HF 2957

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/02/2020 04:33pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money to provide state incentives for
conservation reserve program.

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

Section 1. new text begin CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM STATE INCENTIVES;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $1,750,000 in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to provide onetime state incentive payments to enrollees in the
federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) during the continuous enrollment period. The
board may establish payment rates based on land valuation and on environmental benefit
criteria, including but not limited to surface or ground water nutrient reduction, drinking
water protection, soil health, and pollinator and wildlife habitat enhancements. The board
may use state funds to implement the program and to provide technical assistance to
landowners or their agents to fulfill enrollment and contract provisions. The board must
consult with the commissioners of agriculture, health, natural resources, and the Pollution
Control Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture in establishing program
criteria. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2023.
new text end