HF 595

1st Engrossment - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/18/2013 04:42pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing a honey bee habitat program; allowing
honey bee habitat projects on lands under certain conservation easements;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103F.515, subdivision 4; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [84.973] HONEY BEE HABITAT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall establish criteria for a honey bee habitat
program to provide enhanced honey bee and other pollinator habitat on state lands. The
criteria must include identification of state lands suitable for enhanced honey bee habitat
projects so that state lands throughout the state provide enhanced honey bee and other
pollinator habitat. Other required criteria include: a list of suitable plantings, whether to
exclude native prairies or scientific and natural areas, whether to incorporate nonnative
species, and other criteria necessary for a successful program.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103F.515, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Nature of property rights acquired.

(a) A conservation easement must
prohibit:

(1) alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features, unless specifically
approved by the board;

(2) agricultural crop production and livestock grazing, unless specifically approved
by the board for conservation management purposes or extreme drought; and

(3) spraying with chemicals or mowing, except:

(i) as necessary to comply with noxious weed control laws;

(ii) for emergency control of pests necessary to protect public health; or

(iii) as approved by the board for conservation management purposes.

(b) A conservation easement is subject to the terms of the agreement provided in
subdivision 5.

(c) A conservation easement must allow repairs, improvements, and inspections
necessary to maintain public drainage systems provided the easement area is restored to
the condition required by the terms of the conservation easement.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board must permit the harvest of native
grasses for use in seed production or bioenergy on wellhead protection lands eligible
under subdivision 2, paragraph (d).

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board may permit the planting of native and
nonnative species beneficial to honey bees and other pollinators as part of a honey bee
habitat project, except on lands containing native prairie. The board shall develop a list of
suitable plantings, best management practices, and standards for honey bee habitat projects
allowable under this paragraph in consultation with the commissioner of natural resources.
new text end