1.1                          A bill for an act
  1.2             relating to forests; creating a program to restore the 
  1.3             white pine; amending Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 
  1.4             89.37, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in 
  1.5             Minnesota Statutes, chapter 89. 
  1.6   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.7      Section 1.  [89.017] [TITLE.] 
  1.8      This act shall be known as the "Restore the White Pine Act."
  1.9      Sec. 2.  [89.018] [WHITE PINE HARVESTING MORATORIUM.] 
  1.10     Until December 31, 1997, no white pine may be cut by the 
  1.11  commissioner or sold for cutting or harvesting on public land, 
  1.12  except as approved by the commissioner for thinning to prevent 
  1.13  disease.  
  1.14     Sec. 3.  [89.019] [WHITE PINE PLANTING.] 
  1.15     Where planting trees in the state, the commissioner must 
  1.16  give highest priority to the planting, establishment, and 
  1.17  protection of white pine in ecological regions where 
  1.18  appropriate.  Existing white pine on public land must be 
  1.19  protected to the greatest extent possible from disease and 
  1.20  wildlife predation. 
  1.21     Sec. 4.  [89.0191] [RESEARCH.] 
  1.22     Forest research institutions in the state, including the 
  1.23  department of natural resources, the University of Minnesota, 
  1.24  and the natural resources research institute, shall seek funds 
  1.25  and give highest priority in their research efforts to the 
  2.1   establishment, enhancement, and regeneration of white pine. 
  2.2      Sec. 5.  [89.0192] [PRIVATE LAND PROTECTION.] 
  2.3      The commissioner shall provide information on the 
  2.4   protection and restoration of white pine to counties, 
  2.5   municipalities, townships, and private forest owners who are 
  2.6   encouraged to make every effort to protect and restore white 
  2.7   pine in their areas. 
  2.8      Sec. 6.  [89.0193] [MANAGEMENT PLAN.] 
  2.9      The commissioner, by December 31, 1997, must complete a 
  2.10  comprehensive management plan for the protection, establishment, 
  2.11  enhancement, and restoration of white pine in appropriate 
  2.12  ecological regions of the state.  The commissioner shall 
  2.13  identify necessary economic incentives to establish white pine 
  2.14  under public and private forest ownership.  The plan shall 
  2.15  include a survey to use the county biological survey and other 
  2.16  data gathering techniques to identify white pine in the state.  
  2.17  The commissioner must seek advice from all interested parties in 
  2.18  completing the management plan. 
  2.19     Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 89.37, 
  2.20  subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
  2.21     Subdivision 1.  [PLANTING CONDITIONS.] The commissioner of 
  2.22  natural resources may supply planting stock produced or procured 
  2.23  hereunder for use on any public or private lands within the 
  2.24  state for the purposes herein authorized under such conditions 
  2.25  as the commissioner may prescribe for planting, care, and 
  2.26  maintenance in furtherance of such purposes.  The commissioner 
  2.27  of natural resources shall promote the planting of white pine 
  2.28  stock in ecological regions of the state where appropriate.