Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language
An act
relating to natural resources; modifying all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle provisions; providing for certain regulatory efficiencies; modifying commissioner's authority; modifying landfill cleanup program; modifying invasive species provisions; modifying definition of snowmobile; prohibiting tampering with off-road recreational vehicle odometers; modifying use of forest trails; modifying outdoor recreation system provisions; modifying Water Law; modifying forestry provisions; modifying provision related to environmental impact statements; requiring rulemaking;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 17.4982, subdivision 18a; 84.027, subdivisions 12, 13a, 14a; 84.0857; 84.791, subdivision 4; 84.81, subdivision 3; 84.92, subdivisions 8, 9, 10; 84.925, subdivision 3; 84.926, subdivision 4; 84D.01, subdivisions 8, 8b, 13, 15, 17, 18; 84D.03, as amended; 84D.06; 84D.10, subdivision 3; 84D.11, subdivision 2a; 84D.12; 84D.13, subdivision 5; 86A.09; 86A.11; 89A.02; 89A.03, subdivisions 1, 6; 89A.04; 89A.05, subdivisions 1, 3; 89A.06, subdivisions 1, 2, 4; 89A.07; 89A.08, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 89A.09; 89A.10; 89A.11; 97C.417; 97C.821; 103E.065; 103F.121, subdivisions 2, 5; 103F.165, subdivision 3; 103G.245, subdivision 2; 103G.287, subdivision 2; 103G.305, subdivision 1; 103G.615, subdivision 3a; 115B.39, subdivision 2; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; 325E.13, by adding a subdivision; 325E.14, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 6; Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 13; 84.9256, subdivision 1; 84D.10, subdivision 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 103G.287, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 89A.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
"Nonindigenous species" means a species of fish or other aquatic life that is:
(1) not known to have been historically present in the state;
(2) not known to be naturally occurring in a particular part of the state; or
(3) deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listednew text end by rule as a prohibited or regulated invasive species.
deleted text begin (a) The commissioner may give away to members of the public items with a value of less than $50 that are intended to promote conservation of natural resources or create awareness of the state and its resources or natural resource management programs. The total value of items given to the public under this paragraph may not exceed $25,000 per year. deleted text end
deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (a)new text end The commissioner may recognize the contribution of money or in-kind services on plaques, signs, publications, audio-visual materials, and media advertisements by allowing the organization's contribution to be acknowledged in print of readable size.
deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end The commissioner may accept paid advertising for departmental publications. Advertising revenues received are appropriated to the commissioner to be used to defray costs of publications, media productions, or other informational materials. The commissioner may not accept paid advertising from any elected official or candidate for elective office.
(a) The commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459 and this subdivision that are authorized under:
(1) chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C to set open seasons and areas, to close seasons and areas, to select hunters for areas, to provide for tagging and registration of game and fish, to prohibit or allow taking of wild animals to protect a species, to prevent or control wildlife disease, to open or close bodies of water or portions of bodies of water for night bow fishing, and to prohibit or allow importation, transportation, or possession of a wild animal;
(2) sections 84.093, 84.15, and 84.152 to set seasons for harvesting wild ginseng roots and wild rice and to restrict or prohibit harvesting in designated areas; and
(3) section 84D.12 to deleted text begin designatedeleted text end new text begin listnew text end prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, unregulated nonnative species, and infested waters.
(b) If conditions exist that do not allow the commissioner to comply with sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459, including the need to adjust season variables on an annual basis based upon current biological and harvest data, the commissioner may adopt a rule under this subdivision by submitting the rule to the attorney general for review under section 97A.0455, publishing a notice in the State Register and filing the rule with the secretary of state and the Legislative Coordinating Commission, and complying with section 97A.0459, and including a statement of the conditions and a copy of the rule in the notice. The conditions for opening a water body or portion of a water body for night bow fishing under this section may include the need to temporarily open the area to evaluate compatibility of the activity on that body of water prior to permanent rulemaking. The notice may be published after it is received from the attorney general or five business days after it is submitted to the attorney general, whichever is earlier.
(c) Rules adopted under paragraph (b) are effective upon publishing in the State Register and may be effective up to seven days before publishing and filing under paragraph (b), if:
(1) the commissioner of natural resources determines that an emergency exists;
(2) the attorney general approves the rule; and
(3) for a rule that affects more than three counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper published in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, or for a rule that affects three or fewer counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper in each of the affected counties.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e), a rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may not be effective earlier than seven days after publication.
(e) A rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may be effective the day the rule is published if the commissioner gives notice and holds a public hearing on the rule within 15 days before publication.
(f) The commissioner shall attempt to notify persons or groups of persons affected by rules adopted under paragraphs (b) and (c) by public announcements, posting, and other appropriate means as determined by the commissioner.
(g) Notwithstanding section 97A.0458, a rule adopted under this subdivision is effective for the period stated in the notice but not longer than 18 months after the rule is effective.
In addition to the authority granted in subdivision 13, the commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under section 14.389 that are authorized under:
(1) chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C to describe zone or permit area boundaries, to designate fish spawning beds or fish preserves, to select hunters or anglers for areas, to provide for registration of game or fish, to prevent or control wildlife disease, or to correct errors or omissions in rules that do not have a substantive effect on the intent or application of the original rule; or
(2) section 84D.12 to deleted text begin designatedeleted text end new text begin listnew text end prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, and unregulated nonnative species.
(a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and resource management permits be issued or denied within 150 days of the submission of a permit application. The commissioner of natural resources shall establish management systems designed to achieve the goal.
(b) The commissioner shall prepare deleted text begin semiannualdeleted text end new text begin a new text end permitting efficiency deleted text begin reportsdeleted text end new text begin reportnew text end that deleted text begin includedeleted text end new text begin includesnew text end statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a). The deleted text begin reports aredeleted text end new text begin report is new text end due deleted text begin February 1 anddeleted text end August 1 each year. For permit applications that have not met the goal, the report must state the reasons for not meeting the goal. In stating the reasons for not meeting the goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the level of public engagement. The report must specify the number of days from initial submission of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete. The report deleted text begin for August 1 each yeardeleted text end must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program or system changes are necessary to achieve the goal. The report must be posted on the department's Web site and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over natural resources policy and finance.
(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review and permit documents to the department.
(d) Beginning July 1, 2011, within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the project proposer, in writing, whether the application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines that an application is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate all deficiencies, citing specific provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and advise the applicant on how the deficiencies can be remedied. This paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.
(a) The commissioner of natural resources may bill organizational units within the Department of Natural Resources and other governmental units, including tribal governments, for the costs of providing them with building and infrastructure facilities. Costs billed may include modifications and adaptations to allow for appropriate building occupancy, building code compliance, insurance, utility services, maintenance, repair, and other direct costs as determined by the commissioner. Receipts shall be credited to a special account in the state treasury and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings were made.
(b) Money deposited in the special account from the proceeds of a sale under section 94.16, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), is appropriated to the commissioner to acquire facilities or renovate existing buildings for administrative use or to acquire land for, design, and construct administrative buildings for the Department of Natural Resources.
new text begin (c) The commissioner of natural resources may bill organizational units within the Department of Natural Resources and other governmental units, including tribal governments, for the costs of operating facilities. Receipts shall be credited to a special account in the state treasury and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings were made. new text end
new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements or otherwise certify off-highway motorcycle environment and safety education and training courses from other states that are substantially similar to in-state courses. Proof of completion of a course subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified as substantially similar is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.787 to 84.795.
new text begin (b) Proof of completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirtbike School is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.787 to 84.795. new text end
"Snowmobile" means a self-propelled vehicle new text begin originally manufactured and new text end designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.new text begin Snowmobile does not include the following vehicles equipped with aftermarket ski and track configurations:new text end
new text begin (1) an all-terrain vehicle defined in section 84.92; new text end
new text begin (2) an off-highway motorcycle defined in section 84.787; new text end
new text begin (3) an off-road vehicle defined in section 84.797; new text end
new text begin (4) a mini truck defined in section 169.011; new text end
new text begin (5) a utility task vehicle described in section 169.045; or new text end
new text begin (6) any other vehicle being operated off road. new text end
"All-terrain vehicle" or "vehicle" means a motorized deleted text begin flotation-tireddeleted text end vehicle of not less than three deleted text begin low pressure tiresdeleted text end , but not more than six new text begin low pressure or non-pneumatic new text end tires, that is limited in engine displacement of less than 1,000 cubic centimeters and includes a class 1 all-terrain vehicle and class 2 all-terrain vehicle.
"Class 1 all-terrain vehicle" means an all-terrain vehicle that has a total dry weight of less than deleted text begin 1,000deleted text end new text begin 1,200new text end pounds.
"Class 2 all-terrain vehicle" means an all-terrain vehicle that has a total dry weight of deleted text begin 1,000deleted text end new text begin 1,200new text end to 1,800 pounds.
new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements or otherwise certify all-terrain vehicle environmental and safety education and training courses from other states that are substantially similar to in-state courses. Proof of completion of a course subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified as substantially similar is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.92 to 84.928.
new text begin (b) Proof of completion of the ATV RiderCourse offered by the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.92 to 84.928. new text end
(a) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.928 and as provided under paragraph (j), a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way.
(b) A person under 12 years of age shall not:
(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;
(2) operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or
(3) operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters, except as provided in paragraph (f).
(c) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person 12 years of age but less than 16 years may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails, only if that person possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner and is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.
(d) To be issued an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate, a person at least 12 years old, but less than deleted text begin 18deleted text end new text begin 16new text end years old, must:
(1) successfully complete the safety education and training program under section 84.925, subdivision 1, including a riding component; and
(2) be able to properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.
(e) A person at least 11 years of age may take the safety education and training program and may receive an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate under paragraph (d), but the certificate is not valid until the person reaches age 12.
(f) A person at least ten years of age but under 12 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine capacity up to 90cc on public lands or waters if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
(g) A person under 15 years of age shall not operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicle.
(h) A person under the age of 16 may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters or on state or grant-in-aid trails if the person cannot properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.
(i) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), a nonresident at least 12 years old, but less than 16 years old, may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails if:
(1) the nonresident youth has in possession evidence of completing an all-terrain safety course offered by the ATV Safety Institute or another state as provided in section 84.925, subdivision 3; and
(2) the nonresident youth is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.
(j) A person 12 years of age but less than 16 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle on the bank, slope, or ditch of a public road right-of-way as permitted under section 84.928 if the person:
(1) possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner; and
(2) is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on a separate all-terrain vehicle.
Notwithstanding section 84.777, but subject to the commissioner's authority under subdivision 5, on state forest lands classified as limited or managed, other than the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, a person may use vehicles registered under chapter 168 or section 84.798 or 84.922, including class 2 all-terrain vehicles, new text begin on forest trails designated for off-road vehicle use and new text end on forest trails that are not designated for a specific use when:
(1) hunting big game or transporting or installing hunting stands during October, November, and December, when in possession of a valid big game hunting license;
(2) retrieving big game in September, when in possession of a valid big game hunting license;
(3) tending traps during an open trapping season for protected furbearers, when in possession of a valid trapping license; or
(4) trapping minnows, when in possession of a valid minnow dealer, private fish hatchery, or aquatic farm license.
"Infested waters" means waters of the state deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end by the commissioner under sections 84D.03, subdivision 1, and 84D.12.
"Inspect" means to examine water-related equipment to determine whether aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present and includes removal, drainage, decontamination, new text begin collection and sampling, new text end or treatment to prevent the transportation and spread of aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, and water.
"Prohibited invasive species" means a nonnative species that has been deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as a prohibited invasive species in a rule adopted by the commissioner under section 84D.12.
"Regulated invasive species" means a nonnative species that has been deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as a regulated invasive species in a rule adopted by the commissioner under section 84D.12.
"Unlisted nonnative species" means a nonnative species that has not been deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as a prohibited invasive species, a regulated invasive species, or an unregulated nonnative species in a rule adopted by the commissioner under section 84D.12.
"Unregulated nonnative species" means a nonnative species that has been deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as an unregulated nonnative species in a rule adopted by the commissioner under section 84D.12.
(a) The commissioner shall deleted text begin designatedeleted text end new text begin list new text end a water of the state as an infested water if the commissioner determines that:
(1) the water contains a population of an aquatic invasive species that could spread to other waters if use of the water and related activities are not regulated to prevent this; or
(2) the water is highly likely to be infested by an aquatic invasive species because it is connected to a water that contains a population of an aquatic invasive species.
(b) When determining which invasive species comprise infested waters, the commissioner shall consider:
(1) the extent of a species distribution within the state;
(2) the likely means of spread for a species; and
(3) whether regulations specific to infested waters containing a specific species will effectively reduce that species' spread.
(c) The presence of common carp and curly-leaf pondweed shall not be the basis for deleted text begin designatingdeleted text end new text begin listing new text end a water as infested.
(d) The deleted text begin designation of infested waters by thedeleted text end commissioner shall deleted text begin be by written order published in the State Registerdeleted text end new text begin maintain a list of infested waters and provide access to a copy of the listed watersnew text end . deleted text begin Designationsdeleted text end new text begin Listings new text end are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
(a) Taking wild animals from infested waters for bait or aquatic farm purposes is prohibited, except as provided in paragraph (b) and section 97C.341.
(b) In waters that are deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as infested waters, except those deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end because they contain prohibited invasive species of fish or certifiable diseases of fish, as defined under section 17.4982, subdivision 6, taking wild animals may be permitted for:
(1) commercial taking of wild animals for bait and aquatic farm purposes according to a permit issued under section 84D.11, subject to rules adopted by the commissioner;
(2) bait purposes for noncommercial personal use in waters that contain Eurasian water milfoil, when the infested waters are deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end solely because they contain Eurasian water milfoil and if the equipment for taking is limited to cylindrical minnow traps not exceeding 16 inches in diameter and 32 inches in length; and
(3) harvest of bullheads, goldeyes, mooneyes, sheepshead (freshwater drum), and suckers for bait from streams or rivers deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as infested waters, by hook and line for noncommercial personal use. Other provisions that apply to this clause are:
(i) fish taken under this clause must be used on the same body of water where caught and while still on that water body;
(ii) fish taken under this clause may not be transported live from or off the water body;
(iii) fish harvested under this clause may only be used in accordance with this section;
(iv) any other use of wild animals used for bait from infested waters is prohibited;
(v) fish taken under this clause must meet all other size restrictions and requirements as established in rules; and
(vi) all species listed under this clause shall be included in the person's daily limit as established in rules, if applicable.
(c) Equipment authorized for minnow harvest in a deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end infested water by permit issued under paragraph (b) may not be transported to, or used in, any waters other than waters specified in the permit.
(a) All nets, traps, buoys, anchors, stakes, and lines used for commercial fishing or turtle, frog, or crayfish harvesting in an infested water that is deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end because it contains invasive fish, invertebrates, or certifiable diseases, as defined in section 17.4982, may not be used in any other waters. If a commercial licensee operates in an infested water deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end because it contains invasive fish, invertebrates, or certifiable diseases, as defined in section 17.4982, all nets, traps, buoys, anchors, stakes, and lines used for commercial fishing or turtle, frog, or crayfish harvesting in waters deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as infested with invasive fish, invertebrates, or certifiable diseases, as defined in section 17.4982, must be tagged with tags provided by the commissioner, as specified in the commercial licensee's license or permit. This tagging requirement does not apply to commercial fishing equipment used in Lake Superior.
(b) All nets, traps, buoys, anchors, stakes, and lines used for commercial fishing or turtle, frog, or crayfish harvesting in an infested water that is deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end solely because it contains Eurasian water milfoil must be dried for a minimum of ten days or frozen for a minimum of two days before they are used in any other waters, except as provided in this paragraph. Commercial licensees must notify the department's regional or area fisheries office or a conservation officer before removing nets or equipment from an infested water deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end solely because it contains Eurasian water milfoil and before resetting those nets or equipment in any other waters. Upon notification, the commissioner may authorize a commercial licensee to move nets or equipment to another water without freezing or drying, if that water is deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as infested solely because it contains Eurasian water milfoil.
(c) A commercial licensee must remove all aquatic macrophytes from nets and other equipment before placing the equipment into waters of the state.
(d) The commissioner shall provide a commercial licensee with a current listing of deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end infested waters at the time that a license or permit is issued.
A person may not introduce an unlisted nonnative aquatic plant or wild animal species unless:
(1) the person has notified the commissioner in a manner and form prescribed by the commissioner;
(2) the commissioner has made the classification determination required in subdivision 2 and deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listednew text end the species as appropriate; and
(3) the introduction is allowed under the applicable provisions of this chapter.
(a) If the commissioner determines that a species for which a notification is received under subdivision 1 should be classified as a prohibited invasive species, the commissioner shall:
(1) adopt a rule under section 84D.12, subdivision 3, deleted text begin designatingdeleted text end new text begin listingnew text end the species as a prohibited invasive species; and
(2) notify the person from which the notification was received that the species is subject to section 84D.04.
(b) If the commissioner determines that a species for which a notification is received under subdivision 1 should be classified as an unregulated nonnative species, the commissioner shall:
(1) adopt a rule under section 84D.12, subdivision 3, deleted text begin designatingdeleted text end new text begin listingnew text end the species as an unregulated nonnative species; and
(2) notify the person from which the notification was received that the species is not subject to regulation under this chapter.
(c) If the commissioner determines that a species for which a notification is received under subdivision 1 should be classified as a regulated invasive species, the commissioner shall notify the applicant that the species is subject to the requirements in section 84D.07.
(a) A conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may order:
(1) the removal of aquatic macrophytes or prohibited invasive species from water-related equipment before it is placed into waters of the state;
(2) confinement of the water-related equipment at a mooring, dock, or other location until the water-related equipment is removed from the water;
(3) removal of water-related equipment from waters of the state to remove prohibited invasive species if the water has not been deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end by the commissioner as being infested with that species; and
(4) a prohibition on placing water-related equipment into waters of the state when the water-related equipment has aquatic macrophytes or prohibited invasive species attached in violation of subdivision 1 or when water has not been drained or the drain plug has not been removed in violation of subdivision 4.
(b) An inspector who is not a licensed peace officer may issue orders under paragraph (a), clauses (1), (3), and (4).
(a) When leaving waters of the state a person must drain water-related equipment holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the water-related equipment off the water access site or riparian property.
(b) Drain plugs, bailers, valves, or other devices used to control the draining of water from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells must be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment.
(c) Emergency response vehicles and equipment may be transported on a public road with the drain plug or other similar device replaced only after all water has been drained from the equipment upon leaving the water body.
(d) Portable bait containers used by licensed aquatic farms, portable bait containers when fishing through the ice except on waters deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end infested for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, and marine sanitary systems are exempt from this subdivision.
(e) A person must not dispose of bait in waters of the state.
(f) A boat lift, dock, swim raft, or associated equipment that has been removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body until a minimum of 21 days have passed.
(g) A person who transports water that is appropriated from noninfested surface water bodies and that is transported by a commercial vehicle, excluding watercraft, or commercial trailer, which vehicle or trailer is specifically designed and used for water hauling, is exempt from paragraphs (a) and (b), provided that the person does not discharge the transported water to other surface waters or within 100 feet of a surface water body.
(h) A person transporting water from noninfested surface water bodies for firefighting or emergencies that threaten human safety or property is exempt from paragraphs (a) and (b).
(a) The commissioner shall train and authorize individuals to inspect water-related equipment for aquatic macrophytes, aquatic invasive species, and water. The commissioner may enter into a delegation agreement with a tribal or local government where inspection authority as provided under paragraphs (b), (g), and (h) is delegated to tribal and local governments deleted text begin that assume alldeleted text end new text begin . The delegation agreements may provide for the assumption ofnew text end legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for inspection programs on some or all public waters within their jurisdiction.
(b) Inspectors may visually and tactilely inspect watercraft and water-related equipment to determine whether aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present. If a person transporting watercraft or water-related equipment refuses to take required corrective actions or fails to comply with an order under section 84D.10, subdivision 3, an inspector who is not a licensed peace officer shall refer the violation to a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer.
(c) In addition to paragraph (b), a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may inspect any watercraft or water-related equipment that is stopped at a water access site, any other public location in the state, or a private location where the watercraft or water-related equipment is in plain view, if the officer determines there is reason to believe that aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present on the watercraft or water-related equipment.
(d) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may utilize check stations in locations, or in proximity to locations, where watercraft or other water-related equipment is placed into or removed from waters of the state. Any check stations shall be operated in a manner that minimizes delays to vehicles, equipment, and their occupants.
(e) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may order water-related equipment to be removed from a water body if the commissioner determines such action is needed to implement aquatic invasive species control measures.
(f) The commissioner may require mandatory inspections of water-related equipment before a person places or removes water-related equipment into or out of a water body. Inspection stations may be located at or near public water accesses or in locations that allow for servicing individual or multiple water bodies. The commissioner shall ensure that inspection stations:
(1) have adequate staffing to minimize delays to vehicles and their occupants;
(2) allow for reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations if inspection is required before placing water-related equipment into a water body;
(3) are located so as not to create traffic delays or public safety issues;
(4) have decontamination equipment available to bring water-related equipment into compliance; and
(5) do not reduce the capacity or hours of operation of public water accesses.
(g) The commissioner may authorize tribal and local governments that enter into a delegation agreement with the commissioner to conduct mandatory inspections of water-related equipment at specified locations within a defined area before a person places or removes water-related equipment into or out of a water body. Tribal and local governments that are authorized to conduct inspections under this paragraph must:
(1) new text begin to the extent called for in the delegation agreement, new text end assume deleted text begin alldeleted text end legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for implementing the mandatory inspections, alone or in agreement with other tribal or local governments;
(2) employ inspectors that have been trained and authorized by the commissioner;
(3) conduct inspections and decontamination measures in accordance with guidelines approved by the commissioner;
(4) have decontamination equipment available at inspection stations or identify alternative decontamination equipment locations within a reasonable distance of the inspection station that can bring water-related equipment into compliance;
(5) provide for inspection station locations that do not create traffic delays or public safety issues; and
(6) submit a plan approved by the commissioner according to paragraph (h).
(h) Plans required under paragraph (g) must address:
(1) no reduction in capacity or hours of operation of public accesses and fees that do not discourage or limit use;
(2) reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations;
(3) adequate staffing to minimize wait times and provide adequate hours of operation at inspection stations and public accesses;
(4) adequate enforcement capacity;
(5) measures to address inspections of water-related equipment at public water accesses for commercial entities and private riparian land owners; and
(6) other elements as required by the commissioner to ensure statewide consistency, appropriate inspection and decontamination protocols, and protection of the state's resources, public safety, and access to public waters.
(i) A government unit authorized to conduct inspections under this subdivision must submit an annual report to the commissioner summarizing the results and issues related to implementing the inspection program.
(j) The commissioner may waive the plan requirement in paragraph (g) for inspection programs where authorized inspectors are placed directly at one or more water access sites, with no requirement for a person to travel from the water access for inspection or decontamination, and no local ordinance or other regulation requiring a mandatory inspection before placing watercraft or water-related equipment into a water body or after watercraft or water-related equipment are removed from a water body.
(a) The commissioner may issue a permit to allow the harvest of bait:
(1) from waters that are deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end as infested waters, except those deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end because they contain prohibited invasive species of fish or certifiable diseases of fish as defined in section 17.4982, subdivision 6; and
(2) from infested waters as allowed under section 97C.341, paragraph (c).
The permit shall include conditions necessary to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species.
(b) Before receiving a permit, or working for a permittee, a person annually must satisfactorily complete aquatic invasive species-related training provided by the commissioner.
The commissioner shall adopt rules:
(1) deleted text begin designatingdeleted text end new text begin listingnew text end prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, and unregulated nonnative species of aquatic plants and wild animals;
(2) governing the application for and issuance of permits under this chapter, which rules may include a fee schedule; and
(3) governing notification under section 84D.08.
The commissioner may adopt rules:
(1) regulating the possession, importation, purchase, sale, propagation, transport, and introduction of invasive species of aquatic plants and wild animals; and
(2) regulating the appropriation, use, and transportation of water from new text begin listed new text end infested waters.
The commissioner may adopt rules under section 84.027, subdivision 13, that deleted text begin designatedeleted text end new text begin listnew text end :
(1) prohibited invasive species of aquatic plants and wild animals;
(2) regulated invasive species of aquatic plants and wild animals; and
(3) unregulated nonnative species of aquatic plants and wild animals.
(a) A civil citation issued under this section must impose the following penalty amounts:
(1) for transporting aquatic macrophytes in violation of section 84D.09, $100;
(2) for placing or attempting to place into waters of the state water-related equipment that has aquatic macrophytes attached, $200;
(3) for unlawfully possessing or transporting a prohibited invasive species other than an aquatic macrophyte, $500;
(4) for placing or attempting to place into waters of the state water-related equipment that has prohibited invasive species attached when the waters are not deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listed new text end by the commissioner as being infested with that invasive species, $500;
(5) for intentionally damaging, moving, removing, or sinking a buoy marking, as prescribed by rule, Eurasian water milfoil, $100;
(6) for failing to have drain plugs or similar devices removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment or for failing to remove plugs, open valves, and drain water from water-related equipment, other than marine sanitary systems, before leaving waters of the state, $100; and
(7) for transporting infested water off riparian property without a permit as required by rule, $200.
(b) A civil citation that is issued to a person who has one or more prior convictions or final orders for violations of this chapter is subject to twice the penalty amounts listed in paragraph (a).
No construction of new facilities or other development of an authorized unit, other than repairs and maintenance, shall commence until the managing agency has prepared deleted text begin and submitted to the commissioner of natural resources and the commissioner has reviewed, pursuant to this section,deleted text end a master plan for administration of the unit in conformity with this section. No master plan is required for wildlife management areas that do not have resident managers, for scientific and natural areas, for water access sites, for aquatic management areas, for rest areas, or for boater waysides.
The managing agency shall supervise preparation of the master plan and shall utilize the professional staffs of any agency of the state when the expertise of the staff of such agency is necessary to adequately prepare the master plan; the master plan shall present the information in a format and detail that is appropriate to the size and complexity of the authorized unit. When the master plan has been completed the managing agency shall announce to the public in a manner reasonably designed to inform interested persons that the master plan is available for public review and in the case of any major unit shall hold at least one public deleted text begin hearingdeleted text end new text begin meetingnew text end on the plan in the vicinity of the unit. The managing agency shall make the master plan available for review and comment by the public and other state agencies for at least new text begin 15 days prior to the public meeting and shall accept comments on the plan for at leastnew text end 30 days deleted text begin following the announcement anddeleted text end before deleted text begin submitting the master plan to the commissioner of natural resources. Copies of the plan shall be provided to members of the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council and to any other person on requestdeleted text end new text begin approvalnew text end new text begin . The managing agency shall prepare a record of the public meeting and any comments received during the comment periodnew text end .
All master plans required by this section shall deleted text begin be submitted to the commissioner of natural resources for review pursuant to this subdivision. The commissioner of natural resources shall review the master plan to determine whether the plan: (a) providesdeleted text end new text begin :new text end
new text begin (1) providenew text end for administration of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the purposes for which the unit was authorized and with the principles governing the administration of the unit, as specified in section 86A.05 and the statutes relating to each type of unit; new text begin andnew text end
deleted text begin (b) recognizesdeleted text end new text begin (2) recognizenew text end values and resources within the unit that are primarily the responsibility of another managing agency to protect or developdeleted text begin ,deleted text end and deleted text begin providesdeleted text end new text begin providenew text end for their protection or development either through a cooperative agreement with the other managing agency or through designation of the appropriate area as a secondary unit. deleted text begin In reviewing any master plan, the commissioner of natural resources shall consult with other state agencies. Within 60 days after receiving the master plan, the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the managing agency that the plan has been reviewed and forward its recommendations for any changes it might suggest. The managing agency shall review the recommendations and notify the commissioner of natural resources of the disposition made of them. Failure to comment on a master plan within the time specified shall be considered approval of the plan by the commissioner of natural resources. If the commissioner of natural resources feels that the master plan still fails significantly to comply with this subdivision, the commissioner may request review of the master plan by the governor. In that event review shall not be deemed completed until after the master plan has been approved by the governor or 60 days have elapsed without action by the governor to approve or reject the plan, whichever occurs first.deleted text end
Construction of necessary facilities and other development of the unit shall commence as soon as practicable deleted text begin after review of the master plan by the commissioner of natural resources, and the governor if requesteddeleted text end , and shall be carried out in conformity with the master plan.
When, in the opinion of the managing agency, acquisition and development of the unit are sufficiently complete to permit operation and administration of the unit in substantial conformity with the master plan as approved, the managing agency shall declare the unit established and ready for use.
new text begin The managing agency shall prepare an amendment to a master plan to address changes proposed for a unit that would vary from the approved master plan. The master plan amendment shall address the impacts of the proposed changes to the natural and cultural resources, interpretive services, recreational opportunities, and administrative activities at the unit. The master plan amendment supersedes the master plan for those areas addressed by the amendment. The managing agency shall hold a public meeting for master plan amendments that constitute a significant change in public use or access to the unit or that may be controversial. Public notice and approval of the master plan amendment shall follow the process described in subdivision 2. Construction of necessary facilities and other development of the unit shall commence as soon as practicable after the master plan amendment is adopted. new text end
The commissioner of natural resources new text begin and the director of the Minnesota Historical Society new text end shall new text begin each new text end compile and maintain a current registry of the name, location, size, and description of all units of the outdoor recreation system under deleted text begin the commissioner's jurisdiction and under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Historical Society and the commissioner of transportation. The commissioner of natural resourcesdeleted text end new text begin their respective jurisdictions, andnew text end shall publish and distribute the information contained in the registry in a form and manner suitable to assist persons wishing to use these units. deleted text begin The Minnesota Historical Society and the commissioner of transportation shall cooperate with and assist the commissioner of natural resources in preparing and distributing the registry.deleted text end
It is the policy of the state to:
(1) pursue the sustainable management, use, and protection of the state's forest resources to achieve the state's economic, environmental, and social goals;
(2) encourage cooperation and collaboration between public and private sectors in the management of the state's forest resources;
(3) recognize and consider forest resource issues, concerns, and impacts at the sitenew text begin levelnew text end and landscape deleted text begin levelsdeleted text end new text begin levelnew text end ; and
(4) recognize the broad array of perspectives regarding the management, use, and protection of the state's forest resources, and establish new text begin and maintain new text end processes and mechanisms that seek and incorporate these perspectives in the planning and management of the state's forest resources.
Nothing in this chapter abolishes, repeals, or negates any existing authorities related to managing and protecting the state's forest resources.
The governor must appoint a chair and 15 other members to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. The Indian Affairs Council will appoint one additional member. When making appointments to the council, the governor must appoint knowledgeable individuals with an understanding of state forest resource issues who deleted text begin fairlydeleted text end reflect a balance of the various interests in the sustainable management, use, and protection of the state's forest resources in order to achieve the purpose and policies specified in subdivision 2 and section 89A.02. The council membership deleted text begin appointed by the governordeleted text end must include the following individuals:
(1) two representatives from organizations representing environmental interests within the state;
(2) a representative from an organization representing the interests of management of game species;
(3) a representative from a conservation organization;
(4) a representative from an association representing forest products industry within the state;
(5) a commercial logging contractor active in a forest product association;
(6) a representative from a statewide association representing the resort and tourism industry;
(7) a faculty or researcher of a Minnesota research or higher educational institution;
(8) new text begin a representative from an association representing family forest woodlands who is new text end an owner of nonindustrial, private forest land of 40 acres or more;
(9) an owner of nonindustrial, private forest land;
(10) a representative from the department;
(11) a county land commissioner who is a member of the Minnesota Association of County Land Commissioners;
(12) a representative from the United Statesnew text begin Department of Agriculturenew text end Forest Service unit with land management responsibility in Minnesota;
(13) a representative from a labor organization with membership having an interest in forest resource issues;
(14) an individual representing a secondary wood products manufacturing organization; deleted text begin anddeleted text end
(15) a chairnew text begin ; andnew text end
new text begin (16) an individual representing the Minnesota Indian Affairs Councilnew text end .
The council must report to the governor and to the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resource policy and finance by February 1 of each new text begin odd-numbered new text end year. The report must describe the progress and accomplishments made by the council during the preceding deleted text begin yeardeleted text end new text begin two yearsnew text end .
It is the policy of the state to encourage forest landowners, forest managers, and loggers to deleted text begin establishdeleted text end new text begin maintainnew text end a partnership in which the implementation of council recommendations can occur in a timely and coordinated manner across ownerships. The partnership shall serve as a forum for discussing operational implementation issues and problem solving related to forest resources management and planning concerns, and be responsive to the recommendations of the council. This partnership shall also actively foster collaboration and coordination among forest managersnew text begin , landowners, new text end and deleted text begin landownersdeleted text end new text begin loggersnew text end in addressing landscape-level operations and concerns. In fulfilling its responsibilities as identified in this chapter, the partnership may advise the council. Nothing in this section shall imply extra rights or influence for the partnership.
The council shall coordinate the development new text begin and periodic revision new text end of comprehensive timber harvesting and forest management guidelinesnew text begin based on the information derived from forest resources, practices, implementation, and effectiveness monitoring programs, and other information deemed appropriate by the councilnew text end . The guidelines must address the water, air, soil, biotic, recreational, new text begin cultural, new text end and aesthetic resources found in forest ecosystems by focusing on those impacts commonly associated with applying site-level forestry practices. The guidelines must reflect a range of practical and sound practices based on the best available scientific information, and be integrated to minimize conflicting recommendations while being easy to understand and implement. deleted text begin By June 30, 2003, the council shall review the guidelines and identify potential revisions. If deemed necessary, the council shall update the guidelines by June 30, 2005.deleted text end Changes to the guidelines shall be peer reviewed prior to final adoption by the council. deleted text begin By December 1999, the council must undertake a peer review of the recommendations in the forest management guidelines adopted in December 1998 for protecting forest riparian areas and seasonal ponds.deleted text end
The timber harvesting and forest management guidelines are voluntary. deleted text begin Prior to their actual use,deleted text end The council must develop new text begin and periodically assess new text end guideline implementation goals deleted text begin for each major forest land ownership categorydeleted text end new text begin that will sustain forest resourcesnew text end . If the information developed as a result of forest resources, practices, deleted text begin compliancedeleted text end new text begin implementationnew text end , and effectiveness monitoring programs conducted by the department or other information obtained by the council indicates the implementation goals for the guidelines are not being met and the council determines significant adverse impacts are occurring, the council shall recommend to the governor additional measures to address those impacts. The council must incorporate the recommendations as part of the council's biennial report required by section 89A.03, subdivision 6.
The council must deleted text begin establishdeleted text end new text begin maintainnew text end a framework that will enable long-range strategic planning and deleted text begin landscapedeleted text end coordination to occur, to the extent possible, across all forested regions of the state and across all ownerships. The framework must include:
(1) identification of the landscapes within which long-range strategic planning of forest resources can occur, provided that the landscapes must be delineated based on broadly defined ecological units and existing classification systems, yet recognize existing political and administrative boundaries and planning processes;
(2) a statement of principles and goals for landscape-based forest resource planning; and
(3) identification of a general process by which landscape-based forest resource planning occurs, provided that the process must give considerable latitude to design planning processes that fit the unique needs and resources of each landscape; reflect a balanced consideration of the economic, social, and environmental conditions and needs of each landscape; and interface and establish formats that are compatible with other landscape-based forest resource plans.
To foster landscape-based forest resource planning, the council must deleted text begin establishdeleted text end new text begin maintainnew text end regional forest resource committees. Each regional committee shall:
(1) include representative interests in a particular region that are committed to and involved in landscape planning and coordination activities;
(2) serve as a forum for landowners, managers, and representative interests to discuss landscape forest resource issues;
(3) deleted text begin identify anddeleted text end implement an open and public process whereby landscape-based strategic planning of forest resources can occur;
(4) integrate its deleted text begin reportdeleted text end new text begin landscape planning efforts new text end with existing public and private deleted text begin landscapedeleted text end new text begin land management new text end planning efforts in the region;
(5) facilitate landscape coordination between deleted text begin existing regional landscape planning efforts ofdeleted text end land managersnew text begin in the regionnew text end , both public and private;
(6) identify and facilitate opportunities for public participation in deleted text begin existingdeleted text end landscape planning new text begin and coordination new text end efforts in deleted text begin thisdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end region;
(7) identify sustainable forest resource goals for the landscape and deleted text begin strategiesdeleted text end new text begin objectivesnew text end to achieve those goals; deleted text begin anddeleted text end
new text begin (8) periodically recommend that the council undertake revisions of the region's landscape plan; and new text end
deleted text begin (8)deleted text end new text begin (9)new text end provide deleted text begin adeleted text end regional deleted text begin perspectivedeleted text end new text begin perspectivesnew text end to the council with respect to council activities.
new text begin By November 1 of each even-numbered year, new text end each regional committee must report to the council its work activities and accomplishments.
The commissioner shall deleted text begin establishdeleted text end new text begin maintainnew text end a program for monitoring broad trends and conditions in the state's forest resources at statewide, landscape, and site levels. The council shall provide oversight and program direction for the deleted text begin development anddeleted text end implementation of the monitoring program. To the extent possible, the information generated under the monitoring program must be reported in formats consistent with the landscape regions used to accomplish the planning and coordination activities specified in section 89A.06. To the extent possible, the program must incorporate data generated by existing resource monitoring programs. deleted text begin The commissioner shall report to the council information on current conditions and recent trends in the state's forest resources.deleted text end
The commissioner shall deleted text begin establishdeleted text end new text begin maintainnew text end a program for monitoring deleted text begin silvicultural practices anddeleted text end application of the timber harvesting and forest management guidelines at statewide, landscape, and site levels. The council shall provide oversight and program direction for the deleted text begin development anddeleted text end implementation of the monitoring program. To the extent possible, the information generated by the monitoring program must be reported in formats consistent with the landscape regions used to accomplish the planning and coordination activities specified in section 89A.06. The commissioner shall report to the council on the nature and extent of deleted text begin silvicultural practices used, and compliance withdeleted text end the new text begin implementation of the new text end timber harvesting and forest management guidelines.
The deleted text begin commissionerdeleted text end new text begin councilnew text end , in cooperation with deleted text begin otherdeleted text end research and land management organizations, shall evaluate the effectiveness of practices to mitigate impacts of timber harvesting and forest management activities on the state's forest resources. deleted text begin The council shall provide oversight and program direction for the development and implementation of this monitoring program. The commissioner shall report to the council on the effectiveness of these practices.deleted text end
deleted text begin The council shall monitor the implementation of other programs, formal studies, and initiatives affecting Minnesota's forest resources. deleted text end
The council shall deleted text begin facilitate the establishment ofdeleted text end new text begin administernew text end a new text begin public concerns registration new text end process to accept comments from the public on deleted text begin negligentdeleted text end timber harvesting or forest management practices.
The council new text begin chair new text end shall appoint a Forest Resources Research Advisory Committeenew text begin and a chair of that committeenew text end . deleted text begin Notwithstanding section 15.059, the council does not expire.deleted text end The committee must consist of representatives of:
(1) the College of deleted text begin Natural Resourcesdeleted text end new text begin Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciencesnew text end , University of Minnesota;
(2) the Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesotanew text begin , Duluthnew text end ;
(3) the department;
(4) the deleted text begin North Central Forest Experimentdeleted text end new text begin Northern Researchnew text end Station, United States new text begin Department of Agriculture new text end Forest Service; and
(5) other organizations as deemed appropriate by the council.
The purpose of the advisory committee is to deleted text begin foster the identificationdeleted text end new text begin identifynew text end and deleted text begin undertaking ofdeleted text end new text begin initiatenew text end priority forest resources research activities by encouraging:
(1) collaboration between organizations with responsibilities for conducting forest resources research;
(2) linkages between researchers in different disciplines in conducting forest resources research; deleted text begin anddeleted text end
(3) interaction and communication between researchers and practitioners in the development and use of forest resources researchnew text begin ; andnew text end
new text begin (4) communication with the legislature on funding the council's priority forest resources research activitiesnew text end .
The advisory committee shall periodically undertake an assessment of strategic directions in forest resources research. The assessment must be based on input provided by administrators, researchers, practitioners, and the general public, and include:
(1) an assessment of the current status of deleted text begin forestrydeleted text end new text begin forestnew text end resources research in the state;
(2) an identification of important forest resource issues in need of research;
(3) an identification of priority forest research activities whose results will enable a better understanding of site-level and landscape-level impacts resulting from timber harvesting and forest management activities; and
(4) an assessment of the progress toward addressing the priority forest resources research needs identified.
The forest resources research assessment must be made widely available to the research community, forest managers and users, and the public.
The dean of the deleted text begin University of Minnesota,deleted text end College of new text begin Food, Agricultural and new text end Natural deleted text begin Resourcesdeleted text end new text begin Resource Sciences, University of Minnesotanew text end , deleted text begin shall bedeleted text end new text begin isnew text end encouraged to deleted text begin coordinate the establishment ofdeleted text end new text begin maintain new text end an Interagency Information Cooperativedeleted text begin . Members of the cooperativedeleted text end new text begin thatnew text end must includenew text begin members fromnew text end :
(1) the deleted text begin University of Minnesota,deleted text end College of new text begin Food, Agricultural and new text end Natural deleted text begin Resourcesdeleted text end new text begin Resource Sciences, University of Minnesotanew text end ;
(2) the deleted text begin University of Minnesota,deleted text end Natural Resources Research Institutenew text begin , University of Minnesota, Duluthnew text end ;
(3) the department;
(4) the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office;
(5) the Minnesota Association of County Land Commissioners;
(6) the United Statesnew text begin Department of Agriculturenew text end Forest Service; and
(7) other organizations as deemed appropriate by the membersnew text begin of the cooperativenew text end .
The purposes of the cooperative are to:
(1) coordinate the development and use of forest resources data in the state;
(2) promote the development of statewide guidelines and common language to enhance the ability of public and private organizations and institutions to share forest resources data;
(3) promote the development of information systems that support access to important forest resources data;
(4) promote improvement in the accuracy, reliability, and statistical soundness of fundamental forest resources data;
(5) promote linkages and integration of forest resources data to other natural resource information;
(6) promote access and use of forest resources data and information systems in decision-making by a variety of public and private organizations;new text begin andnew text end
(7) promote expanding the capacity and reliability of forest growth, succession, and other types of ecological modelsdeleted text begin ; anddeleted text end new text begin .new text end
deleted text begin (8) conduct a needs assessment for improving the quality and quantity of information systems. deleted text end
new text begin By November 1 of each even-numbered year, new text end the information cooperative shall report to the council its accomplishments in fulfilling the responsibilities identified in this section.
It is the policy of the state to encourage timber harvesters and forest resource professionals to deleted text begin establishdeleted text end new text begin maintainnew text end continuing education programs within their respective professions that promote sustainable forest managementnew text begin , including the Minnesota Logger Education Program and the University of Minnesota Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative, respectivelynew text end . deleted text begin The council shall, where appropriate, facilitate the development of these programs.deleted text end
new text begin Implementation of this chapter is subject to biennial appropriations of the legislature. new text end
Sections 89A.01; 89A.02; 89A.03; 89A.04; 89A.05; 89A.06; 89A.07; 89A.08; 89A.09; 89A.10;new text begin ;new text end and 89A.11, are repealed June 30, deleted text begin 2017deleted text end new text begin 2021new text end .
A person who takes any of the following deleted text begin Asiandeleted text end new text begin invasive new text end carp species must report the type of carp taken to the commissioner within seven days of taking:
(1) grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella);
(2) bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis); or
(3) silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix).
new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end
Subject to the applicable provisions of the game and fish laws, fish taken under commercial fishing licenses may be possessed in any quantity, bought, sold, and transported at any time. Commercial fishing licensees may transport their catch live to holding facilities, if the licensee has exclusive control of the facilities. Commercial fishing licensees may harvest fish from their holding facilities at any time with their licensed gear. The commissioner may prohibit the transport of live fish taken under a commercial fishing license from waters that contain nonnative species, are deleted text begin designateddeleted text end new text begin listednew text end as infested waters, or are infected with any certifiable disease.
In counties or watershed districts having drainage systems constructed in accordance with this chapter, the drainage authority shall appoint a competent person as drainage inspector. new text begin The inspector must not be a county commissioner. new text end The inspector may be the county highway engineer. The inspector shall examine the drainage systems designated by the drainage authority. The drainage authority shall specify the appointment period and compensation.
new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2015. new text end
(a) The commissioner, upon determining that sufficient technical information is available for the delineation of floodplains and floodways on a watercourse, deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin maynew text end notify affected local governmental units that technical information is available. deleted text begin Within six months after receiving this notice,deleted text end The local governmental units shall prepare or amend their floodplain management ordinances in conformance with the provisions of sections 103F.101 to 103F.155 and shall submit the ordinance to the commissioner for review and approval before adoption.
(b) The commissioner shall approve or disapprove the proposed ordinance within 120 days after receiving it.
(c) If the proposed ordinance is disapproved, the commissioner shall return it to the local governmental unit with a written statement of reasons for disapproval. Within 90 days after disapproval, the local governmental unit shall resubmit an amended proposed ordinance for further review and approval before adoption. The local governmental unit shall adopt a floodplain management ordinance within 90 days after approval by the commissioner.
(d) A floodplain management ordinance adopted by a local governmental unit is invalid unless it is approved by the commissioner.
(e) A local governmental unit may adopt a floodplain management ordinance in the absence of notification by the commissioner that the required technical data is available, provided that any such ordinance is submitted to the commissioner prior to its adoption for approval.
(f) A local governmental unit may adopt a floodplain management ordinance that is more restrictive than required under sections 103F.101 to 103F.155.
(g) Floodplain management ordinances may be amended by a local governmental unit upon the approval of the commissioner.
(a) If a floodplain has been delineated by a floodplain management ordinance under sections 103F.101 to 103F.155, deleted text begin a majordeleted text end alteration to a structure in existence on the effective date of the ordinance or a new fill, structure, deposit, or other floodplain use that is deleted text begin unreasonably hazardous to the public or that unduly restricts the capacity of the floodplain to carry and discharge a regional flooddeleted text end new text begin not in accordance with the local governmental unit's adopted floodplain management ordinancenew text end may not be permitted after the effective date of the ordinance delineating the floodplain.
deleted text begin (b) As used in this subdivision, major alterations of existing structures do not include repair or maintenance and do not include repairs, maintenance, or alterations to structures made under the authority of another authorized agency of the state or federal government. deleted text end
deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b)new text end This subdivision does not apply to alterations, repair, or maintenance reasonably done under emergency circumstances to preserve or protect life deleted text begin or propertydeleted text end .
deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end This subdivision applies to alterations to existing structures and to new fill, structures, deposits, or other floodplain uses by the state and state agencies.
deleted text begin Within 120 daysdeleted text end After receiving notice deleted text begin of inclusion on the amended list,deleted text end new text begin from the commissioner or the Federal Emergency Management Agency that flood hazard areas have been identified,new text end each local governmental unit deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin is encouraged tonew text end apply for participation in the national flood insurance program in the manner prescribed by federal laws and regulations.
A public waters work permit is not required for:
(1) work in altered natural watercourses that are part of drainage systems established under chapter 103D or 103E if the work in the waters is undertaken according to chapter 103D or 103E;new text begin ornew text end
(2) a drainage project for a drainage system established under chapter 103E that does not substantially affect public watersdeleted text begin ; ordeleted text end new text begin .new text end
deleted text begin (3) removal of debris, including logs that are at or near the water surface, dead trees and branches, and trash, that does not alter the original alignment, slope, or cross section of the waters. deleted text end
Groundwater appropriations thatnew text begin willnew text end have deleted text begin potentialdeleted text end new text begin negativenew text end impacts to surface waters are subject to applicable provisions in section 103G.285.
(a) The commissioner may designate groundwater management areas and limit total annual water appropriations and uses within a designated area to ensure sustainable use of groundwater that protects ecosystems, water quality, and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Water appropriations and uses within a designated management area must be consistent with a new text begin groundwater management area new text end plan approved by the commissioner that addresses water conservation requirements and water allocation priorities established in section 103G.261.new text begin At least 30 days prior to implementing or modifying a groundwater management area plan under this subdivision, the commissioner shall consult with the advisory team established in paragraph (c).new text end
(b) Notwithstanding section 103G.271, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and Minnesota Rules, within designated groundwater management areas, the commissioner may require general permits as specified in section 103G.271, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), for water users using less than 10,000 gallons per day or 1,000,000 gallons per year and water suppliers serving less than 25 persons for domestic purposes. The commissioner may waive the requirements under section 103G.281 for general permits issued under this paragraph, and the fee specified in section 103G.301, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), does not apply to general permits issued under this paragraph.
new text begin (c) When designating a groundwater management area, the commissioner shall assemble an advisory team to assist in developing a groundwater management area plan for the area. The advisory team members shall be selected from public and private entities that have an interest in the water resources affected by the groundwater management area. A majority of the advisory team members shall be public and private entities that currently hold water use permits for water appropriations from the affected water resources. The commissioner shall consult with the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts, and the Minnesota Association of Townships in appointing the local government representatives to the advisory team. The advisory team may also include representatives from the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, other institutions of higher learning in Minnesota, political subdivisions with jurisdiction over water issues, nonprofits with expertise in water, and federal agencies. new text end
(a) Except as provided in subdivision 2, the commissioner must act on a water use permit within deleted text begin 30deleted text end new text begin 150new text end days after the new text begin completed new text end application for the permit deleted text begin and the required data are filed in the commissioner's officedeleted text end new text begin has been submitted. Within 30 business days of application for a water use permit, the commissioner shall notify the applicant, in writing, whether the application is complete or incompletenew text end .
(b) The commissioner must direct a hearing to be held on a water use permit application or make an order issuing a permit or denying a permit.
(a) "Invasive aquatic plant management permit" means an aquatic plant management permit as defined in rules of the Department of Natural Resources that authorizes the selective control of invasive aquatic plants deleted text begin at a scaledeleted text end to cause a significant deleted text begin lakewide or baywidedeleted text end reduction in the abundance of the invasive aquatic plant.
(b) The commissioner may waive the dated signature of approval requirement in rules of the Department of Natural Resources for invasive aquatic plant management permits if obtaining signatures would create an undue burden on the permittee or if the commissioner determines that aquatic plant control is necessary to protect natural resources.
(c) If the signature requirement is waived under paragraph (b) because obtaining signatures would create an undue burden on the permittee, the commissioner shall require an alternate form of landowner notification, including news releases or public notices in a local newspaper, a public meeting, or a mailing to the most recent permanent address of affected landowners. The notification must be given annually and must include: the proposed date of treatment, the target species, the method of control or product being used, and instructions on how the landowner may request that control not occur adjacent to the landowner's property.
(d) The commissioner may allow dated signatures of approval obtained for an invasive aquatic plant management permit to satisfy rules of the Department of Natural Resources to remain valid for three years if property ownership remains unchanged.
(a) In addition to the definitions in this subdivision, the definitions in sections 115A.03 and 115B.02 apply to sections 115B.39 to 115B.445, except as specifically modified in this subdivision.
(b) "Cleanup order" means a consent order between responsible persons and the agency or an order issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under section 106 of the federal Superfund Act.
(c) "Closure" means actions to prevent or minimize the threat to public health and the environment posed by a mixed municipal solid waste disposal facility that has stopped accepting waste by controlling the sources of releases or threatened releases at the facility. "Closure" includes removing contaminated equipment and liners; applying final cover; grading and seeding final cover; installing wells, borings, and other monitoring devices; constructing groundwater and surface water diversion structures; and installing gas control systems and site security systems, as necessary. The commissioner may authorize use of final cover that includes processed materials that meet the requirements in Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, section 503.32, paragraph (a).
(d) "Closure upgrade" means construction activity that will, at a minimum, modify an existing cover so that it satisfies current rule requirements for mixed municipal solid waste land disposal facilities.
(e) "Contingency action" means organized, planned, or coordinated courses of action to be followed in case of fire, explosion, or release of solid waste, waste by-products, or leachate that could threaten human health or the environment.
(f) "Corrective action" means steps taken to repair facility structures including liners, monitoring wells, separation equipment, covers, and aeration devices and to bring the facility into compliance with design, construction, groundwater, surface water, and air emission standards.
(g) "Decomposition gases" means gases produced by chemical or microbial activity during the decomposition of solid waste.
(h) "Dump materials" means nonhazardous mixed municipal solid wastes disposed at a Minnesota waste disposal site other than a qualified facility prior to 1973.
(i) "Environmental response action" means response action at a qualified facility, including corrective action, closure, postclosure care; contingency action; environmental studies, including remedial investigations and feasibility studies; engineering, including remedial design; removal; remedial action; site construction; and other similar cleanup-related activities.
(j) "Environmental response costs" means:
(1) costs of environmental response action, not including legal or administrative expenses; and
(2) costs required to be paid to the federal government under section 107(a) of the federal Superfund Act, as amended.
(k) "Postclosure" or "postclosure care" means actions taken for the care, maintenance, and monitoring of closure actions at a mixed municipal solid waste disposal facility.
(l) "Qualified facility" means a mixed municipal solid waste disposal facility as described in the most recent agency permit, including adjacent property used for solid waste disposal that did not occur under a permit from the agency, that:
(1)(i) is or was permitted by the agency;
(ii) stopped accepting solid waste, except demolition debris, for disposal by April 9, 1994; and
(iii) stopped accepting demolition debris for disposal by June 1, 1994, except that demolition debris may be accepted until May 1, 1995, at a permitted area where disposal of demolition debris is allowed, if the area where the demolition debris is deposited is at least 50 feet from the fill boundary of the area where mixed municipal solid waste was deposited; or
(2)deleted text begin (i)deleted text end is or was permitted by the agency; and
deleted text begin (ii)deleted text end new text begin (i)new text end stopped accepting waste by January 1, 2000, except that demolition debris, industrial waste, and municipal solid waste combustor ash may be accepted until January 1, 2001, at a permitted area where disposal of such waste is allowed, if the area where the waste is deposited is at least 50 feet from the fill boundary of the area where mixed municipal solid waste was depositednew text begin ; ornew text end
new text begin (ii) stopped accepting waste by January 1, 2019, and is located in a county that meets all applicable recycling goals in section 115A.551 and that has arranged for all mixed municipal solid waste generated in the county to be delivered to and processed by a resource recovery facility located in the county for at least 20 yearsnew text end .
new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end
Where there is potential for significant environmental effects resulting from any major governmental action, the action shall be preceded by a detailed environmental impact statement prepared by the responsible governmental unit. The environmental impact statement shall be an analytical rather than an encyclopedic document which describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes its significant environmental impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the proposed action and their impacts, and explores methods by which adverse environmental impacts of an action could be mitigated. The environmental impact statement shall also analyze those economic, employment, and sociological effects that cannot be avoided should the action be implemented. To ensure its use in the decision-making process, the environmental impact statement shall be prepared as early as practical in the formulation of an action.
(a) The board shall by rule establish categories of actions for which environmental impact statements and for which environmental assessment worksheets shall be prepared as well as categories of actions for which no environmental review is required under this section. A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet shall not be required for the expansion of an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), or the conversion of an ethanol plant to a biobutanol facility or the expansion of a biobutanol facility as defined in section 41A.105, subdivision 1a, based on the capacity of the expanded or converted facility to produce alcohol fuel, but must be required if the ethanol plant or biobutanol facility meets or exceeds thresholds of other categories of actions for which environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared. The responsible governmental unit for an ethanol plant or biobutanol facility project for which an environmental assessment worksheet is prepared shall be the state agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or approving the project as a whole.
A mandatory environmental impact statement shall not be required for a facility or plant located outside the seven-county metropolitan area that produces less than 125,000,000 gallons of ethanol, biobutanol, or cellulosic biofuel annually, new text begin or produces less than 400,000 tons of chemicals annually, new text end if the facility or plant is: an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b); a biobutanol facility, as defined in section 41A.105, subdivision 1a, clause (1); or a cellulosic biofuel facility, as defined in section 41A.10, subdivision 1, paragraph (d)new text begin . A facility or plant that only uses a cellulosic feedstock to produce chemical products for use by another facility as a feedstock shall not be considered a fuel conversion facility as used in rules adopted under this chapternew text end .
(b) The responsible governmental unit shall promptly publish notice of the completion of an environmental assessment worksheet by publishing the notice in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the geographic area where the project is proposed, by posting the notice on a Web site that has been designated as the official publication site for publication of proceedings, public notices, and summaries of a political subdivision in which the project is proposed, or in any other manner determined by the board and shall provide copies of the environmental assessment worksheet to the board and its member agencies. Comments on the need for an environmental impact statement may be submitted to the responsible governmental unit during a 30-day period following publication of the notice that an environmental assessment worksheet has been completed. The responsible governmental unit's decision on the need for an environmental impact statement shall be based on the environmental assessment worksheet and the comments received during the comment period, and shall be made within 15 days after the close of the comment period. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 additional days upon the request of the responsible governmental unit.
(c) An environmental assessment worksheet shall also be prepared for a proposed action whenever material evidence accompanying a petition by not less than 100 individuals who reside or own property in the state, submitted before the proposed project has received final approval by the appropriate governmental units, demonstrates that, because of the nature or location of a proposed action, there may be potential for significant environmental effects. Petitions requesting the preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet shall be submitted to the board. The chair of the board shall determine the appropriate responsible governmental unit and forward the petition to it. A decision on the need for an environmental assessment worksheet shall be made by the responsible governmental unit within 15 days after the petition is received by the responsible governmental unit. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 additional days upon request of the responsible governmental unit.
(d) Except in an environmentally sensitive location where Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, subpart 29, item B, applies, the proposed action is exempt from environmental review under this chapter and rules of the board, if:
(1) the proposed action is:
(i) an animal feedlot facility with a capacity of less than 1,000 animal units; or
(ii) an expansion of an existing animal feedlot facility with a total cumulative capacity of less than 1,000 animal units;
(2) the application for the animal feedlot facility includes a written commitment by the proposer to design, construct, and operate the facility in full compliance with Pollution Control Agency feedlot rules; and
(3) the county board holds a public meeting for citizen input at least ten business days prior to the Pollution Control Agency or county issuing a feedlot permit for the animal feedlot facility unless another public meeting for citizen input has been held with regard to the feedlot facility to be permitted. The exemption in this paragraph is in addition to other exemptions provided under other law and rules of the board.
(e) The board may, prior to final approval of a proposed project, require preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet by a responsible governmental unit selected by the board for any action where environmental review under this section has not been specifically provided for by rule or otherwise initiated.
(f) An early and open process shall be utilized to limit the scope of the environmental impact statement to a discussion of those impacts, which, because of the nature or location of the project, have the potential for significant environmental effects. The same process shall be utilized to determine the form, content and level of detail of the statement as well as the alternatives which are appropriate for consideration in the statement. In addition, the permits which will be required for the proposed action shall be identified during the scoping process. Further, the process shall identify those permits for which information will be developed concurrently with the environmental impact statement. The board shall provide in its rules for the expeditious completion of the scoping process. The determinations reached in the process shall be incorporated into the order requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement.
(g) The responsible governmental unit shall, to the extent practicable, avoid duplication and ensure coordination between state and federal environmental review and between environmental review and environmental permitting. Whenever practical, information needed by a governmental unit for making final decisions on permits or other actions required for a proposed project shall be developed in conjunction with the preparation of an environmental impact statement. When an environmental impact statement is prepared for a project requiring multiple permits for which two or more agencies' decision processes include either mandatory or discretionary hearings before a hearing officer prior to the agencies' decision on the permit, the agencies may, notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, conduct the hearings in a single consolidated hearing process if requested by the proposer. All agencies having jurisdiction over a permit that is included in the consolidated hearing shall participate. The responsible governmental unit shall establish appropriate procedures for the consolidated hearing process, including procedures to ensure that the consolidated hearing process is consistent with the applicable requirements for each permit regarding the rights and duties of parties to the hearing, and shall utilize the earliest applicable hearing procedure to initiate the hearing. The procedures of section 116C.28, subdivision 2, apply to the consolidated hearing.
(h) An environmental impact statement shall be prepared and its adequacy determined within 280 days after notice of its preparation unless the time is extended by consent of the parties or by the governor for good cause. The responsible governmental unit shall determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement, unless within 60 days after notice is published that an environmental impact statement will be prepared, the board chooses to determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement. If an environmental impact statement is found to be inadequate, the responsible governmental unit shall have 60 days to prepare an adequate environmental impact statement.
(i) The proposer of a specific action may include in the information submitted to the responsible governmental unit a preliminary draft environmental impact statement under this section on that action for review, modification, and determination of completeness and adequacy by the responsible governmental unit. A preliminary draft environmental impact statement prepared by the project proposer and submitted to the responsible governmental unit shall identify or include as an appendix all studies and other sources of information used to substantiate the analysis contained in the preliminary draft environmental impact statement. The responsible governmental unit shall require additional studies, if needed, and obtain from the project proposer all additional studies and information necessary for the responsible governmental unit to perform its responsibility to review, modify, and determine the completeness and adequacy of the environmental impact statement.
new text begin "Off-road recreational vehicle" means a snowmobile as defined in section 84.81, subdivision 3, and an off-highway vehicle, as defined in section 84.771. new text end
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end
No person shall knowingly tamper with, adjust, alter, change, set back, disconnect or, with intent to defraud, fail to connect the odometer of any motor vehiclenew text begin or off-road recreational vehiclenew text end , or cause any of the foregoing to occur to an odometer of a motor vehiclenew text begin or off-road recreational vehiclenew text end , so as to reflect a lower mileage than has actually been driven by the motor vehiclenew text begin or off-road recreational vehiclenew text end .
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end
No person shall advertise for sale, sell, use or install on any part of a motor vehicle new text begin or off-road recreational vehicle, new text end or on any odometer in a motor vehicle new text begin or off-road recreational vehicle, new text end any device deleted text begin whichdeleted text end new text begin thatnew text end causes the odometer to register any mileage other than the true mileage.
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end
No person shall sell or offer for sale any motor vehicle new text begin or off-road recreational vehicle new text end with knowledge that the mileage registered on the odometer has been altered so as to reflect a lower mileage than has actually been driven by the motor vehicle new text begin or off-road recreational vehicle new text end without disclosing deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end fact to prospective purchasers.
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end
Nothing in this section shall prevent the service, repair, or replacement of an odometer, provided the mileage indicated thereon remains the same as before the service, repair, or replacement. Where the odometer is incapable of registering the same mileage as before deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin thenew text end service, repair, or replacement, the odometer shall be adjusted to read zero and a written notice shall be attached to the left door frame of the new text begin motor new text end vehicle by the owner or an agent specifying the mileage prior to repair or replacement of the odometer and the date on which it was repaired or replaced. No person shall remove or alter deleted text begin suchdeleted text end a notice so affixed.
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date. new text end
new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall develop a master plan in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.09, to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Minnesota River Valley area in Redwood and Renville Counties and to provide for the shared use, enjoyment, and understanding of these resources through a broad selection of outdoor recreational opportunities and recreational travel routes that connect units of the outdoor recreation system in the river valley, including a connection to the Minnesota River State Trail authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 85.015, subdivision 22. The plan shall address the impacts to the natural and cultural resources, interpretive services, recreational opportunities, and administrative activities in the area and also provide recommendations on the unit designation of the area under the Outdoor Recreation Act. new text end
new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall not propose laws to the legislature that contain the term "Asian carp." The commissioner shall use the term "invasive carp" or refer to the specific species in any proposed laws, rules, or official documents when referring to carp species that are not naturalized to the waters of this state. new text end
new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end
new text begin (a) The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 6234.0600, to add the following language: "A person may use dogs to pursue rabbits and hares without killing or capturing the rabbits and hares at any time during the year except from April 16 to July 14 or under permit." new text end
new text begin (b) The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388. new text end
new text begin The revisor of statutes shall delete the term in column A and insert the term in column B in Minnesota Rules, parts 6216.0100, 6216.0250, 6216.0260, 6216.0270, 6216.0290, 6216.0300, 6216.0400, 6216.0500, and 6260.0300. new text end
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new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 84.521; 89.01, subdivision 7; 89A.05, subdivisions 2a and 4; 89A.06, subdivision 2a; 103F.121, subdivisions 3 and 4; and 103F.165, subdivision 2, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end
Presented to the governor May 16, 2014
Signed by the governor May 21, 2014, 10:55 a.m.
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes