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 paragraph shall be implemented 
1.11 	in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota.
1.12 	(b) $125,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Minnesota Forest 
1.13 	Resources Council for its support of the Forest Protection Task Force in further developing 
1.14 	a tree pest response plan that involves all stakeholders in the development of roles and 
1.15 	responsibilities. The Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall provide 
1.16 	expertise and advice to the task force.
1.17 	(c) $5,000,000 shall be transferred from the general fund to an emergency forest 
1.18 	pest response account in the natural resources fund that is available as needed as a 
1.19 	short-term loan to the commissioner of agriculture to fund emergency response to a tree 
1.20 	pest invasion that exceeds general agency resources until it can be repaid by state and 
1.21 	federal appropriations.