1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; requiring report to set goals for carbon sequestration 
1.3 	in public and private forests.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN FORESTS OF THE STATE; GOALS.
 1.6 	The commissioner of natural resources must establish goals for increasing carbon 
1.7 	sequestration in public and private forests in the state. To achieve the goals, the commissioner 
1.8 	must identify sustainable forestry management strategies that increase the ability of forests 
1.9 	to sequester atmospheric carbon while enhancing other ecosystem services, such as improved 
1.10 	soil and water quality. Consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 15.014, the commissioner 
1.11 	may create an advisory group to advise the commissioner in meeting the requirements of 
1.12 	this section. By January 15, 2021, the commissioner must submit a progress report identifying 
1.13 	high level strategies to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees 
1.14 	and divisions with jurisdiction over natural resources policy. By January 15, 2022, the 
1.15 	commissioner must submit a final report to the legislative committees and divisions with 
1.16 	the goals, recommended forestry management strategies, and steps taken to achieve the 
1.17 	goals.