$1,353,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to provide technical stewardship assistance to
private landowners, restore and enhance native
prairie protected by easements in the native
prairie bank, and acquire easements for the
native prairie bank in accordance with
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, including
preparing initial baseline property assessments.
Up to $60,000 of this appropriation may be
deposited in the natural resources conservation
easement stewardship account created under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.69, proportional
to the number of easements acquired.

(f) Minnesota State Parks and State Trails Maintenance and Development

$1,600,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for maintenance and development at state
parks, recreation areas, and trails to protect
Minnesota's natural heritage, enhance outdoor
recreation, and improve the efficiency of
public land management.

(g) Minnesota State Trails Development

$7,387,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to expand recreational opportunities on
Minnesota state trails by rehabilitating and
enhancing existing state trails and replacing
or repairing existing state trail bridges.

(h) SNA Habitat Restoration and Public Engagement

$5,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for the scientific and natural areas (SNA)
program to restore and enhance exceptional
habitat on SNAs and increase public
involvement and outreach.

(i) The Missing Link: Gull Lake Trail, Fairview Township

$1,394,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Fairview Township to
complete the Gull Lake Trail by engineering
and constructing the trail's final segment
through Fairview Township in the Brainerd
Lakes area.

(j) Silver Bay Multimodal Trailhead Project

$1,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Silver Bay
to develop a multimodal trailhead center to
provide safe access to the Superior,
Gitchi-Gami, and C.J. Ramstad/North Shore
trails; Black Beach Park; and other
recreational destinations.

(k) Brookston Campground, Boat Launch, and Outdoor Recreational Facility

$453,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Brookston
to build a campground, boat launch, and
outdoor recreation area on the banks of the St.
Louis River in northeastern Minnesota. Before
any trust fund dollars are spent, the city must
demonstrate that all funds to complete the
project are secured and a fiscal agent must be
approved in the work plan.

(l) Silver Lake Trail Connection

$727,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Virginia to
design, engineer, and construct a multiuse trail
that will connect Silver Lake Trail to a new
Miners Entertainment and Convention Center
and provide lighting on Bailey Lake Trail.

(m) Floodwood Campground Improvement Project

$816,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Floodwood
to upgrade the Floodwood Campground and
connecting trails to provide high-quality nature
and recreation experience for people of all
ages.

(n) Ranier Safe Harbor/Transient Dock - Phase 2

$1,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Ranier to
construct a safe harbor and transient dock to
accommodate watercraft of many sizes to
improve public access for boat recreation on
Rainy Lake. Before trust fund dollars are
spent, a fiscal agent must be approved in the
work plan. Before any trust fund dollars are
spent, the city must demonstrate that all funds
to complete the project are secured. Any
revenue generated from selling products or
assets developed or acquired with this
appropriation must be repaid to the trust fund
unless a plan is approved for reinvestment of
income in the project as provided under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Sec. 5. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116P.15, is amended to read:

116P.15 new text begin CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION AND new text end LAND ACQUISITION;
RESTRICTIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Scope.

A recipient of an appropriation from the trust fund or the Minnesota
future resources fund who acquires an interest in real property with the appropriation must
comply with deleted text begin this section deleted text end new text begin subdivision 2 new text end . deleted text begin For the purposes of this section, "interest in real
property" includes, but is not limited to, an easement or fee title to property. deleted text end new text begin A recipient of
an appropriation from the trust fund who uses any portion of the appropriation for a capital
construction project with a total cost of $10,000 or more must comply with subdivision 3.
new text end

Subd. 2.

new text begin Land acquisition new text end restrictions; modification procedure.

(a) An new text begin easement, fee
title, or other new text end interest in real property acquired with an appropriation from the trust fund or
the Minnesota future resources fund must be used in perpetuity or for the specific term of
an easement interest for the purpose for which the appropriation was made. The ownership
of the interest in real property transfers to the state if: (1) the holder of the interest in real
property fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the grant agreement or work plan;
or (2) restrictions are placed on the land that preclude its use for the intended purpose as
specified in the appropriation.

(b) A recipient of funding who acquires an interest in real property subject to this section
may not alter the intended use of the interest in real property or convey any interest in the
real property acquired with the appropriation without the prior review and approval of the
commission or its successor. The commission shall notify the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the trust fund
or Minnesota future resources fund at least 15 business days before approval under this
paragraph. The commission shall establish procedures to review requests from recipients
to alter the use of or convey an interest in real property. These procedures shall allow for
the replacement of the interest in real property with another interest in real property meeting
the following criteria:

(1) the interest must be at least equal in fair market value, as certified by the commissioner
of natural resources, to the interest being replaced; and

(2) the interest must be in a reasonably equivalent location, and have a reasonably
equivalent useful conservation purpose compared to the interest being replaced, taking into
consideration all effects from fragmentation of the whole habitat.

(c) A recipient of funding who acquires an interest in real property under paragraph (a)
must separately record a notice of funding restrictions in the appropriate local government
office where the conveyance of the interest in real property is filed. The notice of funding
agreement must contain:

(1) a legal description of the interest in real property covered by the funding agreement;

(2) a reference to the underlying funding agreement;

(3) a reference to this section; and

(4) the following statement:

"This interest in real property shall be administered in accordance with the terms,
conditions, and purposes of the grant agreement controlling the acquisition of the property.
The interest in real property, or any portion of the interest in real property, shall not be sold,
transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of or further encumbered without obtaining the
prior written approval of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources or
its successor. The ownership of the interest in real property transfers to the state if: (1) the
holder of the interest in real property fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the
grant agreement or work plan; or (2) restrictions are placed on the land that preclude its use
for the intended purpose as specified in the appropriation."

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Capital construction restrictions; modification procedure. new text end

new text begin (a) A recipient
of an appropriation from the trust fund who uses the appropriation to wholly or partially
construct a building, trail, campground, or other capital asset may not alter the intended use
of the capital asset or convey any interest in the capital asset for 25 years from the date the
project is completed without the prior review and approval of the commission or its successor.
The commission must notify the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the trust fund at least 15 business days
before approval under this paragraph. The commission must establish procedures to review
requests from recipients to alter the use of or convey an interest in a capital asset under this
paragraph. These procedures must require that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the sale price must be at least fair market value; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the trust fund must be repaid a portion of the sale price equal to the percentage of
the total funding provided by the fund for constructing the capital asset.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commission or its successor may waive the requirements under paragraph (a),
clauses (1) and (2), by recommendation to the legislature if the transfer allows for a continued
use of the asset in a manner consistent with the original appropriation purpose or with the
purposes of the trust fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) If both a capital asset and the real property on which the asset is located were wholly
or partially purchased with an appropriation from the trust fund and the commission approves
a request to alter the use of or convey an interest in the real property under subdivision 2,
a separate approval under this subdivision to alter the use of the capital asset is not required.
new text end new text begin new text end

new text begin (d) A recipient of an appropriation from the trust fund who uses the appropriation to
wholly or partially construct a building, trail, campground, or other capital asset must
separately record a notice of funding restrictions in the appropriate local government office.
The notice of funding restrictions must contain:
new text end

new text begin (1) a legal description of the interest in real property covered by the funding agreement;
new text end

new text begin (2) a reference to the underlying funding agreement;
new text end

new text begin (3) a reference to this subdivision; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the following statement:
new text end

new text begin "This interest in real property must be administered in accordance with the terms,
conditions, and purposes of the grant agreement controlling the improvement of the property.
The interest in real property, or any portion of the interest in real property, must not be
altered from its intended use or be sold, transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of or
further encumbered without obtaining the prior written approval of the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources or its successor."
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116P.16, is amended to read:

116P.16 REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS; REPORT.

(a) By December 1 each year, a recipient of an appropriation from the trust fund, that
is used for the acquisition of an interest in real property, including, but not limited to, an
easement or fee title, new text begin or for the construction of a building, trail, campground, or other capital
asset with a total cost of $10,000 or more new text end must submit annual reports on the status of the
real property to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources or its successor
in a form determined by the commission. The responsibility for reporting under this section
may be transferred by the recipient of the appropriation to another person who holds the
interest in the real property. To complete the transfer of reporting responsibility, the recipient
of the appropriation must:

(1) inform the person to whom the responsibility is transferred of that person's reporting
responsibility;

(2) inform the person to whom the responsibility is transferred of the property restrictions
under section 116P.15; and

(3) provide written notice to the commission of the transfer of reporting responsibility,
including contact information for the person to whom the responsibility is transferred.

(b) After the transfer, the person who holds the interest in the real property is responsible
for reporting requirements under this section.

new text begin (c) The annual reporting requirements on the status of a building, trail, campground, or
other capital asset with a total cost of $10,000 or more and that was constructed with an
appropriation from the trust fund expire 25 years after the date the final progress report
under section 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), is approved.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [116P.21] ADDITIONAL CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
REQUIREMENTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Full funding. new text end

new text begin If an appropriation from the trust fund for a capital
construction project or project phase is not alone sufficient to complete the project or project
phase and a commitment from sources other than the trust fund is required:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commitment must be in an amount that, when added to the appropriation from
the trust fund, is sufficient to complete the project or project phase; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the agency administering the appropriation from the trust fund must not distribute
the money until the commitment is determined to be sufficient. In determining the sufficiency
of a commitment under this clause, the agency must apply the standards and principles
applied by the commissioner of management and budget under section 16A.502.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Match. new text end

new text begin A recipient of money appropriated from the trust fund for a capital
construction project must provide a cash or in-kind match from nontrust fund sources of at
least 50 percent of the total eligible project costs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Sustainable building guidelines. new text end

new text begin The sustainable building guidelines established
under sections 16B.325 and 216B.241, subdivision 9, apply to new buildings and major
renovations funded from the trust fund. A recipient of money appropriated from the trust
fund for a new building or major renovation must ensure that the project complies with the
guidelines.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Applicability. new text end

new text begin (a) Subdivisions 1, 2, and 3 do not apply to:
new text end

new text begin (1) a capital construction project with a total cost of less than $10,000; or
new text end

new text begin (2) a land acquisition project.
new text end

new text begin (b) If land is acquired with trust fund money for the purpose of capital construction, the
land acquisition is not exempted under paragraph (a), clause (2).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Other capital construction statutes. new text end

new text begin The following statutes also apply to
recipients of appropriations from the trust fund: sections 16B.32; 16B.326; 16B.335,
subdivisions 3 and 4; 16C.054; 16C.16; 16C.28; 16C.285; 138.40; 138.665; 138.666; 177.41
to 177.44; and 471.345.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective July 1, 2025, and applies to money appropriated on or after that
date.
new text end