1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; appropriating money for forest protection.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. FOREST PROTECTION APPROPRIATIONS.
 1.5 	(a) $1,500,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of natural 
1.6 	resources to establish a statewide early detection system for invasive tree pests that 
1.7 	threaten the health of Minnesota's community and natural forests. The early detection 
1.8 	system shall include increasing public awareness for purposes of preventing introduction 
1.9 	and promoting detection through the training and coordination of volunteers throughout 
1.10 	the state to be early detectors of invasive tree pests. This appropriation shall also be used 
1.11 	to determine a baseline contribution of the Minnesota community and natural forests to 
1.12 	the achievement of state environmental goals in clean water, reducing greenhouse gases, 
1.13 	and reducing fossil fuel energy demands through renewable fuel provision and energy 
1.14 	savings. This paragraph shall be implemented in partnership with the Department of 
1.15 	Agriculture and the University of Minnesota.
1.16 	(b) $125,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Minnesota Forest 
1.17 	Resources Council for its support of the Forest Protection Task Force in further developing 
1.18 	a tree pest response plan that involves all stakeholders in the development of roles and 
1.19 	responsibilities. The Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall provide 
1.20 	expertise and advice to the task force.
1.21 	(c) $30,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of natural 
1.22 	resources for the releaf program under Minnesota Statutes, section 88.82. Up to five 
1.23 	percent of this appropriation is available for storm damage replanting. The commissioner 
1.24 	shall advise local governments applying for these funds on the value of planting a more 
2.1 	diverse and disease resistant forest, the use of trees for storm water retention, and selection 
2.2 	and planting methods that reduce the energy consumption of nearby buildings.
2.3 	(d) $5,000,000 shall be transferred from the general fund to an emergency forest 
2.4 	pest response account in the natural resources fund that is available as needed as a 
2.5 	short-term loan to the commissioner of agriculture to fund emergency response to a tree 
2.6 	pest invasion that exceeds general agency resources until it can be repaid by state and 
2.7 	federal appropriations.