1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; providing for extension of timber permits in the 
1.3 	event of adverse climatic conditions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 
1.4 	90.041, by adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 90.041, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 8.Adverse climatic conditions. The commissioner may declare an 
1.9 	emergency in the event of widespread abnormal climatic conditions that prevent the 
1.10 	proper and timely harvest of existing permits for standing timber. In the event of an 
1.11 	emergency declaration, the commissioner may grant extensions, without penalty or 
1.12 	interest, and may modify the terms and conditions of existing permits for standing timber 
1.13 	to allow for the harvest of the standing timber in an environmentally sound manner under 
1.14 	favorable climatic conditions.

1.15 	Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 1.16 	Section 1 is effective the day following final enactment.