1.1A bill for an act1.2relating to state government; appropriating money from outdoor heritage fund 1.3and clean water fund; modifying Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council 1.4provisions; modifying legacy funds provisions; modifying prior appropriations;1.5amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivisions 2, 10, by 1.6adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, sections 85.53, 1.7subdivision 2; 129D.17, subdivision 2; Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 1.82, article 1, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3, 5; article 4, section 2, subdivision 3.1.9BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:1.10ARTICLE 11.11OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND

1.12Section 1. OUTDOOR HERITAGE APPROPRIATION.

1.13The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the 1.14agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the 1.15outdoor heritage fund for the fiscal year indicated for each purpose. The figures "2016" 1.16and "2017" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available 1.17for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, or June 30, 2017, respectively. "The first year" is 1.18fiscal year 2016. "The second year" is fiscal year 2017. "The biennium" is fiscal years 1.192016 and 2017. The appropriations in this article are onetime.

1.20APPROPRIATIONS1.21Available for the Year1.22Ending June 301.2320162017

1.24Sec. 2. OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND

1.25Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation$-0-$107,777,000

2.1This appropriation is from the outdoor 2.2heritage fund. The amounts that may be 2.3spent for each purpose are specified in the 2.4following subdivisions. 

2.5Subd. 2.Prairies-0-31,000,000

2.62.72.8(a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase VIII

2.9$3,250,000 the second year is to the 2.10commissioner of natural resources to acquire 2.11land in fee for wildlife management purposes 2.12under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, 2.13subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee 2.14for scientific and natural area purposes 2.15under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, 2.16subdivision 5. Subject to evaluation criteria 2.17in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority 2.18must be given to acquisition of lands that 2.19are eligible for the native prairie bank under 2.20Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands 2.21adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of 2.22proposed land acquisitions must be provided 2.23as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2.242.25(b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VIII

2.26$5,229,000 the second year is to the 2.27commissioner of natural resources for 2.28an agreement with Pheasants Forever to 2.29acquire in fee and restore lands for wildlife 2.30management area purposes under Minnesota 2.31Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. 2.32Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota 2.33Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be 2.34given to acquisition of lands that are eligible 2.35for the native prairie bank under Minnesota 2.36Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to 3.1protected native prairie. A list of proposed 3.2land acquisitions must be provided as part of 3.3the required accomplishment plan.

3.43.5(c) Martin County/Fox Lake Wildlife Management Area Acquisition

3.6$1,000,000 the second year is to the 3.7commissioner of natural resources for an 3.8agreement with Fox Lake Conservation 3.9League, Inc. to acquire land in fee and restore 3.10strategic prairie grassland, wetland, and other 3.11wildlife habitat for wildlife management area 3.12purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.1386A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed 3.14acquisitions must be provided as part of the 3.15required accomplishment plan.

3.163.17(d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase VII

3.18$2,754,000 the second year is to the 3.19commissioner of natural resources for an 3.20agreement with The Nature Conservancy 3.21in cooperation with the United States Fish 3.22and Wildlife Service to acquire land in fee 3.23or permanent conservation easements and 3.24restore lands within the Northern Tallgrass 3.25Prairie Habitat Preservation Area in western 3.26Minnesota for addition to the Northern 3.27Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. 3.28Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota 3.29Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be 3.30given to acquisition of lands that are eligible 3.31for the native prairie bank under Minnesota 3.32Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to 3.33protected native prairie. A list of proposed 3.34land acquisitions must be provided as part 3.35of the required accomplishment plan and 4.1must be consistent with the priorities in the 4.2Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

4.34.4(e) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase VI 

4.5$583,000 the second year is to the 4.6commissioner of natural resources for an 4.7agreement with The Trust for Public Land 4.8to acquire land in fee and restore lands in 4.9the Cannon River watershed for wildlife 4.10management purposes under Minnesota 4.11Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. 4.12Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota 4.13Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be 4.14given to acquisition of lands that are eligible 4.15for the native prairie bank under Minnesota 4.16Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to 4.17protected native prairie. A list of proposed 4.18land acquisitions must be provided as part of 4.19the required accomplishment plan.

4.204.21(f) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase V

4.22$2,541,000 the second year is to the 4.23commissioner of natural resources 4.24to implement the Minnesota Prairie 4.25Conservation Plan through the acquisition of 4.26permanent conservation easements to protect 4.27and restore native prairie. Of this amount, up 4.28to $120,000 is for establishing monitoring 4.29and enforcement funds as approved in 4.30the accomplishment plan and subject to 4.31Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, 4.32subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria 4.33in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority 4.34must be given to acquisition of lands that 4.35are eligible for the native prairie bank under 4.36Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands 5.1adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of 5.2permanent conservation easements must be 5.3provided as part of the final report.

5.45.5(g) Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase VI

5.6$6,708,000 the second year is to the Board 5.7of Water and Soil Resources to acquire 5.8permanent conservation easements and 5.9restore habitat under Minnesota Statutes, 5.10section 103F.515, to protect, restore, and 5.11enhance habitat by expanding the clean 5.12water fund riparian buffer program for at 5.13least equal wildlife benefits from buffers on 5.14private land. Of this amount, up to $130,000 5.15is to establish a monitoring and enforcement 5.16fund as approved in the accomplishment plan 5.17and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 5.1897A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent 5.19conservation easements must be provided as 5.20part of the final report.

5.215.22(h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley - Phase II

5.23$2,269,000 the second year is to the 5.24commissioner of natural resources for 5.25an agreement with Pheasants Forever, in 5.26cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie 5.27Chicken Society, to acquire land in fee and 5.28restore and enhance lands in the southern 5.29Red River Valley for wildlife management 5.30purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 5.3186A.05, subdivision 8, or for designation 5.32and management as waterfowl production 5.33areas in Minnesota, in cooperation with the 5.34United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 5.35Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota 5.36Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be 6.1given to acquisition of lands that are eligible 6.2for the native prairie bank under Minnesota 6.3Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to 6.4protected native prairie. A list of proposed 6.5land acquisitions must be provided as part of 6.6the required accomplishment plan.

6.76.8(i) Grassland Conservation Partnership - Phase II

6.9$1,475,000 the second year is to the 6.10commissioner of natural resources for an 6.11agreement with The Conservation Fund, in 6.12cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to 6.13acquire permanent conservation easements 6.14and restore high priority grassland, prairie, 6.15and wetland habitats as follows: $64,000 6.16to The Conservation Fund; and $1,411,000 6.17to Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to 6.18$100,000 is for establishing a monitoring 6.19and enforcement fund, as approved in 6.20the accomplishment plan and subject to 6.21Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, 6.22subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria 6.23in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority 6.24must be given to acquisition of lands that 6.25are eligible for the native prairie bank under 6.26Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands 6.27adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of 6.28proposed acquisitions must be provided as 6.29part of the required accomplishment plan and 6.30must be consistent with the priorities in the 6.31Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

6.326.33(j) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase VIII

6.34$3,983,000 the second year is to the 6.35commissioner of natural resources to 6.36accelerate restoration and enhancement 7.1of prairies, grasslands, and savannas on 7.2wildlife management areas, scientific and 7.3natural areas, native prairie bank land, 7.4and bluff prairies on state forest land in 7.5southeastern Minnesota. A list of proposed 7.6land restorations and enhancements 7.7must be provided as part of the required 7.8accomplishment plan.

7.97.10(k) Anoka Sandplain Habitat Restoration and Enhancement - Phase IV

7.11$1,208,000 the second year is to the 7.12commissioner of natural resources for 7.13agreements to restore and enhance wildlife 7.14habitat on public lands, excluding state 7.15forests, in Anoka, Isanti, Morrison, 7.16Sherburne, and Todd Counties as follows: 7.17$93,000 to Anoka Conservation District; 7.18$25,000 to Isanti County Parks and 7.19Recreation Department; $813,000 to Great 7.20River Greening; and $277,000 to the 7.21National Wild Turkey Federation. A list of 7.22proposed land restorations and enhancements 7.23must be provided as part of the required 7.24accomplishment plan.

7.25Subd. 3.Forests-0-16,309,000

7.26(a) Young Forest Conservation - Phase II

7.27$1,369,000 the second year is to the 7.28commissioner of natural resources for 7.29an agreement with the American Bird 7.30Conservancy to restore publicly owned, 7.31permanently protected forest lands for 7.32wildlife management purposes. A list 7.33of proposed forest land restorations 7.34must be provided as part of the required 7.35accomplishment plan.

8.18.2(b) Jack Pine Forest/Crow Wing River Watershed Habitat Acquisition 

8.3$1,500,000 the second year is to the 8.4commissioner of natural resources for an 8.5agreement with the Minnesota Deer Hunters 8.6Association to acquire in fee and restore 8.7and enhance forest habitat lands in Cass 8.8and Hubbard Counties for county forest 8.9purposes. A list of proposed land acquisitions 8.10must be provided as part of the required 8.11accomplishment plan.

8.12(c) Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase VI

8.13$1,500,000 the second year is to the Board 8.14of Water and Soil Resources, in cooperation 8.15with the Morrison County Soil and Water 8.16Conservation District, to acquire permanent 8.17conservation easements and restore forest 8.18wildlife habitat within the boundaries 8.19of the Minnesota National Guard Camp 8.20Ripley Compatible Use Buffer. Of this 8.21amount, up to $72,000 is to establish 8.22a monitoring and enforcement fund, as 8.23approved in the accomplishment plan and 8.24subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 8.2597A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent 8.26conservation easements must be provided as 8.27part of the final report.

8.288.29(d) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase IV

8.30$5,000,000 the second year is to the 8.31commissioner of natural resources for an 8.32agreement with The Nature Conservancy, in 8.33cooperation with The Trust for Public Land 8.34and Minnesota Land Trust, to acquire land 8.35in fee for wildlife management purposes 9.1under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, 9.2subdivision 8, to acquire land in fee for 9.3scientific and natural areas under Minnesota 9.4Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 9.55, to acquire land in fee for state forest 9.6purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 9.786A.05, subdivision 7, to acquire permanent 9.8conservation easements, and to restore 9.9and enhance prairie, grasslands, forest, 9.10and savanna as follows: $1,506,000 to 9.11The Nature Conservancy; $2,930,000 to 9.12The Trust for Public Land; and $564,000 9.13to Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to 9.14$80,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is to 9.15establish a monitoring and enforcement fund, 9.16as approved in the accomplishment plan 9.17and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 9.1897A.056, subdivision 17. Annual income 9.19statements and balance sheets for income 9.20and expenses from land acquired in fee with 9.21this appropriation and not transferred to 9.22state or local government ownership must 9.23be submitted to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor 9.24Heritage Council. A list of proposed land 9.25acquisitions must be provided as part of the 9.26required accomplishment plan.

9.27(e) Minnesota Forests for the Future - Phase IV

9.28$1,840,000 the second year is to the 9.29commissioner of natural resources to 9.30acquire forest, wetland, and shoreline 9.31habitat through working forest permanent 9.32conservation easements under the Minnesota 9.33forests for the future program pursuant 9.34to Minnesota Statutes, section 84.66. 9.35A conservation easement acquired with 9.36money appropriated under this paragraph 10.1must comply with Minnesota Statutes, 10.2section 97A.056, subdivision 13. The 10.3accomplishment plan must include an 10.4easement monitoring and enforcement 10.5plan. Of this amount, up to $25,000 is to 10.6establish a monitoring and enforcement fund 10.7as approved in the accomplishment plan 10.8and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 10.997A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent 10.10conservation easements must be provided as 10.11part of the final report.

10.1210.13(f) Protect Key Forest Lands in Cass County - Phase VII

10.14$500,000 the second year is to the 10.15commissioner of natural resources for an 10.16agreement with Cass County to acquire land 10.17in fee in Cass County for forest wildlife 10.18habitat or to prevent forest fragmentation. 10.19A list of proposed land acquisitions 10.20must be provided as part of the required 10.21accomplishment plan.

10.22(g) State Forest Acquisitions - Phase III

10.23$1,000,000 the second year is to the 10.24commissioner of natural resources to acquire 10.25lands in fee for wildlife habitat purposes 10.26under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, 10.27subdivision 7. A list of proposed land 10.28acquisitions must be provided as part of the 10.29required accomplishment plan.

10.3010.31(h) Forest Habitat Protection Revolving Account

10.32$1,000,000 the second year is to the 10.33commissioner of natural resources to acquire 10.34lands in fee and permanent conservation 10.35easements for wildlife habitat purposes, 11.1for forest consolidation and connective 11.2corridor purposes, or to prevent forest 11.3fragmentation under Minnesota Statutes, 11.4section 86A.05, subdivision 7. Proceeds 11.5from any subsequent sale of lands acquired 11.6with this appropriation must be used for the 11.7purposes of this appropriation. Any sale 11.8proceeds remaining unused upon close of the 11.9appropriation availability must be returned to 11.10the outdoor heritage fund. A list of proposed 11.11land acquisitions must be provided as part of 11.12the required accomplishment plan. Unless 11.13otherwise provided, this appropriation is 11.14available until June 30, 2022. For acquisition 11.15of real property, this appropriation is 11.16available until June 30, 2023, if a binding 11.17agreement with a landowner or purchase 11.18agreement is entered into by June 30, 11.192022, and closed no later than June 30, 11.202023. Of this amount, up to $50,000 is to 11.21establish a monitoring and enforcement fund 11.22as approved in the accomplishment plan 11.23and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 11.2497A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent 11.25conservation easements must be provided as 11.26part of the final report.

11.2711.28(i) Mississippi River Floodplain Forest Enhancement - Phase II

11.29$412,000 the second year is to the 11.30commissioner of natural resources for an 11.31agreement with the National Audubon 11.32Society to restore and enhance floodplain 11.33forest habitat for wildlife on public 11.34lands along the Mississippi River. A 11.35list of restorations and enhancements 12.1must be provided as part of the required 12.2accomplishment plan.

12.312.4(j) Protecting Forest Wildlife Habitat in the Wild Rice River Watershed

12.5$2,188,000 the second year is to the 12.6commissioner of natural resources to acquire 12.7lands in fee in Clearwater County to be 12.8managed as a unit of the outdoor recreation 12.9system under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 12.1086A. A list of proposed land acquisitions 12.11must be provided as part of the required 12.12accomplishment plan.

12.13Subd. 4.Wetlands-0-31,055,000

12.1412.15(a) Accelerating the Waterfowl Production Area Acquisition - Phase VIII

12.16$5,650,000 the second year is to the 12.17commissioner of natural resources for an 12.18agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire 12.19in fee and restore and enhance wetlands and 12.20grasslands to be designated and managed as 12.21waterfowl production areas in Minnesota, 12.22in cooperation with the United States Fish 12.23and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land 12.24acquisitions must be provided as part of the 12.25required accomplishment plan.

12.2612.27(b) Shallow Lake and Wetland Protection Program - Phase V

12.28$5,801,000 the second year is to the 12.29commissioner of natural resources for an 12.30agreement with Ducks Unlimited to acquire 12.31in fee and restore prairie lands, wetlands, 12.32and land buffering shallow lakes for wildlife 12.33management purposes under Minnesota 12.34Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list 13.1of proposed acquisitions must be provided as 13.2part of the required accomplishment plan.

13.3(c) RIM Wetlands Partnership - Phase VII

13.4$13,808,000 the second year is to the Board 13.5of Water and Soil Resources to acquire lands 13.6in permanent conservation easements and 13.7to restore wetlands and native grassland 13.8habitat under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.9103F.515. Of this amount, up to $195,000 is 13.10to establish a monitoring and enforcement 13.11fund as approved in the accomplishment plan 13.12and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 13.1397A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent 13.14conservation easements must be provided as 13.15part of the final report.

13.1613.17(d) Wetland Habitat Protection Program - Phase II

13.18$1,629,000 the second year is to the 13.19commissioner of natural resources for an 13.20agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to 13.21acquire permanent conservation easements 13.22in high-priority wetland habitat complexes 13.23in the prairie and forest/prairie transition 13.24regions. Of this amount, up to $180,000 is to 13.25establish a monitoring and enforcement fund, 13.26as approved in the accomplishment plan 13.27and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 13.2897A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed 13.29easement acquisitions must be provided as 13.30part of the final report.

13.3113.32(e) Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Enhancement - Phase VIII

13.33$2,167,000 the second year is to the 13.34commissioner of natural resources to enhance 13.35and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat 14.1statewide. A list of proposed land restorations 14.2and enhancements must be provided as part 14.3of the required accomplishment plan.

14.4(f) Marsh Lake - Phase II

14.5$2,000,000 the second year is to the 14.6commissioner of natural resources to modify 14.7the dam at Marsh Lake for improved habitat 14.8management and to return the historic outlet 14.9of the Pomme de Terre River to Lac Qui Parle.

14.10Subd. 5.Habitats-0-29,138,000

14.1114.12(a) DNR Aquatic Habitat Protection - Phase VIII

14.13$1,578,000 the second year is to the 14.14commissioner of natural resources to acquire 14.15land in fee and permanent conservation 14.16easements for aquatic management purposes 14.17under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, 14.18subdivision 14, and 97C.02, to acquire 14.19permanent conservation easements under 14.20the Minnesota forests for the future 14.21program pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, 14.22section 84.66, and to restore and enhance 14.23aquatic and adjacent upland habitat. 14.24Of this amount, up to $153,000 is to 14.25establish a monitoring and enforcement 14.26fund as approved in the accomplishment 14.27plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, 14.28section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of 14.29proposed land acquisitions, conservation 14.30easements, restorations, and enhancements 14.31must be provided as part of the required 14.32accomplishment plan.

14.33(b) Metro Big Rivers Habitat - Phase VII

14.34$4,000,000 the second year is to the 14.35commissioner of natural resources for 15.1agreements to acquire land in fee and 15.2permanent conservation easements and 15.3to restore and enhance natural systems 15.4associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota, 15.5and St. Croix Rivers within the metropolitan 15.6area as follows: $500,000 to Minnesota 15.7Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, 15.8Inc.; $430,000 to Friends of the Mississippi 15.9River; $1,170,000 to Great River Greening; 15.10$800,000 to The Trust for Public Land; and 15.11$1,100,000 to Minnesota Land Trust, of 15.12which up to $60,000 to Minnesota Land Trust 15.13is to establish a monitoring and enforcement 15.14fund as approved in the accomplishment 15.15plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, 15.16section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of 15.17proposed land acquisitions and permanent 15.18conservation easements must be provided as 15.19part of the required accomplishment plan.

15.2015.21(c) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Corridor Partnership - Phase II

15.22$2,105,000 the second year is to the 15.23commissioner of natural resources for 15.24agreements to acquire lands in fee in the 15.25Mississippi Headwaters and for agreements 15.26as follows: $76,000 to the Mississippi 15.27Headwaters Board; and $2,029,000 to 15.28The Trust for Public Land. $1,045,000 15.29the second year is to the Board of Water 15.30and Soil Resources to acquire permanent 15.31conservation easements and to restore 15.32wildlife habitat, of which up to $78,000 is 15.33to establish a monitoring and enforcement 15.34fund as approved in the accomplishment plan 15.35and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.3697A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed 16.1acquisitions must be included as part of the 16.2required accomplishment plan.

16.316.4(d) Fisheries Habitat Protection on Strategic North Central Minnesota Lakes - Phase II

16.5$1,425,000 the second year is to the 16.6commissioner of natural resources for 16.7agreements with the Leech Lake Area 16.8Watershed Foundation and Minnesota Land 16.9Trust to acquire land in fee and permanent 16.10conservation easements to sustain healthy 16.11fish habitat on cold water lakes in Aitkin, 16.12Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard Counties 16.13as follows: $480,000 to Leech Lake Area 16.14Watershed Foundation; and $945,000 to 16.15Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to 16.16$180,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is to 16.17establish a monitoring and enforcement fund 16.18as approved in the accomplishment plan 16.19and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16.2097A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed 16.21land acquisitions must be provided as part of 16.22the required accomplishment plan.

16.2316.2416.25(e) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration - Phase VIII

16.26$1,975,000 the second year is to the 16.27commissioner of natural resources for an 16.28agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited 16.29to restore or enhance habitat for trout and 16.30other species in and along cold water rivers, 16.31lakes, and streams in Minnesota. A list of 16.32proposed restorations and enhancements 16.33must be provided as part of the required 16.34accomplishment plan.

16.35(f) DNR Stream Habitat

17.1$2,074,000 the second year is to the 17.2commissioner of natural resources to restore 17.3and enhance habitat to facilitate fish passage, 17.4degraded streams, and critical aquatic species 17.5habitat. A list of proposed land restorations 17.6and enhancements must be provided as part 17.7of the required accomplishment plan.

17.817.9(g) St. Louis River Restoration Initiative - Phase III

17.10$2,707,000 the second year is to the 17.11commissioner of natural resources to restore 17.12aquatic habitats in the St. Louis River 17.13estuary. A list of proposed restorations 17.14must be provided as part of the required 17.15accomplishment plan.

17.16(h) Sand Hill River Fish Passage - Phase II

17.17$828,000 the second year is to the 17.18commissioner of natural resources for 17.19an agreement with the Sand Hill River 17.20Watershed District, in cooperation with 17.21the Department of Natural Resources and 17.22Army Corps of Engineers, to restore and 17.23enhance fish passage and habitat in the Sand 17.24Hill River watershed. A list of proposed 17.25restorations must be provided as part of the 17.26required accomplishment plan.

17.2717.28(i) Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase V

17.29$1,200,000 the second year is to the 17.30commissioner of natural resources for 17.31an agreement with the Shell Rock River 17.32Watershed District to acquire in fee, restore, 17.33and enhance aquatic habitat in the Shell 17.34Rock River watershed. A list of proposed 17.35acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements 18.1must be provided as part of the required 18.2accomplishment plan.

18.3(j) Roseau Lake Rehabilitation

18.4$2,763,000 the second year is to the 18.5commissioner of natural resources to acquire 18.6land in fee and permanent conservation 18.7easements for wildlife management purposes 18.8in Roseau County under Minnesota Statutes, 18.9section 86A.05, subdivision 8, to restore 18.10and enhance wildlife habitat. A list of 18.11proposed land acquisitions and restorations 18.12and enhancements must be provided as part 18.13of the required accomplishment plan.

18.1418.1518.16(k) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Statewide and Metro Habitat - Phase VIII

18.17$7,438,000 the second year is to the 18.18commissioner of natural resources for a 18.19program to provide competitive, matching 18.20grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, 18.21state, and national organizations for 18.22enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests, 18.23wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, or 18.24wildlife in Minnesota. Of this amount, up to 18.25$2,500,000 is for grants in the seven-county 18.26metropolitan area and cities with a population 18.27of 50,000 or greater. Grants shall not be made 18.28for activities required to fulfill the duties 18.29of owners of lands subject to conservation 18.30easements. Grants shall not be made from the 18.31appropriation in this paragraph for projects 18.32that have a total project cost exceeding 18.33$575,000. Of the total appropriation, 18.34$588,000 may be spent for personnel costs 18.35and other direct and necessary administrative 18.36costs. Grantees may acquire land or interests 19.1in land. Easements must be permanent. 19.2Grants may not be used to establish easement 19.3stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee 19.4must be open to hunting and fishing during 19.5the open season unless otherwise provided 19.6by law. The program must require a match 19.7of at least ten percent from nonstate sources 19.8for all grants. The match may be cash or 19.9in-kind resources. For grant applications 19.10of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall 19.11provide a separate, simplified application 19.12process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the 19.13commissioner of natural resources shall, 19.14when evaluating projects of equal value, 19.15give priority to organizations that have a 19.16history of receiving or a charter to receive 19.17private contributions for local conservation 19.18or habitat projects. If acquiring land in fee 19.19or a conservation easement, priority must be 19.20given to projects associated with or within 19.21one mile of existing wildlife management 19.22areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 19.2386A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural 19.24areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 19.2584.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic 19.26management areas under Minnesota Statutes, 19.27sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02. 19.28All restoration or enhancement projects 19.29must be on land permanently protected by 19.30a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual 19.31maintenance and protection of restored 19.32and enhanced habitat, by a conservation 19.33easement, by public ownership, or in public 19.34waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 19.35section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority 19.36must be given to restoration and enhancement 20.1projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes, 20.2section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies 20.3to grants awarded under this paragraph. 20.4This appropriation is available until June 20.530, 2020. No less than five percent of the 20.6amount of each grant must be held back from 20.7reimbursement until the grant recipient has 20.8completed a grant accomplishment report by 20.9the deadline and in the form prescribed by 20.10and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor 20.11Heritage Council. The commissioner shall 20.12provide notice of the grant program in 20.13the game and fish law summary prepared 20.14under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.051, 20.15subdivision 2.

20.16Subd. 6.Administration-0-275,000

20.17(a) Contract Management

20.18$150,000 the second year is to the 20.19commissioner of natural resources for 20.20contract management duties assigned in this 20.21section. The commissioner shall provide an 20.22accomplishment plan in the form specified by 20.23the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council 20.24on the expenditure of this appropriation. 20.25The accomplishment plan must include 20.26a copy of the grant contract template 20.27and reimbursement manual. No money 20.28may be expended prior to Lessard-Sams 20.29Outdoor Heritage Council approval of the 20.30accomplishment plan.

20.31(b) Technical Evaluation Panel

20.32$125,000 the second year is to the 20.33commissioner of natural resources for a 20.34technical evaluation panel to conduct up to 20.3515 restoration and enhancement evaluations 21.1under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, 21.2subdivision 10.

21.3Subd. 7.Availability of Appropriation

21.4Money appropriated in this section may 21.5not be spent on activities unless they are 21.6directly related to and necessary for a 21.7specific appropriation and are specified in 21.8the accomplishment plan approved by the 21.9Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. 21.10Money appropriated in this section must not 21.11be spent on indirect costs or other institutional 21.12overhead charges that are not directly related 21.13to and necessary for a specific appropriation.  21.14Unless otherwise provided, the amounts 21.15in this section are available until June 30, 21.162019. For acquisition of real property, the 21.17amounts in this section are available until 21.18June 30, 2020, if a binding agreement with a 21.19landowner or purchase agreement is entered 21.20into by June 30, 2019, and closed no later 21.21than June 30, 2020. Funds for restoration 21.22or enhancement are available until June 21.2330, 2021, or five years after acquisition, 21.24whichever is later, in order to complete initial 21.25restoration or enhancement work. If a project 21.26receives at least 15 percent of its funding 21.27from federal funds, the time period of the 21.28appropriation may be extended to equal the 21.29availability of federal funding to a maximum 21.30of six years, provided the federal funding 21.31was confirmed and included in the first draft 21.32accomplishment plan. Money appropriated 21.33for fee title acquisition of land may be used to 21.34restore, enhance, and provide for public use 21.35of the land acquired with the appropriation. 22.1Public use facilities must have a minimal 22.2impact on habitat in acquired lands. 

22.322.4Subd. 8.Payment Conditions and Capital Equipment Expenditures

22.5All agreements referred to in this section must 22.6be administered on a reimbursement basis 22.7unless otherwise provided in this section. 22.8Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 22.916A.41, expenditures directly related 22.10to each appropriation's purpose made 22.11on or after July 1, 2016, or the date of 22.12accomplishment plan approval, whichever is 22.13later, are eligible for reimbursement unless 22.14otherwise provided in this section. For the 22.15purposes of administering appropriations 22.16and legislatively authorized agreements paid 22.17out of the outdoor heritage fund, an expense 22.18must be considered reimbursable by the 22.19administering agency when the recipient 22.20presents the agency with an invoice, or 22.21binding agreement with the landowner, and 22.22the recipient attests that the goods have 22.23been received or the landowner agreement 22.24is binding. Periodic reimbursement must 22.25be made upon receiving documentation that 22.26the items articulated in the accomplishment 22.27plan approved by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor 22.28Heritage Council have been achieved, 22.29including partial achievements as evidenced 22.30by progress reports approved by the 22.31Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. 22.32Reasonable amounts may be advanced to 22.33projects to accommodate cash flow needs, 22.34support future management of acquired 22.35lands, or match a federal share. The 22.36advances must be approved as part of the 23.1accomplishment plan. Capital equipment 23.2expenditures for specific items in excess of 23.3$10,000 must be itemized in and approved as 23.4part of the accomplishment plan.

23.5Subd. 9.Mapping

23.6Each direct recipient of money appropriated 23.7in this section, as well as each recipient of 23.8a grant awarded pursuant to this section, 23.9must provide geographic information to the 23.10Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council 23.11for mapping of any lands acquired in fee 23.12with funds appropriated in this section and 23.13open to public taking of fish and game. The 23.14commissioner of natural resources shall 23.15include the lands acquired in fee with money 23.16appropriated in this section on maps showing 23.17public recreation opportunities. Maps must 23.18include information on and acknowledgment 23.19of the outdoor heritage fund, including a 23.20notation of any restrictions.

23.2123.22Subd. 10.RIM Buffers for Wildlife and Water Restorations

23.23The following appropriations to the Board 23.24of Water and Soil Resources for the RIM 23.25buffers for wildlife and water program 23.26may be used for restoration of lands 23.27acquired by conservation easement with the 23.28appropriations:23.29(1) Laws 2015, First Special Session 23.30chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, 23.31paragraph (f);23.32(2) Laws 2014, chapter 256, article 1, section 23.332, subdivision 2, paragraph (f);23.34(3) Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 1, section 23.352, subdivision 2, paragraph (e);24.1(4) Laws 2012, chapter 264, article 1, section 24.22, subdivision 2, paragraph (a); and24.3(5) Laws 2011, First Special Session 24.4chapter 6, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, 24.5paragraph (c).

24.624.7Subd. 11.Appropriations Contingent Upon Audit

24.8The appropriations in this section are not 24.9available until the Office of the Legislative 24.10Auditor completes its next financial audit 24.11of the outdoor heritage fund, anticipated to 24.12be completed in 2016, and the legislative 24.13auditor has submitted the report required 24.14under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, 24.15subdivision 11, paragraph (c), listing 24.16noncompliant recipients. A recipient 24.17listed in the report may not receive money 24.18appropriated in this section until the 24.19legislative auditor has removed the recipient 24.20from the list as provided under Minnesota 24.21Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 11, 24.22paragraph (c).

24.2324.24Subd. 12.Notice and Hearing Before Acquiring Land

24.25(a) Before the commissioner of natural 24.26resources signs a purchase agreement to 24.27purchase land in fee with money appropriated 24.28in this section, the commissioner must 24.29provide public notice that the commissioner 24.30intends to purchase the land. The notice must 24.31be made at least 30 days, but not more than 60 24.32days, before the hearing required in paragraph 24.33(b). The notice must be published in a 24.34newspaper of general circulation in the area 24.35and on the department's Web site. In addition, 24.36the commissioner must electronically notify 25.1any person who has requested notice of land 25.2acquisition by the commissioner, and mail 25.3notice to the governing bodies of the towns, 25.4home rule charter and statutory cities, and 25.5county in which the land to be purchased 25.6is located, and all owners and residents of 25.7land adjacent to the land the commissioner 25.8intends to purchase.25.9(b) The commissioner must hold a public 25.10hearing at a convenient location in the county 25.11in which the land to be purchased is located 25.12or, if none is available, in an adjacent county. 25.13Any interested person must be allowed 25.14reasonable time to present relevant testimony 25.15or ask questions at the public hearing. The 25.16proceedings of the hearing must be recorded 25.17and available to the public for review on the 25.18department's Web site. The commissioner 25.19must accept written comments and questions 25.20from the time the notice under paragraph (a) 25.21is given until ten days after the public hearing. 25.22Within 30 days after the public hearing, the 25.23commissioner must post written responses 25.24to the comments made and questions raised 25.25at the public hearing and those submitted in 25.26writing on the department's Web site.25.27(c) The commissioner must use existing 25.28resources to satisfy the requirements of this 25.29subdivision.

25.30Subd. 13.Reallocation of Appropriation

25.31(a) The unspent balance of the appropriation 25.32in Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 1, section 25.332, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), for Habitat 25.34Protection in Dakota County - Phase IV is 25.35canceled June 30, 2016.26.1(b) An amount equal to the unspent balance 26.2from the appropriation canceled under 26.3paragraph (a) is appropriated in fiscal year 26.42017 from the outdoor heritage fund to the 26.5Board of Water and Soil Resources for the 26.6purposes of the RIM Wetland Partnership 26.7under subdivision 4, paragraph (c).26.8    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 2, is amended to read:26.9    Subd. 2. Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. (a) The Lessard-Sams 26.10Outdoor Heritage Council of 12 members is created in the legislative branch, consisting of:26.11    (1) two public members appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of 26.12the Committee on Rules and Administration;26.13    (2) two public members appointed by the speaker of the house;26.14    (3) four public members appointed by the governor;26.15    (4) two members of the senate appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees 26.16of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and26.17    (5) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the 26.18house.26.19    (b) Members appointed under paragraph (a) must not be registered lobbyists. In 26.20making appointments, the governor, senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee 26.21on Rules and Administration, and the speaker of the house shall consider geographic 26.22balance, gender, age, ethnicity, and varying interests including hunting and fishing. The 26.23governor's appointments to the council are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.26.24    (c) Public members appointed under paragraph (a) shall have practical experience 26.25or expertise or demonstrated knowledge in the science, policy, or practice of restoring, 26.26protecting, and enhancing wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and 26.27wildlife.26.28    (d) Legislative members appointed under paragraph (a) shall include the chairs 26.29of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources 26.30finance or their designee, one member from the minority party of the senate, and one 26.31member from the minority party of the house of representatives.26.32    (e) Public members serve four-year terms. Appointed legislative members serve 26.33at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Public and legislative members continue to 26.34serve until their successors are appointed. Public members shall be initially appointed 26.35according to the following schedule of terms:27.1    (1) two public members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first 27.2Monday in January 2011;27.3    (2) one public member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the 27.4Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January 2011;27.5    (3) one public member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending 27.6the first Monday in January 2011;27.7    (4) two public members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first 27.8Monday in January 2013;27.9    (5) one public member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the 27.10Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January 27.112013; and27.12    (6) one public member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending 27.13the first Monday in January 2013.27.14    (f) Terms, compensation, and removal of public members are as provided in section 27.1515.0575
         . A vacancy on the council may be filled by the appointing authority for the 27.16remainder of the unexpired term.27.17    (g) The first meeting of the council shall be convened by the chair of the Legislative 27.18Coordinating Commission no later than December 1, 2008. Members shall elect a chair, 27.19vice-chair, secretary, and other officers as determined by the council. The chair may 27.20convene meetings as necessary to conduct the duties prescribed by this section.27.21    (h) Upon coordination with The Legislative Coordinating Commission, the council27.22may appoint nonpartisan staff and contract with consultants as necessary to carry out27.23support the functions of the council. Up to one percent of the money appropriated from the 27.24fund may be used to pay for administrative expenses of the council and for compensation 27.25and expense reimbursement of council members.27.26EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.27.27    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 10, is amended to read:27.28    Subd. 10. Restoration and enhancements evaluations.  The commissioner of 27.29natural resources and the Board of Water and Soil Resources may must convene a technical 27.30evaluation panel comprised of five members, including one technical representative from 27.31the Board of Water and Soil Resources, one technical representative from the Department of 27.32Natural Resources, one technical expert from the University of Minnesota or the Minnesota 27.33State Colleges and Universities, and two representatives with expertise in the project 27.34being evaluated. The board and the commissioner may add a technical representative from 27.35a unit of federal or local government. The members of the technical evaluation panel 28.1may not be associated with the restoration or enhancement, may vary depending upon 28.2the projects being reviewed, and shall avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Each year, 28.3the board and the commissioner may assign a coordinator to identify a sample of up to 28.4ten habitat restoration or enhancement projects completed with outdoor heritage funding. 28.5The coordinator shall secure the restoration plans for the projects specified and direct 28.6the technical evaluation panel to evaluate the restorations and enhancements relative to 28.7the law, current science, and the stated goals and standards in the restoration project 28.8plan and, when applicable, to the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation 28.9establishment and enhancement guidelines. The coordinator shall summarize the findings 28.10of the panel and provide a report to the chair of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage 28.11Council and the chairs of the respective house of representatives and senate policy and 28.12finance committees with jurisdiction over natural resources and spending from the outdoor 28.13heritage fund. The report shall determine if the restorations and enhancements are meeting 28.14planned goals, any problems with the implementation of restorations and enhancements, 28.15and, if necessary, recommendations on improving restorations and enhancements. The 28.16report shall be focused on improving future restorations and enhancements. At least 28.17one-tenth of one percent of forecasted receipts from the outdoor heritage fund must be 28.18used for restoration and enhancements evaluations under this section.28.19    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, is amended by adding a subdivision 28.20to read:28.21    Subd. 22.Local approval of land acquisitions.A recipient of money appropriated 28.22from the outdoor heritage fund that acquires land in fee title with the appropriation must 28.23receive county approval prior to acquiring the land. The recipient must follow the process 28.24for obtaining county approval under section 97A.145, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).28.25EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2016, and applies to land 28.26acquired with money appropriated on or after that date.28.27    Sec. 6. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, 28.28is amended to read:

28.29Subd. 2.Prairies40,948,000-0-

28.3028.3128.32(a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase VII

28.33$4,570,000 in the first year is to the 28.34commissioner of natural resources to acquire 29.1land in fee for wildlife management purposes 29.2under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         86A.05, 29.3subdivision 8
         , and to acquire land in fee 29.4for scientific and natural area purposes 29.5under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         86A.05, 29.6subdivision 5
         . Subject to evaluation criteria 29.7in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority 29.8must be given to acquisition of lands that 29.9are eligible for the native prairie bank under 29.10Minnesota Statutes, section 
         84.96, or lands 29.11adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of 29.12proposed land and permanent conservation 29.13easement acquisitions must be provided as 29.14part of the required accomplishment plan.

29.1529.16(b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VII

29.17$7,452,000 in the first year is to the 29.18commissioner of natural resources for an 29.19agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire 29.20land in fee for wildlife management area 29.21purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 29.2286A.05, subdivision 8
         . Subject to evaluation 29.23criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, 29.24priority must be given to acquisition of 29.25lands that are eligible for the native prairie 29.26bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 29.2784.96
         , or lands adjacent to protected native 29.28prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions 29.29must be provided as part of the required 29.30accomplishment plan.

29.3129.32(c) Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project - Phase VI

29.33$4,032,000 in the first year is to the 29.34commissioner of natural resources for an 29.35agreement with The Nature Conservancy 29.36to acquire native prairie, wetlands, and 30.1savanna and restore and enhance grasslands, 30.2wetlands, and savanna. Subject to evaluation 30.3criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, 30.4priority must be given to acquisition of lands 30.5that are eligible for the native prairie bank 30.6under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         84.96, or 30.7lands adjacent to protected native prairie. 30.8Annual income statements and balance sheets 30.9for income and expenses from land acquired 30.10with this appropriation must be submitted 30.11to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage 30.12Council no later than 180 days following 30.13the close of The Nature Conservancy's fiscal 30.14year. A list of proposed land acquisitions 30.15must be provided as part of the required 30.16accomplishment plan and must be consistent 30.17with the priorities identified in the Minnesota 30.18Prairie Conservation Plan.

30.1930.20(d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase V VI

30.21$3,430,000 in the first year is to the 30.22commissioner of natural resources for an 30.23agreement with The Nature Conservancy 30.24in cooperation with the United States Fish 30.25and Wildlife Service to acquire land in 30.26fee or permanent conservation easements 30.27within the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat 30.28Preservation Area in western Minnesota 30.29for addition to the Northern Tallgrass 30.30Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Subject 30.31to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, 30.32part 6136.0900, priority must be given to 30.33acquisition of lands that are eligible for 30.34the native prairie bank under Minnesota 30.35Statutes, section 
         84.96, or lands adjacent to 30.36protected native prairie. A list of proposed 31.1land acquisitions must be provided as part 31.2of the required accomplishment plan and 31.3must be consistent with the priorities in the 31.4Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

31.531.6(e) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase IV

31.7$3,740,000 in the first year is to the 31.8commissioner of natural resources 31.9to implement the Minnesota Prairie 31.10Conservation Plan through the acquisition 31.11of permanent conservation easements to 31.12protect native prairie and grasslands. Up 31.13to $165,000 is for establishing monitoring 31.14and enforcement funds as approved in 31.15the accomplishment plan and subject to 31.16Minnesota Statutes, section 
         97A.056, 31.17subdivision 17
         . Subject to evaluation criteria 31.18in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority 31.19must be given to acquisition of lands that 31.20are eligible for the native prairie bank under 31.21Minnesota Statutes, section 
         84.96, or lands 31.22adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of 31.23permanent conservation easements must be 31.24provided as part of the final report. 

31.2531.26(f) Minnesota Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase V

31.27$4,544,000 in the first year is to the Board 31.28of Water and Soil Resources to acquire 31.29permanent conservation easements to protect 31.30and enhance habitat by expanding the clean 31.31water fund riparian buffer program for at 31.32least equal wildlife benefits from buffers 31.33on private land. Up to $72,500 is for 31.34establishing a monitoring and enforcement 31.35fund as approved in the accomplishment plan 31.36and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 32.197A.056, subdivision 17
         . A list of permanent 32.2conservation easements must be provided as 32.3part of the final report.

32.432.5(g) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase V

32.6$1,380,000 in the first year is to the 32.7commissioner of natural resources for an 32.8agreement with The Trust for Public Land to 32.9acquire and restore lands in the Cannon River 32.10watershed for wildlife management purposes 32.11under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         86A.05, 32.12subdivision 8
         . Subject to evaluation criteria 32.13in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority 32.14must be given to acquisition of lands that 32.15are eligible for the native prairie bank under 32.16Minnesota Statutes, section 
         84.96, or lands 32.17adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of 32.18proposed land acquisitions must be provided 32.19as part of the required accomplishment plan.

32.2032.21(h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley

32.22$1,800,000 in the first year is to the 32.23commissioner of natural resources for 32.24an agreement with Pheasants Forever in 32.25cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie 32.26Chicken Society to acquire and restore lands 32.27in the southern Red River Valley for wildlife 32.28management purposes under Minnesota 32.29Statutes, section 
         86A.05, subdivision 8, 32.30or for designation and management as 32.31waterfowl production areas in Minnesota, 32.32in cooperation with the United States Fish 32.33and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land 32.34acquisitions must be provided as part of the 32.35required accomplishment plan.

33.133.2(i) Protecting and Restoring Minnesota's Important Bird Areas

33.3$1,730,000 in the first year is to the 33.4commissioner of natural resources for 33.5agreements to acquire conservation 33.6easements within important bird areas 33.7identified in the Minnesota Prairie 33.8Conservation Plan, to be used as follows: 33.9$408,000 is to Audubon Minnesota and 33.10$1,322,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust, of 33.11which up to $100,000 is for establishing 33.12monitoring and enforcement funds as 33.13approved in the accomplishment plan and 33.14subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 33.1597A.056, subdivision 17
         . A list of permanent 33.16conservation easements must be provided as 33.17part of the final report.

33.1833.19(j) Wild Rice River Corridor Habitat Restoration

33.20$2,270,000 in the first year is to the 33.21commissioner of natural resources for an 33.22agreement with the Wild Rice Watershed 33.23District to acquire land in fee and permanent 33.24conservation easement and to `restore river 33.25and related habitat in the Wild Rice River 33.26corridor. A list of proposed acquisitions and 33.27restorations must be provided as part of the 33.28required accomplishment plan.

33.2933.30(k) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase VII

33.31$4,880,000 in the first year is to the 33.32commissioner of natural resources to 33.33accelerate the restoration and enhancement 33.34of prairie communities on wildlife 33.35management areas, scientific and natural 33.36areas, state forest land, and land under 34.1native prairie bank easements. A list of 34.2proposed land restorations and enhancements 34.3must be provided as part of the required 34.4accomplishment plan.

34.5(l) Enhanced Public Land Grasslands - Phase II

34.6$1,120,000 in the first year is to the 34.7commissioner of natural resources for an 34.8agreement with Pheasants Forever to enhance 34.9and restore habitat on public lands. A list of 34.10proposed land restorations and enhancements 34.11must be provided as part of the final report.34.12    Sec. 7. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 3, 34.13is amended to read:

34.14Subd. 3.Forests12,634,000-0-

34.15(a) Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase V

34.16$1,500,000 in the first year is to the 34.17Board of Water and Soil Resources in 34.18cooperation with the Morrison County Soil 34.19and Water Conservation District to acquire 34.20permanent conservation easements within 34.21the boundaries of the Minnesota National 34.22Guard Compatible Use Buffer to protect 34.23forest wildlife habitat. Up to $55,000 is for 34.24establishing a monitoring and enforcement 34.25fund, as approved in the accomplishment 34.26plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, 34.27section 
         97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of 34.28permanent conservation easements must be 34.29provided as part of the final report.

34.3034.31(b) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase III

34.32$2,910,000 in the first year is to the 34.33commissioner of natural resources for an 34.34agreement with The Nature Conservancy to 35.1acquire land in fee for wildlife management 35.2purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 35.386A.05, subdivision 8
         ; to acquire land 35.4in fee for scientific and natural areas 35.5under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         86A.05, 35.6subdivision 5
         ; for state forest purposes 35.7under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         86A.05, 35.8subdivision 7
         ; and to enhance grasslands, 35.9forest, and savanna. A list of proposed 35.10acquisitions must be provided as part of the 35.11required accomplishment plan.

35.1235.13(c) Protecting Pinelands Sands Aquifer Forestlands - Phase II

35.14$2,180,000 in the first year is to the 35.15commissioner of natural resources to acquire 35.16forest lands in Cass, Hubbard, and Wadena 35.17Counties for wildlife management purposes 35.18under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         86A.05, 35.19subdivision 8
         , and to acquire land in fee 35.20for state forests under Minnesota Statutes, 35.21section 
         86A.05, subdivision 7. A list of 35.22proposed land acquisitions must be provided 35.23as part of the required accomplishment plan.

35.2435.25(d) Protect Key Forest Lands in Cass County - Phase VI

35.26$442,000 in the first year is to the 35.27commissioner of natural resources for an 35.28agreement with Cass County to acquire land 35.29in fee in Cass County for forest wildlife 35.30habitat or to prevent forest fragmentation. 35.31A list of proposed land acquisitions 35.32must be provided as part of the required 35.33accomplishment plan.

35.3435.35(e) Critical Shoreland Protection Program - Phase III

36.1$1,690,000 in the first year is to the 36.2commissioner of natural resources for an 36.3agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to 36.4acquire permanent conservation easements 36.5along rivers and lakes in the northern 36.6forest region. Up to $220,000 is for 36.7establishing a monitoring and enforcement 36.8fund, as approved in the accomplishment 36.9plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, 36.10section 
         97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of 36.11proposed permanent conservation easements 36.12must be provided as part of the required 36.13accomplishment plan. 

36.14(f) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Partnership

36.15$3,002,000 in the first year is to the 36.16commissioner of natural resources to 36.17acquire lands in fee and for permanent 36.18conservation easements in the Mississippi 36.19Headwaters and for agreements as follows: 36.20$1,217,000 to The Trust for Public Land; 36.21and $824,000 to Minnesota Land Trust, 36.22of which up to $80,000 is for establishing 36.23a monitoring and enforcement fund as 36.24approved in the accomplishment plan and 36.25subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 36.2697A.056, subdivision 17
         . A list of proposed 36.27acquisitions must be included as part of the 36.28required accomplishment plan.

36.29(g) Southeast Forest Habitat Enhancement

36.30$910,000 in the first year is to the 36.31commissioner of natural resources to 36.32enhance forests in southeastern Minnesota. 36.33A list of proposed land enhancements 36.34must be provided as part of the required 36.35accomplishment plan.37.1EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2015.37.2    Sec. 8. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, 37.3is amended to read:

37.4Subd. 5.Habitats22,368,000-0-

37.5(a) DNR Aquatic Habitat - Phase VII

37.6$4,540,000 in the first year is to the 37.7commissioner of natural resources to acquire 37.8interests in land in fee and permanent 37.9conservation easements for aquatic 37.10management purposes under Minnesota 37.11Statutes, sections 
         86A.05, subdivision 14, 37.12and 
         97C.02, to acquire interests in land in 37.13permanent conservation easements for fish 37.14and wildlife habitat under Minnesota Statutes, 37.15section 
         84.66, and to restore and enhance 37.16aquatic habitat. Up to $130,000 is for 37.17establishing a monitoring and enforcement 37.18fund as approved in the accomplishment 37.19plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, 37.20section 
         97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of 37.21proposed land acquisitions and restorations 37.22and enhancements must be provided as part 37.23of the required accomplishment plan.

37.24(b) Metro Big Rivers - Phase VI

37.25$2,000,000 in the first year is to the 37.26commissioner of natural resources for 37.27agreements to acquire land in fee and in 37.28permanent conservation easements and 37.29to restore and enhance natural systems 37.30associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota, 37.31and St. Croix Rivers as follows: $475,000 to 37.32Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge 37.33Trust, Inc.; $275,000 to Friends of the 37.34Mississippi River; $400,000 to Great River 38.1Greening; $375,000 to Minnesota Land Trust; 38.2and $475,000 to The Trust for Public Land. 38.3Up to $60,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for 38.4establishing a monitoring and enforcement 38.5fund as approved in the accomplishment 38.6plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, 38.7section 
         97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of 38.8proposed land acquisitions and permanent 38.9conservation easements must be provided as 38.10part of the required accomplishment plan.

38.1138.1238.13(c) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration - Phase VII

38.14$1,890,000 in the first year is to the 38.15commissioner of natural resources for an 38.16agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited 38.17to restore and enhance habitat for trout 38.18and other species in and along coldwater 38.19rivers and streams in Minnesota. A list of 38.20proposed restorations and enhancements 38.21must be provided as part of the required 38.22accomplishment plan.

38.2338.24(d) Lake Bemidji South Shore Restoration and Enhancement

38.25$1,650,000 in the first year is to the 38.26commissioner of natural resources for 38.27an agreement with the city of Bemidji to 38.28restore and enhance fish habitat on Lake 38.29Bemidji. A list of proposed restorations and 38.30enhancements must be provided as part of 38.31the required accomplishment plan.

38.32(e) Sand Hill River Fish Passage

38.33$990,000 in the first year is to the 38.34commissioner of natural resources for 38.35an agreement with the Sand Hill River 38.36Watershed District to restore fish habitat 39.1in the Sand Hill River watershed. A list of 39.2proposed restorations must be provided as 39.3part of the required accomplishment plan.

39.439.5(f) Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase IV

39.6$2,414,000 in the first year is to the 39.7commissioner of natural resources for 39.8an agreement with the Shell Rock River 39.9Watershed District to protect, restore, 39.10and enhance aquatic habitat in the Shell 39.11Rock River watershed. A list of proposed 39.12acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements 39.13must be provided as part of the required 39.14accomplishment plan. 

39.1539.16(g) Lake Nokomis Integrated Habitat Enhancement

39.17$444,000 in the first year is to the 39.18commissioner of natural resources for an 39.19agreement with the Minneapolis Park and 39.20Recreation Board to enhance aquatic habitat 39.21on Lake Nokomis. A list of proposed 39.22enhancements must be provided as part of 39.23the required accomplishment plan.

39.2439.2539.26(h) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Statewide and Metro Habitat - Phase VII

39.27$8,440,000 in the first year is to the 39.28commissioner of natural resources for a 39.29program to provide competitive, matching 39.30grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, 39.31state, and national organizations for 39.32enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests, 39.33wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, 39.34or wildlife in Minnesota. Of this amount, 39.35$3,692,000 is for grants in the seven-county 39.36metropolitan area and cities with a population 40.1of 50,000 or greater. Grants shall not be made 40.2for activities required to fulfill the duties 40.3of owners of lands subject to conservation 40.4easements. Grants shall not be made from the 40.5appropriation in this paragraph for projects 40.6that have a total project cost exceeding 40.7$575,000. Of this appropriation, $596,000 40.8may be spent for personnel costs and other 40.9direct and necessary administrative costs. 40.10Grantees may acquire land or interests in 40.11land. Easements must be permanent. Grants 40.12may not be used to establish easement 40.13stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee 40.14must be open to hunting and fishing during 40.15the open season unless otherwise provided 40.16by law. The program must require a match 40.17of at least ten percent from nonstate sources 40.18for all grants. The match may be cash or 40.19in-kind resources. For grant applications 40.20of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall 40.21provide a separate, simplified application 40.22process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the 40.23commissioner of natural resources shall, 40.24when evaluating projects of equal value, 40.25give priority to organizations that have a 40.26history of receiving or a charter to receive 40.27private contributions for local conservation 40.28or habitat projects. If acquiring land or a 40.29conservation easement, priority must be 40.30given to projects associated with or within 40.31one mile of existing wildlife management 40.32areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 40.3386A.05, subdivision 8
         ; scientific and natural 40.34areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 40.3584.033
          and 
         86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic 40.36management areas under Minnesota Statutes, 41.1sections 
         86A.05, subdivision 14, and 
         97C.02. 41.2All restoration or enhancement projects 41.3must be on land permanently protected by 41.4a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual 41.5maintenance and protection of restored 41.6and enhanced habitat, by a conservation 41.7easement, or by public ownership or in 41.8public waters as defined in Minnesota 41.9Statutes, section 
         103G.005, subdivision 41.1015
         . Priority must be given to restoration 41.11and enhancement projects on public lands. 41.12Minnesota Statutes, section 
         97A.056, 41.13subdivision 13
         , applies to grants awarded 41.14under this paragraph. This appropriation is 41.15available until June 30, 2018 2019. No less 41.16than five percent of the amount of each grant 41.17must be held back from reimbursement until 41.18the grant recipient has completed a grant 41.19accomplishment report by the deadline and 41.20in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to 41.21the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. 41.22The commissioner shall provide notice of 41.23the grant program in the game and fish law 41.24summary prepared under Minnesota Statutes, 41.25section 
         97A.051, subdivision 2.41.26    Sec. 9. EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS.41.27By January 15, 2017, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council must submit 41.28recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of 41.29representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the environment 41.30and natural resources and the outdoor heritage fund on methods to evaluate the outcomes 41.31and effectiveness of projects funded by the outdoor heritage fund in achieving the purposes 41.32under article XI, section 15, of the Minnesota Constitution, including recommendations on 41.33the amount of funds that should be spent annually on evaluation.42.1ARTICLE 242.2CLEAN WATER FUND42.3    Section 1. EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS.42.4By January 15, 2017, the Clean Water Council must submit recommendations to 42.5the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate 42.6committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the environment and natural resources and 42.7the clean water fund on methods to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of projects 42.8funded by the clean water fund in achieving the purposes under article XI, section 15, of 42.9the Minnesota Constitution, including recommendations on the amount of funds that 42.10should be spent annually on evaluation.42.11    Sec. 2. WHITE BEAR LAKE AUGMENTATION.42.12$150,000 in fiscal year 2017 is appropriated from the clean water fund to the 42.13commissioner of natural resources for development of three design-build proposals. The 42.14commissioner shall request design-build qualifications and select three qualified entities to 42.15develop design-build proposals. The proposals must address increasing the water level in 42.16White Bear Lake by piping water from Vadnais Lake to White Bear Lake. The design work 42.17must ensure that the water in White Bear Lake and Vadnais Lake will remain at least as 42.18clean and clear as before the augmentation project is implemented. Among any other issues 42.19to be addressed, the design work must ensure that the project does not allow the spread of 42.20any invasive species or increase phosphorus levels. The commissioner must develop the 42.21design-build request for proposals in consultation with the commissioner of administration 42.22with regard to procedures, and in consultation with the Metropolitan Council and its water 42.23supply policy and technical advisory committees and the Minnesota Pollution Control 42.24Agency with regard to water quality and environmental issues. Any limitations in law on 42.25the number or value of design-build contracts do not apply to this project.42.26ARTICLE 342.27PARKS AND TRAILS FUND42.28    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 85.53, subdivision 2, is 42.29amended to read:42.30    Subd. 2. Expenditures; accountability. (a) A project or program receiving funding 42.31from the parks and trails fund must meet or exceed the constitutional requirement to 42.32support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. A project or program 43.1receiving funding from the parks and trails fund must include measurable outcomes, as 43.2defined in section 
         3.303, subdivision 10, and a plan for measuring and evaluating the 43.3results. A project or program must be consistent with current science and incorporate 43.4state-of-the-art technology, except when the project or program is a portrayal or restoration 43.5of historical significance.43.6(b) Money from the parks and trails fund shall be expended to balance the benefits 43.7across all regions and residents of the state.43.8(c) A state agency or other recipient of a direct appropriation from the parks and 43.9trails fund must compile and submit all information for funded projects or programs, 43.10including the proposed measurable outcomes and all other items required under section 43.113.303, subdivision 10
         , to the Legislative Coordinating Commission as soon as practicable 43.12or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever comes first. The Legislative 43.13Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on the Web site required 43.14under section 
         3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available.43.15(d) Grants funded by the parks and trails fund must be implemented according to 43.16section 
         16B.98 and must account for all expenditures. Proposals must specify a process 43.17for any regranting envisioned. Priority for grant proposals must be given to proposals 43.18involving grants that will be competitively awarded.43.19(e) Money from the parks and trails fund may only be spent on projects located 43.20in Minnesota.43.21(f) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the parks and 43.22trails fund shall prominently display on the recipient's Web site home page the legacy 43.23logo required under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws 43.242010, chapter 361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more 43.25information." When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the Web site must direct 43.26the person to a Web page that includes both the contact information that a person may 43.27use to obtain additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating 43.28Commission Web site required under section 
         3.303, subdivision 10.43.29(g) Future eligibility for money from the parks and trails fund is contingent upon a 43.30state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section, as 43.31well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. If the Office of 43.32the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a 43.33recipient of money from the parks and trails fund has not complied with the laws, rules, or 43.34regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient must be 43.35listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the legacy 43.36funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a recipient 44.1from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient on the 44.2list is not eligible for future funding from the parks and trails fund until the recipient 44.3demonstrates compliance to the legislative auditor.44.4(h) Any state agency or organization requesting a direct appropriation from the 44.5parks and trails fund must inform the house and senate committees having jurisdiction 44.6over the parks and trails fund at the time the request for funding is made, if the same 44.7project or program has been previously funded by a state appropriation, and how the 44.8project or program was funded.44.9    Sec. 2. EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS.44.10By January 15, 2017, the commissioner of natural resources, in cooperation with the 44.11Metropolitan Council and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, 44.12must submit recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the 44.13house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the 44.14environment and natural resources and the parks and trails fund on methods to evaluate 44.15the outcomes and effectiveness of projects funded by the parks and trails fund in achieving 44.16the purposes under article XI, section 15, of the Minnesota Constitution, including 44.17recommendations on the amount of funds that should be spent annually on evaluation.44.18ARTICLE 444.19ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND44.20    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 129D.17, subdivision 2, 44.21is amended to read:44.22    Subd. 2. Expenditures; accountability. (a) Funding from the arts and cultural 44.23heritage fund may be spent only for arts, arts education, and arts access, and to preserve 44.24Minnesota's history and cultural heritage. A project or program receiving funding from 44.25the arts and cultural heritage fund must include measurable outcomes, and a plan for 44.26measuring and evaluating the results. A project or program must be consistent with current 44.27scholarship, or best practices, when appropriate and must incorporate state-of-the-art 44.28technology when appropriate.44.29(b) Funding from the arts and cultural heritage fund may be granted for an entire 44.30project or for part of a project so long as the recipient provides a description and cost for 44.31the entire project and can demonstrate that it has adequate resources to ensure that the 44.32entire project will be completed.44.33(c) Money from the arts and cultural heritage fund shall be expended for benefits 44.34across all regions and residents of the state.45.1(d) A state agency or other recipient of a direct appropriation from the arts and 45.2cultural heritage fund must compile and submit all information for funded projects or 45.3programs, including the proposed measurable outcomes and all other items required 45.4under section 
         3.303, subdivision 10, to the Legislative Coordinating Commission as soon 45.5as practicable or by January 15 of the applicable fiscal year, whichever comes first. The 45.6Legislative Coordinating Commission must post submitted information on the Web site 45.7required under section 
         3.303, subdivision 10, as soon as it becomes available.45.8(e) Grants funded by the arts and cultural heritage fund must be implemented 45.9according to section 
         16B.98 and must account for all expenditures of funds. Priority for 45.10grant proposals must be given to proposals involving grants that will be competitively 45.11awarded.45.12(f) All money from the arts and cultural heritage fund must be for projects located 45.13in Minnesota.45.14(g) When practicable, a direct recipient of an appropriation from the arts and cultural 45.15heritage fund shall prominently display on the recipient's Web site home page the legacy 45.16logo required under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 5, section 10, as amended by Laws 45.172010, chapter 361, article 3, section 5, accompanied by the phrase "Click here for more 45.18information." When a person clicks on the legacy logo image, the Web site must direct 45.19the person to a Web page that includes both the contact information that a person may 45.20use to obtain additional information, as well as a link to the Legislative Coordinating 45.21Commission Web site required under section 
         3.303, subdivision 10.45.22(h) Future eligibility for money from the arts and cultural heritage fund is contingent 45.23upon a state agency or other recipient satisfying all applicable requirements in this section, 45.24as well as any additional requirements contained in applicable session law. If the Office of 45.25the Legislative Auditor, in the course of an audit or investigation, publicly reports that a 45.26recipient of money from the arts and cultural heritage fund has not complied with the laws, 45.27rules, or regulations in this section or other laws applicable to the recipient, the recipient 45.28must be listed in an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the 45.29legacy funds. The list must be publicly available. The legislative auditor shall remove a 45.30recipient from the list upon determination that the recipient is in compliance. A recipient 45.31on the list is not eligible for future funding from the arts and cultural heritage fund until 45.32the recipient demonstrates compliance to the legislative auditor.45.33(i) Any state agency or organization requesting a direct appropriation from the 45.34arts and cultural heritage fund must inform the house and senate committees having 45.35jurisdiction over the arts and cultural fund at the time the request for funding is made, 46.1if the same project or program has been previously funded by a state appropriation, and 46.2how the project or program was funded.46.3    Sec. 2. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3, 46.4is amended to read:

46.5Subd. 3.Minnesota State Arts Board26,819,00031,312,000

46.6(a) These amounts are appropriated to 46.7the Minnesota State Arts Board for arts, 46.8arts education, arts preservation, and arts 46.9access. Grant agreements entered into 46.10by the Minnesota State Arts Board and 46.11other recipients of appropriations in this 46.12subdivision must ensure that these funds are 46.13used to supplement and not substitute for 46.14traditional sources of funding. Each grant 46.15program established within this appropriation 46.16must be separately administered from other 46.17state appropriations for program planning 46.18and outcome measurements, but may take 46.19into consideration other state resources 46.20awarded in the selection of applicants and 46.21grant award size.

46.22(b) Arts and Arts Access Initiatives

46.23$21,155,000 the first year and $25,350,000 46.24the second year are to support Minnesota 46.25artists and arts organizations in creating, 46.26producing, preserving, and presenting 46.27high-quality arts activities; to overcome 46.28barriers to accessing high-quality arts 46.29activities; for the preservation and 46.30conservation of art and artifacts; and to instill 46.31the arts into the community and public life 46.32in this state.

46.33(c) Arts Education

47.1$4,248,000 the first year and $4,472,000 47.2the second year are for high-quality, 47.3age-appropriate arts education for 47.4Minnesotans of all ages to develop 47.5knowledge, skills, and understanding of the 47.6arts.

47.7(d) Arts and Cultural Heritage

47.8$1,416,000 the first year and $1,490,000 the 47.9second year are for events and activities that 47.10represent the diverse cultural arts traditions, 47.11including folk and traditional artists and art 47.12organizations, represented in this state.47.13(e) Up to 4.5 percent of the funds appropriated 47.14in paragraphs (b) to (d) may be used by the 47.15board for administering grant programs, 47.16delivering technical services, providing 47.17fiscal oversight for the statewide system, and 47.18ensuring accountability.47.19(f) Up to thirty percent of the remaining total 47.20appropriation to each of the categories listed 47.21in paragraphs (b) to (d) is for grants to the 47.22regional arts councils. Notwithstanding any 47.23other provision of law, regional arts council 47.24grants or other arts council grants for touring 47.25programs, projects, or exhibits must ensure 47.26the programs, projects, or exhibits are able to 47.27tour in their own region as well as all other 47.28regions of the state.47.29(g) Any unencumbered balance remaining 47.30under this section in the first year does not 47.31cancel, but is available for the second year 47.32of the biennium.47.33(h) When making grants under this 47.34appropriation, the Minnesota State Arts 47.35Board and the regional arts council must 48.1consider grants to organizations who 48.2preserve and maintain art and artifacts, or 48.3who provide support, education, or training 48.4for the preservation and conservation of art 48.5and artifacts, including grants to the Midwest 48.6Art Conservation Center.48.7    Sec. 3. EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS.48.8By January 15, 2017, the Minnesota State Arts Board, in cooperation with the 48.9Minnesota Historical Society, regional arts councils, and other recipients of money from 48.10the arts and cultural heritage fund, must submit recommendations to the chairs and ranking 48.11minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with 48.12jurisdiction over the arts and cultural heritage fund on methods to evaluate the outcomes 48.13and effectiveness of projects funded by the arts and cultural heritage fund in achieving 48.14the purposes under article XI, section 15, of the Minnesota Constitution, including 48.15recommendations on the amount of funds that should be spent annually on evaluation.