HF 3377

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/18/2024 01:26pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money from environment and natural
resources trust fund; modifying previous appropriations; amending Laws 2019,
First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 9; Laws 2021, First
Special Session chapter 6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9; Laws 2022, chapter
94, section 2, subdivisions 9, as amended, 10; Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2,
section 2, subdivision 9.

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

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 act. The appropriations are from the environment and
natural resources trust fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this act 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 0 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 79,644,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the environment
and natural resources trust fund. 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 Definition new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 14,993,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Native Plant Community Data in the City of Duluth new text end

new text begin $198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust
to develop field-verified native plant
community data and maps for the city of
Duluth and the St. Louis River estuary to
support conservation and restoration activities.
new text end

new text begin (b) Reconstructing Historical Wild Rice to Understand Its Future new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for
the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
characterize environmental drivers
contributing to the decline of wild rice using
lake sediment cores to reconstruct historical
wild rice abundance in relation to lake and
watershed stressors.
new text end

new text begin (c) Characterizing Tree Cavities and Use by Minnesota's Wildlife new text end

new text begin $349,000 the second 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
effects of forest management on Minnesota's
primary cavity engineer, the pileated
woodpecker, and on the wildlife that rely on
the cavities that pileated woodpeckers create.
This appropriation is also to develop
management guidelines.
new text end

new text begin (d) Fate of Minnesota's Lakes in the Next Century new text end

new text begin $453,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to use new modeling techniques
to quantify how water quality of Minnesota's
lakes will change in the next century under
future land use and climate change scenarios
and to create an online web tool to display the
results. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.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 (e) Turtle Island Skywatchers - Minnesota Research and Data Visualization new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Native Skywatchers
Inc. to engage youth in environmental
stewardship by collecting images and acoustic
data from turtles and other culturally
significant animals and their habitats,
evaluating the differences in these soundscapes
across landscapes, and sharing the results
through scientific storytelling and online
platforms.
new text end

new text begin (f) Monitoring Minnesota's Insects: Connecting Habitat to Insect Prey new text end

new text begin $199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to investigate the ecological
roles of and energy transfer by certain
Minnesota insects throughout their life cycles
and to train future insect researchers on field
techniques.
new text end

new text begin (g) Determining Ambient Background PFAS Concentrations in Minnesota Soils new text end

new text begin $621,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to determine ambient
background per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance
(PFAS) levels in urban and nonurban soils to
help Minnesota develop management
strategies for PFAS-contaminated soils. 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 (h) Investigating Life History Characteristics of Minnesota Elk new text end

new text begin $933,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to assess Minnesota elk herd health and
genetic diversity, movements, survival, and
causes of mortality and to develop a
noninvasive, safer, and more accurate method
to estimate population size. 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 (i) Foundational Data for Moth and Butterfly Conservation new text end

new text begin $195,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to perform field surveys and consolidate
existing data to create the first comprehensive
list of Minnesota moths and butterflies. This
appropriation is also to conduct outreach to
inform land managers and to facilitate public
appreciation of these species.
new text end

new text begin (j) DNR County Groundwater Atlas new text end

new text begin $3,200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to continue producing county groundwater
atlases to inform management of surface water
and groundwater resources for drinking and
other purposes. This appropriation is for Part
B, to characterize the potential water yields of
aquifers and aquifers' sensitivity to
contamination.
new text end

new text begin (k) Voyageurs Wolf Project - Phase III new text end

new text begin $996,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to continue to study summertime
wolf predation on deer, moose, and other
species in the greater Voyageurs ecosystem
to inform wildlife management and to share
natural history of this species with the public.
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 (l) Distribution and Population Status of Weasels in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second 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 the
distribution, relative abundance, and spatial
occupancy patterns of small weasel species in
Minnesota to fill key knowledge gaps in
weasel distribution and status in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (m) Improving Aquatic Plant Knowledge for Healthy Waters new text end

new text begin $198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to collect foundational data on Minnesota's
native aquatic plant biodiversity through new
and enhanced lake surveys and to disseminate
results to state resource managers, scientists,
and the public.
new text end

new text begin (n) New Small Mammal Monitoring Methods for Minnesota new text end

new text begin $199,000 the second 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 develop camera
trapping methods as a new tool to collect
foundational data and fill key knowledge gaps
in the status of small mammal species in
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (o) Status of Bats and Roost Trees after White-Nose Syndrome new text end

new text begin $195,000 the second 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 study changes
in maternity roost trees and bat populations in
the forested areas of Minnesota and to evaluate
the effects of years of white-nose syndrome
on Minnesota bats.
new text end

new text begin (p) Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on the Invertebrate Community new text end

new text begin $387,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to provide data on pesticide
contamination in soil and the insect
community across the state and the effect of
insecticide exposure on insect reproduction.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (q) Modernizing Minnesota's Plant Community Classification and Field Guides new text end

new text begin $1,800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to collect additional vegetation and
environmental data and update the state's
20-year-old native plant community
classification guides to incorporate new data,
streamline user application and access to
products, and include analysis of climate and
vegetation trends. Net income generated as
part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (r) Assessing Prairie Health to Inform Pollinator Conservation new text end

new text begin $297,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Society to
assess habitat quality and pesticide occurrence
in Minnesota prairies to help inform
management actions, endangered species
recovery plans, and pollinator reintroduction
efforts for endangered and threatened
butterflies and other wildlife.
new text end

new text begin (s) Understanding Native Fishes in the Bowfishing Era new text end

new text begin $588,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Duluth, to collect foundational
biological information on a selection of native
Minnesota fish to aid in sustainable
management, improve recreational
opportunities, and educate the public about
these shared aquatic resources. 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 (t) Preserving Minnesota Wildflower Information new text end

new text begin $199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural
History, to preserve and enhance Minnesota
Wildflowers Information, an online tool for
plant identification, by integrating the content
and functionality of the website with the
Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas for public use
as required by Laws 2017, chapter 96, section
2, subdivision 3, paragraph (e).
new text end

new text begin (u) White-Tailed Deer Movement and Disease in Suburban Areas new text end

new text begin $699,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to better understand white-tailed
deer movement, habitat use, and disease
dynamics at the suburban-agricultural interface
to inform more efficient deer management and
disease control.
new text end

new text begin (v) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Minnesota Raptors new text end

new text begin $187,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Raptor Center to evaluate
Minnesota raptors for current or past infections
with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
to better understand disease transmission and
outbreak impacts on raptor populations.
new text end

new text begin (w) Geologic Atlases for Water Resource Management new text end

new text begin $1,236,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey,
to continue producing county geologic atlases
to inform management of surface water and
groundwater resources. This appropriation is
to complete Part A, which focuses on the
properties and distribution of earth materials
to define aquifer boundaries and the
connection of aquifers to the land surface and
surface water resources.
new text end

new text begin (x) Remote Sensing for Pollinator Habitat new text end

new text begin $180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Monarch Joint Venture
to use remote sensing technology to evaluate
pollinator habitat on energy and transportation
corridors across Minnesota and to host
field-day training workshops.
new text end

new text begin (y) Harnessing Cover Crops and Roots for Sustainable Cropping new text end

new text begin $375,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to determine carbon
sequestration, nitrogen credit potential, water
use, and performance of cover crops in
corn-soybean and corn-soybean-wheat
rotations in southern Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (z) Effects of Conservation Grazing on Solar Sites Managed for Pollinator Habitat new text end

new text begin $88,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnesota Native
Landscapes, in partnership with Temple
University, to analyze the effects of sheep
grazing and mowing on the vegetation and
soils of solar sites managed for pollinator
habitat and to improve understanding of the
environmental outcomes from the colocation
of solar panels; grazing; and native,
pollinator-friendly vegetation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (aa) Genetic Detection of Endangered Mussels in the Mississippi new text end

new text begin $241,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the United States
Geological Survey, Ohio Water Microbiology
Lab, to create, optimize, and use eDNA assays
to detect the presence of endangered or
threatened mussel species around Buffalo
Slough near the Prairie Island Indian
Community.
new text end

new text begin (bb) Integrated Population Modeling for Trumpeter Swans new text end

new text begin $180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to compile and use all available
data to model historical population abundance
and estimate future population dynamics of
Minnesota trumpeter swans.
new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 6,924,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Hyperspectral Characterization of Toxic Harmful Algal Blooms new text end

new text begin $399,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory,
to investigate the use of hyperspectral
microscopic imaging to detect harmful algal
bloom (HAB) species and toxicity levels in
Minnesota lakes that will support the
development of HAB early-warning remote
sensing tools. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10, and is
available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Characterization of Chemicals in Structural Fire Wastewater new text end

new text begin $369,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to identify, analyze, and model
the fate of chemicals present in wastewater
from extinguished structural fires to better
understand potential toxicity to humans and
aquatic life.
new text end

new text begin (c) Climate Change and Management Effects on Methane Cycling in Lakes new text end

new text begin $540,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to collect monitoring data and
create a model to measure the effects of
increased temperature and precipitation on
lake and wetland water quality, habitat, and
greenhouse gas emissions and evaluate lake
management options under changing climate
conditions.
new text end

new text begin (d) Enhancing Wastewater Treatment through Genetic Sequencing new text end

new text begin $553,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to generate genome sequences
for and assess the ability of bacteria growing
in wastewater treatment bioreactors to improve
phosphorus and nitrogen removal from
wastewater in Minnesota and to produce novel
pharmaceutical compounds. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (e) Improving Water Efficiency Programming with Measurable Outcomes new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Woodbury
to accelerate the implementation of new and
innovative water efficiency programs to
conserve water and serve as a model for other
communities.
new text end

new text begin (f) Fluorine Beyond PFAS: Pesticide and Pharmaceutical Degradation new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to identify fluorinated pesticides
and pharmaceuticals that degrade into
potentially persistent or toxic byproducts and
to analyze the microbes, processes, and
conditions involved to inform bioremediation
and development of more sustainable
chemistries.
new text end

new text begin (g) Novel Nutrient Recovery Process from Wastewater Treatment Plants new text end

new text begin $486,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to continue to develop an
integrated process to promote nutrient removal
and recovery and renewable energy production
at rural municipal and industrial wastewater
treatment plants. This appropriation is subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (h) Visitor Perceptions of Water Quality to Aid Lake Management new text end

new text begin $379,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public
Affairs, to conduct an analysis of lake visitor
perceptions, management actions, and water
quality to inform lake management.
new text end

new text begin (i) Wildfire Impacts on Mercury Cycling in Wilderness Lakes new text end

new text begin $297,000 the second 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 evaluate the
long-term effects of wildfires on lake water
quality, mercury mobilization, and mercury
bioaccumulation in fish and to develop
predictive tools that inform management and
help protect the health of fisheries and
manoomin in wilderness lakes.
new text end

new text begin (j) Flood and Drought Modeling for Minnesota new text end

new text begin $499,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to compile new and existing data
and develop a tool to provide cities and
watershed districts with quantitative estimates
of the effects of land use and climate change
on floods and droughts.
new text end

new text begin (k) Breaking the PFAS Cycle with a Full-Scale Demonstration new text end

new text begin $1,481,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Barr Engineering
Company, in partnership with the city of St.
Cloud and the Minnesota Technical Assistance
Program (MnTAP) at the University of
Minnesota, to conduct a full-scale pilot to
evaluate supercritical water oxidation of
biosolids and drinking water treatment
residuals to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) and recover energy in the
water treatment process. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (l) Are Stream Restoration Efforts Effective? An Evidence-Based Assessment new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Saint Mary's University
of Minnesota to assess stream habitat
improvement projects to improve trout
populations and stream health in Minnesota's
Driftless Area.
new text end

new text begin (m) Uncovering the Past to Protect Minnesota's Walleye Fisheries new text end

new text begin $1,121,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for
the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
reconstruct historical lake conditions to
identify factors linked to successful walleye
fisheries and guide management in the face of
warming temperatures, invasive species, and
nutrient loading.
new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 11,262,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Supplemental Teaching Staff new text end

new text begin $410,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Austin to
continue providing environmental education
opportunities at the Jay C. Hormel Nature
Center for learners from outside the city of
Austin.
new text end

new text begin (b) Connecting Communities to Voyageurs Classroom and Minnesota's National Park new text end

new text begin $994,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Voyageurs
Conservancy to connect Minnesotans to the
state's only national park through
standards-aligned K-12 education,
career-building fellowships, and enhanced
programming that engages diverse audiences
in the park's conservation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Supporting Minnesota Teachers to Implement Culturally Sustaining Environmental Education new text end

new text begin $295,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to provide workshops across
Minnesota to train middle school and high
school teachers in how to meet new state
science standards by integrating western
science and Indigenous perspectives in
sustainability and water conservation
education.
new text end

new text begin (d) Phenology Investigations in Minnesota Schools new text end

new text begin $392,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to provide professional
development workshops in greater Minnesota
for teachers to use phenology curriculum and
community science resources in environmental
education.
new text end

new text begin (e) Get the Lead Out: Lead-Free Fishing Tackle Education new text end

new text begin $254,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to protect common loons and
wildlife through education and outreach about
the dangers of lead fishing tackle and
promoting lead-free tackle alternatives.
new text end

new text begin (f) Water Science and Policy Fellowships for Minnesota new text end

new text begin $407,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Sea Grant
College Program in Duluth to create a
fellowship program to train Minnesota's
workforce in water resource science and
policy.
new text end

new text begin (g) Mentoring Next Generation of Conservation Professionals - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $793,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Minnesota Valley
National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc. to provide
paid internships and apprenticeships for
diverse young people to learn about careers
in the conservation field from United States
Fish and Wildlife Service professionals while
working at the Minnesota Valley National
Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management
District.
new text end

new text begin (h) Restoring Land, Reviving Heritage: Indigenous Conservation - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $688,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Belwin Conservancy,
in partnership with Anishinabe Academy and
other urban Indigenous-based schools and
youth programs, to continue to conduct
native-led environmental education
programming that incorporates ecology and
Indigenous land traditions. This appropriation
is also to restore and enhance habitat on
permanently protected Belwin Conservancy
lands using modern scientific standards and
traditional ecological knowledge.
new text end

new text begin (i) Unlocking Minnesota Wilderness for Youth new text end

new text begin $705,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with YMCA of the North to
engage underserved youth in hands-on
environmental education by expanding Unlock
It!, a self-guided, interactive, and nature-based
scavenger hunt, to open spaces and campuses
across the state.
new text end

new text begin (j) Outdoor Pathways to Environmental Education, Recreation, and Careers new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry to
promote equity in access to outdoor activities,
places, and careers by providing Minnesotans
with a continuum of outdoor experiences from
the backyard to the backcountry, implementing
environmental education curriculum for youth,
and delivering professional development
workshops for educators.
new text end

new text begin (k) Increasing Access to Environmental Education Youth Camps new text end

new text begin $163,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Osprey Wilds
Environmental Learning Center to provide
hands-on environmental education learning
opportunities to underserved children through
scholarships and transportation to Osprey
Wilds' day-use and residential summer camps.
new text end

new text begin (l) Launching Environmental Education at Shepard Farm new text end

new text begin $639,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Dodge Nature
Center to build partnerships with South
Washington County Schools and provide
standards-aligned, outdoor experiences and
hands-on learning at Shepard Farm for
Minnesota K-6 youth to increase their
environmental skills and knowledge.
new text end

new text begin (m) YES! Students Step Up to Reduce Carbon Footprint new text end

new text begin $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 to empower
Minnesota youth to reduce their carbon
footprints through education from local experts
and completion of student-driven and
community-based team projects.
new text end

new text begin (n) The Boundary Waters Is Our Backyard new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Friends of the Boundary
Waters Wilderness to connect students from
northeastern Minnesota to the Boundary
Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through
grade-wide day trips and overnight wilderness
experiences.
new text end

new text begin (o) Season Watch: Cultivating Young Naturalists with Phenology Education new text end

new text begin $180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Northern Community
Radio, Inc. to continue to build the next
generation of Minnesota conservationists by
delivering engaging environmental
programming to northern Minnesota through
radio and podcasts, hosting phenology training
and interactive nature events for K-12
students, and expanding KAXE coverage of
environmental topics to a digital audience.
new text end

new text begin (p) Rural Minnesota Mobile Lab: Environment-Focused Earth Science Education new text end

new text begin $459,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Crookston, to create a mobile
lab and deliver innovative standards-based
environmental education to students and
educators at underserved, underrepresented
schools and at community events in northwest
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (q) Increasing Accessibility of Environmental Education at Deep Portage new text end

new text begin $228,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Deep Portage Learning
Center to enhance the accessibility of
environmental education and outdoor
recreation at Deep Portage Learning Center
through projects that provide opportunities
and support independence for physically
disabled students visiting the campus.
new text end

new text begin (r) College-School Collaboration to Promote Environmental Career Paths new text end

new text begin $174,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities for Minnesota
State University, Mankato, to build
partnerships among natural resource
professionals, colleges, and schools in
southern Minnesota to expose youth to outdoor
experiences, environmental issues, and natural
resource career paths through internships, field
trips, and environmental projects.
new text end

new text begin (s) Water Quality and Robots: Experientially Educating Minnesotan Youth new text end

new text begin $353,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to provide opportunities for
middle school youth to develop skills for
measuring water quality using robotic
water-quality sensing kits and communicating
results through group study and hands-on
projects.
new text end

new text begin (t) Expanding Youth and Family Fishing Opportunities new text end

new text begin $1,162,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to expand fishing opportunities in urban areas,
teach more youth and families how to fish,
and inventory and inform the public about safe
and legal shore-fishing sites throughout
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (u) Youth Conservation Empowerment Project new text end

new text begin $70,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Extension Center for Youth
Development, to partner with Winona and
Rochester alternative learning centers to
connect, engage, and empower youth from
underserved, culturally diverse, and
low-income communities in year-long
activities focused on nature, outdoors skills,
and environmental service-learning.
new text end

new text begin (v) North Minneapolis Nature Connection: Storytelling and Leadership Pathways new text end

new text begin $697,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with The Loppet Foundation
to promote urban nature connections for North
Minneapolis residents through storytelling,
nature and environmental justice programs,
and environmental leadership pathways for
high schoolers and young adults.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 8,304,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center - Phase 7 new text end

new text begin $7,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial
Plants and Pests Center, for high-priority
research projects to better manage invasive
plants, pathogens, and pests on Minnesota's
natural and agricultural lands. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10, and is available until June
30, 2030, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Mitigating the Spread of Invasive Jumping Worms new text end

new text begin $470,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop integrated pest
management strategies to mitigate the threat
that invasive jumping worms pose to soil
organic matter and seedlings in Minnesota
forests.
new text end

new text begin (c) Implementing Innovative Techniques to Manage Low-Density Invasive Carp new text end

new text begin $634,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to implement new and innovative methods and
to enhance ongoing efforts to detect, monitor,
and remove invasive carp and to evaluate
watershed boundaries for potential breaches
to avoid invasive carp establishment in
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (d) Early Detection of Invasive Viruses in Native Pollinators new text end

new text begin $200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to create a baseline inventory of
the quantity and diversity of viruses in, and
determine the threat of these viruses to,
Minnesota native bees.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 4,833,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Minimizing Minnesota's Landfill Problem by Expanding Waste Diversion new text end

new text begin $2,318,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Better Futures
Minnesota to establish a statewide network
for sourcing reclaimed building materials;
create a tool for cities, counties, and businesses
to report environmental impacts of waste
diversion; and divert waste from landfills
through collections, deconstructing buildings,
and converting waste into finished goods. Net
income generated by Better Futures Minnesota
as part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Building Resilient Urban Forests for Climate Change new text end

new text begin $752,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Great River Greening
to partner with municipalities and school
districts to create gravel-bed nurseries, conduct
tree assessments and mapping, and plant
climate-resilient tree species on public lands
in St. Cloud, Mankato, and the Twin Cities
region. 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) Improving Agricultural Ecosystems through Autonomous Weed Control new text end

new text begin $978,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the West Central Research
and Outreach Center at Morris to develop
green hydrogen- and solar-powered
autonomous mowers to remove weeds in row
crop fields and improve agricultural
ecosystems through reduction of herbicide and
fossil fuel use. This appropriation is subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (d) Advanced Biofilter for N2O Removal new text end

new text begin $325,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop innovative and
low-cost biofilters to decrease the
concentration of nitrous oxide (N₂O) from
various point sources. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (e) Managing Future Floods and Droughts in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $460,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to leverage new statewide
climate data to assess future change in the
duration, frequency, and magnitude of heavy
precipitation and drought events and engage
communities to prepare for these extremes.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 10,910,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Long-Term Preservation of Minnesota's Ball Cactus Population new text end

new text begin $100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum to protect Minnesota's only
population of ball cactus by supporting
population expansion and establishment,
monitoring transferred plants, and training
long-term volunteer monitors. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Morrison County Historical Society Streambank Stabilization and Restoration new text end

new text begin $519,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Morrison Soil and
Water Conservation District to stabilize and
restore land along the Mississippi River owned
by the Morrison County Historical Society
within the statutory boundaries of Charles A.
Lindbergh State Park to improve water quality
and improve aquatic and terrestrial habit. For
purposes of this appropriation, subdivision 13,
paragraph (e), does not apply. The
commissioner of natural resources may make
reasonable amounts of this appropriation
available on an advance basis to accommodate
the Morrison Soil and Water Conservation
District's cash-flow needs if a plan for the
advances is approved as part of the work plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Can Increased Tree Diversity Increase Community Diversity? new text end

new text begin $415,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to evaluate impacts of increasing
tree diversity on wildlife, plant and fungal
communities, and carbon storage within aspen
forests in northern Minnesota to develop best
management practices for mixed woodland
systems.
new text end

new text begin (d) Restoration of Riverside Park new text end

new text begin $141,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Long Prairie
to improve water retention, increase native
habitat, and enhance footpaths for recreation
at Riverside Park in Todd County, Minnesota.
The project must create a net increase in
habitat, and this appropriation may not be used
to meet the conditions of any permits received
for the project.
new text end

new text begin (e) Pollinator Central IV: Habitat Improvement with Public Engagement new text end

new text begin $698,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Great River Greening
to partner with municipalities, educational
organizations, and volunteers to create and
enhance pollinator habitat along public
corridors from Lakeville to St. Cloud and to
engage youth and the public through education
and monitoring the impact of habitat
improvements. 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 (f) Conservation Grazing for Birds, Beef, and Better Soil new text end

new text begin $342,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the National Audubon
Society, Minnesota office, to assess Audubon
Conservation Ranching as a strategic approach
to improve grassland biodiversity, soils, and
ecosystem resilience. 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 (g) Minnesota Microbes for Enhanced Biodegradation of Microplastics new text end

new text begin $524,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to investigate the potential of
natural and indigenous microbes to biodegrade
conventional plastics in contaminated soils
and waters across the state. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (h) Completing the Mississippi River Greenway: Dakota County new text end

new text begin $657,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Dakota County to
restore and enhance habitat on public lands,
establish linear native plantings, and install
electric-vehicle charging stations within and
along the 27-mile Mississippi River Greenway
in Dakota County. Net income generated as
part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10, and is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (i) Enabling Nature to Destroy Environmental PFAS Contaminants new text end

new text begin $378,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to identify enzymes and
microbes that can break down soil-based per-
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into
nontoxic elements. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (j) Bioacoustics for Species Monitoring and Conservation - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $568,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to assess avian diversity at the
statewide scale by developing a citizen science
bioacoustics monitoring program with an
initial focus on private lands.
new text end

new text begin (k) Preventing PFAS and Microplastics Contaminants Across Minnesota new text end

new text begin $656,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to help stop the flow of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and
microplastics contaminants into Minnesota's
environment by developing strategies and
technologies to manage solid waste streams
on site. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (l) Shingle Creek Aquatic and Shoreline Habitat Enhancement new text end

new text begin $1,100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park
and Recreation Board to plan and restore a
section of Shingle Creek in north Minneapolis
with native aquatic and shoreline vegetation,
channel and bank modification, and natural
stream features. This appropriation is also to
monitor plant and animal health following
construction to ensure that the ecological
functioning of the creek corridor is restored.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2030, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (m) LiDAR Technology to Help Prevent Wildlife Fatalities from Wind Turbines new text end

new text begin $525,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to create a low-cost and
advanced LiDAR system to detect bats and
birds approaching wind turbines that may be
used in concert with deterrence or impact
avoidance methods to prevent collisions. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (n) Road Salt Pollution of Surface Waters from Groundwater new text end

new text begin $622,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to inform source-reduction
efforts by developing a model to identify hot
spots where road-salt-contaminated
groundwater leads to chloride pollution of
surface waters.
new text end

new text begin (o) Growing the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd new text end

new text begin $1,775,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to reintroduce bison to Camden State Park as
part of a statewide effort to preserve the
American Plains bison genome.
Reintroduction includes the design,
construction, and installation of fencing, a
handling facility, signage, exhibits, and other
site improvements. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2030, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (p) Priority Lakes: Meeting Protection Goals and Multiplying Benefits new text end

new text begin $1,890,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Hubbard County
Soil and Water Conservation District, in
cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to
protect habitat, forest health, and water quality
in the best fishing lakes by creating lake
implementation action plans, conducting
community-based habitat restorations and
improvements, and protecting forest lands with
conservation easements and Sustainable Forest
Incentive Act (SFIA) enrollments within
prioritized areas of the upper Mississippi River
basin in Hubbard County. Of this amount, up
to $168,000 is for deposit in a monitoring fund
to be used by Minnesota Land Trust as
approved in the work plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.20.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 20,322,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail new text end

new text begin $426,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota Driftless
Hiking Trail to plan, design a route for, secure
access for, develop community support for,
and begin construction of a backpacking-
focused trail across southeast Minnesota's
Driftless Area. Construction of trails with this
appropriation must occur on public or
permanently protected lands or lands secured
through long-term agreements as defined in
the approved work plan. A trail plan must be
complete before money is used for trail
construction. Before this appropriation is
spent, a fiscal agent for Minnesota Driftless
Hiking Trail must be approved in the work
plan.
new text end

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

new text begin $4,791,000 the second 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, or playgrounds.
new text end

new text begin (c) Acquisition of State Park Inholdings new text end

new text begin $1,886,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Parks & Trails
Council of Minnesota to complete efficient,
time-sensitive acquisitions of high-priority
state park inholdings from willing sellers,
deconstruct buildings and reuse building
materials, and convey properties to the state
to protect and enhance Minnesota's
environment and public recreation
opportunities. This appropriation may not be
used to purchase habitable residential
structures.
new text end

new text begin (d) Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Biodiversity Protection new text end

new text begin $957,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to strategically acquire from willing sellers
high-quality lands that meet criteria for
scientific and natural areas under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05. 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 (e) Metropolitan Regional Parks System Land Acquisition - Phase 8 new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Metropolitan Council to acquire
land within the approved boundaries of the
metropolitan regional park system. This
appropriation must be matched by an equal
amount from a combination of Metropolitan
Council and local agency money. 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 (f) Zumbro River Regional Water Trail new text end

new text begin $170,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Oronoco to
complete a master plan for the Zumbro River
Regional Water Trail that considers existing
amenities, connections from towns to natural
features, and improved user experience. This
appropriation may also be used to create a
joint powers board among the four counties
and multiple jurisdictions connected to the
Zumbro River to guide the master plan
development.
new text end

new text begin (g) Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration and River Access new text end

new text begin $2,925,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Dakota County to create
a nonmotorized boat launch; complete a
cultural resource management plan; construct
hiking trails; and restore prairie, woodland,
and savanna along the Mississippi River in
Spring Lake Park Reserve. 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 (h) Minnesota State Trails Development new text end

new text begin $5,036,000 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. The
high-priority trail bridges to be rehabilitated
or replaced under this appropriation include
but are not limited to those on the Arrowhead,
Great River Ridge, C.J. Ramstad-Northshore,
Harmony-Preston Valley, Shooting Star, and
Minnesota Valley State Trails and the
Pengilly-Alborn Railroad Trail. High-priority
trail segments to develop and enhance include
but are not limited to the Brown's Creek,
Gitchi Gami, Minnesota Valley, Root River,
and Cuyuna Lakes State Trails. 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 (i) Birch Lake Marina Design new text end

new text begin $197,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Babbitt to
design a new marina at the Birch Lake
Recreation Area in Babbitt, Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (j) Dent and Vergas Spur Trails new text end

new text begin $934,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Otter Tail County to
construct a trail along County State-Aid
Highway 35 to connect the cities of Dent and
Vergas to the Heart of the Lakes Regional
Trail and Maplewood State Park to provide
recreation and nonmotorized transportation
opportunities.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 2,096,000 new text end

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

new text begin $750,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission
on Minnesota Resources for administration in
accordance with 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 2024 new text end

new text begin $1,071,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission
on Minnesota Resources for an emerging
issues account authorized in Minnesota
Statutes, section 116P.08, subdivision 4,
paragraph (d).
new text end

new text begin (c) 2024 Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin $275,000 the second 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 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,
2024, and ending June 30, 2027, 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 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 guidelines 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 (m) 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 the easement in the
easement document;
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 20 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 a land acquisition, 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 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, 2024,
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 (a) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2025:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(e), National Loon Center. The legislature does
not plan to grant additional extensions for this
appropriation;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 10,
paragraph (d), Grants Management System.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.11, paragraph (b), Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.281, applies to this appropriation;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(i), Bobcat and Fisher Habitat Use and
Interactions;
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(j), Healthy Prairies III: Restoring Minnesota's
Prairie Plant Diversity;
new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(n), Tools for Supporting Healthy Ecosystems
and Pollinators;
new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph
(b), Technology for Energy-Generating
On-site Industrial Wastewater Treatment, as
amended by Laws 2022, chapter 94, section
2, subdivision 20, paragraph (c);
new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(r), Ranier Safe Harbor and Transient Dock
on Rainy Lake;
new text end

new text begin (8) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(s), Crane Lake Voyageurs National Park
Campground and Visitor Center;
new text end

new text begin (9) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(t), Chippewa County Acquisition, Recreation,
and Education;
new text end

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

new text begin (11) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(b), Protecting Minnesota's Beneficial
Macroalgae: All Stoneworts Aren't Starry;
new text end

new text begin (12) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(c), County Groundwater Atlas;
new text end

new text begin (13) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(e), Minnesota Biological Survey;
new text end

new text begin (14) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(g), Geologic Atlases for Water Resource
Management;
new text end

new text begin (15) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph
(d), Microgeographic Impact of Antibiotics
Released from Identified Hotspots;
new text end

new text begin (16) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph
(a), Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape Forest
Restoration and Enhancements;
new text end

new text begin (17) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(e), Metropolitan Regional Parks System Land
Acquisition - Phase VII;
new text end

new text begin (18) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(h), Native Prairie Stewardship and Prairie
Bank Easement Acquisition;
new text end

new text begin (19) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(j), SNA Acquisition, Restoration,
Citizen-Science, and Outreach;
new text end

new text begin (20) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(n), Crane Lake Voyageurs National Park
Visitor Center - Continuation;
new text end

new text begin (21) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(t), Highbanks Ravine Bat Hibernaculum
Project; and
new text end

new text begin (22) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(u), State Parks and State Trails Inholdings.
new text end

new text begin (b) The availability of the appropriation for
Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2, subdivision
10, paragraph (k), Developing Markets for
Continuous Living Cover Crops, is extended
to June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (c) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2027:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(l), Upper St. Anthony Falls Enhancements.
The legislature does not plan to grant
additional extensions for this appropriation;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 7, paragraph
(b), Storing Renewable Energy in Flow
Battery for Grid Use. The legislature does not
plan to grant additional extensions for this
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 18 is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 9, is
amended to read:

Subd. 9. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

-0-

26,351,000

-0-

(a) Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas

$3,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
the scientific and natural areas (SNA) program
to restore and enhance wildlife habitat on
SNAs, increase public involvement and
outreach, and strategically acquire high-quality
lands that meet criteria for SNAs under
Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, from
willing sellers. A list of proposed acquisitions
and restorations is required in the work plan.

(b) Grants for Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas

$3,000,000 the first 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. The appropriation is
for local nature-based recreation, connections
to regional and state natural areas, and
recreation facilities and not for athletic
facilities such as sport fields, courts, and
playgrounds.

(c) Minnesota State Parks and State Trails In-Holdings

$2,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
acquire high-priority in-holdings from willing
sellers within the legislatively authorized
boundaries of state parks and trails to protect
Minnesota's natural heritage, enhance outdoor
recreational opportunities, and improve the
efficiency of public land management.
Priorities include but are not limited to
Minneopa, St. Croix, Frontenac, and Crow
Wing State Parks. A list of proposed
acquisitions is required in the work plan.

(d) Minnesota State Trails Development

$5,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
expand high-priority recreational opportunities
on Minnesota's state trails by developing new
trail segments and rehabilitating, improving,
and enhancing existing state trails.
High-priority trail bridges to rehabilitate or
replace include, but are not limited to, those
on the Arrowhead, Central Lakes,
Harmony-Preston Valley, Matthew Lourey,
and North Shore State Trails. High-priority
trail segments to develop and enhance include,
but are not limited to, the Paul Bunyan,
Gateway, Heartland, Gitchi Gami, and
Minnesota Valley State Trails. A proposed list
of trail projects on legislatively authorized
state trails is required in the work plan. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(e) National Loon Center

$4,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the National Loon Center
Foundation, in partnership with a fiscal agent
to be approved by the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources, to
construct an approximately 15,000-square-foot
National Loon Center in Cross Lake dedicated
to loon survival, loon habitat protection and
research, and recreation. Of this amount, up
to $1,449,000 is for planning, design, and
construction of approximately six outdoor
demonstration learning kiosks, interpretive
trails, boardwalks and boat docks, a fishing
dock, and native landscaping along
approximately 3,100 feet of shoreline. Any
remaining funds are for planning, engineering,
and constructing the building and indoor
exhibits. new text begin The building may only be constructed
on land restricted for use as a National Loon
Center for at least 25 years following
construction completion. Additionally, the
trust fund procedures for title, environmental,
archeological, and survey due diligence must
be used for the acquisition of land on which
the building will be constructed. new text end A land lease
commitment of at least 25 years and fiscal
sponsorship must be secured before any trust
fund money is spent. This project requires a
match of at least $6,000,000. At least
$2,000,000 of this match must come from
nonstate sources. If naming rights will be
conveyed, the National Loon Center
Foundation must include a plan for this in the
work plan. All matching funds must be legally
committed before any trust fund money may
be spent on planning activities for or
construction of the building and indoor
exhibits. Net income generated from
admissions, naming rights, and memberships
to the National Loon Center as a result of trust
fund contributions may be reinvested in the
center's long-term loon conservation efforts
as described in the work plan approved by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources according to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10. new text begin Notwithstanding any other
effective date stated in law, Minnesota
Statutes, sections 116P.15, subdivision 3;
116P.16; and 116P.21, subdivision 1, apply
to this appropriation.
new text end

(f) Accessible Fishing Piers

$320,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
provide accessible fishing piers in locations
that have a high potential to serve new angling
communities, underserved populations, and
anglers with physical disabilities. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(g) Mesabi Trail Extensions

$3,000,000 the first 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 for
environmental assessment, permitting,
right-of-way easements or other acquisition
as needed, and engineering for and
construction of four trail segments beginning
and ending at the following approximate
locations: Darwin Meyers Wildlife
Management Area to County Road 21,
Embarrass to Kugler, County Road 128 to the
Eagles Nest Town Hall, and Wolf Creek to
the Highway 169 underpass.

(h) Birch Lake Recreation Area Campground

$350,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Babbitt to
expand Birch Lake Recreation Area by adding
a new campground for recreational vehicles
and tent campers. This project requires a
match of at least $2,800,000 that must be
secured before trust fund money is spent. At
least $800,000 of this match must come from
the city of Babbitt. Net income generated from
admissions to the campground created as a
result of trust fund contributions may be
reinvested into the campground's long-term
operations as described in the work plan
approved by the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.

(i) Britton Peak to Lutsen Mountain Bike Trail

$350,000 the first year are from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Superior Cycling
Association to create a sustainably designed
single-track mountain bike trail connecting
trail clusters and trailheads between Britton
Peak in Tofte and Lutsen Mountains as part
of northeast Minnesota's effort to become a
national recreation destination. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(j) Preserving Avon Hills with Reverse-Bidding Easements

$1,600,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Saint John's University in
cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust to
restore and enhance protected lands, provide
public outreach, and prepare management
plans for and use a reverse-bid ranking system
to secure permanent conservation easements
on high-quality natural habitat in the Avon
Hills area of Stearns County. Of this amount,
up to $168,000 is for use by Minnesota Land
Trust in a monitoring fund as approved in the
work plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.20. An annual financial report is
required for any monitoring, management, and
enforcement fund, including expenditures from
the fund. A proposed list of acquisitions and
restorations must be provided in the work plan.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2024, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(k) Bailey Lake Trail and Fishing Pier

$550,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Virginia to
reconstruct the existing Bailey Lake Trail and
construct a new fishing pier on Bailey Lake
that is accessible from the trail.

(l) Vergas Long Lake Trail

$290,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Vergas to
construct a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, trail,
and floating boardwalk along Long Lake
including shoreline restoration and
stabilization with native plants. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(m) Glacial Edge Trail and Downtown Pedestrian Bridge

$600,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Fergus Falls to
acquire easements for and construct a trail
along the Otter Tail River in downtown Fergus
Falls and a bicycle and pedestrian bridge
crossing the river. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2021, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(n) Crane Lake to Vermilion Falls Trail

$400,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with St. Louis County in
cooperation with Voyageur Country ATV
Club to designate and improve a wooded trail
from Crane Lake to Vermilion Falls to
accommodate all-terrain vehicle and
snowmobile users. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2021, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(o) Restoring Five Sections of Superior Hiking Trail

$191,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail
Association to restore and repair the most
damaged parts of five sections of the Superior
Hiking Trail and restore an abandoned route
to a natural footpath for hikers.

(p) Rainy Lake Recreational Access and Boat Wash Station

$200,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Ranier to
enhance and increase public access to Rainy
Lake by constructing an Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant recreational
parking lot, an ADA-compliant public
restroom, and an aquatic invasive species boat
wash station.

(q) Historic Bruce Mine Park and Mesabi Trailhead

$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
a grant to the St. Louis and Lake Counties
Regional Railroad Authority to engineer,
design, renovate, and construct the Historic
Bruce Mine Park and Mesabi Trailhead and
access in the city of Chisholm. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2023,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2019.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 9, is
amended to read:

Subd. 9. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

32,062,000

-0-

(a) Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail (McDonald Segment)

$2,245,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Otter Tail County to
construct the McDonald Segment of the
Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail to
connect the cities of Perham and Pelican
Rapids to Maplewood State Park.

(b) Mesabi Trail CSAH 88 to Ely

$1,650,000 the first 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, engineer, and construct a segment of
the Mesabi Trail beginning at the intersection
of County State-Aid Highway 88 toward Ely.

(c) Southwest Minnesota Single-Track Trail

$190,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Jackson County to create
a single-track mountain bike trail and expand
an associated parking lot in Belmont County
Park to address a lack of opportunity for this
kind of outdoor recreation in southwest
Minnesota.

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

$2,250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
solicit and rank applications for and fund
competitive matching grants for local parks,
trail connections, and natural and scenic areas
under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019.
Priority must be given to funding projects in
the metropolitan area or in other areas of
southern Minnesota. For purposes of this
paragraph, southern Minnesota is defined as
the area of the state south of and including St.
Cloud. 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.

(e) Metropolitan Regional Parks System Land Acquisition - Phase VII

$2,250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Metropolitan Council for grants to
acquire land within the approved park
boundaries of the metropolitan regional park
system. This appropriation must be matched
by an equal amount from a combination of
Metropolitan Council and local agency funds.

(f) Sauk Rapids Lions Park Riverfront Improvements

$463,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Sauk Rapids to
design and construct a second phase of
upgrades to Lions and Southside Parks
including trails, lighting, riverbank restoration,
and a canoe and kayak launch to enhance
access to the Mississippi River.

(g) City of Brainerd - Mississippi Landing Trailhead

$2,850,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Brainerd to
design and construct Mississippi Landing
Trailhead Park to help connect residents and
visitors to the Mississippi River through
recreation, education, and restoration.

(h) Native Prairie Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement Acquisition

$1,341,000 the first 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 in
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.69, proportional
to the number of easement acres acquired.

(i) Moose Lake - Trunk Highway 73 Trail

$330,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Moose Lake to
design and construct a nonmotorized
recreational trail in an off-street pedestrian
corridor along Highway 73 to connect to
several existing regional trails in the Moose
Lake area.

(j) SNA Acquisition, Restoration, Citizen-Science, and Outreach

$3,336,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
the scientific and natural areas (SNA) program
to restore, improve, and enhance wildlife
habitat on SNAs; increase public involvement
and outreach; and strategically acquire lands
that meet criteria for SNAs under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, from willing sellers.

(k) Precision Acquisition for Restoration, Groundwater Recharge, and Habitat

$467,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Shell Rock River
Watershed District to acquire and restore to
wetland a key parcel of land to reduce
downstream flooding while providing water
storage, groundwater recharge, nutrient
reduction, and pollinator and wildlife habitat.

(l) Lake Brophy Single-Track Trail Expansion

$100,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Douglas County in
partnership with the Big Ole Bike Club to
design and build new expert single-track
segments and an asphalt pump track for the
existing trail system at Lake Brophy Park to
improve outdoor recreation experiences in
west-central Minnesota.

(m) Veterans on the Lake

$553,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Lake County for Veterans
on the Lake to conduct accessibility upgrades
to Veterans on the Lake's existing trails,
roadway, and buildings to improve access to
the wilderness and outdoor recreation for
disabled American veterans.

(n) Crane Lake Voyageurs National Park Visitor Center - Continuation

$2,700,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Crane Lake to
design and construct an approximate 4,500 to
7,000 square-foot visitor center building to
serve as an access point to Voyageurs National
Park. A fiscal agent or fiscal management plan
must be approved in the work plan before any
trust fund money is spent. A copy of a
resolution or other documentation of the city's
commitment to fund operations of the visitor
center must be included in the work plan
submitted to the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources. new text begin Net
income generated as part of this appropriation
may be reinvested in the project if a plan for
reinvestment is approved in the work plan.
new text end

(o) Brookston Campground, Boat Launch, and Outdoor Recreational Facility Planning

$425,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Brookston to
design a campground, boat launch, and
outdoor recreation area on the banks of the St.
Louis River in northeastern Minnesota. A
fiscal agent must be approved in the work plan
before any trust fund dollars are spent.

(p) Moose and Seven Beaver Multiuse Trails Upgrade

$900,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Hoyt Lakes, in
partnership with the Ranger Snowmobile and
ATV Club, to design and construct upgrades
and extensions to the Moose and Seven Beaver
multiuse trails to enhance access for recreation
use and connect to regional trails.

(q) Above the Falls Regional Park Acquisition

$950,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Parks and
Recreation Board to develop a restoration plan
and acquire approximately 3.25 acres of
industrial land for public access and habitat
connectivity along the Mississippi River as
part of Above the Falls Regional Park.

(r) Silver Lake Trail Improvement Project

$1,071,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Virginia to
reconstruct and renovate the walking trail
around Silver Lake to allow safe multimodal
transportation between schools, parks,
community recreation facilities, and other
community activity centers in downtown
Virginia.

(s) Minnesota State Trails Development

$4,266,000 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. Priority
must be given to funding projects in the
metropolitan area or in other areas of southern
Minnesota. For purposes of this paragraph,
southern Minnesota is defined as the area of
the state south of and including St. Cloud.

(t) Highbanks Ravine Bat Hibernaculum Project

$825,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of St. Cloud to
reroute and upgrade an existing stormwater
system in the Highbanks Ravine area to
improve an existing bat hibernaculum, reduce
erosion, and create additional green space for
wildlife habitat.

(u) State Parks and State Trails Inholdings

$2,560,000 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.

(v) Accessible Fishing Piers and Shore Fishing Areas

$340,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
provide accessible fishing piers and develop
shore fishing sites to serve new angling
communities, underserved populations, and
anglers with disabilities.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2021.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2, subdivision 9, as amended by Laws 2023, chapter
60, article 2, section 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Habitat and Recreation

-0-

26,179,000

(a) Mesabi Trail: Wahlsten Road (CR 26) toward 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
toward 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. new text begin Net income
generated as part of this appropriation may be
reinvested in the project if a plan for
reinvestment is approved in the work plan.
new text end

(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. new text begin Net income generated as part of this
appropriation may be reinvested in the project
if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the
work plan.
new text end

(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.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2022.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Other Projects

-0-

6,973,000

(a) Aggregate Resource Mapping

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for continued mapping of the aggregate
resource potential in the state of Minnesota
and to make the information available in print
and electronic format to local units of
government for use in planning and zoning.

(b) Leaded Gasoline Contamination Analysis

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of administration
for a grant to the city of Paynesville to procure
an analysis of the extent of leaded gasoline
contamination in or near the cities of
Paynesville, Foley, Alexandria, and Blaine,
and of the threat posed by the contamination
to each city's drinking water supply. The
vendor selected to perform the analysis must
use the same methodology to conduct the
analysis for each city and must produce
findings that are comparable between cities.
The cities must work cooperatively to select
a vendor. By January 15, 2024, the city
administrator of the city of Paynesville must
report the results of the analysis to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the house
of representatives and senate committees and
divisions with jurisdiction over environment
and natural resources.

(c) Living Snow Fence Program

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of transportation for
contracts to build and improve living snow
fences consisting of trees, shrubs, native
grasses, and wildflowers. Money appropriated
in this paragraph may only be used to acquire
and plant trees native to Minnesota. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(d) Forest Data Inventory

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an enhanced forest inventory on county
and private lands.

(e) Conservation Reserve Program State Incentives

$750,000 the second year is from the trust
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 and to enroll land in
conservation easements consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515. The
board may establish payment rates based on
land valuation and on environmental benefit
criteria, including but not limited to surface
water or groundwater pollution reduction,
drinking water protection, soil health,
pollinator and wildlife habitat, and other
conservation 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 appropriation is available until June 30,
2026.

(f) Groundwater Storage and Recovery Database

$400,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to complete a centralized aquifer property
database to provide needed data for site
characterization.

(g) Rural and Farmstead Ring Levees

$360,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for grants to assist in constructing rural and
farmstead ring levees for flood protection in
the Red River watershed. A grant may not
exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project.

(h) Replacing Failing Septic Systems to Protect Groundwater

$2,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to counties for grants to
low-income landowners to address septic
systems that pose an imminent threat to public
health or safety or fail to protect groundwater.
The issuance of a loan under Minnesota
Statutes, section 17.117, for the purpose of
replacing a failed septic system, shall not
preclude a rural landowner from obtaining a
grant under this paragraph or vice versa. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.

(i) Forever Green

$763,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of agriculture for
grants to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota to fund the Forever
Green Agriculture Initiative and protect the
state's natural resources while increasing the
efficiency, profitability, and productivity of
Minnesota farmers by incorporating perennial
and winter-annual crops into existing
agricultural practices.

(j) Pig's Eye Landfill Task Force

$800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to establish a Pig's Eye
Landfill Task Force to coordinate efforts to
remediate and restore the Pig's Eye Landfill
Superfund site and address perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
contamination of Battle Creek, Pig's Eye Lake,
and nearby groundwater. The task force must
be made up of at least the commissioner of
the Pollution Control Agency, the
commissioner of natural resources, the
commissioner of health, a representative from
the Metropolitan Council, a representative
from the city of St. Paul, a representative from
the city of South St. Paul, a representative
from the city of Newport, a representative
from Ramsey County, a representative from
Dakota County, a representative from
Washington County, and representatives from
relevant federal agencies. The task force is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059,
subdivision 6. The task force must submit an
annual report to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over the environment and natural resources
on the status of the task force's work. The final
report is due February 15, 2026. The task force
expires June 30, 2026. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2026.

(k) Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Crops

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of agriculture for
grants to organizations in Minnesota to
develop enterprises, supply chains, and
markets for continuous living cover crops and
cropping systems in the early stage of
commercial development, including but not
limited to regenerative poultry silvopasture
systems, Kernza perennial grain, winter
camelina, and elderberry. new text begin This appropriation
is exempt from the income repayment
requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10, paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2022.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section 2, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

31,241,000

-0-

(a) SNA Stewardship, Outreach, and Biodiversity Protection

$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.

(b) Wannigan Regional Park Land Acquisition

$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.

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

$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.

(d) Outreach and Stewardship Through the Native Prairie Bank Program

$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.

(e) Minnesota State Trails Development

$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.

(f) Construction of East Park

$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.

(g) Scandia Gateway Trail to William O'Brien State Park

$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.

(h) Grand Marais Mountain Bike Trail Rehabilitation - Phase II

$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.

(i) Acquisition of State Parks and Trails Inholdings

$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.

(j) St. Louis River Re-Connect - Phase II

$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.

(k) City of Biwabik Recreation

$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.

(l) Silver Bay Multimodal Trailhead Project

$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 begin Net income generated as
part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan.
new text end

(m) Above the Falls Regional Park Restoration Planning and Acquisition

$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.

(n) Redhead Mountain Bike Park

$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.

(o) Maplewood State Park Trail Segment of the Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail

$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 begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end