SF 3857

2nd Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/13/2026 09:24 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money from environment and natural
resources trust fund; extending certain prior appropriations; modifying conflict of
interest provisions for members of Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources; enacting fraud prevention measures; repealing requirement for
commissioner approval of certain land acquisitions; amending Minnesota Statutes
2024, sections 116P.09, subdivision 6; 116P.18; 116X.03, by adding a subdivision;
repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116P.17.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this act. The appropriations are from the environment and
natural resources trust fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years
indicated for each purpose. The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this act mean that the
appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or
June 30, 2027, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal
year 2027. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2026 new text end		new text begin 2027 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin MINNESOTA RESOURCES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 103,288,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the environment
and natural resources trust fund. The amounts
that may be spent for each purpose are
specified in the following subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Definition new text end

new text begin "Trust fund" means the Minnesota
environment and natural resources trust fund
established under the Minnesota Constitution,
article XI, section 14.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Resiliency new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 10,641,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Community Resiliency through
AmeriCorps
new text end

new text begin $3,312,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with ServeMinnesota to
conduct environmental and natural resource
management; outdoor recreation; and
improvement, enhancement, or rehabilitation
projects and to build community resiliency
and capacity by recruiting, training, and
deploying AmeriCorps members to local and
Tribal agencies and nonprofit organizations.
new text end

new text begin (b) Preparing Resilient Communities with
Model Land Use Ordinances
new text end

new text begin $468,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to:
new text end

new text begin (1) develop and improve Minnesota-specific
model land-use ordinances for sustainable and
resilient development that help protect,
conserve, preserve, and enhance the
environment and natural resources; and
new text end

new text begin (2) work with local communities to adopt and
apply the model ordinances to their needs and
priorities.
new text end

new text begin (c) Resilient and Biodiverse Community
Spaces
new text end

new text begin $612,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources
to partner with Great River Greening,
Audubon Upper Mississippi River, and Metro
Blooms to develop a planning guide,
implement case studies, and provide technical
assistance that helps local communities plan
and create climate-resilient and biodiverse
community spaces.
new text end

new text begin (d) Northwoods and Waters Community
Resilience Collaborative
new text end

new text begin $1,220,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Arrowhead Regional
Development Commission, in partnership with
the Headwaters Regional Development
Commission and the Minnesota Climate
Adaptation Partnership at the University of
Minnesota, to work with and provide technical
assistance to northeast and central Minnesota
counties, Tribal Nations, and agencies to
develop a regional climate resilience plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Protect Community Forests for
Community Resiliency
new text end

new text begin $2,603,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to reduce emerald ash borer impacts by
providing canopy gap and planting
assessments, trainings, technical assistance,
and grants for communities to monitor and
manage emerald ash borer impacts, plant a
diversity of trees, and engage citizens in
community forestry activities.
new text end

new text begin (f) Identifying Flooding Hazards on Mille
Lacs Tribal Lands
new text end

new text begin $800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of
Ojibwe to develop hydrologic and hydraulic
models for the Big Sandy Lake and upper Rice
River watersheds to map flood-prone areas,
identify restrictive infrastructure that may
contribute to flooding, and incorporate results
into emergency preparedness plans. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2030,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) Advancing Dehydration Technologies
for Resilient Minnesota Food Systems
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to:
new text end

new text begin (1) assess opportunities and develop
technology for solar dehydration and curing
of produce that reduces climatic impact of
food loss and waste; and
new text end

new text begin (2) develop and distribute findings to farmers,
farming organizations, community partners,
and other supply chain and market players in
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (h) Climate-Smart Counties and
Communities: Collaborative Resiliency
Solutions
new text end

new text begin $827,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Institute on the
Environment to provide technical expertise
and support to predominantly rural and small
communities and counties across Minnesota
to develop climate resiliency plans and
implement projects that enhance local
resiliency.
new text end

new text begin (i) Mahnomen Emerald Ash Borer
Preparation Project
new text end

new text begin $62,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Mahnomen to
remove and replace ash trees vulnerable to
emerald ash borer and to create a more diverse
and resilient tree canopy.
new text end

new text begin (j) Sustainable Food Security, Ecosystem
Restoration, and Indigenous Empowerment
new text end

new text begin $437,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Duluth, to combat food
insecurity in Indigenous communities through
community-driven agriculture, ecosystem
restoration, improved local supply chains, and
outreach and education. Notwithstanding
subdivision 12, paragraph (e), this
appropriation may be spent on green
infrastructure and pollinator plantings on lands
with a long-term commitment from the
landowner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Water new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 17,014,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Statewide Ecological Risk Estimates for
Contaminants of Emerging Concern
new text end

new text begin $175,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the University of St.
Thomas to compile and analyze Minnesota's
contaminant of emerging concern occurrence
data for lakes and rivers to generate ecological
risk estimates and publicly accessible and
user-friendly dashboards that will support
managing and restoring freshwater habitats.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eliminating Phenolic Compounds from
Water Using Enzyme Filter
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to evaluate enzymes and design
an enzyme membrane filter to capture and
eliminate harmful phenolic compounds from
Minnesota's rivers and lakes.
new text end

new text begin (c) Vadnais Lake: Nature-Based Recreation
and Drinking Water Protection
new text end

new text begin $2,842,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Vadnais
Heights to install water quality improvement
ponds, recreational features, and educational
signage near East Vadnais Lake to connect
underserved community members with natural
resources, protect drinking water, and promote
water stewardship. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2030, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (d) Almanac's Statewide Environment and
Natural Resources Desk
new text end

new text begin $632,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Twin Cities Public
Television to establish Almanac's environment
and natural resources desk that reports on
environment and natural resources issues and
solutions across the state and hosts community
conversations that raise awareness and
increase appreciation of Minnesota's air, water,
land, and other natural resources.
new text end

new text begin (e) Studying Dam Removal Feasibility for
the Mississippi Gorge
new text end

new text begin $923,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Friends of the
Mississippi River to assess the feasibility,
environmental benefits, river restoration
potential, and costs of dam removal for the
Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and
Lock and Dam 1 in the Mississippi River
gorge.
new text end

new text begin (f) Protecting Minnesota's Waters from
Plastic- and Rubber-Derived Chemicals
new text end

new text begin $418,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop stormwater treatment
strategies and recommendations to protect
surface water and groundwater from pollutants
leached from polymers, coatings, plastics, and
tire rubbers by assessing pollutant sources,
presence, and reactivity.
new text end

new text begin (g) Public Toolbox to Forecast Toxic
Cyanobacteria Blooms
new text end

new text begin $509,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Natural Resources
Research Institute in Duluth to validate the
concept of a field-deployable toolbox to
proactively and rapidly detect harmful algal
blooms and forecast associated toxin
production, evaluate the feasibility of the
integrated toolbox, and seek feedback from
potential users to inform further refinement.
new text end

new text begin (h) PFAS in Precipitation: Assessing a
Critical Statewide Threat
new text end

new text begin $910,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Sea Grant
college program in Duluth to create a
multiyear, multisite, foundational dataset of
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
in rain and snow and to investigate the
processes and sources that influence PFAS
levels in rain and snow to inform management
and remediation efforts. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2030, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (i) Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in
Minnesota Karst Aquifers
new text end

new text begin $458,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to determine the nature and
extent of microplastic pollution in shallow
karst aquifers, identify potential sources, and
assess human and ecosystem health
implications to inform mitigation and
prevention strategies.
new text end

new text begin (j) Ash Recovery and Recycling Center
new text end

new text begin $1,177,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Otter Tail County to
construct and equip a facility to store and
recycle resource-recovery-generated ash as an
alternative to landfilling.
new text end

new text begin (k) PFAS and Microplastics: Potential
Impacts of Environmental Co-Occurrence
new text end

new text begin $721,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to analyze water, sediment,
and fish for per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) and microplastics to
determine whether co-occurrence has an
impact on bioaccumulation in aquatic habitats.
new text end

new text begin (l) Brookdale Park Shingle Creek
Restoration and Access Improvements
new text end

new text begin $409,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Brooklyn
Park to stabilize and enhance Shingle Creek
through Brookdale Park and a portion of
Palmer Lake Environmental Nature Area to
improve wildlife passage and habitat,
hydrologic function, water quality, and
recreational opportunities through streambank
and outfall stabilization, native plantings, and
stream enhancements.
new text end

new text begin (m) Determining Fracture Characteristics
for Karst Groundwater Flow Modeling
new text end

new text begin $375,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop and validate
machine-learning software to identify complex
fracture characteristics and improve
predictions for groundwater flow and pollutant
transport in Minnesota's karst aquifers.
new text end

new text begin (n) Restoring Wild Rice Waters: Sulfate
and Mercury Treatment
new text end

new text begin $727,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the White Iron Chain
of Lakes Association to test a biological
sulfate reduction system to treat sulfate and
sequester mercury to improve the health of
wild rice waters and aquatic ecosystems in
northern Minnesota. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal agent for
White Iron Chain of Lakes Association must
be approved in the work plan.
new text end

new text begin (o) Cheap Portable Sensor to Detect PFAS
in Water
new text end

new text begin $357,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop a cheap, accurate,
and easy-to-use sensor to monitor per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in
waterbodies and detect PFAS in drinking
water.
new text end

new text begin (p) Geologic Atlases for Water Resource
Management
new text end

new text begin $1,275,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey,
to continue producing county geologic atlases
to inform management of surface water and
groundwater resources. This appropriation is
to complete Part A, which focuses on the
properties and distribution of earth materials
to define aquifer boundaries and the
connection of aquifers to the land surface and
surface water resources.
new text end

new text begin (q) Mitigating Short-Chain Forever
Chemicals Toward a PFAS-Free Minnesota
new text end

new text begin $299,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to demonstrate, optimize, and
provide an energy cost analysis of an enhanced
plasma reactor to remove resistant short-chain
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
from wastewater and other point sources.
new text end

new text begin (r) Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction
and Modification Project
new text end

new text begin $3,110,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Anoka for
predesign, engineering, and final design of
improvements to the Anoka Rum River Dam
to enhance dam safety, restore aquatic habitats,
and expand recreational opportunities in the
Rum River just upstream of its confluence
with the Mississippi River.
new text end

new text begin (s) Lake Superior River Watch
new text end

new text begin $404,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Fond du Lac Tribal
and Community College to revitalize the river
watch program in the Lake Superior watershed
by engaging students in water quality
monitoring and analysis to support
Minnesota's Lake Superior stewardship efforts.
new text end

new text begin (t) Red Lake Nation Long-Term Continuous
Monitoring Buoys
new text end

new text begin $993,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Red Lake Band of
Chippewa Indians to procure, install, and
collect real-time water quality data from
long-term buoys on Upper and Lower Red
Lakes and Lake of the Woods and to improve
hazardous algal bloom forecasts. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2031,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Education and Outdoor Recreation new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 37,806,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Greater Minnesota Children's Museum
Coalition Nature Play Curriculum
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Children's Museum
of Southern Minnesota to collaborate with
other greater Minnesota children's museums
to standardize and enhance existing curriculum
and implement nature-based programming
that engages children and fosters
environmental stewardship, awareness of
natural resources, and sustainability. Before
costs for this appropriation are incurred, a
fiscal management plan must be approved in
the work plan, unless otherwise determined
by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) Cultivate, Connect, and Train
Minnesota's Young Conservation Scientists
new text end

new text begin $538,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum to expand a conservation science
program that trains teachers and engages
students in immersive research experiments
and collaborative activities that build their
scientific knowledge, skills, and interest and
their appreciation for Minnesota's natural
heritage.
new text end

new text begin (c) Native Fish Exhibits Transforming
Aquatic Education in Minnesota
new text end

new text begin $299,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Headwaters Science
Center to design and construct interactive,
year-round exhibits and conduct educational
programming featuring native fish species that
increase the public's understanding, awareness,
and stewardship of northern Minnesota's vital
lake resources.
new text end

new text begin (d) Inspiring and Connecting the Next
Generations with Nature
new text end

new text begin $3,085,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the YMCA of the North
to increase access for Minnesota youth to
outdoor camp and environmental learning
experiences through scholarships,
transportation assistance, and free equipment
rentals.
new text end

new text begin (e) River Bend Nature Center's Inclusive
Interpretive Plan Implementation
new text end

new text begin $293,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the River Bend Nature
Center to design and install interactive
multilingual interpretive and educational
exhibits that provide culturally relevant and
accessible information on the environment
and natural resources and increase accessibility
to nature for multilingual, blind, and deaf
communities.
new text end

new text begin (f) Fostering Environmental Stewardship
Through Art
new text end

new text begin $298,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Watermark Art
Center, in partnership with the Headwaters
Science Center, to engage underserved youth
in northern Minnesota in art-related
experiences, with regional artists and culture
bearers, that integrate art and science to deliver
culturally relevant hands-on environmental
learning experiences. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan, unless otherwise determined by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (g) Increasing Pollinator Conservation
Action Through Education and
Engagement
new text end

new text begin $501,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to:
new text end

new text begin (1) train volunteers and beekeepers to become
pollinator ambassadors that lead educational
events and increase native pollinator
conservation awareness and the adoption of
pollinator conservation practices; and
new text end

new text begin (2) train volunteers to collect data on
bumblebee nests and develop
recommendations for conserving bumblebee
nesting habitat.
new text end

new text begin (h) Flyway Fellows: Engaging Teachers in
Bird Migration Education
new text end

new text begin $362,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to train teachers in bird
monitoring practices and support them in
engaging students in scientific research that
advances Mississippi Flyway conservation
efforts.
new text end

new text begin (i) Minnesota Community Schoolyards
new text end

new text begin $1,343,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Trust for Public Land
to engage students and communities in the
creation of nature-focused habitat
improvements at schoolyards across the state
to encourage environmental stewardship and
outdoor learning.
new text end

new text begin (j) Bringing Environmental Education and
Outdoor Recreation to K-12 Schools
new text end

new text begin $192,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Osprey Wilds
Environmental Learning Center to deliver
hands-on environmental education and outdoor
recreation learning experiences directly to
K-12 school classrooms and students through
programs at participating schools. Before costs
for this appropriation are incurred, a fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan, unless otherwise determined by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (k) Improving Trail Accessibility for
Minnesotans at Osprey Wilds
new text end

new text begin $25,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Osprey Wilds
Environmental Learning Center to improve
trails and install directional and interpretive
signage on hiking and cross-country ski trails
at the center's campus. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan, unless otherwise determined by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (l) Duluth Traverse Accessibility and
Sustainability Improvements
new text end

new text begin $85,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Cyclists of Gitchee
Gumee Shores to rehabilitate a section of the
Duluth Traverse Trail to enhance outdoor
recreation opportunities, improve accessibility,
reduce erosion, and improve water quality.
new text end

new text begin (m) Hardwood Creek Regional Trail
Extension
new text end

new text begin $1,244,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Washington County to
acquire easements for, design, and construct
a new section of the Hardwood Creek
Regional Trail to fill a gap in a regional trail
network near a planned connection of regional
trails across three counties.
new text end

new text begin (n) College-School Collaboration to Restore
Campuses and Activate Stewardship
new text end

new text begin $199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota State
University, Mankato, to build partnerships
among natural resource professionals,
colleges, and secondary schools in southern
Minnesota and expose youth to outdoor
experiences, environmental issues, and natural
resource career paths through internships, field
trips, and environmental projects.
new text end

new text begin (o) Urban Farming Education to Increase
Urban Environmental Stewardship
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the East Phillips
Neighborhood Institute to (1) design and
deliver workshops and youth apprenticeship
opportunities related to land and water
stewardship and urban farming to reconnect
residents to the land and water and foster
interest in environmental careers; and (2)
conduct soil testing at an urban farming
demonstration site. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan, unless otherwise determined by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (p) A State Trail System for 21st-Century
Minnesota
new text end

new text begin $623,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Bicycle Alliance of
Minnesota to increase participation in outdoor
recreation and use of Minnesota's trails by
nontraditional users through active adult
education programming and community
engagement.
new text end

new text begin (q) Mississippi River Water Trail Access in
Dayton
new text end

new text begin $464,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Three Rivers Park
District to develop public access to the
Mississippi River in Dayton by designing and
constructing recreational amenities, including
a nonmotorized boat launch and staging area,
paved trail connection, and parking.
new text end

new text begin (r) YES! Connects Students to Outdoors for
Youth-Led Sustainability
new text end

new text begin $199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Prairie Woods
Environmental Learning Center to empower
Minnesota youth to lead sustainability projects
and expose them to environmental and natural
resource career opportunities through hands-on
environmental education, natural
resource-based recreation, and partnerships
with local schools and communities.
new text end

new text begin (s) Sharing Minnesota's Greatest
Environmental Investment - Phase 2
new text end

new text begin $623,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota, in
coordination with the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources
(LCCMR), to increase public access to the
results of LCCMR-recommended projects,
including through an enhanced and expanded
online interactive story map, in-depth videos,
and public events.
new text end

new text begin (t) Diversifying Nature Education Access
new text end

new text begin $438,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Ramsey County
Parks and Recreation Department to provide
culturally relevant and inclusive environmental
education programming, including nature
center outreach and events, Indigenous-led
nature programming, and interpretive nature
signage designed by Indigenous artists and
educators. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2030, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (u) Cultivating Conservation Leaders
Through Education and Wilderness
Experiences
new text end

new text begin $1,252,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Friends of the
Boundary Waters Wilderness to connect
students throughout Minnesota to the
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
through overnight wilderness experiences,
leadership programs, and educational
programming.
new text end

new text begin (v) Lebanon Hills Regional Park Natural
Resources Restoration and Sustainable
Trails Improvements
new text end

new text begin $2,126,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Dakota County to
reconstruct heavily eroded trails,
decommission trails in highly sensitive natural
areas, construct new trail connections, and
restore land at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
to reduce user conflicts, create a more
sustainable and functional trail system, and
improve habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
new text end

new text begin (w) Minnesota State Trails Development
new text end

new text begin $4,943,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to expand recreational opportunities on
Minnesota state trails by rehabilitating and
enhancing existing state trails and replacing
or repairing existing state trail bridges.
High-priority trail bridges to be repaired or
replaced under this appropriation include but
are not limited to the Minnesota River State
Trail Bridge. High-priority trail segments to
be rehabilitated and enhanced include but are
not limited to the Glacial Lakes State Trail
and the Minnesota Valley State Trail. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2030,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (x) Tettegouche State Park Entrance Bridge
Replacement
new text end

new text begin $3,674,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to replace the Baptism River Bridge in
Tettegouche State Park and ensure ongoing
accessibility for Minnesotans to recreational
opportunities in areas of the park accessed by
the bridge. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2030, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (y) Expanding Adaptive Outdoor
Recreation Opportunities Around the
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
new text end

new text begin $996,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Adaptive Wilderness
Within Reach to remove barriers and promote
access to the Boundary Waters region for
individuals with physical disabilities through
adaptive wilderness experiences, adaptive
equipment purchases, and trail accessibility
improvements. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal agent for
Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach must be
approved in the work plan. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2030, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (z) Engaging Saint Paul Youth in
Meaningful Restoration Work
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Urban Roots MN to
engage underserved youth in paid job training
internships and educational programming
centered around environmental stewardship,
natural resource conservation, and outdoor
recreation.
new text end

new text begin (aa) Expanding and Enhancing
Environmental Education Through
Partnerships
new text end

new text begin $550,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Belwin Conservancy
to expand environmental education and partner
with schools and Indigenous organizations to
provide students with hands-on,
standards-aligned, and culturally relevant
science and nature programs.
new text end

new text begin (bb) Greater Fountain Lake Aquatic and
Trail Accessibility Enhancements
new text end

new text begin $1,162,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Shell Rock River
Watershed District to design and construct
pedestrian paths, crossings, bridges, and
recreational features that improve public
access to fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and
public green space located along the Shell
Rock River Channel in the city of Albert Lea.
new text end

new text begin (cc) Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas
Grant Programs
new text end

new text begin $3,833,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to solicit and rank applications and fund
competitive matching grants for local parks,
trail connections, and natural and scenic areas
under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019. This
appropriation is for local nature-based
recreation, connections to regional and state
natural areas, and recreation facilities and may
not be used for athletic facilities, such as sport
fields, courts, or playgrounds.
new text end

new text begin (dd) Lake Marion Greenway: Ritter Farm
Park to Dodd Boulevard
new text end

new text begin $1,797,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Lakeville to
construct new trails and pedestrian crossings,
improve existing trails and trailhead facilities,
and install interpretive and wayfinding signage
as part of the Lake Marion Greenway.
new text end

new text begin (ee) Restored Bluff and Trail at
Owámniyomni
new text end

new text begin $2,385,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Owámniyomni
Okhódayapi to design, engineer, and construct
an ADA accessible pedestrian-only trail and
restore the vegetated limestone bluff
landscape.
new text end

new text begin (ff) Minnesota Water Education for Grades
K-5
new text end

new text begin $295,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota to
provide educational programming on water
science and conservation to underserved
schools in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (gg) Outdoor Learning Center and Trails
new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Cook County Public
Schools to improve and expand access to the
outdoor environment and provide spaces for
exploration and education through accessible
trails, outdoor classrooms, shelter, and seating
for students in Cook County public schools.
Before costs for this appropriation are
incurred, a fiscal management plan must be
approved in the work plan, unless otherwise
determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (hh) Facility Outdoor Improvements
new text end

new text begin $180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Veterans on the Lake
to upgrade outdoor recreation facilities at
Veterans on the Lake Resort on Fall Lake,
including the construction of an accessible
fishing pier and an accessible fish-cleaning
house, to improve access to the wilderness and
outdoor recreation for disabled American
veterans. Before costs for this appropriation
are incurred, approval of the proposed
improvements and conditions of funding by
the property owner must be demonstrated.
Before costs for this appropriation are
incurred, a fiscal agent for Veterans on the
Lake must be approved in the work plan.
new text end

new text begin (ii) Classrooms to Careers: Expanding
Environmental STEM Pathways
new text end

new text begin $763,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota to
provide hands-on research experiences and
mentorship for high school youth and
professional development for high school
teachers to strengthen environmental STEM
education and expose students to STEM career
opportunities.
new text end

new text begin (jj) Outdoor Learning Professional
Development for Educators and
Administrators
new text end

new text begin $323,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Wolf Ridge
Environmental Learning Center to train,
mentor, and provide professional development
opportunities for teachers and administrators
to enable them to implement innovative,
locally focused outdoor learning at their
schools. Before costs for this appropriation
are incurred, a fiscal management plan must
be approved in the work plan, unless otherwise
determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (kk) Emerging Conservation Leaders:
Expanding the Network
new text end

new text begin $786,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota Valley
National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc., to
introduce metro area youth to the outdoors
and conservation professions through
apprenticeships, internships, and youth
environmental programming. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2030,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (ll) Lakewood Elementary School Trail
Renewal and Community Engagement
new text end

new text begin $288,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Duluth Public Schools
to improve the Lakewood School Forest Trail
and carry out erosion stabilization and
restoration activities along the trail at
Lakewood Elementary to ensure continued
opportunities for safe outdoor education and
community usage. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan, unless otherwise determined by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (mm) Explore Minnesota with COPAL
new text end

new text begin $392,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Comunidades
Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina
(COPAL) to expand community partnerships,
provide environmentally focused programming
and outreach focused on Latine and BIPOC
communities, support youth environmental
and outdoor leadership and engagement, and
conduct an evaluation on the accessibility and
inclusivity of Minnesota public lands.
new text end

new text begin (nn) Expanding Community Boat Building
and Outdoor Experiences
new text end

new text begin $100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Urban Boatbuilders to
engage youth in hands-on woodworking
experiences designing and constructing
longboards, canoes, kayaks, and paddles that
help develop technical, career-readiness, and
leadership skills. Before costs for this
appropriation are incurred, a fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan, unless otherwise determined by
the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Fish and Wildlife new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 18,750,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Which Cisco are Strongest? Identifying
Healthy Populations
new text end

new text begin $674,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to:
new text end

new text begin (1) determine if certain cisco populations are
better suited for Minnesota lakes experiencing
higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels
due to climate change; and
new text end

new text begin (2) create a habitat suitability map for different
cisco populations under different climate
scenarios to guide management decisions.
new text end

new text begin (b) Mapping Leech Lake Vegetation: A
Closer Look
new text end

new text begin $478,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Leech Lake Band
of Ojibwe to:
new text end

new text begin (1) survey aquatic vegetation and cultural uses
of Leech Lake resources to understand
changes over time and to guide future
management; and
new text end

new text begin (2) conduct public engagement, update aquatic
vegetation inventories, and use genetics to
distinguish between native and invasive plant
species.
new text end

new text begin (c) Salvaged Wildlife to Inform
Environmental Health, Ecology, and
Education - Phase 2
new text end

new text begin $673,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Bell Museum, to expand and
support the statewide Salvage Wildlife
network, prepare deceased wildlife as
museum-quality specimens, and build
biodiversity resources for research, education,
and conservation of Minnesota's wildlife.
new text end

new text begin (d) Partnership for Resilient Landscapes
new text end

new text begin $2,638,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Pheasants Forever, Inc.
to collaborate with the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, United States Fish and
Wildlife Services, Board of Water and Soil
Resources, and Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources to accelerate adoption of
voluntary conservation practices on working
lands in Minnesota by increasing technical
assistance to farmers and landowners while
also attracting federal matching funds.
new text end

new text begin (e) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's
Impacts on Minnesota Raptors
new text end

new text begin $298,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Raptor Center, in
partnership with Hawk Ridge Bird
Observatory, to continue to evaluate
Minnesota raptors for current or past infections
with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
to better understand disease transmission and
outbreak impacts on raptor populations.
new text end

new text begin (f) United in Responding to CWD in
Minnesota
new text end

new text begin $2,200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the College of Veterinary
Medicine to:
new text end

new text begin (1) study the environmental persistence and
transportation of chronic wasting disease
(CWD) prions and the risk factors for CWD
outbreaks in deer populations; and
new text end

new text begin (2) advance antemortem testing for early
detection of CWD in Minnesota, support
Tribal and state surveillance efforts, and
provide education about the public's role in
CWD management.
new text end

new text begin (g) Survival and Movement of Deer in
Minnesota's Prairie and Transition Zones
new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to GPS-collar and monitor deer to examine
survival, causes of mortality, predator impacts,
seasonal movements, and habitat selection in
the state's northwest and central permit zones
to determine deer herd health and inform
harvest regulations and future CWD
management. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2031, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Uniting Minnesota's Insect Record
new text end

new text begin $932,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Bell Museum, to develop the
first comprehensive list of Minnesota insect
species, consolidate Bell Museum and other
state insect collections, and integrate specimen
records of statewide natural history collections
with the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas.
new text end

new text begin (i) Lake Sturgeon Restoration at Great
Lakes Aquarium
new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Lake Superior
Authority to create a new
lake-sturgeon-rearing program and educational
grow-out exhibit at the Great Lakes Aquarium
to advance restoration of lake sturgeon to the
St. Louis River. Net income generated as part
of this appropriation may be reinvested in the
project if a plan for reinvestment is approved
in the work plan as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (j) Wolf Monitoring on the Leech Lake
Reservation
new text end

new text begin $295,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Leech Lake Band
of Ojibwe to monitor and assess wolf
population dynamics and update a wolf
management plan to guide collaboration with
other natural resource agencies for the
long-term survival of wolves on the Leech
Lake Reservation.
new text end

new text begin (k) Erosion Investigation of Pine and Curry
Island SNA
new text end

new text begin $539,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Lake of the Woods
County to:
new text end

new text begin (1) collect data, run models, and assess design
alternatives to stabilize the shoreline, restore
habitat, and improve water quality at Pine and
Curry Island Scientific and Natural Area; and
new text end

new text begin (2) summarize the data, evaluations, and final
recommendations into a public report.
new text end

new text begin (l) Building a Future for Minnesota's
At-Risk Butterflies
new text end

new text begin $294,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Board to
develop husbandry protocols for the Pawnee
Skipper, identify conservation strategies for
other at-risk butterfly species, and determine
thresholds for taking action to inform
conservation planning.
new text end

new text begin (m) Advancing Bison Recovery and
Stewardship Through Statewide
Partnership
new text end

new text begin $658,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Board to
advance conservation of bison in Minnesota
by coordinating and implementing the
priorities of the multiagency Minnesota Bison
Collaborative, including monitoring herd
genetics and health, assessing potential
reintroduction sites, and developing an
educational framework and tools.
new text end

new text begin (n) Identifying Climate-Resilient Fisheries
to Guide Minnesota Lake Management
new text end

new text begin $643,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to assess factors supporting
multispecies resilience to climate change,
identify bright spots where fisheries are
thriving despite environmental change, and
develop decision options within the
Resist-Accept-Direct framework for fisheries
management.
new text end

new text begin (o) Supporting Implementation of
Large-Scale Moose Habitat Management
new text end

new text begin $1,054,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to:
new text end

new text begin (1) coordinate delivery of the moose habitat
implementation plan that was created to
overcome challenges to large-scale moose
habitat management across diverse land
ownerships among multiple partners; and
new text end

new text begin (2) provide education, communication, and
outreach to address specific implementation
challenges and to establish and execute a
monitoring plan to evaluate implementation
success.
new text end

new text begin (p) Evaluating Forward-Facing Sonar
Impacts on Minnesota Fish
new text end

new text begin $676,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to evaluate the impact of
forward-facing sonar on angler catch rates and
fish mortality across multiple species and lake
types to inform sustainable management of
Minnesota freshwater fish populations.
new text end

new text begin (q) Incidence of Avian Influenza in
Minnesota Forest Birds
new text end

new text begin $234,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Duluth, to augment wild bird
surveys in northern Minnesota with sampling
for present and past infections with avian
influenza and coinfection with
Haemosporidian parasites to identify at-risk
bird species and quantify trends in avian
influenza prevalence over time.
new text end

new text begin (r) Regarding Native Fish: Outreach,
Engagement, and Citizen Science
new text end

new text begin $270,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to advance conservation of
native fish in Minnesota by collecting field
data on native rough fish ecology and
population dynamics, engaging a
citizen-scientist angler network, and providing
education and outreach on the importance of
native rough fish as prioritized in the
Department of Natural Resources' 2023 Native
Fish Report.
new text end

new text begin (s) Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants
and Pests Center - Phase 8
new text end

new text begin $4,694,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial
Plants and Pests Center, to fund high-priority
research projects to better manage invasive
plants, pathogens, and pests on Minnesota's
natural and agricultural lands. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2032,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Energy new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 773,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Chiller Energy Efficiency
and Onsite Energy Generation
new text end

new text begin $298,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Technical
Assistance Program to decrease carbon
emissions through technical assistance to
reduce energy use in industrial and
commercial chiller systems and identify onsite
energy solutions that promote decarbonization
and resilience.
new text end

new text begin (b) Novel Piezoelectric Energy Converters
for Minnesota Waters
new text end

new text begin $475,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the St. Anthony Falls
Laboratory to model and evaluate the viability
of an innovative renewable energy approach
using an underwater piezoelectric filament
canopy to sustainably harness the untapped
wave energy resources of Lake Superior and
similar regions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Land new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 17,964,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Lake Minnewashta Regional Park
Restoration
new text end

new text begin $392,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Carver County to:
new text end

new text begin (1) restore critical habitat at Lake
Minnewashta Regional Park consistent with
the park natural resources management plan;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) collect data to evaluate restoration success
and guide adaptive management.
new text end

new text begin (b) Adopt a Flyway: Enhancing Minnesota's
Migratory Bird Pitstops
new text end

new text begin $840,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Audubon Upper
Mississippi River to pilot an adopt-a-flyway
program to incentivize habitat restoration and
enhancement of Minnesota's Mississippi
Flyway to support the full life cycles of native
birds. Notwithstanding subdivision 12,
paragraph (e), restoration efforts may be
undertaken on private lands if a long-term
agreement is secured to protect and maintain
the restored area as approved in the work plan
and money is committed to monitor that
agreement. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2030, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin (c) Utilizing Wood Waste and Biochar for
Mine Land Reclamation
new text end

new text begin $358,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Natural Resources
Research Institute in Duluth to:
new text end

new text begin (1) evaluate water infiltration, pollutant
removal, and plant growth in mine land soils
amended with wood waste and biochar; and
new text end

new text begin (2) estimate the ecosystem and climate
benefits of using wood waste and biochar soil
mixes for mine land reclamation in Minnesota
and disseminate project results to stakeholders.
new text end

new text begin (d) Certified Prescribed Burn Manager
Curriculum Development and Pilot
new text end

new text begin $454,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to design and pilot a Minnesota
certified prescribed burn manager program to
increase capacity for nonagency stewardship
of privately owned and fire-dependent native
grasslands and forests across Minnesota. Net
income generated as part of this appropriation
may be reinvested in the project if a plan for
reinvestment is approved in the work plan as
provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (e) Updating Land Cover Maps for
Enhanced Natural Systems
new text end

new text begin $298,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to produce high-resolution land
cover maps using new LiDAR and aerial
imagery to support conservation, water
management, climate resilience, and planning
in Minnesota's largest population centers.
new text end

new text begin (f) Pollinator Central V: Habitat
Improvement with Public Engagement
new text end

new text begin $750,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Great River Greening
to partner with municipalities to create and
enhance pollinator habitat along public
corridors from Mankato to Little Falls and
engage communities with native pollinator
education and natural resources stewardship.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2030, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) Evaluating Soil Health Benefits of
Controlled Agricultural Drainage
new text end

new text begin $249,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota State
University, Mankato, to study the impact of
controlled tile drainage on soil health and
conduct outreach and education on the
potential environmental and economic benefits
of controlled tile drainage.
new text end

new text begin (h) Oak Savanna Restoration for Living
Landscapes
new text end

new text begin $1,944,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Water and Soil
Resources, in partnership with the Xerces
Society, to pilot a program to provide grants
and other agreements, conservation plans, seed
mixes, and other technical resources to restore
and enhance oak savannas and supporting
tallgrass prairies and woodlands on public and
protected conservation lands in Minnesota's
Eastern Broadleaf Forest Province. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2031,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (i) Metropolitan Regional Parks System
Land Acquisition - Phase 9
new text end

new text begin $2,414,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Metropolitan Council for grants to
acquire land with high-quality natural
resources or natural resources restoration
potential for the metropolitan regional parks
system. This appropriation must be matched
by an equal amount from a combination of
Metropolitan Council and local agency money.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2030, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (j) SNA Habitat Enhancement, Public
Engagement, and Biodiversity Protection
new text end

new text begin $3,996,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to restore and enhance habitat on scientific
and natural areas (SNAs), increase public
involvement and outreach, and strategically
acquire lands that meet criteria for SNAs under
Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, from
willing sellers. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2030, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin (k) Lake Brophy Park Trail Armoring and
Trail Improvements
new text end

new text begin $70,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Douglas County to design
and construct enhancements to existing
single-track trails at Lake Brophy Park.
new text end

new text begin (l) Sustainable Land Use with Robotic
Technology on Small Farms
new text end

new text begin $524,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to collaborate with the Hmong
American Farmers Association to design and
test new robotic technologies to assist with
sustainable agricultural practices on small
farms.
new text end

new text begin (m) Managing Minnesota's Forests for
Carbon: Tradeoffs and Synergies
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to identify tradeoffs and
synergies between managing forests for carbon
credits and managing forests for other
purposes, including wildlife and timber
production.
new text end

new text begin (n) Native Prairie Bank - Private Native
Prairie Conservation and Outreach
new text end

new text begin $1,758,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to provide technical stewardship assistance to
prairie landowners, restore and enhance native
prairie protected by easements in the native
prairie bank, and acquire easements for the
native prairie bank in accordance with
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, including
preparing initial baseline property assessments.
Up to $75,000 of this appropriation may be
deposited in the natural resources conservation
easement stewardship account created under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.69, proportional
to the number of easements acquired. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2030,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (o) Alleviating PFAS Impacts of Biosolids
on Agricultural Lands
new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to evaluate the impacts of
biosolids containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) on farmland microbial
health and explore an alternative cost-effective
biotreatment to remove PFAS from
agricultural fields.
new text end

new text begin (p) Southeast Minnesota Groundwater
Protection and Soil Health Initiative
new text end

new text begin $2,817,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Olmsted County to
provide results-based incentives, technical
assistance, and educational tools to increase
implementation of soil health practices on
agricultural fields to prevent nitrate leaching
to groundwater in karst regions of southeast
Minnesota. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2030, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin (q) Living with Fire in Minnesota Forests
new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with The Nature
Conservancy, in partnership with Dovetail
Partners, to accelerate prescribed burning by
educating private landowners, coordinating
management, and conducting prescribed burns
on public and Tribal lands to restore
Minnesota's forestlands.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Administration new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 340,000 new text end

new text begin $340,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources,
at the direction of the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources, for
expenses incurred in preparing and
administering contracts, including for the
agreements specified in this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Availability of appropriations new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may not
be spent on activities unless they are directly
related to and necessary for a specific
appropriation and are specified in the work
plan approved by the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources. Money
appropriated in this section must not be spent
on indirect costs or other institutional overhead
charges that are not directly related to and
necessary for a specific appropriation. Costs
that are directly related to and necessary for
an appropriation, including financial services,
human resources, information services, rent,
and utilities, are eligible only if the costs can
be clearly justified and individually
documented specific to the appropriation's
purpose and would not be generated by the
recipient but for receipt of the appropriation.
No broad allocations for costs in either dollars
or percentages are allowed. Unless otherwise
provided, the amounts in this section are
available for three years beginning July 1,
2026, and ending June 30, 2029, when projects
must be completed and final products
delivered. For acquisition of real property, the
appropriations in this section are available for
an additional fiscal year if a binding contract
for acquisition of the real property is entered
into before the expiration date of the
appropriation. If a project receives a federal
award, the period of the appropriation is
extended to equal the federal award period to
a maximum trust fund appropriation length of
six years.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Data availability requirements new text end

new text begin Data collected by the projects funded under
this section must conform to guidelines and
standards adopted by Minnesota IT Services.
Spatial data must also conform to additional
guidelines and standards designed to support
data coordination and distribution that have
been published by the Minnesota Geospatial
Information Office. Descriptions of spatial
data must be prepared as specified in the state's
geographic metadata guidelines, and final data
must be uploaded to the Minnesota Geospatial
Commons upon project completion. All data
must be accessible and free to the public
unless made private under the Data Practices
Act, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13. To the
extent practicable, summary data and results
of projects funded under this section should
be readily accessible on the Internet and
identified as having received funding from the
environment and natural resources trust fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end new text begin Project requirements new text end

new text begin (a) As a condition of accepting an
appropriation under this section, an agency or
entity receiving an appropriation or a party to
an agreement from an appropriation must
comply with paragraphs (b) to (m) and
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P, and must
submit a work plan and annual or semiannual
progress reports in the form determined by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources for any project funded in whole or
in part with money from the appropriation.
Modifications to the approved work plan and
budget expenditures must be made through
the amendment process established by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (b) A recipient of money appropriated in this
section that conducts a restoration using
money appropriated in this section must use
native plant species according to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines
and include an appropriate diversity of native
species selected to provide habitat for
pollinators throughout the growing season as
required under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.973.
new text end

new text begin (c) For all restorations conducted with money
appropriated under this section, a recipient
must prepare an ecological restoration and
management plan that, to the degree
practicable, is consistent with the
highest-quality conservation and ecological
goals for the restoration site. Consideration
should be given to soil, geology, topography,
and other relevant factors that would provide
the best chance for long-term success and
durability of the restoration project. The plan
must include the proposed timetable for
implementing the restoration, including site
preparation, establishment of diverse plant
species, maintenance, and additional
enhancement to establish the restoration;
identify long-term maintenance and
management needs of the restoration and how
the maintenance, management, and
enhancement will be financed; and take
advantage of the best-available science and
include innovative techniques to achieve the
best restoration.
new text end

new text begin (d) An entity receiving an appropriation in this
section for restoration activities must provide
an initial restoration evaluation at the
completion of the appropriation and an
evaluation three years after the completion of
the expenditure. Restorations must be
evaluated relative to the stated goals and
standards in the restoration plan, current
science, and, when applicable, the Board of
Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines.
The evaluation must determine whether the
restorations are meeting planned goals,
identify any problems with implementing the
restorations, and, if necessary, give
recommendations on improving restorations.
The evaluation must be focused on improving
future restorations.
new text end

new text begin (e) All restoration and enhancement projects
funded with money appropriated in this section
must be on land permanently protected by a
conservation easement or public ownership.
new text end

new text begin (f) A recipient of money from an appropriation
under this section must give consideration to
contracting with Conservation Corps
Minnesota & Iowa for contract restoration and
enhancement services.
new text end

new text begin (g) All conservation easements acquired with
money appropriated under this section must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be permanent;
new text end

new text begin (2) specify the parties to the easement in the
easement document;
new text end

new text begin (3) specify all provisions of an agreement that
are permanent;
new text end

new text begin (4) be sent to the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources in an
electronic format at least 20 business days
before closing;
new text end

new text begin (5) include a long-term monitoring and
enforcement plan and funding for monitoring
and enforcing the easement agreement; and
new text end

new text begin (6) include requirements in the easement
document to protect the quantity and quality
of groundwater and surface water through
specific activities, such as keeping water on
the landscape, reducing nutrient and
contaminant loading, and not permitting
artificial hydrological modifications.
new text end

new text begin (h) For any acquisition of lands or interest in
lands, a recipient of money appropriated under
this section must not agree to pay more than
100 percent of the appraised value for a parcel
of land using this money to complete the
purchase, in part or in whole, except that up
to ten percent above the appraised value may
be allowed to complete the purchase, in part
or in whole, using this money if permission is
received in advance of the purchase from the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (i) For any acquisition of land or interest in
land for environmental and natural resources
conservation purposes, a recipient of money
appropriated under this section must give
priority to minimally disturbed lands that
provide the greatest capacity for multiple
conservation benefits to humans, fish, wildlife,
and water resources.
new text end

new text begin (j) For new lands acquired with money
appropriated under this section, a recipient
must prepare an ecological restoration and
management plan in compliance with
paragraph (c), including sufficient funding for
implementation unless the work plan addresses
why a portion of the money is not necessary
to achieve a high-quality restoration.
new text end

new text begin (k) To ensure public accountability for using
public money, a recipient of money
appropriated under this section must, within
60 days of a land acquisition, provide to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources documentation of the selection
process used to identify parcels acquired and
provide documentation of all related
transaction costs, including but not limited to
appraisals, legal fees, recording fees,
commissions, other similar costs, and
donations. This information must be provided
for all parties involved in the transaction. The
recipient must also report to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources any difference between the
acquisition amount paid to the seller and the
state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal, if
a state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal
was conducted.
new text end

new text begin (l) A recipient of an appropriation from the
trust fund under this section must acknowledge
financial support from the environment and
natural resources trust fund in project
publications, signage, and other public
communications and outreach related to work
completed using the appropriation.
Acknowledgment may occur, as appropriate,
through use of the trust fund logo or inclusion
of language attributing support from the trust
fund. Each direct recipient of money
appropriated in this section, as well as each
recipient of a grant awarded pursuant to this
section, must satisfy all reporting and other
requirements incumbent upon constitutionally
dedicated funding recipients as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision
10, and chapter 116P.
new text end

new text begin (m) A recipient of an appropriation from the
trust fund under this section that is receiving
funding to conduct children's services, as
defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
299C.61, subdivision 7, must certify to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources, as part of the required work plan,
that criminal background checks for
background check crimes, as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, section 299C.61,
subdivision 2, are performed on all employees,
contractors, and volunteers that have or may
have access to a child to whom the recipient
provides children's services using the
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end new text begin Payment conditions and capital equipment expenditures new text end

new text begin (a) All agreements, grants, or contracts
referred to in this section must be administered
on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise
provided in this section. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.41,
expenditures made on or after July 1, 2026,
or the date the work plan is approved,
whichever is later, are eligible for
reimbursement unless otherwise provided in
this section. Periodic payments must be made
upon receiving documentation that the
deliverable items articulated in the approved
work plan have been achieved, including
partial achievements as evidenced by approved
progress reports. Reasonable amounts may be
advanced to projects to accommodate
cash-flow needs or match federal money. The
advances must be approved as part of the work
plan. No expenditures for capital equipment
are allowed unless expressly authorized in the
project work plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Single-source contracts as specified in the
approved work plan are allowed.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end new text begin Purchasing recycled and recyclable materials new text end

new text begin A political subdivision, public or private
corporation, or other entity that receives an
appropriation under this section must use the
appropriation in compliance with Minnesota
Statutes, section 16C.0725, regarding
purchasing recycled, repairable, and durable
materials, and Minnesota Statutes, section
16C.073, regarding purchasing and using
paper stock and printing.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end new text begin Accessibility new text end

new text begin Structural and nonstructural facilities must
meet the design standards in the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
guidelines.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end new text begin Carryforward; extensions new text end

new text begin (a) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2027:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph
(e), Emerald Ash Borer and Black Ash:
Maintaining Forests and Benefits;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(t), Chippewa County Acquisition, Recreation,
and Education;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 10, paragraph (e), Conservation
Reserve Program State Incentives;
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 3, paragraph (f), Statewide
Forest Carbon Inventory and Change
Mapping;
new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 3, paragraph (p), Old Growth
Forest Monitoring;
new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 3, paragraph (r), Community
Response Monitoring for Adaptive
Management in Southeast Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 7, paragraph (c), Completing
Installment of the Minnesota Ecological
Monitoring Network;
new text end

new text begin (8) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 8, paragraph (e), Minnesota
Million: Seedlings for Reforestation and CO₂
Sequestration;
new text end

new text begin (9) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 8, paragraph (q), Statewide
Diversion of Furniture and Mattress Waste
Pilots; and
new text end

new text begin (10) Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section
2, subdivision 10, paragraph (b), Emerging
Issues.
new text end

new text begin (b) The availability of the appropriation under
Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (e), Minnesota State
Trails Development, is extended to June 30,
2028.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116P.09, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Conflict of interest.

(a) A commission member, a technical advisory committee
member, a peer reviewer, or an employee of the commission may not participate in or vote
on a decision of the commission, advisory committee, or peer review relating to an
organization in which the member, peer reviewer, or employee has either a direct or indirect
personal financial interest. While serving on the commission or technical advisory committee
or as a peer reviewer or while an employee of the commission, a person must avoid any
potential conflict of interest.

(b) A commission member may not deleted text begin vote on a motion regarding the purchase of land
under section 116P.18 or the final recommendations of the commission required under
section 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), if the motion relates to an organization in
which the member has a direct personal financial interest. If a commission member is
prohibited from voting under this paragraph, the number of affirmative votes required under
section 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), or section 116P.18 is reduced by the number
of members ineligible to vote under this paragraph deleted text end new text begin serve as a project manager for or receive
financial or other compensation from a proposal that is being reviewed by the commission
or receiving money from the trust fund new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116P.18, is amended to read:

116P.18 LANDS IN PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Money appropriated from the trust fund must not be used to purchase any land in fee
title or a permanent conservation easement if the land in question is fully or partially owned
by the state or a political subdivision of the state or was acquired fully or partially with state
money, unless:

(1) the purchase creates additional direct benefit to the protection, conservation,
preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural
resources; and

(2) the purchase is approved, prior to the acquisition, by an affirmative vote of at least
11 members of the commission deleted text begin , except as provided under section 116P.09, subdivision 6,
paragraph (b) deleted text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116X.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Fraud prevention. new text end

new text begin (a) In awarding a grant under this section, the commissioner
must:
new text end

new text begin (1) ensure that the grant is subject to and complies with the requirements of sections
16B.97 to 16B.991;
new text end

new text begin (2) complete a preaward risk assessment;
new text end

new text begin (3) conduct a financial reconciliation for a sample of expenditures for the grant;
new text end

new text begin (4) require each grantee that the preaward risk assessment required under clause (2)
demonstrates has an elevated risk to submit biannual progress reports; and
new text end

new text begin (5) where the preaward risk assessment required under clause (2) demonstrates that it
is necessary, ensure that any grant money distributed in the form of advance payments is
protected through some combination of surety bonds, the participation of an eligible fiscal
agent, or other suitable mechanisms.
new text end

new text begin (b) In administering the grant program established under this section, the commissioner
must:
new text end

new text begin (1) establish a maximum grant size that can be awarded under the program;
new text end

new text begin (2) require in-person monitoring visits where and as often as the amount, complexity,
or risk of the grant warrant; and
new text end

new text begin (3) ensure that Department of Natural Resources staff that oversee grants receive annual
training on financial reconciliation and fraud prevention.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND
COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $28,180,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the environment and natural
resources trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116X.03, allocated as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 116X.03,
subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation. Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P, does not apply
to this appropriation or to projects funded with this appropriation. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2030.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116P.17, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S3857-2

116P.17 ACQUIRING LANDS OR INTEREST IN LANDS; COMMISSIONER APPROVAL.

Subdivision 1.

Commissioner approval.

(a) A recipient of an appropriation from the trust fund who acquires an interest in real property must receive written approval from the commissioner of natural resources prior to the acquisition, if the interest is acquired in whole or in part with the appropriation. A recipient must request the commissioner's approval at least ten business days before the proposed acquisition. When a recipient requests approval under this subdivision, the recipient must simultaneously submit the same information to the commission. Conservation easements to be held by the Board of Water and Soil Resources, acquisitions of land in the metropolitan regional recreation open space systems as defined under section 473.351, subdivision 1, with appropriations to the Metropolitan Council, and acquisitions specifically identified in appropriation laws are not subject to commissioner approval under this section.

(b) The commissioner shall approve acquisitions under this section only when the interest in real property:

(1) is identified as a high priority by the commissioner and meets the objectives and criteria identified in the applicable acquisition plan for the intended management status of the property; or

(2) is otherwise identified by the commissioner as a priority for state financing.

Subd. 2.

Value assessment.

At least ten business days prior to acquiring an interest in real property with an appropriation from the trust fund, a recipient of an appropriation must submit the most recent tax assessed value and most recent tax statement of the real property and the amount the recipient plans to offer for the interest in real property to the commission and the commissioner of natural resources. Conservation easements to be held by the Board of Water and Soil Resources are not subject to the requirements of this section. The board shall keep a record of the tax assessed value of the real property at the time of acquisition and the most recent tax statement.