HF 8

as introduced - 94th Legislature, 2025 1st Special Session (2025 - 2025) Posted on 06/09/2025 09:31am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; appropriating money for environment and natural
resources; appropriating money from environment and natural resources trust fund;
modifying prior appropriations; modifying fees and surcharges; establishing duties
regarding environment and natural resources; modifying grant programs; providing
for abandoned watercraft; modifying game and fish provisions; modifying reporting
requirements; modifying PFAS prohibitions; creating foraging task force; adding
to state park; authorizing private sales of certain state lands; providing for
environmental permitting reform; making technical changes; providing civil and
criminal penalties; providing appointments; requiring reports; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2024, sections 84.027, by adding a subdivision; 84.705, subdivisions 1,
3; 86B.415, subdivision 7; 88.82; 97A.223, subdivision 1; 97A.421, by adding a
subdivision; 97A.465, by adding a subdivision; 97A.475, subdivisions 2, 6;
97B.031, by adding a subdivision; 97B.037; 97C.395; 103G.271, subdivision 6;
103G.301, subdivision 2; 115B.421, subdivision 1; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116.07,
subdivision 4d, by adding a subdivision; 116.943, subdivisions 1, 5; 116D.04,
subdivisions 2a, 2b; 116X.03, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 325F.072,
subdivision 3; 473.355, subdivisions 1, 3; Laws 2022, chapter 95, article 3, section
6; Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, sections 2, subdivisions 1, 2, 7, 10; 3,
subdivisions 1, 6; 4; Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 2, subdivisions 3, 8; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 86B; repealing Minnesota
Statutes 2024, sections 97B.318; 103E.067.

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

ARTICLE 1

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 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 article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article 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 POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY 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 149,605,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 155,675,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 7,282,000 new text end	new text begin 7,232,000 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 120,271,000 new text end	new text begin 126,124,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 21,962,000 new text end	new text begin 22,229,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner must present the agency's
biennial budget for fiscal years 2028 and 2029
to the legislature in a transparent way by
agency division, including the proposed
budget bill and presentations of the budget to
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over the agency's budget.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Environmental Analysis and Outcomes new text end

new text begin 22,902,000 new text end

new text begin 24,852,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 283,000 new text end	new text begin 296,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 22,400,000 new text end	new text begin 24,336,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 219,000 new text end	new text begin 220,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $128,000 the first year and $131,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
with water quality standards and NPDES/SDS
permitting processes, including enhanced
economic analysis in the water quality
standards rulemaking processes, identification
of cost-effective permitting opportunities,
simplifying the variance process, and
coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for needed
resources for municipalities to achieve permit
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,182,000 the first year and $1,191,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for an air-monitoring program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.454, including
ambient air for hazardous pollutants, and for
operating a mobile emissions regulatory
monitoring trailer.
new text end

new text begin (c) $144,000 the first year and $148,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring water quality and operating
assistance programs.
new text end

new text begin (d) $109,000 the first year and $109,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for duties related to harmful chemicals in
children's products under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116.9401 to 116.9407. Of this
amount, $70,000 the first year and $70,000
the second year are transferred to the
commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (e) $137,000 the first year and $139,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,527,000 the first year and $1,529,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to continue perfluorochemical
biomonitoring in eastern metropolitan
communities, as recommended by the
Environmental Health Tracking and
Biomonitoring Advisory Panel, and to address
other environmental health risks, including air
quality. The communities must include Hmong
and other immigrant farming communities.
Of this amount, up to $1,248,000 the first year
and $1,248,000 the second year are for transfer
to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (g) $64,000 the first year and $65,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the listing procedures for impaired waters
required under this act.
new text end

new text begin (h) $79,000 the first year and $80,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (i) $283,000 the first year and $296,000 the
second year are from the general fund to
support communities in planning to implement
projects that will allow for adaptation for a
changing climate.
new text end

new text begin (j) $2,139,000 the first year and $2,160,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to develop and implement a program
related to emerging issues, including
Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,893,000 the first year and $1,915,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to support improved management of data
collected by the agency and its partners and
regulated parties to facilitate decision-making
and public access.
new text end

new text begin (l) $1,448,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund to adopt rules and
implement air toxics emissions requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.062.
new text end

new text begin (m) $904,000 the first year and $911,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous air
pollutants in Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington,
and Olmsted Counties.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Industrial new text end

new text begin 23,794,000 new text end

new text begin 27,093,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 257,000 new text end	new text begin 264,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 21,551,000 new text end	new text begin 24,816,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 1,986,000 new text end	new text begin 2,013,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,876,000 the first year and $1,902,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $457,000 the first year and $457,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to further evaluate the use and reduction of
trichloroethylene around Minnesota and
identify its potential health effects on
communities. Of this amount, $149,000 the
first year and $149,000 the second year are
for transfer to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (c) $257,000 the first year and $264,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
implementation of the odor management
requirements under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.064.
new text end

new text begin (d) $148,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for the purposes of the
public informational meeting requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.07,
subdivision 4m.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,698,000 the first year and $2,718,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for prioritizing air regulatory program
work in environmental justice areas.
new text end

new text begin (f) $2,539,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for implementing the
environmental justice cumulative impact
analysis and other requirements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065.
new text end

new text begin (g) $730,000 the first year and $740,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to improve the coordination, effectiveness,
transparency, and accountability of the
environmental review and permitting process.
new text end

new text begin (h) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address backlogged permits and permitting
efficiencies.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Municipal new text end

new text begin 11,446,000 new text end

new text begin 11,585,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 11,356,000 new text end	new text begin 11,495,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $228,000 the first year and $233,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
with water quality standards and NPDES/SDS
permitting processes, including enhanced
economic analysis in the water quality
standards rulemaking processes, identification
of cost-effective permitting opportunities,
simplifying the variance process, and
coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for needed
resources for municipalities to achieve permit
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for transfer to the Office of Administrative
Hearings to establish sanitary districts.
new text end

new text begin (c) $2,511,000 the first year and $2,535,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for subsurface sewage treatment system
(SSTS) program administration; for
community technical assistance and education,
including grants and technical assistance to
communities for water-quality protection, new
technology review, and enforcement under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 115.55 to 115.58;
and to complete the requirements of Laws
2003, chapter 128, article 1, section 165. Of
this amount, $350,000 each year is for
assistance to counties through grants for SSTS
program administration. A county receiving
a grant from this appropriation must submit
the results achieved with the grant to the
commissioner as part of its annual SSTS
report. Any unexpended balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $175,000 the first year and $175,000 the
second year from the environmental fund are
for environmental permitting activities.
new text end

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2027, as
grants or contracts for subsurface sewage
treatment systems, surface water and
groundwater assessments, storm water, and
water-quality protection in this subdivision
are available until June 30, 2030.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Operations new text end

new text begin 14,769,000 new text end

new text begin 14,835,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 3,404,000 new text end	new text begin 3,300,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 8,733,000 new text end	new text begin 8,870,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 2,632,000 new text end	new text begin 2,665,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,187,000 the first year and $1,201,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,204,000 the first year and $3,300,000
the second year are from the general fund to
support agency information technology
services provided at the enterprise and agency
level.
new text end

new text begin (c) $955,000 the first year and $965,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to develop and maintain systems to support
permitting and regulatory business processes
and agency data.
new text end

new text begin (d) $278,000 the first year and $280,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to support current and future career pathways
for underrepresented students.
new text end

new text begin (e) $375,000 the first year and $380,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to support financial planning and analysis to
assist with risk and compliance management
across agency programs and financial systems.
new text end

new text begin (f) $538,000 the first year and $542,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Operations Division legal services that
support compliance programs.
new text end

new text begin (g) $200,000 the first year is from the general
fund to expand outreach under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.07, subdivision 13. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Remediation new text end

new text begin 17,361,000 new text end

new text begin 17,568,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 642,000 new text end	new text begin 646,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 16,719,000 new text end	new text begin 16,922,000 new text end

new text begin (a) All money for environmental response,
compensation, and compliance in the
remediation fund not otherwise appropriated
is appropriated to the commissioners of the
Pollution Control Agency and agriculture for
purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section
115B.20, subdivision 2, clauses (1), (2), (3),
(6), and (7). At the beginning of each fiscal
year, the two commissioners must jointly
submit to the commissioner of management
and budget an annual spending plan that
maximizes resource use and appropriately
allocates the money between the two
departments.
new text end

new text begin (b) $4,965,000 the first year and $5,036,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) $316,000 the first year and $316,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
transfer to the commissioner of health for
private water-supply monitoring and health
assessment costs in areas contaminated by
unpermitted mixed municipal solid waste
disposal facilities and drinking water
advisories and public information activities
for areas contaminated by hazardous releases.
new text end

new text begin (d) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund to
review and mitigate the impacts from the
backlog of high-priority sites in the Superfund
site assessment program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Resource Management and Assistance new text end

new text begin 47,020,000 new text end

new text begin 47,259,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 70,000 new text end	new text begin 70,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 46,950,000 new text end	new text begin 47,189,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Up to $150,000 the first year and $150,000
the second year may be transferred from the
environmental fund to the small business
environmental improvement loan account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for competitive recycling grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.565. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
The base for fiscal year 2028 and later is
$154,000 from the general fund and $846,000
from the environmental fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) $694,000 the first year and $694,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for emission-reduction activities and grants to
small businesses and other
nonpoint-emission-reduction efforts. Of this
amount, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year are to continue work with
Clean Air Minnesota, and the commissioner
may enter into an agreement with
Environmental Initiative to support this effort.
new text end

new text begin (d) $18,450,000 the first year and $18,450,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for SCORE block grants to counties.
new text end

new text begin (e) $119,000 the first year and $119,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for environmental assistance grants or loans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716.
new text end

new text begin (f) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for grants to develop and expand recycling
markets for Minnesota businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (g) $770,000 the first year and $770,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for reducing and diverting food waste,
redirecting edible food for consumption, and
removing barriers to collecting and recovering
organic waste. Of this amount, $500,000 each
year is for grants to increase food rescue and
waste prevention. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (h) $2,829,000 the first year and $2,835,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.844.
new text end

new text begin (i) $479,000 the first year and $481,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address chemicals in products, including to
implement and enforce flame retardant
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.071, and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.075. Of this amount, $80,000 the first
year and $80,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (j) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Minnesota GreenCorps investment.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,143,000 the first year and $1,152,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for implementation of the PFAS
requirements under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.943. Of this amount, $468,000 the
first year and $468,000 the second year are
for transfer to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (l) $175,000 the first year and $175,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address land permitting activities.
new text end

new text begin (m) $405,000 the first year and $355,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to increase education of businesses,
compliance inspections, product testing, and
enforcement to reduce or eliminate
mercury-containing skin-lightening products.
The agency must annually meet with
community-based organizations, local health
departments, and other interested stakeholders
to seek feedback and report out aggregate
compliance and enforcement efforts.
new text end

new text begin (n) Any unencumbered grant and loan
balances in the first year do not cancel but are
available for grants and loans in the second
year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2027, as
contracts or grants for environmental
assistance awarded under Minnesota Statutes,
section 115A.0716; technical and research
assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.152; technical assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.52; and
pollution prevention assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115D.04, are
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Watershed new text end

new text begin 10,768,000 new text end

new text begin 10,901,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 1,959,000 new text end	new text begin 1,959,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 8,403,000 new text end	new text begin 8,533,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 406,000 new text end	new text begin 409,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,959,000 the first year and $1,959,000
the second year are from the general fund for
grants to delegated counties to administer the
county feedlot program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.0711, subdivisions 2 and
3. Money remaining after the first year is
available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (b) $137,000 the first year and $138,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any unencumbered grant and loan balances
in the first year do not cancel but are available
for grants and loans in the second year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Environmental Quality Board new text end

new text begin 1,545,000 new text end

new text begin 1,582,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 1,309,000 new text end	new text begin 1,343,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 236,000 new text end	new text begin 239,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin The commissioner must transfer up to
$24,000,000 the first year and $24,000,000
the second year from the environmental fund
to the remediation fund for purposes of the
remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.155, subdivision 2. For fiscal years
2028 through 2031, the commissioner of
management and budget must include a
transfer of $24,000,000 each year from the
environmental fund to the remediation fund
when preparing each forecast from the
effective date of this section through the
February 2027 forecast under Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin NATURAL 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 398,612,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 398,358,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 136,291,000 new text end	new text begin 132,187,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 131,490,000 new text end	new text begin 134,574,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 129,994,000 new text end	new text begin 130,748,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 720,000 new text end	new text begin 732,000 new text end

new text begin 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 Land and Mineral Resources Management new text end

new text begin 10,409,000 new text end

new text begin 10,615,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 4,909,000 new text end	new text begin 5,099,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 4,929,000 new text end	new text begin 4,940,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 344,000 new text end	new text begin 344,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 227,000 new text end	new text begin 232,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $319,000 the first year and $319,000 the
second year are for environmental research
relating to mine permitting, of which $200,000
each year is from the minerals management
account in the natural resources fund and
$119,000 each year is from the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,639,000 the first year and $3,650,000
the second year are from the minerals
management account in the natural resources
fund for use as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 93.2236, paragraph (c), for
mineral resource management, projects to
enhance future mineral income, and projects
to promote new mineral-resource
opportunities.
new text end

new text begin (c) $227,000 the first year and $232,000 the
second year are from the permanent school
fund to secure maximum long-term economic
return from the school trust lands consistent
with fiduciary responsibilities and sound
natural resources conservation and
management principles.
new text end

new text begin (d) $573,000 the first year and $573,000 the
second year are from the water management
account in the natural resources fund for only
the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.27, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Ecological and Water Resources new text end

new text begin 46,772,000 new text end

new text begin 48,202,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 22,470,000 new text end	new text begin 22,732,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 18,478,000 new text end	new text begin 19,646,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 5,824,000 new text end	new text begin 5,824,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $6,947,000 the first year and $6,952,000
the second year are from the invasive species
account in the natural resources fund and
$1,631,000 the first year and $1,631,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
management, public awareness, assessment
and monitoring research, and water access
inspection to prevent the spread of invasive
species; management of invasive plants in
public waters; and management of terrestrial
invasive species on state-administered lands.
new text end

new text begin (b) $7,801,000 the first year and $8,791,000
the second year are from the water
management account in the natural resources
fund for only the purposes specified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.27,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) $124,000 the first year and $124,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Mississippi
Headwaters Board for up to 50 percent of the
cost of implementing the comprehensive plan
for the upper Mississippi within areas under
the board's jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin (d) $264,000 the first year and $264,000 the
second year are for grants for up to 50 percent
of the cost of implementing the Red River
mediation agreement.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,598,000 the first year and $2,598,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for only the purposes specified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,150,000 the first year and $1,150,000
the second year are from the nongame wildlife
management account in the natural resources
fund for nongame wildlife management.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
290.431, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year may be used for nongame
wildlife information, education, and
promotion.
new text end

new text begin (g) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.943, $48,000 the first year and
$48,000 the second year from the critical
habitat private sector matching account may
be used to publicize the critical habitat license
plate match program.
new text end

new text begin (h) $4,555,000 the first year and $4,555,000
the second year are for the following activities:
new text end

new text begin (1) financial reimbursement and technical
support to soil and water conservation districts
or other local units of government for
groundwater-level monitoring;
new text end

new text begin (2) surface water monitoring and analysis,
including installing monitoring gauges;
new text end

new text begin (3) groundwater analysis to assist with
water-appropriation permitting decisions;
new text end

new text begin (4) permit application review incorporating
surface water and groundwater technical
analysis;
new text end

new text begin (5) precipitation data and analysis to improve
irrigation use;
new text end

new text begin (6) information technology, including
electronic permitting and integrated data
systems; and
new text end

new text begin (7) compliance and monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (i) $410,000 the first year and $410,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund, and
$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the general fund for the
Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research
Center at the University of Minnesota to
prioritize, support, and develop research-based
solutions that can reduce the effects of aquatic
invasive species in Minnesota by preventing
spread, controlling populations, and managing
ecosystems and to advance knowledge to
inspire action by others. The money
appropriated in this paragraph is transferred
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Research Center at the University of
Minnesota. For fiscal years 2028 to 2031, the
commissioner of management and budget must
include transfers for these amounts when
preparing each forecast, through the February
2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin (j) $129,000 the first year is from the general
fund for providing research, policy review,
and assisting the Sustainable Foraging Task
Force. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Forest Management new text end

new text begin 62,183,000 new text end

new text begin 61,793,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 44,360,000 new text end	new text begin 43,883,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 16,206,000 new text end	new text begin 16,293,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 1,617,000 new text end	new text begin 1,617,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $7,521,000 the first year and $7,521,000
the second year are for prevention,
presuppression, and suppression costs of
emergency firefighting and other costs
incurred under Minnesota Statutes, section
88.12. The amount necessary to pay for
presuppression and suppression costs during
the biennium is appropriated from the general
fund. By January 15 each year, the
commissioner of natural resources must submit
a report to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the house and senate committees
and divisions having jurisdiction over
environment and natural resources finance that
identifies all firefighting costs incurred and
reimbursements received in the prior fiscal
year. These appropriations may not be
transferred. Any reimbursement of firefighting
expenditures made to the commissioner from
any source other than federal mobilizations
must be deposited into the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $15,706,000 the first year and $15,793,000
the second year are from the forest
management investment account in the natural
resources fund for only the purposes specified
in Minnesota Statutes, section 89.039,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,617,000 the first year and $1,617,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund to advance ecological classification
systems (ECS), forest habitat, and invasive
species management.
new text end

new text begin (d) $940,000 the first year and $947,000 the
second year are for the Forest Resources
Council to implement the Sustainable Forest
Resources Act.
new text end

new text begin (e) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the forest management
investment account in the natural resources
fund for forest road maintenance on state
forest roads.
new text end

new text begin (f) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for forest road maintenance
on county forest roads.
new text end

new text begin (g) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are for grants to local and Tribal
governments and nonprofit organizations to
enhance community forest ecosystem health
and sustainability under Minnesota Statutes,
section 88.82. The commissioner may use a
reasonable amount of this appropriation for
administering ReLeaf grants.
new text end

new text begin (h) $900,000 the first year is for community
tree-planting grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.705. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (i) $160,000 the first year is from the general
fund for completing the condemnation of
certain land in Mille Lacs County authorized
under Laws 2024, chapter 116, article 8,
section 13. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Parks and Trails Management new text end

new text begin 114,097,000 new text end

new text begin 113,212,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 38,257,000 new text end	new text begin 36,224,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 73,540,000 new text end	new text begin 74,688,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 2,300,000 new text end	new text begin 2,300,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $8,925,000 the first year and $9,238,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for state trail, park, and recreation area
operations. This appropriation is from revenue
deposited in the natural resources fund under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (2).
new text end

new text begin (b) $22,078,000 the first year and $23,865,000
the second year are from the state parks
account in the natural resources fund to
operate and maintain state parks and state
recreation areas.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,300,000 the first year and $1,300,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for park and trail grants to local units of
government on land to be maintained for at
least 20 years for parks or trails. Priority must
be given for projects that are in underserved
communities or that increase access to persons
with disabilities. This appropriation is from
revenue deposited in the natural resources fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (4). Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $9,624,000 the first year and $9,624,000
the second year are from the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural
resources fund for the snowmobile
grants-in-aid program. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,510,000 the first year and $2,510,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for the off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid
program. Of this amount, $1,960,000 each
year is from the all-terrain vehicle account,
$225,000 each year is from the off-highway
motorcycle account, and $325,000 each year
is from the off-road vehicle account. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (f) $2,750,000 the first year and $2,750,000
the second year are from the state land and
water conservation account in the natural
resources fund for priorities established by the
commissioner for eligible state projects and
administrative and planning activities
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
84.0264, and the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
matching grants for local parks and outdoor
recreation areas under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.019, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (h) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
matching grants for local trail connections
under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019,
subdivision 4c.
new text end

new text begin (i) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for projects and activities that connect
diverse and underserved Minnesotans through
expanding cultural environmental experiences,
exploration of their environment, and outdoor
recreational activities. This appropriation is
from revenue deposited in the natural
resources fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, paragraph (j).
new text end

new text begin (j) $952,000 the first year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account in the natural
resources fund for grants for design,
engineering, and construction of all-terrain
vehicle trails and to acquire rights-of-way for
the trails. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (k) $300,000 the first year is for one or more
grants to the city of Anoka for design,
engineering, environmental analysis, and
construction of improvements to the Rum
River Dam in the city of Anoka and to acquire
rights-of-way, including easements, for the
dam. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

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

new text begin 98,237,000 new text end

new text begin 98,171,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 10,499,000 new text end	new text begin 9,437,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 2,182,000 new text end	new text begin 2,424,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 85,556,000 new text end	new text begin 86,310,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $12,125,000 the first year and $12,097,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund only for activities specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1). Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, five
percent of this appropriation may be used for
expanding hunter and angler recruitment and
retention.
new text end

new text begin (b) $8,546,000 the first year and $8,546,000
the second year are from the deer management
account in the game and fish fund for the
purposes identified in Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.075, subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (c) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for grants
for natural-resource-based education and
recreation programs serving youth under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976. The
commissioner may use a reasonable amount
of this appropriation for administering grants
authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.976. Priority must be given to projects
benefiting underserved communities.
new text end

new text begin (d) Up to $2,225,000 the first year and up to
$2,225,000 the second year are available for
transfer from the critical habitat private sector
matching account to the reinvest in Minnesota
fund for wildlife management areas
acquisition, restoration, and enhancement
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
84.943, subdivision 5, paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (e) $3,532,000 the first year and $3,532,000
the second year are from the general fund and
$1,675,000 the first year and $1,675,000 the
second year are from the game and fish fund
for statewide response and management of
chronic wasting disease. Of this amount, up
to $3,250,000 each year from the general fund
is for inspections, investigations, and
enforcement activities taken for the
white-tailed deer farm program.
new text end

new text begin (f) $848,000 the first year is to provide grants
to accredited learning centers to provide a
multiday, overnight educational experience
for students in grades 4 through 12 that is
comprised mainly of outdoor-based learning
activities. To be eligible for a grant, the
outdoor education program must provide
opportunities for students to directly
experience nature and must employ a
research-based environmental and natural
resources educational curriculum that is
integrated with local school curricula to help
students meet academic standards. A grantee
must address accessibility of outdoor
educational opportunities for underserved
students, including students with disabilities.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (g) $225,000 the first year is from the general
fund to expand outreach under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.027, subdivision 21. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Enforcement new text end

new text begin 63,890,000 new text end

new text begin 64,534,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 14,375,000 new text end	new text begin 14,591,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 15,045,000 new text end	new text begin 15,473,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 34,353,000 new text end	new text begin 34,353,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,718,000 the first year and $1,718,000
the second year are from the general fund for
enforcement efforts to prevent the spread of
aquatic invasive species.
new text end

new text begin (b) $2,980,000 the first year and $2,980,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for only the purposes specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,442,000 the first year and $1,442,000
the second year are from the water recreation
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to counties for boat and water safety. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $315,000 the first year and $315,000 the
second year are from the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural
resources fund for grants to local law
enforcement agencies for snowmobile
enforcement activities. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the all-terrain vehicle
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to qualifying organizations to assist in safety
and environmental education and monitoring
trails on public lands under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.9011. Grants issued under
this paragraph must be issued through a formal
agreement with the organization. By
December 15 each year, an organization
receiving a grant under this paragraph must
report to the commissioner with details on
expenditures and outcomes from the grant. Of
this appropriation, $25,000 each year is for
administering these grants. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (f) $510,000 the first year and $510,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for grants to county law enforcement
agencies for off-highway vehicle enforcement
and public education activities based on
off-highway vehicle use in the county. Of this
amount, $498,000 each year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account, $11,000 each year
is from the off-highway motorcycle account,
and $1,000 each year is from the off-road
vehicle account. The county enforcement
agencies may use money received under this
appropriation to make grants to other local
enforcement agencies within the county that
have a high concentration of off-highway
vehicle use. Of this appropriation, $25,000
each year is for administering the grants. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) $262,000 the first year and $262,000 the
second year are from the water recreation
account in the natural resources fund for
investigating, notification, and removal of
abandoned watercraft on or adjacent to public
waters and public land.
new text end

new text begin (h) $20,000 the first year and $20,000 the
second year are from the off-highway
motorcycle account in the natural resources
fund for grants to qualifying off-highway
motorcycle organizations to assist in providing
safety and environmental education and
monitoring trails on public lands according to
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.9011. Grants
awarded under this paragraph must be issued
through a formal agreement with the
organization. By December 15 each year, an
organization receiving a grant under this
paragraph must report to the commissioner
with details on how the money was expended
and what outcomes were achieved.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Operations Support new text end

new text begin 1,200,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin $1,200,000 the first year is for legal costs. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
through fiscal year 2029.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Pass Through Funds new text end

new text begin 1,824,000 new text end

new text begin 1,831,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 1,110,000 new text end	new text begin 1,110,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 493,000 new text end	new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $510,000 the first year and $510,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for grants to be divided equally between
the city of St. Paul for the Como Park Zoo and
Conservatory and the city of Duluth for the
Lake Superior Zoo. This appropriation is from
revenue deposited to the natural resources fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (5).
new text end

new text begin (b) $221,000 the first year and $221,000 the
second year are from the general fund for the
Office of School Trust Lands.
new text end

new text begin (c) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the
second year are from the permanent school
fund for transaction and project management
costs for divesting of school trust lands within
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
new text end

new text begin (d) $343,000 the first year and $350,000 the
second year are from the permanent school
fund for the Office of School Trust Lands.
new text end

new text begin (e) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for parks and trails of regional
significance outside the seven-county
metropolitan area under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.535, based on the recommendations
from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks
and Trails Commission. This appropriation is
from revenue deposited in the natural
resources fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, paragraph (i).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin $720,000 the first year and $732,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school
fund. For fiscal years 2028 through 2031, the
commissioner of management and budget must
include a transfer of $732,000 each year from
the forest suspense account to the permanent
school fund when preparing each forecast from
the effective date of this section through the
February 2027 forecast under Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Extensions new text end

new text begin The appropriation in Laws 2023, chapter 60,
article 1, section 3, subdivision 5, paragraph
(p), for a boat launch on the Mississippi River
is extended to June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 11 is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 16,145,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 16,102,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $3,116,000 the first year and $3,116,000
the second year are for grants and payments
to soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing the purposes of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103C, and for other general
purposes, nonpoint engineering, and
implementation and stewardship of the
reinvest in Minnesota reserve program.
Expenditures may be made from this
appropriation for supplies and services
benefiting soil and water conservation
districts. Any district receiving a payment
under this paragraph must maintain a website
that publishes, at a minimum, the district's
annual report, annual audit, annual budget,
and meeting notices.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,560,000 the first year and $1,560,000
the second year are for the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,460,000 the first year and $1,460,000
the second year are for cost-sharing programs
of soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing projects and practices
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103C.501, including perennially vegetated
riparian buffers, erosion control, water
retention and treatment, water quality
cost-sharing for feedlots and nutrient and
manure management projects in watersheds
where there are impaired waters, and other
high-priority conservation practices; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for invasive species and weed
management programs and to restore native
plants at selected invasive species management
sites.
new text end

new text begin (c) $166,000 the first year and $166,000 the
second year are to provide technical assistance
to local drainage management officials and
for the costs of the Drainage Work Group. The
board must coordinate the activities of the
Drainage Work Group according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 103B.101, subdivision 13.
new text end

new text begin (d) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Red River
Basin Commission for water quality and
floodplain management, including program
administration. This appropriation must be
matched by nonstate funds.
new text end

new text begin (e) $140,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for grants to Area II
Minnesota River Basin Projects for floodplain
management.
new text end

new text begin (f) $240,000 the first year and $240,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District to defray
the annual cost of sustaining the state, national,
and international commercial and recreational
navigation on the lower Minnesota River.
new text end

new text begin (g) $203,000 the first year and $203,000 the
second year are for soil health programming
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.06, and for coordination with the
University of Minnesota Office for Soil
Health.
new text end

new text begin (h) $3,423,000 the first year and $3,423,000
the second year are for natural resources block
grants to local governments to implement the
Wetland Conservation Act and shoreland
management program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103F, and local water
management responsibilities under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103B. The board may reduce
the amount of the natural resources block grant
to a county by an amount equal to any
reduction in the county's general services
allocation to a soil and water conservation
district from the county's previous year
allocation when the board determines that the
reduction was disproportionate.
new text end

new text begin (i) $200,000 the first year is for agreements
with local units of government to implement
local programs to prevent water pollution due
to garbage and human waste left on the ice of
state waters during winter-use activities. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (j) $6,997,000 the first year and $7,154,000
the second year are for agency administration
and operation of the Board of Water and Soil
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (k) The board may shift funds in this section
and may adjust the technical and
administrative assistance portion of the funds
to leverage federal or other nonstate funds or
to address accountability, oversight, local
government performance, or high-priority
needs.
new text end

new text begin (l) The appropriations for grants and payments
in this section are available until June 30,
2029, except returned grants and payments
are available for two years after they are
returned or regranted, whichever is later.
Funds must be used consistent with the
purposes of this section. If an appropriation
for grants in either year is insufficient, the
appropriation in the other year is available for
it.
new text end

new text begin (m) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16B.97, grants awarded from
appropriations in this section are exempt from
the Department of Administration, Office of
Grants Management Policy 08-08 Grant
Payments and 08-10 Grant Monitoring.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 13,390,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 11,740,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 4,190,000 new text end	new text begin 2,540,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 9,200,000 new text end	new text begin 9,200,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,540,000 the first year and $2,540,000
the second year are for metropolitan-area
regional parks operation and maintenance
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
473.351.
new text end

new text begin (b) $9,200,000 the first year and $9,200,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for metropolitan-area regional parks and
trails maintenance and operations. This
appropriation is from revenue deposited in the
natural resources fund under Minnesota
Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (h),
clause (3).
new text end

new text begin (c) $750,000 the first year is for the purposes
under Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section
5, paragraph (f), which provides for the
development of a comprehensive plan for
communities in the White Bear Lake area.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (d) $900,000 the first year is for community
tree-planting grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.355. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2028.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin CONSERVATION CORPS MINNESOTA AND IOWA new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,070,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,070,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 580,000 new text end	new text begin 580,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 490,000 new text end	new text begin 490,000 new text end

new text begin Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa may
receive money appropriated from the natural
resources fund under this section only as
provided in an agreement with the
commissioner of natural resources.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin ZOOLOGICAL BOARD new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 14,180,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 14,532,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 13,925,000 new text end	new text begin 14,277,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 255,000 new text end	new text begin 255,000 new text end

new text begin $255,000 the first year and $255,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund from revenue deposited under Minnesota
Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (h),
clause (5).
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin SCIENCE MUSEUM new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,460,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,260,000 new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 198,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin $198,000 the first year is for the administrative
costs of the Sustainable Foraging Task Force.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 444,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 444,000 new text end

new text begin $444,000 the first year and $444,000 the
second year are for additional business
permitting assistance through the Minnesota
Business First Stop Program. Of this amount,
$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for the development and
maintenance of a GIS platform to identify sites
with the least amount of conflict for complex
development projects. The base for this
appropriation is $369,000 in fiscal year 2028
and thereafter.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Laws 2022, chapter 95, article 3, section 6, is amended to read:

Sec. 6. APPROPRIATIONS; DROUGHT RELIEF.

(a) $300,000 in fiscal year 2022 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of natural resources for costs associated with resolving well interferences confirmed by the
Department of Natural Resources that occurred after April 30, 2021, and before December
31, 2021. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(b) deleted text begin $5,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $2,195,000 new text end in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to
the commissioner of natural resources deleted text begin to replace drought-killed seedlings on lands managed
by the Department of Natural Resources and to administer grants to Tribal, county, and
private forestland owners to replace drought-killed seedlings on their land. Seedling
replacement includes site prep, replanting, and tending seedlings. deleted text end new text begin for reforestation needs
associated with wildfires. new text end This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30,
deleted text begin 2027 deleted text end new text begin 2029 new text end .

Sec. 12.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

305,345,000

$

deleted text begin 229,638,000 deleted text end new text begin 226,638,000 new text end

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	179,534,000	deleted text begin 100,098,000 deleted text end new text begin 97,098,000 new text end
State Government Special Revenue	85,000	90,000
Environmental	106,055,000	109,203,000
Remediation	19,671,000	20,247,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

The commissioner must present the agency's
biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027
to the legislature in a transparent way by
agency division, including the proposed
budget bill and presentations of the budget to
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over the agency's budget.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Environmental Analysis and Outcomes

79,311,000

deleted text begin 72,785,000 deleted text end new text begin 69,785,000 new text end

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	60,103,000	deleted text begin 53,047,000 deleted text end new text begin 50,047,000 new text end
Environmental	18,959,000	19,533,000
Remediation	249,000	205,000

(a) $122,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are from the general fund for:

(1) a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
in implementing and participating in the
rulemaking process for water quality standards
and navigating the NPDES/SDS permitting
process;

(2) enhanced economic analysis in the
rulemaking process for water quality
standards, including more-specific analysis
and identification of cost-effective permitting;

(3) developing statewide economic analyses
and templates to reduce the amount of
information and time required for
municipalities to apply for variances from
water quality standards; and

(4) coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for the
resources needed for urban, suburban, and
Greater Minnesota municipalities to achieve
permit requirements.

(b) $216,000 the first year and $219,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a monitoring program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.454.

(c) $132,000 the first year and $137,000 the
second year are for monitoring water quality
and operating assistance programs.

(d) $390,000 the first year and $399,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous
pollutants.

(e) $106,000 the first year and $109,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for duties related to harmful chemicals in
children's products under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116.9401 to 116.9407. Of this
amount, $68,000 the first year and $70,000
the second year are transferred to the
commissioner of health.

(f) $128,000 the first year and $132,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.

(g) $1,492,000 the first year and $1,519,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to continue perfluorochemical
biomonitoring in eastern metropolitan
communities, as recommended by the
Environmental Health Tracking and
Biomonitoring Advisory Panel, and to address
other environmental health risks, including air
quality. The communities must include Hmong
and other immigrant farming communities.
Of this amount, up to $1,226,000 the first year
and $1,248,000 the second year are for transfer
to the commissioner of health.

(h) $61,000 the first year and $62,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the listing procedures for impaired waters
required under this act.

(i) $72,000 the first year and $74,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.

(j) $500,000 the first year is to facilitate the
collaboration and modeling of greenhouse gas
impacts, costs, and benefits of strategies to
reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
This is a onetime appropriation.

(k) $50,266,000 the first year and deleted text begin $50,270,000 deleted text end new text begin
$47,270,000 new text end the second year are to establish
and implement a local government climate
resiliency and water infrastructure grant
program for local governmental units and
Tribal governments. Of this amount,
$49,100,000 deleted text begin each deleted text end new text begin the first new text end year deleted text begin is deleted text end new text begin and
$46,100,000 the second year are new text end for grants to
support communities in planning and
implementing projects that will allow for
adaptation for a changing climate. At least 40
percent of the money granted under this
paragraph must be for projects in areas that
meet environmental justice criteria. By
December 30, 2027, the commissioner must
submit a report on the use of grant money to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over environment and natural resources
finance. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027. The base for this appropriation
in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $270,000.

(l) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to the
city of Fergus Falls to address water-quality
concerns at Lake Alice. new text begin This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

(m) $150,000 the first year is for a grant to
Rice County to address water-quality concerns
at French Lake. new text begin This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2026.
new text end

(n) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to
Ramsey County to address water-quality
concerns at Round Lake.

(o) Recipients of money appropriated in
paragraphs (l), (m), and (n) may use the grants
to contract for water-quality improvement
services, testing, necessary infrastructure,
training, and maintenance.

(p) $2,070,000 the first year and $2,070,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to develop and implement a program
related to emerging issues, including
Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.

(q) $1,820,000 the first year and $1,820,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to support improved management of data
collected by the agency and its partners and
regulated parties to facilitate decision-making
and public access.

(r) $500,000 the first year is from the general
fund for the report on firefighter turnout gear
and biomonitoring required under this act. Of
this amount, up to deleted text begin $250,000 deleted text end new text begin $425,000 new text end may be
transferred to the commissioner of health for
biomonitoring of firefighters. new text begin This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

(s) $500,000 the first year is to develop
protocols to be used by agencies and
departments for sampling and testing
groundwater, surface water, public drinking
water, and private wells for microplastics and
nanoplastics and to begin implementation. The
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency
may transfer money appropriated under this
paragraph to the commissioners of agriculture,
natural resources, and health to implement the
protocols developed. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2025.

(t) $50,000 the first year is from the
remediation fund for the work group on PFAS
manufacturer fees and report required under
this act.

(u) $387,000 the first year and $90,000 the
second year are to develop and implement the
requirements for fish kills under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 103G.216 and 103G.2165.
Of this amount, up to $331,000 the first year
and $90,000 the second year may be
transferred to the commissioners of health,
natural resources, agriculture, and public
safety and to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota as necessary to
implement those sections. The base for this
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and beyond
is $7,000.

(v) $63,000 the first year and $92,000 the
second year are for transfer to the
commissioner of health for amending the
health risk limit for PFOS. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2026.

(w) $5,000,000 the first year is for community
air-monitoring grants as provided in this act.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(x) $2,333,000 the first year and $2,333,000
the second year are to adopt rules and
implement air toxics emissions requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.062.
The general fund appropriations are onetime
and are available until June 30, 2027. The base
for this appropriation is $0 in fiscal year 2026
and $1,400,000 from the environmental fund
in fiscal year 2027 and beyond.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Resource Management and Assistance

82,000,000

57,974,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	38,464,000	13,850,000
Environmental	43,536,000	44,124,000

(a) Up to $150,000 the first year and $150,000
the second year may be transferred from the
environmental fund to the small business
environmental improvement loan account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993.

(b) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for competitive recycling
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.565. Of this amount, $300,000 the first
year and $300,000 the second year are from
the general fund, and $700,000 the first year
and $700,000 the second year are from the
environmental fund. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027.

(c) $694,000 the first year and $694,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for emission-reduction activities and grants to
small businesses and other
nonpoint-emission-reduction efforts. Of this
amount, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year are to continue work with
Clean Air Minnesota, and the commissioner
may enter into an agreement with
Environmental Initiative to support this effort.

(d) $18,450,000 the first year and $18,450,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for SCORE block grants to counties.

(e) $119,000 the first year and $119,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for environmental assistance grants or loans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716.

(f) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for grants to develop and expand recycling
markets for Minnesota businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.

(g) $767,000 the first year and $770,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for reducing and diverting food waste,
redirecting edible food for consumption, and
removing barriers to collecting and recovering
organic waste. Of this amount, $500,000 each
year is for grants to increase food rescue and
waste prevention. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027.

(h) $2,797,000 the first year and $2,811,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.844.

(i) $318,000 the first year and $324,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address chemicals in products, including to
implement and enforce flame retardant
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.071, and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.075. Of this amount, $78,000 the first
year and $80,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.

(j) $180,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for quantifying climate-related
impacts from projects for environmental
review. This is a onetime appropriation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(k) $1,790,000 the first year and $70,000 the
second year are for accelerating pollution
prevention at small businesses. Of this amount,
$1,720,000 the first year is new text begin for transfer to the
environmental fund new text end for zero-interest loans new text begin
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993, new text end to
phase out high-polluting equipment, products,
and processes and replace with new options.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027. This is a onetime appropriation.

(l) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the
second year are to support the Greenstep Cities
program. This is a onetime appropriation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(m) $420,000 the first year is to complete a
study on the viability of recycling solar energy
equipment. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2026.

(n) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Minnesota GreenCorps investment.

(o) $4,210,000 the first year and $210,000 the
second year are for PFAS reduction grants.
Of this amount, $4,000,000 the first year is
for grants to industry and public entities to
identify sources of PFAS entering facilities
and to develop pollution prevention and
reduction initiatives to reduce PFAS entering
facilities, prevent releases, and monitor the
effectiveness of these projects. Priority must
be given to projects in underserved
communities. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027.

(p) $12,940,000 the first year and $12,940,000
the second year are for a waste prevention and
reduction grants and loan program. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027. Of this amount in the first year,
$7,950,000 is for waste prevention and
reduction grants and loans and $3,000,000 is
for a grant to the owner of a biomass energy
generation plant in Shakopee that uses waste
heat from the generation of electricity in the
malting process to purchase a wood dehydrator
to facilitate disposal of wood that is infested
by the emerald ash borer. Of this amount in
the second year, $10,950,000 is for waste
prevention and reduction grants and loans new text begin ,
including $1,000,000 for transfer to the
environmental fund for the purposes of
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716 new text end . By
October 1, 2024, the commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency must report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources on the use of money appropriated
for the wood dehydrator under this paragraph.

(q) $16,562,000 the first year is for grants to
a Minnesota nonprofit corporation that owns
a cogeneration facility that serves a St. Paul
district heating and cooling system to preserve
existing biomass energy infrastructure for
purposes of local and regional emerald ash
borer response efforts. The commissioner of
the Pollution Control Agency may require the
nonprofit corporation to charge a fee per ton
of wood waste delivered to the facility. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2030.

(r) $1,163,000 the first year and $1,115,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for rulemaking and implementation of
the new PFAS requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.943. Of this amount,
$312,000 the first year and $468,000 the
second year are for transfer to the
commissioner of health.

(s) $680,000 the first year is for the resource
management report required in this act. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2026.

(t) $35,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for the compostable
labeling requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 325E.046. The base for this
appropriation in fiscal year 2026 and beyond
is $68,000 from the environmental fund.

(u) $175,000 the first year is for the
rulemaking required under this act providing
for the safe and lawful disposal of waste
treated seed. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2025.

(v) $1,000,000 the first year is for a lead tackle
reduction program that provides outreach,
education, and opportunities to safely dispose
of and exchange lead tackle throughout the
state. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(w) $17,000 the first year is for rulemaking
for the capital assistance program. This is a
onetime appropriation.

(x) Any unencumbered grant and loan
balances in the first year do not cancel but are
available for grants and loans in the second
year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2025, as
contracts or grants for environmental
assistance awarded under Minnesota Statutes,
section 115A.0716; technical and research
assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.152; technical assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.52; and
pollution prevention assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115D.04, are
available until June 30, 2027.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Transfers

(a) The commissioner must transfer up to
$24,000,000 the first year and $24,000,000
the second year from the environmental fund
to the remediation fund for purposes of the
remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.155, subdivision 2. The base for
this transfer is $24,000,000 in fiscal year 2026
and beyond.

(b) By June 30, 2024, the commissioner of
management and budget must transfer
$27,397,000 from the general fund to the
metropolitan landfill contingency action trust
account in the remediation fund to restore the
money transferred from the account as
intended under Laws 2003, chapter 128, article
1, section 10, paragraph (e), and Laws 2005,
First Special Session chapter 1, article 3,
section 17, and to compensate the account for
the estimated lost investment income.

deleted text begin (c) Beginning in fiscal year 2024, the
commissioner of management and budget must
transfer $100,000 each year from the general
fund to the metropolitan landfill contingency
action trust account in the remediation fund
to restore the money transferred from the
account as intended under Laws 2003, chapter
128, article 1, section 10, paragraph (e), and
Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1,
article 3, section 17.
deleted text end

Sec. 16.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 3, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

deleted text begin 535,868,000 deleted text end new text begin 530,368,000 new text end

$

403,116,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	deleted text begin 281,054,000 deleted text end new text begin 275,554,000 new text end	150,078,000
Natural Resources	123,986,000	123,706,000
Game and Fish	129,920,000	128,513,000
Remediation	117,000	117,000
Permanent School	791,000	702,000

The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 17.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 3, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Fish and Wildlife Management

deleted text begin 111,125,000 deleted text end new text begin 105,625,000 new text end

96,963,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	deleted text begin 23,643,000 deleted text end new text begin 18,143,000 new text end	9,888,000
Natural Resources	2,082,000	2,082,000
Game and Fish	85,400,000	84,993,000

(a) $11,158,000 the first year and $11,158,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund only for activities specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1). Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, five
percent of this appropriation may be used for
expanding hunter and angler recruitment and
retention.

(b) $982,000 the first year and $982,000 the
second year are from the general fund and
$1,675,000 the first year and $1,675,000 the
second year are from the game and fish fund
for statewide response and management of
chronic wasting disease. The commissioner
and the Board of Animal Health must each
submit annual reports on chronic wasting
disease activities funded in this biennium to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources and agriculture. The general fund
base for this appropriation in fiscal year 2026
and beyond is $282,000.

(c) $5,150,000 the first year and $3,250,000
the second year are for inspections,
investigations, and enforcement activities
taken for the white-tailed deer farm program
and for statewide response and management
of chronic wasting disease. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029.

(d) $8,546,000 the first year and $8,546,000
the second year are from the deer management
account for the purposes identified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.075,
subdivision 1.

(e) $268,000 the first year and $268,000 the
second year are for increased capacity for
broadband utility licensing for state lands and
public waters. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2028.

(f) deleted text begin $10,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $4,500,000 new text end the first year is
for enhancing prairies and grasslands and
restoring wetlands on state-owned wildlife
management areas to sequester more carbon
and enhance climate resiliency. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027.

(g) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the general fund and
$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for grants
for natural-resource-based education and
recreation programs serving youth under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976, and for
grant administration. Priority must be given
to projects benefiting underserved
communities. The base for this appropriation
in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $500,000
from the heritage enhancement account in the
game and fish fund. The general fund
appropriation is onetime.

(h) $2,300,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa to expand Minnesota's wild elk
population and range. Consideration must be
given to moving elk from existing herds in
northwest Minnesota to the area of the Fond
du Lac State Forest and the Fond du Lac
Reservation in Carlton and southern St. Louis
Counties. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa's elk reintroduction efforts
must undergo thorough planning with the
Department of Natural Resources to develop
necessary capture and handling protocols,
including protocols related to cervid disease
management, and to produce postrelease state
and Tribal elk comanagement plans. Of this
amount, $300,000 is for the department for
the purposes of this paragraph. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2026.

(i) $767,000 the first year is from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund to examine the effects of neonicotinoid
exposure on the reproduction and survival of
Minnesota's game species, including deer and
prairie chicken. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2027.

(j) $134,000 the first year and $134,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for native
fish conservation and classification.

(k) $82,000 the first year is for the native fish
reports required under this act. This is a
onetime appropriation.

(l) $65,000 the first year is for preparing the
report on feral pigs and mink required under
this act and holding at least one public meeting
on the topic.

(m) Up to $5,750,000 the first year and up to
$2,225,000 the second year are available for
transfer from the critical habitat private sector
matching account to the reinvest in Minnesota
fund for wildlife management areas
acquisition, restoration, and enhancement
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
84.943, subdivision 5b.

(n) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, $300,000 the first year and
$300,000 the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for shooting sports facility grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 87A.10, including
grants for archery facilities. Grants must be
matched with a nonstate match, which may
include in-kind contributions. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, deleted text begin 2026 deleted text end new text begin 2028 new text end . deleted text begin This appropriation must
be allocated as follows:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) $200,000 each fiscal year is for grants of
$25,000 or less; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) $100,000 each fiscal year is for grants in
excess of $25,000.
deleted text end

(o) $75,000 the first year is from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for enhanced fish stocking of white bass
and crappies in lakes in the metropolitan area
that have pier and shore fishing opportunities
where communities are currently underserved.

(p) $1,633,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for chronic wasting disease
contingency plans developed by the Center
for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
This is a onetime appropriation.

(q) $900,000 the first year is to create new or
expand existing outreach and education
programs for non-native English-speaking
communities. Of this amount, $250,000 is for
the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency and $250,000 is for the Board of
Water and Soil Resources for this purpose. Up
to $400,000 may be used to expand the
Fishing in the Neighborhood program for
outreach to new and underserved audiences.
This appropriation may be used for community
outreach consultants for reaching new
audiences. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 4. BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES

$

61,943,000

$

deleted text begin 58,131,000 deleted text end new text begin 54,701,000 new text end

(a) $3,116,000 the first year and deleted text begin $3,116,000 deleted text end new text begin
$2,534,000 new text end the second year are for grants and
payments to soil and water conservation
districts for accomplishing the purposes of
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103C, and for
other general purposes, nonpoint engineering,
and implementation and stewardship of the
reinvest in Minnesota reserve program.
Expenditures may be made from this
appropriation for supplies and services
benefiting soil and water conservation
districts. Any district receiving a payment
under this paragraph must maintain a website
that publishes, at a minimum, the district's
annual report, annual audit, annual budget,
and meeting notices.

(b) $761,000 the first year and $761,000 the
second year are to implement, enforce, and
provide oversight for the Wetland
Conservation Act, including administering the
wetland banking program and in-lieu fee
mechanism.

(c) $1,560,000 the first year and $1,560,000
the second year are for the following:

(1) $1,460,000 the first year and $1,460,000
the second year are for cost-sharing programs
of soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing projects and practices
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103C.501, including perennially vegetated
riparian buffers, erosion control, water
retention and treatment, water quality
cost-sharing for feedlots under 500 animal
units and nutrient and manure management
projects in watersheds where there are
impaired waters, and other high-priority
conservation practices; and

(2) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for county cooperative weed
management programs and to restore native
plants at selected invasive species management
sites.

(d) $166,000 the first year and $166,000 the
second year are to provide technical assistance
to local drainage management officials and
for the costs of the Drainage Work Group. The
board must coordinate the activities of the
Drainage Work Group according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 103B.101, subdivision 13.
The Drainage Work Group must review a
drainage authority's power under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103E, to consider the
abandonment or dismantling of drainage
systems; to re-meander, restore, or reconstruct
a natural waterway that has been modified by
drainage; or to deconstruct dikes, dams, or
other water-control structures.

(e) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Red River
Basin Commission for water quality and
floodplain management, including program
administration. This appropriation must be
matched by nonstate funds.

(f) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the
second year are for grants to Area II
Minnesota River Basin Projects for floodplain
management. The base for fiscal year 2026
and later is $140,000.

(g) $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are for conservation easement
stewardship.

(h) $240,000 the first year and $240,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District to defray
the annual cost of operating and maintaining
sites for dredge spoil to sustain the state,
national, and international commercial and
recreational navigation on the lower Minnesota
River.

(i) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for the lawns to legumes
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.104. The board may enter into
agreements with local governments, Metro
Blooms, and other organizations to support
this effort. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

(j) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for the habitat
enhancement landscape program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.106. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027.

(k) $10,557,000 the first year and $10,557,000
the second year are for soil health activities to
achieve water quality, soil productivity,
climate change resiliency, or carbon
sequestration benefits consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.06. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027. The board may use grants to
local governments, including soil and water
conservation districts, and agreements with
the United States Department of Agriculture;
the University of Minnesota, Office for Soil
Health; AgCentric, Minnesota State Northern
Center of Excellence; and other practitioners
and partners to accomplish this work.

(l) $203,000 the first year and $203,000 the
second year are for soil health practice
adoption purposes consistent with the
cost-sharing provisions of Minnesota Statutes,
section 103C.501, and for soil health program
responsibilities in consultation with the
University of Minnesota Office for Soil
Health.

(m) $10,500,000 the first year and
deleted text begin $10,500,000 deleted text end new text begin $7,652,000 new text end the second year are
for conservation easements and to restore and
enhance grasslands and adjacent lands
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, sections
103F.501 to 103F.531, for the purposes of
climate resiliency, adaptation, carbon
sequestration, and related benefits. Of this
amount, up to $423,000 is for deposit in the
water and soil conservation easement
stewardship account established under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.103. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2029. The board must give priority
to leveraging nonstate funding, including
practices, programs, and projects funded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
the Conservation Reserve Program, the
Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Federal
Farm Bill, or the Climate-Smart Commodities
Program.

(n) $4,000,000 the first year and $5,000,000
the second year are to acquire conservation
easements and to restore and enhance
peatlands and adjacent lands consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, sections 103F.501 to
103F.531, for the purposes of climate
resiliency, adaptation, carbon sequestration,
and related benefits. Of this amount, up to
$299,000 is for deposit in the water and soil
conservation easement stewardship account
established under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.103. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2029. The board
must give priority to leveraging nonstate
funding, including practices, programs, and
projects funded by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture via the Conservation Reserve
Enhancement Program, the Conservation
Reserve Program, the Federal Inflation
Reduction Act, the Federal Farm Bill, or the
Climate-Smart Commodities Program.

(o) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are to enhance existing
easements established under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 103F.501 to 103F.531.
Enhancements are for the purposes of climate
resiliency, adaptation, and carbon
sequestration and include but are not limited
to increasing biodiversity and mitigating the
effects of rainfall and runoff events. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2029. The board must give priority
to leveraging nonstate funding, including
practices, programs, and projects funded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
the Conservation Reserve Program, the
Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Federal
Farm Bill, or the Climate-Smart Commodities
Program.

(p) $8,500,000 the first year and $8,500,000
the second year are for water quality and
storage practices and projects to protect
infrastructure, improve water quality and
related public benefits, and mitigate climate
change impacts consistent with Minnesota
Statutes, section 103F.05. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2029. The board must give priority to
leveraging nonstate funding, including
practices, programs, and projects funded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program,
the Conservation Reserve Program, the
Federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Federal
Farm Bill, or the Climate-Smart Commodities
Program.

(q) $4,673,000 the first year and $4,673,000
the second year are for natural resources block
grants to local governments to implement the
Wetland Conservation Act and shoreland
management program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103F, and local water
management responsibilities under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103B. The board may reduce
the amount of the natural resources block grant
to a county by an amount equal to any
reduction in the county's general services
allocation to a soil and water conservation
district from the county's previous year
allocation when the board determines that the
reduction was disproportionate. The base for
this appropriation in fiscal year 2026 and
beyond is $3,423,000.

(r) $129,000 the first year and $136,000 the
second year are to accomplish the objectives
of Minnesota Statutes, section 10.65, and
related Tribal government coordination. The
base for fiscal year 2026 and each year
thereafter is $144,000.

(s) $3,000,000 the first year is to provide
onetime state incentive payments to enrollees
in the federal Conservation Reserve Program
(CRP) during the continuous enrollment
period and to enroll complementary areas in
conservation easements consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515. The
board may establish payment rates based on
land valuation and on environmental benefit
criteria, including but not limited to surface
water or groundwater pollution reduction,
drinking water protection, soil health,
pollinator and wildlife habitat, and other
conservation enhancements. The board may
use state funds to implement the program and
to provide technical assistance to landowners
or their agents to fulfill enrollment and
contract provisions. The board must consult
with the commissioners of agriculture, health,
natural resources, and the Pollution Control
Agency and the United States Department of
Agriculture in establishing program criteria.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(t) $2,000,000 the first year is to acquire
conservation easements from landowners to
preserve, restore, create, and enhance wetlands
and associated uplands of prairie and
grasslands and to restore and enhance rivers
and streams, riparian lands, and associated
uplands of prairie and grasslands, in order to
protect soil and water quality, support fish and
wildlife habitat, reduce flood damage, and
provide other public benefits. Minnesota
Statutes, section 103F.515, applies to this
program. The board must give priority to
leveraging federal money by enrolling targeted
new lands or enrolling environmentally
sensitive lands that have expiring federal
conservation agreements. The board is
authorized to enter into new agreements and
amend past agreements with landowners as
required by Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.515, subdivision 5, to allow for
restoration. Up to five percent of this
appropriation may be used for restoration and
enhancement.

(u) $5,623,000 the first year and $5,804,000
the second year are for agency administration
and operation of the Board of Water and Soil
Resources.

(v) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for the habitat-friendly utilities
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.105. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

(w) The board may shift money in this section
and may adjust the technical and
administrative assistance portion of the funds
to leverage federal or other nonstate funds or
to address accountability, oversight, local
government performance, or high-priority
needs.

(x) Returned grants and payments are available
for two years after they are returned or
regranted, whichever is later. Funds must be
regranted consistent with the purposes of this
section. If an appropriation for grants in either
year is insufficient, the appropriation in the
other year is available for it.

(y) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16B.97, grants awarded from
appropriations in this section are exempt from
the Department of Administration, Office of
Grants Management Policy 08-08 Grant
Payments and 08-10 Grant Monitoring.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND APPROPRIATIONS

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 article. 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 article 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. Any unencumbered
balance remaining in the first year does not cancel and is available for the second year or
until the end of the appropriation. These are onetime appropriations.
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 103,326,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin -0- 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 Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information new text end

new text begin 22,084,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Fond du Lac Deer Study - Phase 1 new text end

new text begin $1,441,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities for Bemidji State University to
collect baseline deer demographic, movement,
and habitat-use data before elk restoration to
better inform management of both elk and deer
populations on the Fond du Lac Reservation
and surrounding areas.
new text end

new text begin (b) Are All Walleye Created Equal? Probably Not. new text end

new text begin $298,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to investigate Minnesota walleye
strain physiology and disease responses to
warming water and to build a tool to guide
adaptive management of walleye in a warming
climate.
new text end

new text begin (c) Deer Survival Within Minnesota's Densest Wolf Population new text end

new text begin $809,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate how wolves, winter
severity, and habitat affect deer mortality and
survival across space and time within the
Voyageurs region.
new text end

new text begin (d) Evaluating Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure in Minnesota's Carnivores new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first 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 determine anticoagulant
rodenticide exposure rates and concentrations
in Minnesota bobcats and fishers, factors
influencing exposure risk, and negative effects
of rodenticide exposure on carnivore health.
new text end

new text begin (e) Digitizing the Science Museum of Minnesota's Mollusk Specimens new text end

new text begin $386,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota to make
the museum's Minnesota mollusk specimen
collection available for research and education
by identifying and organizing all relevant
specimens and digitizing the museum's data.
new text end

new text begin (f) Integrating Wildlife Objectives in Long-Term Forest Management Planning new text end

new text begin $316,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a harvest-scheduling
model that integrates wildlife habitat metrics
with timber production objectives in the
forest-planning process for more sustainable
forest landscape-level outcomes.
new text end

new text begin (g) Surveying Minnesota's Secretive Marsh Birds new text end

new text begin $413,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the National Audubon
Society, Upper Mississippi River office, to
conduct a breeding marsh bird survey and
provide state and federal agencies with an
assessment of marsh bird population status
and wetland habitat. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Improving Conservation Outcomes for Imperiled Wood Turtles new text end

new text begin $242,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Minnesota Zoological Society to restore
imperiled wood turtles by increasing remnant
populations, quantifying effectiveness of
habitat management strategies, establishing
baseline information on disease prevalence,
and creating a new decision-support tool for
prioritizing future conservation actions.
new text end

new text begin (i) Maximizing the Impact of Wildlife Movement Data new text end

new text begin $216,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to create a centralized and
accessible database of wildlife movement data
from prior trust fund-supported studies and
demonstrate tools biologists can use to analyze
these data to benefit Minnesota wildlife.
new text end

new text begin (j) Expanding the Statewide Motus Wildlife Tracking Network new text end

new text begin $234,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Minnesota Zoological Society to expand
the statewide Motus Wildlife Tracking System
network into southwestern Minnesota and the
North Shore to guide the conservation of
imperiled grassland and boreal migratory birds
and other wildlife. This appropriation may
also be used to develop outreach and
interpretive materials for Motus sites.
new text end

new text begin (k) Updating and Sharing Information on Minnesota's Tick Biodiversity new text end

new text begin $186,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to collaborate with wildlife
organizations and community scientists to
survey the biodiversity and distribution of
ticks in Minnesota and create a publicly
accessible GIS dashboard to share results and
potential disease implications with the public
and wildlife managers.
new text end

new text begin (l) Small Mammals and Hunter Participation: Expanded Offal Wildlife Watching new text end

new text begin $563,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to expand and assess hunter
participation in monitoring scavenger use of
deer gut piles, assess small mammal
occurrence and contaminant and disease
exposure risk at offal sites, and study how
messaging impacts hunters' use of lead
ammunition.
new text end

new text begin (m) Green Heron as an Indicator of Wetland-Dependent Species new text end

new text begin $424,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to collect data on the year-round
habitat use and migratory movements of green
herons, assess potential factors leading to
population decline, and identify conservation
strategies to benefit the green heron and other
wetland-dependent bird species.
new text end

new text begin (n) Visualizing Minnesota's Natural Resources with CT Scanning new text end

new text begin $955,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural History,
to acquire a CT scanner, scan Bell Museum
organismal specimens, create 3D prints from
the scans, and share the data and prints through
environmental education and research
programs. The CT scanner purchased with this
appropriation must prioritize use by and be
made available cost-free to other
Minnesota-focused researchers for the duration
of this appropriation. This appropriation may
also be used for equipment, tools, and supplies
needed to acquire, install, and use the scanner
and print 3D models of scanned organisms.
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 (o) Mapping Human-Carnivore Conflicts in Human-Dominated Landscapes new text end

new text begin $563,000 the first 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 evaluate bear, bobcat,
and coyote habitat use, activity, and diet in
Duluth and surrounding areas to map hotspots
for human-carnivore conflicts and fill
knowledge gaps to reduce conflicts. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

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

new text begin $1,260,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey, to
continue to produce geologic atlas maps and
databases to inform management of
groundwater and surface water. 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) Leveraging Statewide Datasets for Native Rough Fish new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to construct species distribution
models that predict presence and abundance
of native rough fish species and identify
potential areas for protection, additional
monitoring, or restoration across the state. This
appropriation may also be used to build an
interactive mapping tool and share results.
new text end

new text begin (r) The Impacts of Climate Change on Northeastern Minnesota new text end

new text begin $772,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Friends of the Boundary
Waters Wilderness to work with collaborators
to aggregate research, data, and other
information about the impacts of climate
change on the habitat and wildlife of
northeastern Minnesota into a publicly
available, web-based database. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (s) Health and Disease Monitoring in Minnesota Wildlife new text end

new text begin $750,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic
Laboratory, to collaborate with wildlife
rehabilitation organizations and other wildlife
health professionals throughout Minnesota to
enhance the state's health and disease
surveillance, preparedness, and response
efforts.
new text end

new text begin (t) Affordable Statewide Tracking of Forestry Fragmentation and Degradation new text end

new text begin $331,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to merge aircraft and satellite
LiDAR data to build a model and an
interactive real-time web dashboard of forest
boundaries that provides business-ready
information about statewide forest
fragmentation and degradation due to human
activities and natural disasters.
new text end

new text begin (u) Safeguarding Bees While Monitoring Pollinators and Nesting Habitats new text end

new text begin $590,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to pioneer low-mortality methods
for monitoring bee populations and to
investigate nest habitat materials and
antimicrobial properties in cooperation with
community scientists and management
agencies. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (v) Expanding the Application of Minnesota's Wetland Monitoring Data new text end

new text begin $312,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
use existing LiDAR and recurring aerial
photographs to determine state grassland
acreage and change over the last twenty years,
evaluate key drivers of wetland change, and
use technology to improve Minnesota's
wetland monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (w) Enhancing the Value of Minnesota Public Grasslands new text end

new text begin $390,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate a combination of
prescribed fire, brush mowing, and targeted
conservation grazing to develop ready-to-use
management strategies for public land
managers to mitigate woody species
encroachment and increase biodiversity and
carbon sequestration in public grasslands.
new text end

new text begin (x) Foundational Precision Agriculture Data to Reduce Environmental Impacts new text end

new text begin $1,255,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the West Central Research and
Outreach Center at Morris to establish data
collection systems and methods at sentinel
farm sites, develop and evaluate best
management practices, and provide outreach
and training to farmers to encourage adoption
of precision agriculture technologies that
reduce fertilizer and chemical use and improve
water and air quality.
new text end

new text begin (y) Continued Aggregate Resource Mapping new text end

new text begin $621,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
map the aggregate resource potential in the
state of Minnesota and to make the
information available in print and electronic
format to local units of government to support
informed land-use decisions and resource
conservation.
new text end

new text begin (z) Advancing Collaborative Wild Rice Monitoring Program Technologies new text end

new text begin $900,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
continue efforts to create a framework for
long-term wild rice monitoring for
conservation and collaborate with Tribal and
nongovernmental organizations to collect
additional data, improve collection and
analysis methods, and develop a statewide
estimate of wild rice abundance and coverage.
new text end

new text begin (aa) Conserving Natural Resources by Advancing Forever Green Agriculture new text end

new text begin $2,146,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Forever Green Initiative to
fund research projects to develop new
perennial and winter-annual crops to protect
water, wildlife, soil, other natural resources,
and the climate. 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 (bb) Minnesota's Priority Native Rough Fish: Gars and Bowfin new text end

new text begin $568,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop population dynamics,
habitat use, and food web models for
Minnesota gars and bowfins and conduct
outreach to inform conservation and
management and serve as a template for study
of Minnesota's other native rough fish species.
new text end

new text begin (cc) Understanding to Improve Minnesota's Future Lake Water Quality new text end

new text begin $595,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use decade-long comprehensive
lake, watershed, and weather data and
high-resolution climate models to understand
lake-specific drivers of water quality and
predict the effects of future warming on
harmful algal blooms across Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (dd) Operationalizing State Zooplankton Data to Support Lake Health new text end

new text begin $423,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use long-term monitoring data
to determine the relationship between
zooplankton communities and ecosystem
services, like fisheries health and water
quality, and develop biotic indices for lake
health.
new text end

new text begin (ee) Trialing Climate-Ready Woodland Trees in Urban Areas new text end

new text begin $255,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to demonstrate performance of
climate-adaptive tree species and study land
manager and public perceptions of these
species to identify the best species and risk
tolerance for future plantings in metropolitan
areas of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (ff) Superior Shores: Protecting Our Great Lakes Coastal Habitats new text end

new text begin $675,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to map
the locations and survey the biological
diversity and water quality of Lake Superior
coastal rock pools. This appropriation may
also be used to develop outreach materials and
host programs on rock pool understanding and
conservation.
new text end

new text begin (gg) Recruitment and Fecundity of Minnesota Moose new text end

new text begin $2,007,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
state and Tribal biologists to work
collaboratively to estimate survival and
fecundity of yearling and 2-year-old moose in
northeast Minnesota to inform future
management efforts. Of this amount, $841,000
is for an agreement with the 1854 Treaty
Authority. 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 (hh) Fighting Insect Decline: Minnesota Bumblebees to the Rescue new text end

new text begin $249,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to map historical and current
bumblebee distribution and develop an
identification tool using molecular barcodes
and an online resource hub to improve
conservation of Minnesota's native
bumblebees.
new text end

new text begin (ii) Trace Metals in Municipal Yard Waste and Compost new text end

new text begin $120,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to assess trace metal contamination
from collected residential yard waste, finished
compost, and compost leachate in municipal
yard waste recycling programs.
new text end

new text begin (jj) Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $322,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate the movement of
chronic wasting disease in Minnesota waters,
assess the risk of spread, and share results with
wildlife and watershed managers.
new text end

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

new text begin 11,812,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Enhancing Our Resources - Rural Health and Drinking Water new text end

new text begin $994,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Freshwater Society to
partner with the Mayo Clinic to educate well
owners and family health providers about the
geologic occurrence and risk of arsenic in
drinking water. This appropriation is also to
provide free arsenic testing to well owners in
southeast Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) Restoration and Outreach for Minnesota's Native Mussels new text end

new text begin $1,258,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
propagate, rear, and restore native freshwater
mussel populations and the ecosystem services
they provide to Minnesota waters; to evaluate
reintroduction success; and to inform the
public on mussels and mussel conservation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Pristine to Green: Toxic Blooms Threaten Northern Lakes new text end

new text begin $1,362,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
evaluate drivers that contribute to the
formation of nuisance and toxic algal blooms
in relatively pristine and protected lakes across
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (d) Training Lake Communities to Track Chloride and Algae new text end

new text begin $274,000 the first 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 develop and train
a network of community-based volunteers to
track chloride and harmful algal blooms in
rural Minnesota lakes.
new text end

new text begin (e) Clean Sweep Solution to Nonpoint Source Pollution new text end

new text begin $386,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Water Resources Center to
enhance Clean Sweep programs, identify the
pollutants present in street-sweeping materials,
explore material reuse options, and quantify
benefits of enhanced street sweeping. This
appropriation may also be used to coordinate
county and regional collaborations, develop
resources, and provide training to increase
targeted street-sweeping practices to reduce
nonpoint source pollution to Minnesota's water
resources.
new text end

new text begin (f) Cyanotoxins in Minnesota Lakes: The Role of Sunlight new text end

new text begin $220,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to quantify degradation of
cyanobacterial toxins by sunlight to understand
how increasing frequency of harmful algal
blooms and changing environmental
conditions influence toxin persistence in
natural waters.
new text end

new text begin (g) Enhancing Degradation of Emerging Contaminants via Microbial Starvation new text end

new text begin $390,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to study how wastewater treatment
systems can be improved to more effectively
biodegrade mixtures of pharmaceuticals,
pesticides, and other contaminants of emerging
concern and protect Minnesota's water
resources.
new text end

new text begin (h) Soil Health Management for Water Storage new text end

new text begin $454,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Water Resources Center to
conduct on-farm and model-based research
and develop guidance for watershed planners
and land managers to effectively use soil
health management to achieve water storage
and water quality goals.
new text end

new text begin (i) Predicting Contaminant Movement in Minnesota's Fractured Aquifers new text end

new text begin $650,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, to
develop a software program that predicts the
fate and movement of contaminants, such as
PFAS, chloride, nitrate, and pathogens, in
Minnesota's fractured aquifers.
new text end

new text begin (j) Documentation and Toxicity of Microplastics in Urban Ecosystems new text end

new text begin $300,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to research how land use and
toxicity affect the accumulation of
microplastics and associated contaminants of
concern in stormwater ponds and the wildlife
that use stormwater ponds.
new text end

new text begin (k) Terminating PFAS-Type Pesticides via Enzyme Cocktails new text end

new text begin $297,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate the ability of selected
enzymes and combinations of enzymes to
biodegrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) found in pesticides and to
design a pilot-scale biofilter for effective
elimination of PFAS from water.
new text end

new text begin (l) Addressing 21st Century Challenges for the St. Croix new text end

new text begin $243,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
develop a watershed model to identify
potential hydrologic and water quality impacts
to the lower St. Croix River over the next 75
years and inform future planning and
management in the watershed.
new text end

new text begin (m) Impact of Statewide Conservation Practices on Stream Biodiversity new text end

new text begin $300,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use existing monitoring data to
evaluate the effects of wetlands and riparian
buffers on stream and river biodiversity and
biological condition and develop tools and
materials to inform the public and natural
resource managers.
new text end

new text begin (n) Modeling the Future Mississippi River Gorge new text end

new text begin $427,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, to
construct a reduced-scale physical model of
Mississippi River Pool 1, Lock & Dam 1, and
adjacent upstream and downstream reaches;
analyze water flow and sediment movement
under various pool management strategies;
and share results with the public to inform
decisions on the future management of the
lock and dam.
new text end

new text begin (o) Highly Efficient Nutrient Removal Technology for Agricultural Drainage new text end

new text begin $453,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to conduct lab- and field-scale tests
of a novel bioreactor technology for removing
nutrients from agricultural drainage and
disseminate results to farmers and the public.
new text end

new text begin (p) Citizen Scientists Capture Microplastic Pollution Around State new text end

new text begin $419,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop adaptable microplastic
sampling and detection methods, develop a
public-access database, and leverage citizen
scientists to survey microplastic pollution
throughout the state to allow for data-driven
risk management decisions and solutions.
new text end

new text begin (q) Healthy Native Prairie Microbiomes for Cleaner Water new text end

new text begin $468,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to identify and characterize prairie
plant microbiomes and study the potential of
native prairie microbes to provide nitrogen for
agricultural crops and reduce industrial
fertilizer use and nitrate contamination of
water.
new text end

new text begin (r) Wastewater Chloride Reduction through Industrial Source Reduction Assistance new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Technical
Assistance Program to provide technical
assistance to businesses to cost-effectively
reduce industrial and commercial chloride use
in communities with high chloride effluent
concentrations.
new text end

new text begin (s) Pilot Water Budget Framework for Managing Water Withdrawals new text end

new text begin $198,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a pilot water budget
framework to identify sensitive areas in
Minnesota where net water withdrawals have
a significant impact on surface water and
groundwater.
new text end

new text begin (t) Biofilm Mediated Destruction of PFAS in Groundwater new text end

new text begin $1,336,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Freshwater Society to
develop biofilm treatment technology and
demonstrate field-scale removal of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from
contaminated groundwater. A fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan before any trust fund money is
spent.
new text end

new text begin (u) Impact of Microplastics on Wastewater Treatment in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $506,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to quantify the abundance of
microplastics in wastewater treatment plants
in Minnesota, determine how microplastics
affect wastewater treatment plant performance,
and evaluate how different wastewater
treatment processes alter microplastics.
new text end

new text begin (v) Portable Arsenic and Nitrate Detector for Well Water new text end

new text begin $358,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a small, cheap, and
easy-to-use system to detect arsenic and nitrate
in well water and determine whether well
water is safe to drink.
new text end

new text begin (w) Recovering Salts from Highly Saline Wastewater new text end

new text begin $272,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a method to recover
useful salts from concentrated saline
wastewater to increase the economic
sustainability of high water-recovery
softening, sulfate removal, and industrial
wastewater treatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Environmental Education new text end

new text begin 11,965,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Eagle's Nest: Where the World Becomes Your Classroom new text end

new text begin $130,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Glacial Hills Elementary
School to create interactive natural playground
and landscaping features for children and
provide environmental education programming
outside of regular school hours.
new text end

new text begin (b) Advancing Equity in Environmental Education new text end

new text begin $700,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Camp Fire Minnesota to
provide needs-based scholarships for
Minnesota youth to attend
state-standards-aligned environmental and
outdoor education programs.
new text end

new text begin (c) Teacher Field School - Phase 2: Increasing Impact new text end

new text begin $712,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Hamline University to
continue the teacher field school program that
trains teachers how to connect academic
content with environmental stewardship,
natural resource conservation, and outdoor
recreation. This appropriation is also to pilot
a train-the-trainer model for nature-based
education practices.
new text end

new text begin (d) Creating Future Leaders in Outdoor and Environmental Leadership new text end

new text begin $330,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities for North
Hennepin Community College to collaborate
with K-12 education, higher education, and
outdoor organizations to increase
environmental education, leadership,
internship, and career opportunities for
underrepresented college and high school
students.
new text end

new text begin (e) Engaging our Diverse Public in Environmental Stewardship - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $249,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
increase participation in natural resources
conservation and restoration efforts and
careers through volunteer, internship, and
youth engagement activities, with a focus on
diverse audiences that more accurately reflect
local demographic and socioeconomic
conditions in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (f) Outdoor School for Minnesota K-12 Students new text end

new text begin $3,992,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Osprey Wilds
Environmental Learning Center to partner with
four other accredited residential environmental
learning centers in Minnesota to provide
needs-based scholarships to K-12 students
statewide for immersive multiday
environmental learning experiences.
new text end

new text begin (g) Statewide Environmental Education via PBS Outdoor Series new text end

new text begin $415,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pioneer Public
Broadcasting Service to produce, distribute,
and promote new episodes of a statewide
public television series that inspires
Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and
to restore and protect the state's natural
resources.
new text end

new text begin (h) Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin Conservation Crew Program new text end

new text begin $678,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Conservation Corps
Minnesota & Iowa to expand a conservation
corps program developed to provide natural
resources career development opportunities
for indigenous young adults and cultivate an
enduring action-based conservation ethic
through the integration of traditional
knowledge, nature immersion, and the
implementation of conservation and
restoration practices in the field.
new text end

new text begin (i) Reuse for the Future: Youth Education and Engagement new text end

new text begin $225,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Reuse Minnesota to provide
curriculum-based opportunities for students
to learn about the reuse economy, reuse skills,
and other opportunities to reduce waste. This
appropriation may also be used to align
materials to state standards and translate
materials to additional languages.
new text end

new text begin (j) River Bend Nature Center Outdoor Diversity Initiative new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with River Bend Nature Center
to lead a coalition of educational partners and
culturally specific organizations to expand
recognized environmental education
curriculum and provide conservation-based
career exploration and job placement
opportunities for diverse communities in
southern Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (k) Camp Parsons Mississippi Summer new text end

new text begin $225,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Phyllis Wheatley
Community Center to provide environmental
education to Minneapolis urban youth through
the Camp Parsons Mississippi Summer
program that fosters connections to nature and
encourages responsible stewardship of our
natural resources.
new text end

new text begin (l) Adult Outdoor Education for Minnesota's Underrepresented Communities new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Baztec Fishing & Outdoors
to create fishing and hunting education,
training, and opportunities for underserved
and underrepresented communities in
Minnesota. All fishing tackle purchased with
this appropriation must be lead-free. A fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan before any trust fund money is
spent.
new text end

new text begin (m) Minnesota's Road Map for Sustainability and Climate Education new text end

new text begin $491,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Climate Generation to
convene community gatherings and partner
with institutions and organizations across the
education sector to develop a road map on
how to build capacity for equitable and
accessible sustainability and climate education
programs that align with the Minnesota
Climate Action Framework.
new text end

new text begin (n) ESTEP 2.0: Earth Science Teacher Education Project new text end

new text begin $643,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnesota Science
Teachers Association to provide professional
development for Minnesota science teachers
statewide in environmental and earth science
content to strengthen environmental education
in schools.
new text end

new text begin (o) Engaging Latine Communities in Conservation and Preservation new text end

new text begin $400,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Comunidades Organizando
el Poder y la Accion Latina to use
community-based partnerships and
communications platforms to host outdoor
events and conduct educational outreach
focused on Latine and BIPOC communities
about the need to protect Minnesota's
environment and natural resources.
new text end

new text begin (p) Inclusive Wildlife Engagement in Classrooms and Communities new text end

new text begin $712,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
the nongame wildlife program to provide three
wildlife conservation, action-based outdoor
educational opportunities to engage
needs-based schools, young adults, and
communities underrepresented in natural
resources through the Bird by Bird,
Empowering Pathways into Conservation, and
Community Science programs.
new text end

new text begin (q) Activating Youth and Family Environmental Stewardship through Raptors new text end

new text begin $228,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Raptor Center to deliver
standards-based environmental education
featuring live raptors through school programs
and community events across Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (r) Moving Minnesota toward a Lead-Free Sporting Future new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities for Bemidji
State University to conduct educational
outreach directed at hunters and anglers to
increase awareness of lead-free options for
big-game hunting, small-game hunting, and
fishing as a means of reducing wildlife
exposure to lead.
new text end

new text begin (s) Science Centers Supporting Northern Boys and Girls Clubs new text end

new text begin $1,091,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Headwaters Science
Center to expand access to environmental
science education in northern Minnesota and
leverage partnerships between rural and urban
organizations to deliver culturally relevant,
hands-on learning experiences to underserved
students.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species new text end

new text begin 6,713,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Aquatic Invasive Species: From Problems to Real-World Solutions new text end

new text begin $5,771,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Research Center to conduct
high-priority projects aimed at solving
Minnesota's aquatic invasive species problems
using rigorous science and a collaborative
process. This appropriation may also be used
to deliver research findings to end users
through strategic communication and outreach.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Optimizing Nonnative Cattail Treatment Effectiveness in Prairie Wetlands new text end

new text begin $942,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
compare the effectiveness of invasive cattail
treatment methods and provide
recommendations for managers to maximize
benefits of conservation money for native
wetland plants and wildlife. 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. 7. new text end new text begin Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy new text end

new text begin 11,744,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Protecting Coldwater Fish Habitat in Minnesota Lakes new text end

new text begin $561,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to identify lake-specific watershed
protection targets and management practices
needed to maintain coldwater fish habitat
threatened by warming temperatures and
increasing extreme rain events and to integrate
this information into conservation planning
tools.
new text end

new text begin (b) Agrivoltaics 2.0 Building a Resilient E-Farm new text end

new text begin $535,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the West Central Research and
Outreach Center at Morris to evaluate
emerging solar system designs and solar
technology integration with vegetable and
livestock production systems to maximize
energy production and benefits to farmers.
new text end

new text begin (c) Pine Needles Reveal Past and Present Airborne PFAS new text end

new text begin $550,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency to use current and historic pine
needles as a low-cost method to assess
statewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) levels in ambient air.
new text end

new text begin (d) Facilitated Transport Hybrid Membranes for CO2 Separation new text end

new text begin $1,050,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop and test advanced
polymeric membranes for capture and reuse
of carbon dioxide at industrial sources.
new text end

new text begin (e) Renewable Energy Conversion for Farm Diesel and Ammonia new text end

new text begin $726,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a novel charge-swing
catalytic condenser that will enable the
low-cost production of hydrogen from water
using rural electricity for on-the-farm energy
storage or renewable diesel and ammonia
fertilizer.
new text end

new text begin (f) Innovative Solution to Renewable Energy from Food Waste new text end

new text begin $5,167,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Ramsey/Washington
Recycling and Energy Board to provide
reimbursements to offset the processing fees
for the public to divert organic materials from
landfills and produce renewable natural gas
through anaerobic digestion and sequestration
of carbon into biochar. 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. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) Fueling the Future: Decarbonizing Regional Transportation Project new text end

new text begin $3,155,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of St. Cloud to
install a green hydrogen production, storage,
and fueling station that provides a renewable,
carbon-free, alternate fuel source to
decarbonize community transportation and
manufacturing sectors. This appropriation may
also be used to convert city fleet and public
transit vehicles to hydrogen fuel. 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. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat new text end

new text begin 12,188,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota PlantWatch: Community Scientists Conserving Rare Plants new text end

new text begin $1,086,000 the first year is from the trust fund.
Of this amount, $518,000 is to the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota for
the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and
$568,000 is to the commissioner of natural
resources to enhance the Minnesota
PlantWatch program to improve the
conservation of Minnesota's natural resources
and support community scientist-driven rare
plant surveys and seed banking and
preservation.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grassland Restoration for Pollinator Conservation and Demonstration new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum to restore a degraded pasture to
grassland as a model for climate-resilient
pollinator habitat; provide interpretive signage,
education, and community engagement; and
conduct species monitoring. 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 (c) Planning for Long-Term Natural Resources Protection in Hennepin County new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Hennepin County to
develop a publicly available interactive map
of natural systems, create a centralized
clearinghouse of data and best practices
toolkit, and provide ongoing technical
assistance for local communities with limited
resources to manage complex natural resources
challenges. 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 (d) Native Forages: Growing Drought and Climate Resiliency new text end

new text begin $2,254,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to
collaborate with livestock farmers to establish
native grassland wildlife habitat and enhance
native forages on working lands to improve
ecological, economic, and climate resiliency.
Notwithstanding subdivision 13, paragraph
(e), restoration efforts may be undertaken on
private lands but must occur on properties
enrolled in long-term agreements to protect
and maintain the restored areas in
conformance with approved restoration and
grazing plans as approved in the work plan.
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 (e) Accelerated Genetic Migration of Bur Oak - Ten-Year Data new text end

new text begin $223,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
assess the growth and survival of previously
restored bur oak ecotypes to inform techniques
for improved climate resiliency. This
appropriation may also be used to enhance the
previous plantings and disseminate results of
the study to practitioners, students,
landowners, and others. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (f) Superior Hiking Trail Bridge, Boardwalk, and Trailhead Renewal new text end

new text begin $532,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail
Association to renew Superior Hiking Trail
bridges, boardwalks, and trailheads to increase
user safety, improve the user experience, and
protect adjacent land and water.
new text end

new text begin (g) Mississippi Gateway Shoreline Stabilization and Fishing Improvements new text end

new text begin $735,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Three Rivers Park District
to improve water quality and shoreline fishing
access through shoreline stabilization and
construction of accessible trails and fishing
platforms within Mississippi Gateway
Regional Park.
new text end

new text begin (h) Phytoremediation of PFAS from Soil new text end

new text begin $1,066,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use interdisciplinary research in
biology, nanotechnology, chemistry, and
genetic engineering to develop technology to
remediate soils contaminated with per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This
appropriation may also be used to convene
stakeholders to coordinate and advance PFAS
remediation research in Minnesota. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (i) Removing Mercury from Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to test and refine a biotechnology
approach to remove mercury from the food
chain in Minnesota's lakes and rivers and
potentially make fish consumption in
Minnesota safer. This appropriation is subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (j) Evaluating Native Seed Mixes for Grazing new text end

new text begin $208,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Restoravore to assess the
use of native hay and pasture mixes to benefit
biodiversity, soil health, and Minnesota
farmers. A fiscal management plan must be
approved in the work plan before any trust
fund money is spent.
new text end

new text begin (k) Improving Minnesota Forest Health via Post-Duff-Burning Soil Analysis new text end

new text begin $646,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to thoroughly investigate the impact
of forest floor duff fires on soil dynamics,
nutrient cycles, invasive shrubs, earthworms,
and root systems to improve fire management
for Minnesota's forest preservation. This
appropriation may also be used to develop an
outdoor lab-scale duff-burning device.
new text end

new text begin (l) Minnesota Riverbank Protection and Parks Improvements new text end

new text begin $1,400,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Shakopee to
restore Minnesota River shoreline at Huber
Park by regrading and establishing native
vegetation to protect fish and wildlife habitat,
reduce erosion, and provide public access to
the river. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (m) Restoration at Wakan Tipi and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary new text end

new text begin $669,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Lower Phalen Creek
Project to conduct citizen-science natural
resource data collection events, recruit and
train volunteer site stewards, and enhance
habitat at Wakan Tipi and the Bruce Vento
Nature Sanctuary.
new text end

new text begin (n) Promoting Pollinators on Corporate Campuses new text end

new text begin $547,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the University of St.
Thomas to use experimental bee lawn
installations on corporate campuses, combined
with landscape modeling and employee
surveys, to determine potential ecological,
economic, and societal benefits of widespread
commercial lawn habitat transformation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (o) Riparian Area Adaptation Strategy for Southeast Minnesota new text end

new text begin $243,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with The Nature Conservancy,
in partnership with the University of
Minnesota, to assess an alternative adaptation
strategy to restore riparian areas by excavating
and planting riparian shrubs to reconnect the
floodplains. This appropriation may also be
used for outreach materials and educational
activities.
new text end

new text begin (p) Minnehaha Park South Plateau Oak Savanna Restoration new text end

new text begin $242,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to improve wildlife habitat,
enhance recreational experiences, and restore
an area of urban parkland in Minnehaha Park
to an oak savanna ecosystem. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (q) Tree Protection for Minnesota's Tamarack Against Larch Beetle new text end

new text begin $321,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate new insect management
techniques and key factors for predicting
future infestations to protect and preserve trees
from native eastern larch beetle infestations.
new text end

new text begin (r) Shoreline Restoration and Enhancement at Minneapolis Lakes new text end

new text begin $819,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to restore and enhance areas
of turf-dominated, eroding, and low habitat
value lakeshore that impacts the water quality
of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes.
new text end

new text begin (s) Developing Markets for CLC Crops new text end

new text begin $450,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of agriculture to provide
grants to organizations in Minnesota to
develop enterprises, supply chains, and
markets for continuous living cover crops and
cropping systems in the early stage of
commercial development. This appropriation
is exempt from the income repayment
requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10, paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation new text end

new text begin 19,553,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Cannon River Preservation and Access new text end

new text begin $2,717,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Dakota County to
rehabilitate the historic Waterford Bridge for
the Mill Towns State Trail; restore and
enhance upland shoreline, forest, and prairie
habitats; and develop a trailhead and
recreational access to the Cannon River.
new text end

new text begin (b) Mesabi Trail: Aurora to Hoyt Lakes new text end

new text begin $1,325,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with St. Louis and Lake
Counties Regional Railroad Authority for
environmental review and permitting and to
engineer, design, and construct a segment of
the Mesabi Trail beginning at the intersection
of Main Street and Forestry Road in Aurora
toward Hoyt Lakes.
new text end

new text begin (c) RTA Maintenance Trail Stabilization Project new text end

new text begin $500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Eden Prairie to
construct a retaining wall and restore adjacent
remnant prairie along the maintenance trail at
Richard T. Anderson (RTA) Conservation
Area to mitigate ongoing erosion and protect
native habitat and plant communities.
new text end

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

new text begin $4,769,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
solicit, rank, 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,
and playgrounds. This appropriation is exempt
from subdivision 13, paragraph (k).
new text end

new text begin (e) Boardwalk Over Boggy Land for Recreational Purposes new text end

new text begin $148,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Battle Lake to
design and construct a boardwalk over city
land to protect wetlands and to increase
community access to natural areas and wildlife
habitat.
new text end

new text begin (f) Lake Zumbro Park Water Access and Site Improvements new text end

new text begin $1,978,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Olmsted County to enhance
the Lake Zumbro Park water access and the
federal Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) accessibility for boating, fishing, and
viewing, while creating new user-friendly and
accessible amenities for individuals and
families. This may include new fishing docks
or piers, restored shoreline, improved parking,
and ADA accessible access to an existing
kayak and canoe launch.
new text end

new text begin (g) Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Biodiversity Protection new text end

new text begin $1,104,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
the scientific and natural area program to
conserve Minnesota's most unique places and
rare species and strategically acquire lands
that meet criteria for SNAs under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Scandia Gateway Trail Connection: Recreation, Wetlands, and Environmental Education new text end

new text begin $907,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Scandia to
engineer, design, and construct a bike and
pedestrian trail to connect recreational,
cultural, and environmental resources in
Scandia to the state Gateway Trail. This
appropriation is also to create and install
educational interpretive signage about
wetlands and rain gardens near the trail.
new text end

new text begin (i) Lake Byllesby Regional Park Restoration and Recreation new text end

new text begin $1,120,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Dakota County to restore
prairie, woodland, and shoreline habitat and
design and install trails, birding and picnic
areas, and other recreational amenities to
enhance the visitor experience and stewardship
at Lake Byllesby Regional Park. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (j) Thompson County Park Restoration and Accessibility Improvements new text end

new text begin $867,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Dakota County to develop
a pollinator promenade with accessible natural
surface paths, native plantings, and interpretive
signage at Thompson County Park. This
appropriation may also be used to conduct
stream restoration to enhance visitor
experience and provide stormwater storage,
sediment and nutrient reduction, and increased
habitat and species diversity within the park.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (k) Thom Storm Chalet and Outdoor Recreation Center new text end

new text begin $2,312,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Duluth to
construct a new building and accessible
parking for the Thom Storm Chalet and
Outdoor Recreation Center at Chester Park to
expand high-quality outdoor recreation and
environmental education opportunities that
enhance youth and family understanding of
the importance of natural resource protection,
conservation, and preservation. 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 (l) Enhancing Preservation and Accessibility at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve new text end

new text begin $155,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Duluth to
develop accessible trails and remove invasive
species to enhance outdoor recreation and
education opportunities that promote
conservation of raptors and preservation of
natural resources at Hawk Ridge Nature
Reserve.
new text end

new text begin (m) Echo Bay County Park - Phase 1 Construction new text end

new text begin $1,122,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Otter Tail County to
construct, in accordance with the Echo Bay
County Park Master Plan, access roads, trails,
parking, and bathroom facilities that create
designated public access and use corridors for
outdoor recreation and limit natural resource
impacts in Echo Bay County Park.
new text end

new text begin (n) Chaska Big Woods Property Acquisition new text end

new text begin $529,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Chaska to
acquire property that contains remnant Big
Woods to protect Minnesota forests and
wetlands and to increase community access
to natural areas.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Administration, Emerging Issues, and Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin 7,267,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Emerging Issues Account new text end

new text begin $2,984,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources to an emerging issues
account authorized in Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).
new text end

new text begin (b) 2025 Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin $280,000 the first 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 (c) LCCMR Administrative Budget new text end

new text begin $4,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources for administration in
fiscal years 2026 and 2027 as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09,
subdivision 5. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2027. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.11,
paragraph (b), Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.281, applies to this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (d) Legislative Coordinating Commission Legacy Website new text end

new text begin $3,000 the first year is from the trust fund to
the Legislative Coordinating Commission for
the website required in Minnesota Statutes,
section 3.303, subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. 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,
2025, and ending June 30, 2028, 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. 12. 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. 13. 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 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, a recipient of money appropriated under
this section must give priority to high-quality
natural resources or conservation lands that
provide natural buffers to 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. 14. 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, 2025,
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. 15. 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. 16. 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. 17. 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,
2026:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(e), as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 83,
sections 2, subdivision 18; and 3, National
Loon Center;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(d), Foundational Hydrology Data for Wetland
Protection and Restoration;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph
(b), Protect Community Forests by Managing
Ash for Emerald Ash Borer;
new text end

new text begin (4) 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 (5) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(g), Geologic Atlases for Water Resource
Management;
new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(n), Bioacoustics for Broad-Scale Species
Monitoring and Conservation;
new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (f), Water and
Climate Information to Enhance Community
Resilience;
new text end

new text begin (8) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (i), Is the Tire
Chemical 6PPDq Killing Minnesota's Fish?;
new text end

new text begin (9) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 7, paragraph (a), Green Solar Cells
from a Minnesota Natural Resource;
new text end

new text begin (10) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (d), Hastings Lake
Rebecca Park Area;
new text end

new text begin (11) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (a), as amended by
Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section 15,
Mesabi Trail: Wahlsten Road (CR 26) to
Tower; and
new text end

new text begin (12) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (j), as amended by
Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 5, Silver Bay
Multimodal Trailhead Project.
new text end

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

new text begin (1) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (g), Catch and
Reveal: Discovering Unknown Fish
Contamination Threats;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (e), Native Prairie
Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement
Acquisition;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (h), SNA Habitat
Restoration and Public Engagement; and
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (n), Ranier Safe
Harbor/Transient Dock - Phase 2.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 17 is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 2, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

-0-

14,993,000

(a) Native Plant Community Data in the City of Duluth

$198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust
to develop field-verified native plant
community data and maps for the city of
Duluth and the St. Louis River estuary to
support conservation and restoration activities.

(b) Reconstructing Historical Wild Rice to Understand Its Future

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for
the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
characterize environmental drivers
contributing to the decline of wild rice using
lake sediment cores to reconstruct historical
wild rice abundance in relation to lake and
watershed stressors.

(c) Characterizing Tree Cavities and Use by Minnesota's Wildlife

$349,000 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 assess the
effects of forest management on Minnesota's
primary cavity engineer, the pileated
woodpecker, and on the wildlife that rely on
the cavities that pileated woodpeckers create.
This appropriation is also to develop
management guidelines.

(d) Fate of Minnesota's Lakes in the Next Century

$453,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to use new modeling techniques
to quantify how water quality of Minnesota's
lakes will change in the next century under
future land use and climate change scenarios
and to create an online web tool to display the
results. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(e) Turtle Island Skywatchers - Minnesota Research and Data Visualization

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Native Skywatchers
Inc. to engage youth in environmental
stewardship by collecting images and acoustic
data from turtles and other culturally
significant animals and their habitats,
evaluating the differences in these soundscapes
across landscapes, and sharing the results
through scientific storytelling and online
platforms.

(f) Monitoring Minnesota's Insects: Connecting Habitat to Insect Prey

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to investigate the ecological
roles of and energy transfer by certain
Minnesota insects throughout their life cycles
and to train future insect researchers on field
techniques.

(g) Determining Ambient Background PFAS Concentrations in Minnesota Soils

$621,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to determine ambient
background per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance
(PFAS) levels in urban and nonurban soils to
help Minnesota develop management
strategies for PFAS-contaminated soils. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(h) Investigating Life History Characteristics of Minnesota Elk

$933,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to assess Minnesota elk herd health and
genetic diversity, movements, survival, and
causes of mortality and to develop a
noninvasive, safer, and more accurate method
to estimate population size. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(i) Foundational Data for Moth and Butterfly Conservation

$195,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to perform field surveys and consolidate
existing data to create the first comprehensive
list of Minnesota moths and butterflies. This
appropriation is also to conduct outreach to
inform land managers and to facilitate public
appreciation of these species.

(j) DNR County Groundwater Atlas

$3,200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to continue producing county groundwater
atlases to inform management of surface water
and groundwater resources for drinking and
other purposes. This appropriation is for Part
B, to characterize the potential water yields of
aquifers and aquifers' sensitivity to
contamination.

(k) Voyageurs Wolf Project - Phase III

$996,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to continue to study summertime
wolf predation on deer, moose, and other
species in the greater Voyageurs ecosystem
to inform wildlife management and to share
natural history of this species with the public.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2028, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(l) Distribution and Population Status of Weasels in Minnesota

$400,000 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 determine the
distribution, relative abundance, and spatial
occupancy patterns of small weasel species in
Minnesota to fill key knowledge gaps in
weasel distribution and status in Minnesota.

(m) Improving Aquatic Plant Knowledge for Healthy Waters

$198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to collect foundational data on Minnesota's
native aquatic plant biodiversity through new
and enhanced lake surveys and to disseminate
results to state resource managers, scientists,
and the public.

(n) New Small Mammal Monitoring Methods for Minnesota

$199,000 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 develop camera
trapping methods as a new tool to collect
foundational data and fill key knowledge gaps
in the status of small mammal species in
Minnesota.

(o) Status of Bats and Roost Trees after White-Nose Syndrome

$195,000 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 study changes
in maternity roost trees and bat populations in
the forested areas of Minnesota and to evaluate
the effects of years of white-nose syndrome
on Minnesota bats.

(p) Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on the Invertebrate Community

$387,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to provide data on pesticide
contamination in soil and the insect
community across the state and the effect of
insecticide exposure on insect reproduction.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(q) Modernizing Minnesota's Plant Community Classification and Field Guides

$1,800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to collect additional vegetation and
environmental data and update the state's
20-year-old native plant community
classification guides to incorporate new data,
streamline user application and access to
products, and include analysis of climate and
vegetation trends. 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. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.

(r) Assessing Prairie Health to Inform Pollinator Conservation

$297,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Society to
assess habitat quality and pesticide occurrence
in Minnesota prairies to help inform
management actions, endangered species
recovery plans, and pollinator reintroduction
efforts for endangered and threatened
butterflies and other wildlife.

(s) Understanding Native Fishes in the Bowfishing Era

$588,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Duluth, to collect foundational
biological information on a selection of native
Minnesota fish to aid in sustainable
management, improve recreational
opportunities, and educate the public about
these shared aquatic resources. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(t) Preserving Minnesota Wildflower Information

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural
History, to preserve and enhance Minnesota
Wildflowers Information, an online tool for
plant identification, by integrating the content
and functionality of the website with the
Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas for public use
as required by Laws 2017, chapter 96, section
2, subdivision 3, paragraph (e).

(u) White-Tailed Deer Movement and Disease in Suburban Areas

$699,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to better understand white-tailed
deer movement, habitat use, and disease
dynamics at the suburban-agricultural interface
to inform more efficient deer management and
disease control.

(v) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Minnesota Raptors

$187,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Raptor Center 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.

(w) Geologic Atlases for Water Resource Management

$1,236,000 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.

(x) Remote Sensing for Pollinator Habitat

$180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Monarch Joint Venture
to use remote sensing technology to evaluate
pollinator habitat on energy and transportation
corridors across Minnesota and to host
field-day training workshops. new text begin 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

(y) Harnessing Cover Crops and Roots for Sustainable Cropping

$375,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to determine carbon
sequestration, nitrogen credit potential, water
use, and performance of cover crops in
corn-soybean and corn-soybean-wheat
rotations in southern Minnesota.

(z) Effects of Conservation Grazing on Solar Sites Managed for Pollinator Habitat

$88,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnesota Native
Landscapes, in partnership with Temple
University, to analyze the effects of sheep
grazing and mowing on the vegetation and
soils of solar sites managed for pollinator
habitat and to improve understanding of the
environmental outcomes from the colocation
of solar panels; grazing; and native,
pollinator-friendly vegetation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(aa) Genetic Detection of Endangered Mussels in the Mississippi

$241,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the United States
Geological Survey, Ohio Water Microbiology
Lab, to create, optimize, and use eDNA assays
to detect the presence of endangered or
threatened mussel species around Buffalo
Slough near the Prairie Island Indian
Community.

(bb) Integrated Population Modeling for Trumpeter Swans

$180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to compile and use all available
data to model historical population abundance
and estimate future population dynamics of
Minnesota trumpeter swans.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 2, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat

-0-

10,910,000

(a) Long-Term Preservation of Minnesota's Ball Cactus Population

$100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum to protect Minnesota's only
population of ball cactus by supporting
population expansion and establishment,
monitoring transferred plants, and training
long-term volunteer monitors. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(b) Morrison County Historical Society Streambank Stabilization and Restoration

$519,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Morrison Soil and
Water Conservation District to stabilize and
restore land along the Mississippi River owned
by the Morrison County Historical Society
within the statutory boundaries of Charles A.
Lindbergh State Park to improve water quality
and improve aquatic and terrestrial habit. For
purposes of this appropriation, subdivision 13,
paragraph (e), does not apply. The
commissioner of natural resources may make
reasonable amounts of this appropriation
available on an advance basis to accommodate
the Morrison Soil and Water Conservation
District's cash-flow needs if a plan for the
advances is approved as part of the work plan.

(c) Can Increased Tree Diversity Increase Community Diversity?

$415,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to evaluate impacts of increasing
tree diversity on wildlife, plant and fungal
communities, and carbon storage within aspen
forests in northern Minnesota to develop best
management practices for mixed woodland
systems.

(d) Restoration of Riverside Park

$141,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Long Prairie
to improve water retention, increase native
habitat, and enhance footpaths for recreation
at Riverside Park in Todd County, Minnesota.
The project must create a net increase in
habitat, and this appropriation may not be used
to meet the conditions of any permits received
for the project.

(e) Pollinator Central IV: Habitat Improvement with Public Engagement

$698,000 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, educational
organizations, and volunteers to create and
enhance pollinator habitat along public
corridors from Lakeville to St. Cloud and to
engage youth and the public through education
and monitoring the impact of habitat
improvements. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2028, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.

(f) Conservation Grazing for Birds, Beef, and Better Soil

$342,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the National Audubon
Society, Minnesota office, to assess Audubon
Conservation Ranching as a strategic approach
to improve grassland biodiversity, soils, and
ecosystem resilience. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(g) Minnesota Microbes for Enhanced Biodegradation of Microplastics

$524,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to investigate the potential of
natural and indigenous microbes to biodegrade
conventional plastics in contaminated soils
and waters across the state. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.

(h) Completing the Mississippi River Greenway: Dakota County

$657,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Dakota County to
restore and enhance habitat on public lands,
establish linear native plantings, and install
electric-vehicle charging stations within and
along the 27-mile Mississippi River Greenway
in Dakota County. 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. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10, and is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(i) Enabling Nature to Destroy Environmental PFAS Contaminants

$378,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to identify enzymes and
microbes that can break down soil-based per-
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into
nontoxic elements. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

(j) Bioacoustics for Species Monitoring and Conservation - Phase 2

$568,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to assess avian diversity at the
statewide scale by developing a citizen science
bioacoustics monitoring program with an
initial focus on private lands.

(k) Preventing PFAS and Microplastics Contaminants Across Minnesota

$656,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to help stop the flow of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and
microplastics contaminants into Minnesota's
environment by developing strategies and
technologies to manage solid waste streams
on site. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

(l) Shingle Creek Aquatic and Shoreline Habitat Enhancement

$1,100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park
and Recreation Board to plan and restore a
section of Shingle Creek in north Minneapolis
with native aquatic and shoreline vegetation,
channel and bank modification, and natural
stream features. This appropriation is also to
monitor plant and animal health following
construction to ensure that the ecological
functioning of the creek corridor is restored.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2030, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(m) LiDAR Technology to Help Prevent Wildlife Fatalities from Wind Turbines

$525,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to create a low-cost and
advanced LiDAR system to detect bats and
birds approaching wind turbines that may be
used in concert with deterrence or impact
avoidance methods to prevent collisions. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.

(n) Road Salt Pollution of Surface Waters from Groundwater

$622,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to inform source-reduction
efforts by developing a model to identify hot
spots where road-salt-contaminated
groundwater leads to chloride pollution of
surface waters.

(o) Growing the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd

$1,775,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to reintroduce bison to Camden State Park as
part of a statewide effort to preserve the
American Plains bison genome.
Reintroduction includes the design,
construction, and installation of fencing, a
handling facility, signage, exhibits, and other
site improvements. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2030, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(p) Priority Lakes: Meeting Protection Goals and Multiplying Benefits

$1,890,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Hubbard County
Soil and Water Conservation District, in
cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to
protect habitat, forest health, and water quality
in the best fishing lakes by creating lake
implementation action plans, conducting
community-based habitat restorations and
improvements, and protecting forest lands with
conservation easements and Sustainable Forest
Incentive Act (SFIA) enrollments within
prioritized areas of the upper Mississippi River
basin deleted text begin in Hubbard County deleted text end . Of this amount, up
to $168,000 is for deposit in a monitoring fund
to be used by Minnesota Land Trust as
approved in the work plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.20.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2024.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND: GRANT
PROGRAMS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116X.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Grants.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2025, each fiscal year 1.5 percent of the
market value of the environment and natural resources trust fund on June 30 one year before
the start of the biennium is available for appropriation to the commissioner of natural
resources to provide grants under this section for the benefit of current residents and future
generations. The commissioner must award grants under this section for purposes authorized
under the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 14, and expand the number and diversity
of recipients who benefit from the environment and natural resources trust fund, especially
in communities that have been adversely affected by pollution and environmental degradation.

(b) new text begin Grants awarded under this section must be expended for benefits across all regions
and residents of the state. new text end A grant may be awarded under this section only for:

(1) helping adversely impacted communities respond to environmental degradation and
related health concerns;

(2) education and awareness related to stewardship of air, land, water, forests, fish,
wildlife, and other natural resources; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(3) preserving or enhancing air, land, water, and other natural resources that otherwise
may be substantially impaired or destroyed in any area of the state new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) trail maintenance and improvement on state, regional, or local trails. No money
allocated under this clause may be used to construct new trails or new trail segments; or
new text end

new text begin (5) aquatic invasive species management new text end .

(c) A grant awarded under this section must provide measurable results deleted text begin and may not be
awarded to a for-profit business deleted text end .

(d) Money appropriated from the trust fund under this subdivision must supplement the
traditional sources of funding for environment and natural resources activities and may not
be used as a substitute.

(e) Any appropriated funds under this subdivision that are not encumbered before the
appropriation expires must be credited to the principal of the trust fund.

deleted text begin (f) The commissioner may not award a grant under this section to the Department of
Natural Resources.
deleted text end

Sec. 2.

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

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Prohibitions. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may not award a grant under this section:
new text end

new text begin (1) to a state agency;
new text end

new text begin (2) to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (3) to a for-profit business; or
new text end

new text begin (4) for a scientific research project.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND
COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM; REPORT.
new text end

new text begin By December 15, 2025, the commissioner of natural resources must submit a report to
the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate
committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources on plans
to implement the environment and natural resources trust fund community grant program
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116X.03. The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) recommendations for the grant program to ensure that the program operates in a
manner similar to the conservation partners legacy grant program established as required
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 3, including a draft of any request
for proposals and the criteria that will be used to prioritize applications and allocate funding;
new text end

new text begin (2) details of grant program implementation, including requests for proposals, awarded
grants, and future implementation; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the organizational structure and membership of the Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Advisory Council required under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116X.05.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $28,180,000 in fiscal year 2026 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, 2029.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 4 are effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.027, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end

new text begin Outreach to culturally diverse communities. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must ensure
that, to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner's work and the work of the
department are carried out in a manner that facilitates enhanced outreach to all Minnesotans.
To the maximum extent practicable, public hearings, solicitations for grant proposals, and
other interactions with the public must include audiovisual communication components and
must not rely exclusively on written forms of communication.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.705, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Definitions deleted text end new text begin Definition new text end .

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end For deleted text begin the deleted text end purposes of this section, deleted text begin the following
terms have the meanings given.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end "shade tree" means a woody perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental
purposes with minimal to residual timber value.

deleted text begin (c) "Supplemental demographic index" means an index in the Environmental Justice
Screening and Mapping Tool developed by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency that is based on socioeconomic indicators, including low income, unemployment,
less than high school education, limited English speaking, and low life expectancy.
deleted text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.705, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Priority.

(a) Priority for grants awarded under this section must be given to:

(1) projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns;
and

(2) projects deleted text begin located in a census block group with a supplemental demographic index
score in the 70th percentile or higher within the state of Minnesota deleted text end new text begin in areas identified using
the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and
Mapping Tool methodology provided in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's
environmental justice screen technical documentation dated July 31, 2024 new text end .

(b) The commissioner may not prioritize projects based on criteria other than the criteria
established under paragraph (a). new text begin Nothing in this section precludes the Department of Natural
Resources from following chapter 16B requirements or considering the ability of the grantees
to complete the work of the grant.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [86B.109] ABANDONED WATERCRAFT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Tagging authority; notice to owner. new text end

new text begin (a) A peace officer or an employee
designated by the commissioner under section 84.0835 may place a tag on a watercraft
unlawfully located on public accesses, public lands, and waters of this state or unlawfully
located on property adjacent to waters of this state. A watercraft is unlawfully located if the
watercraft appears to be:
new text end

new text begin (1) inoperative and neglected, wrecked, stranded, or substantially dismantled;
new text end

new text begin (2) in immediate danger of sinking; or
new text end

new text begin (3) unmoored and unattended.
new text end

new text begin (b) A peace officer or employee who places a tag on a watercraft under this subdivision
must notify the commissioner of placing the tag within 48 hours. The notification must
include a statement of the basis for the decision to place a tag on the watercraft.
new text end

new text begin (c) Upon receiving notification under paragraph (b), the commissioner must send a notice
by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the registered owner of the watercraft. The
notice must state that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the watercraft has been tagged and the condition that resulted in the watercraft being
tagged must be remedied immediately; and
new text end

new text begin (2) failure to remedy within 14 days of the notice being sent is a criminal violation that
may result in civil and criminal penalties and forfeiture of the watercraft.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Failure to remedy. new text end

new text begin The registered owner of a watercraft who knowingly fails
to remedy the condition that resulted in the watercraft being tagged within 14 days of the
commissioner sending the notice required by subdivision 1, paragraph (c), is guilty of a
misdemeanor. In addition, the owner is liable to the Department of Natural Resources for
all costs incurred by the commissioner in enforcing this section against the owner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Seizure of abandoned watercraft. new text end

new text begin Fourteen days after the commissioner sends
the notice required by subdivision 1, paragraph (c), to the registered owner or concludes
that there is no registered owner, the commissioner must investigate the watercraft. If, upon
inspection, the watercraft has not been removed and the condition that prompted the peace
officer or employee to tag it has not been substantially remedied, the watercraft is considered
abandoned and the commissioner must seize and forfeit the watercraft according to section
97A.223.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Relation to other law. new text end

new text begin An abandoned watercraft that becomes submerged and
subject to section 86B.107 must be removed and disposed of in accordance with that section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Exceptions. new text end

new text begin This section does not apply to previously sunk watercraft that are
of historical significance or currently a destination for scuba divers or commercial tourism
and that do not pose an ongoing environmental or public safety risk.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 86B.415, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Watercraft surcharge.

A deleted text begin $10.60 deleted text end surcharge is placed on each watercraft licensed
under subdivisions 1 to 5 for control, public awareness, law enforcement, monitoring, and
research of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, and Eurasian
watermilfoil in public waters and public wetlands. new text begin The surcharge is:
new text end

new text begin (1) for a watercraft 19 feet or less in length, other than a watercraft listed in clauses (2)
to (8), $29;
new text end

new text begin (2) for a watercraft, other than personal watercraft, 19 feet in length or less that is offered
for rent or lease, $25;
new text end

new text begin (3) for a sailboat 19 feet in length or less, $20;
new text end

new text begin (4) for a watercraft used by a nonprofit corporation for teaching boat and water safety,
$14;
new text end

new text begin (5) for a watercraft owned by a dealer under a dealer's license, $50;
new text end

new text begin (6) for a personal watercraft, including one offered for rent or lease, $25;
new text end

new text begin (7) for a watercraft less than 17 feet in length, other than a watercraft listed in clauses
(2) to (6), $25;
new text end

new text begin (8) for a canoe, kayak, sailboard, paddleboard, paddleboat, or rowing shell over ten feet
in length, $20;
new text end

new text begin (9) for a watercraft more than 19 feet but less than 26 feet in length, other than a
watercraft listed in clauses (4), (5), (8), and (12), $38;
new text end

new text begin (10) for a watercraft 26 feet but less than 40 feet in length, other than a watercraft listed
in clauses (4), (5), (8), and (12), $50;
new text end

new text begin (11) for a watercraft 40 feet in length or longer, other than a watercraft listed in clauses
(4), (5), (8), and (12), $62; and
new text end

new text begin (12) for a watercraft used primarily for charter fishing, commercial fishing, commercial
passenger carrying, or other commercial operation, $50.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 88.82, is amended to read:

88.82 MINNESOTA RELEAF PROGRAM.

(a) The Minnesota releaf program is established in the Department of Natural Resources
to encourage, promote, and fund the inventory, planting, assessment, maintenance,
improvement, protection, utilization, and restoration of trees and forest resources in this
state to enhance community forest ecosystem health and sustainability as well as to reduce
atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and promote energy conservation.

(b) Priority for grants awarded under this section must be given to projects located in
whole or in part in deleted text begin a census block group with a supplemental demographic index score in
the 70th percentile or higher within the state of Minnesota deleted text end new text begin an area identified using the United
States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping
Tool methodology provided in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's
environmental justice screen technical documentation dated July 31, 2024 new text end .

deleted text begin (c) For the purposes of this section, "supplemental demographic index" means an index
in the Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool developed by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency that is based on socioeconomic indicators, including low
income, unemployment, less than high school education, limited English speaking, and low
life expectancy.
deleted text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.223, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Property subject to seizure and forfeiture.

(a) An enforcement officer
must seize:

(1) firearms possessed in violation of state or federal law or court order; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(2) property described in section 97A.221, subdivision 1, where no owner can be
determined deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a watercraft that is abandoned according to section 86B.109, subdivision 3.
new text end

(b) Property seized under this section is subject to administrative forfeiture.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.421, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 3c. new text end

new text begin Restrictions after conviction; abandoned watercraft. new text end

new text begin (a) After a conviction
under section 86B.109, subdivision 2, the following license and registration restrictions
remain in effect until the person reimburses the Department of Natural Resources for all
the department's costs under section 86B.109, subdivision 2:
new text end

new text begin (1) all the person's annual game and fish licenses are void;
new text end

new text begin (2) the person may not act under any lifetime game and fish license;
new text end

new text begin (3) all the person's watercraft licenses and registrations that are required to operate
watercraft in the state are void;
new text end

new text begin (4) all the person's off-highway vehicle and snowmobile licenses and registrations that
are required to operate those vehicles in the state are void; and
new text end

new text begin (5) the person may not obtain any of the licenses or registrations described in clauses
(1) to (4).
new text end

new text begin (b) If a conviction under section 86B.109, subdivision 2, was for abandoning a watercraft
in a boundary water of the state, the commissioner must coordinate with neighboring
jurisdictions to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, the person is subject to
similar consequences in the neighboring jurisdiction as those imposed under paragraph (a).
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.465, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Resident disabled veterans; reduced fee licenses. new text end

new text begin A person authorized to
issue licenses must issue the following licenses for the reduced fee specified under section
97A.475 to a resident who is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, and who has a 50 to
99 percent service-connected disability as defined by the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs upon being furnished satisfactory evidence:
new text end

new text begin (1) a license to take deer by firearms, archery, or muzzleloader;
new text end

new text begin (2) a license to take small game; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a license to take fish by angling.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.475, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Resident hunting.

Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents
only, are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over and under age 65 to take small game, $15.50;

(2) for persons age 65 or over, $7 to take small game;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take turkey, $26;

(4) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take turkey, $5;

(5) for persons age 18 or over to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms
season, $34;

(6) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by archery, $34;

(7) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader
season, $34;

(8) to take moose, for a party of not more than six persons, $356;

(9) for persons age 18 or over to take bear, $44;

(10) to take elk, for a party of not more than two persons, $287;

(11) to take light geese during the light goose conservation order, $2.50;

(12) to take sandhill crane during the sandhill crane season, $3;

(13) to take prairie chickens, $23;

(14) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer with firearms during the
regular firearms season, $5;

(15) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by archery, $5;

(16) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by muzzleloader during
the muzzleloader season, $5;

(17) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take bear, no fee;

(18) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take bear, $5;

(19) for persons age 18 or over to take small game for a consecutive 72-hour period
selected by the licensee, $19, of which an amount equal to one-half of the fee for the
migratory-waterfowl stamp under subdivision 5, clause (1), shall be deposited in the
waterfowl habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 2; one-half of
the fee for the pheasant stamp under subdivision 5, clause (2), shall be deposited in the
pheasant habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 4; and one-half
of the small-game surcharge under subdivision 4, shall be deposited in the wildlife acquisition
account;

(20) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take small game, $5;

(21) to take wolf, $30;

(22) for persons age 12 and under to take turkey, no fee;

(23) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by firearm, no fee;

(24) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by archery, no fee; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(25) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader
season, no fee deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (26) for disabled veterans to take deer or small game under section 97A.465, subdivision
9, $5.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.475, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Resident fishing.

Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents only,
are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling, $25;

(2) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling, for a combined license for a married
couple, $40;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by spearing from a dark house, $6, and the
person must possess an angling license;

(4) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected by
the licensee, $12;

(5) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a consecutive 72-hour period
selected by the licensee, $14;

(6) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for three consecutive years, $71;
deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(7) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take fish by angling, $5 deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (8) for disabled veterans to take fish by angling under section 97A.465, subdivision 9,
$5.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective March 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.031, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin County authority to limit firearms for deer hunting. new text end

new text begin A county board of a
county located in the shotgun zone under Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.318, may
adopt an ordinance after notice and public hearing to limit the type of firearms that may be
used to hunt deer within the county. Subsequent ordinances may be adopted under this
subdivision only after additional notice and public hearing and are effective until repealed
or modified by ordinance.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.037, is amended to read:

97B.037 CROSSBOW HUNTING AND FISHING.

(a) Notwithstanding section 97B.035, subdivisions 1 and 2, a person may take deer,
bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish by crossbow during the respective regular
archery seasons. The transportation requirements of section 97B.051 apply to crossbows
during the regular archery deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish season.
Crossbows must meet the requirements of section 97B.106, subdivision 2. A person taking
deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish by crossbow under this section must
have a valid license to take the respective game.

(b) This section expires June 30, deleted text begin 2025 deleted text end new text begin 2026 new text end .

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.395, is amended to read:

97C.395 OPEN SEASONS FOR ANGLING.

Subdivision 1.

Dates for certain species.

(a) The open seasons to take fish by angling
are as follows:

(1) for walleye, sauger, northern pike, new text begin and new text end muskellunge, deleted text begin largemouth bass, and smallmouth
bass, deleted text end the Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the
last Sunday in February;

(2) for brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, and splake, between January
1 through October 31 as prescribed by the commissioner by rule except as provided in
section 97C.415, subdivision 2; and

(3) for salmon, as prescribed by the commissioner by rule.

(b) The commissioner shall close the season in areas of the state where fish are spawning
and closing the season will protect the resource.

Subd. 2.

Continuous season for certain species.

For new text begin largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, new text end
sunfish, white crappie, black crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, rock bass, white bass,
yellow bass, burbot, cisco (tullibee), lake whitefish, common carp, and native rough fish,
the open season is continuous.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103G.271, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Water-use permit; processing fee.

(a) Except as described in paragraphs (b)
to (g), a water-use permit processing fee must be prescribed by the commissioner in
accordance with the schedule of fees in this subdivision for each water-use permit in force
at any time during the year. Fees collected under this paragraph are credited to the water
management account in the natural resources fund. The schedule is as follows, with the
stated fee in each clause applied to the total amount appropriated:

(1) deleted text begin $140 deleted text end new text begin $200 new text end for amounts not exceeding 50,000,000 gallons per year;

(2) deleted text begin $3.50 deleted text end new text begin $6 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 50,000,000 gallons but less
than 100,000,000 gallons per year;

(3) deleted text begin $4 deleted text end new text begin $7 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 100,000,000 gallons but less
than 150,000,000 gallons per year;

(4) deleted text begin $4.50 deleted text end new text begin $8 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 150,000,000 gallons but
less than 200,000,000 gallons per year;

(5) deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $9 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 200,000,000 gallons but less
than 250,000,000 gallons per year;

(6) deleted text begin $5.50 deleted text end new text begin $10 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 250,000,000 gallons but
less than 300,000,000 gallons per year;

(7) deleted text begin $6 deleted text end new text begin $11 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 300,000,000 gallons but less
than 350,000,000 gallons per year;

(8) deleted text begin $6.50 deleted text end new text begin $12 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 350,000,000 gallons but
less than 400,000,000 gallons per year;

(9) deleted text begin $7 deleted text end new text begin $13 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 400,000,000 gallons but less
than 450,000,000 gallons per year;

(10) deleted text begin $7.50 deleted text end new text begin $14 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 450,000,000 gallons but
less than 500,000,000 gallons per year; and

(11) deleted text begin $8 deleted text end new text begin $15 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 500,000,000 gallons per
year.

(b) For once-through cooling systems, a water-use processing fee must be prescribed
by the commissioner in accordance with the following schedule of fees for each water-use
permit in force at any time during the year:

(1) for nonprofit corporations and school districts, $200 per 1,000,000 gallons; and

(2) for all other users, $420 per 1,000,000 gallons.

(c) The fee is payable based on the amount of water appropriated during the year and deleted text begin ,
except as provided in paragraph (f), deleted text end the minimum fee is $100.

(d) For water-use processing fees other than once-through cooling systems:

(1) the fee for a city of the first class may not exceed deleted text begin $250,000 deleted text end new text begin $325,000 new text end per year;

(2) the fee for other entities for any permitted use may not exceed:

(i) deleted text begin $60,000 deleted text end new text begin $75,000 new text end per year for an entity holding three or fewer permits;

(ii) deleted text begin $90,000 deleted text end new text begin $125,000 new text end per year for an entity holding four or five permits; or

(iii) deleted text begin $300,000 deleted text end new text begin $400,000 new text end per year for an entity holding more than five permits;

(3) the fee for agricultural irrigation may not exceed deleted text begin $750 deleted text end new text begin $1,500 new text end per year;

(4) the fee for a municipality that furnishes electric service and cogenerates steam for
home heating may not exceed $10,000 for its permit for water use related to the cogeneration
of electricity and steam;

(5) the fee for a facility that temporarily diverts a water of the state from its natural
channel to produce hydroelectric or hydromechanical power may not exceed $5,000 per
year. A permit for such a facility does not count toward the number of permits held by an
entity as described in this paragraph; and

(6) no fee is required for a project involving the appropriation of surface water to prevent
flood damage or to remove floodwaters during a period of flooding, as determined by the
commissioner.

(e) Failure to pay the fee is sufficient cause for revoking a permit. A penalty of ten
percent per month calculated from the original due date must be imposed on the unpaid
balance of fees remaining 30 days after the sending of a second notice of fees due. A fee
may not be imposed on an agency, as defined in section 16B.01, subdivision 2, or federal
governmental agency holding a water appropriation permit.

(f) The minimum water-use processing fee for a permit issued for irrigation of agricultural
land is deleted text begin $20 deleted text end new text begin $100 new text end for years in which:

(1) there is no appropriation of water under the permit; or

(2) the permit is suspended for more than seven consecutive days between May 1 and
October 1.

(g) The commissioner shall waive the water-use permit fee for installations and projects
that use stormwater runoff or where public entities are diverting water to treat a water quality
issue and returning the water to its source without using the water for any other purpose,
unless the commissioner determines that the proposed use adversely affects surface water
or groundwater.

(h) A surcharge of $50 per million gallons in addition to the fee prescribed in paragraph
(a) deleted text begin shall be deleted text end new text begin is new text end applied to the volume of water used in each of the months of May, June, July,
August, and September that exceeds the volume of water used in January for municipal
water use, irrigation of golf courses, and landscape irrigation. The surcharge for
municipalities with more than one permit deleted text begin shall be deleted text end new text begin is new text end determined based on the total
appropriations from all permits that supply a common distribution system.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103G.301, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Permit application and notification fees.

(a) A fee to defray the costs of
receiving, recording, and processing must be paid for a permit application authorized under
this chapter, except for a general permit application, for each request to amend or transfer
an existing permit, and for a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under
a general permit. Fees established under this subdivision, unless specified in paragraph (c),
must comply with section 16A.1285.

(b) Proposed projects that require water in excess of 100 million gallons per year must
be assessed fees to recover the costs incurred to evaluate the project and the costs incurred
for environmental review. Fees collected under this paragraph must be credited to an account
in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner.

(c) The fee to apply for a permit to appropriate water, in addition to any fee under
paragraph (b), is deleted text begin $150 deleted text end new text begin $600 new text end . The application fee for a permit to construct or repair a dam
that is subject to a dam safety inspection, to work in public waters, or to divert waters for
mining must be at least $1,200, but not more than $12,000. The fee for a notification to
request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit is $400, except that the
fee for a notification to request authorization to appropriate water under a general permit
is $100.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115B.421, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

(a) The closed landfill investment fund is established in
the state treasury. The fund consists of money credited to the fund and interest and other
earnings on money in the fund. Funds must be deposited as described in section 115B.445.
The fund must be managed to maximize long-term gain through the State Board of
Investment.

(b) Each fiscal year, up to deleted text begin $4,500,000 deleted text end new text begin $6,500,000 new text end is appropriated from the closed landfill
investment fund to the commissioner for the purposes of sections 115B.39 to 115B.444.

(c) If the commissioner determines that a release or threatened release from a qualified
facility for which the commissioner has assumed obligations for environmental response
actions under section 115B.40 or 115B.406 constitutes an emergency requiring immediate
action to prevent, minimize, or mitigate damage either to the public health or welfare or the
environment or to a system designed to protect the public health or welfare or the
environment, up to $9,000,000 in addition to the amount appropriated under paragraph (b)
is appropriated to the commissioner in the first year of the biennium and may be spent by
the commissioner to take reasonable and necessary emergency response actions. Money
not spent in the first year of the biennium may be spent in the second year. If money is
appropriated under this paragraph, the commissioner must notify the chairs of the senate
and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment policy and
finance as soon as possible. The commissioner must maintain the fund balance to ensure
long-term viability of the fund and reflect the responsibility of the landfill cleanup program
in perpetuity.

(d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) expire June 30, deleted text begin 2025 deleted text end new text begin 2029 new text end .

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Outreach to culturally diverse communities. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must ensure
that, to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner's work and the work of the agency
are carried out in a manner that facilitates enhanced outreach to all Minnesotans. To the
maximum extent practicable, public hearings, solicitations for grant proposals, and other
interactions with the public must include audiovisual communication components and must
not rely exclusively on written forms of communication.
new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.943, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.

(b) "Adult mattress" means a mattress other than a crib mattress or toddler mattress.

(c) "Air care product" means a chemically formulated consumer product labeled to
indicate that the purpose of the product is to enhance or condition the indoor environment
by eliminating odors or freshening the air.

(d) "Automotive maintenance product" means a chemically formulated consumer product
labeled to indicate that the purpose of the product is to maintain the appearance of a motor
vehicle, including products for washing, waxing, polishing, cleaning, or treating the exterior
or interior surfaces of motor vehicles. Automotive maintenance product does not include
automotive paint or paint repair products.

(e) "Carpet or rug" means a fabric marketed or intended for use as a floor covering.

(f) "Cleaning product" means a finished product used primarily for domestic, commercial,
or institutional cleaning purposes, including but not limited to an air care product, an
automotive maintenance product, a general cleaning product, or a polish or floor maintenance
product.

(g) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency.

(h) "Cookware" means durable houseware items used to prepare, dispense, or store food,
foodstuffs, or beverages. Cookware includes but is not limited to pots, pans, skillets, grills,
baking sheets, baking molds, trays, bowls, and cooking utensils.

(i) "Cosmetic" means articles, excluding soap:

(1) intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise
applied to the human body or any part thereof for the purpose of cleansing, beautifying,
promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance; and

(2) intended for use as a component of any such article.

(j) "Currently unavoidable use" means a use of PFAS that the commissioner has
determined by rule under this section to be essential for health, safety, or the functioning
of society and for which alternatives are not reasonably available.

(k) "Fabric treatment" means a substance applied to fabric to give the fabric one or more
characteristics, including but not limited to stain resistance or water resistance.

(l) "Intentionally added" means PFAS deliberately added during the manufacture of a
product where the continued presence of PFAS is desired in the final product or one of the
product's components to perform a specific function.

new text begin (m) "Internal components" means internal parts of a product, whether permanently
affixed or removable, that are designed and intended to not be touched by a person during
intended use or handling. Internal components include parts of a product used for holding
batteries regardless of whether the parts are touched when replacing batteries.
new text end

deleted text begin (m) deleted text end new text begin (n) new text end "Juvenile product" means a product designed or marketed for use by infants and
children under 12 years of age:

(1) including but not limited to a baby or toddler foam pillow; bassinet; bedside sleeper;
booster seat; changing pad; child restraint system for use in motor vehicles and aircraft;
co-sleeper; crib mattress; highchair; highchair pad; infant bouncer; infant carrier; infant
seat; infant sleep positioner; infant swing; infant travel bed; infant walker; nap cot; nursing
pad; nursing pillow; play mat; playpen; play yard; polyurethane foam mat, pad, or pillow;
portable foam nap mat; portable infant sleeper; portable hook-on chair; soft-sided portable
crib; stroller; and toddler mattress; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(2) not including a children's electronic product such as a personal computer, audio and
video equipment, calculator, wireless phone, game console, handheld device incorporating
a video screen, or any associated peripheral such as a mouse, keyboard, power supply unit,
or power cord; or an adult mattress new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) not including:
new text end

new text begin (i) an off-highway vehicle, as defined in section 84.771, made for children;
new text end

new text begin (ii) an all-terrain vehicle, as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 8, made for children;
new text end

new text begin (iii) an off-highway motorcycle, as defined in section 84.787, subdivision 7, made for
children;
new text end

new text begin (iv) a snowmobile, as defined in section 84.81, subdivision 3, made for children;
new text end

new text begin (v) an electric-assisted bicycle, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 27, made for
children; or
new text end

new text begin (vi) a replacement part for a vehicle described in items (i) to (v) new text end .

deleted text begin (n) deleted text end new text begin (o) new text end "Manufacturer" means the person that creates or produces a product or whose
brand name is affixed to the product. In the case of a product imported into the United
States, manufacturer includes the importer or first domestic distributor of the product if the
person that manufactured or assembled the product or whose brand name is affixed to the
product does not have a presence in the United States.

deleted text begin (o) deleted text end new text begin (p) new text end "Medical device" has the meaning given "device" under United States Code, title
21, section 321, subsection (h).

deleted text begin (p) deleted text end new text begin (q) new text end "Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" or "PFAS" means a class of
fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

deleted text begin (q) deleted text end new text begin (r) new text end "Product" means an item manufactured, assembled, packaged, or otherwise
prepared for sale to consumers, including but not limited to its product components, sold
or distributed for personal, residential, commercial, or industrial use, including for use in
making other products.

deleted text begin (r) deleted text end new text begin (s) new text end "Product component" means an identifiable component of a product, regardless
of whether the manufacturer of the product is the manufacturer of the component.

deleted text begin (s) deleted text end new text begin (t) new text end "Ski wax" means a lubricant applied to the bottom of snow runners, including but
not limited to skis and snowboards, to improve their grip or glide properties. Ski wax includes
related tuning products.

deleted text begin (t) deleted text end new text begin (u) new text end "Textile" means an item made in whole or part from a natural or synthetic fiber,
yarn, or fabric. Textile includes but is not limited to leather, cotton, silk, jute, hemp, wool,
viscose, nylon, and polyester.

deleted text begin (u) deleted text end new text begin (v) new text end "Textile furnishings" means textile goods of a type customarily used in households
and businesses, including but not limited to draperies, floor coverings, furnishings, bedding,
towels, and tablecloths.

deleted text begin (v) deleted text end new text begin (w) new text end "Upholstered furniture" means an article of furniture that is designed to be used
for sitting, resting, or reclining and that is wholly or partly stuffed or filled with any filling
material.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.943, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Prohibitions.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2025, a person may not sell, offer for
sale, or distribute for sale in this state the following products if the product contains
intentionally added PFAS:

(1) carpets or rugs;

(2) cleaning products;

(3) cookware;

(4) cosmetics;

(5) dental floss;

(6) fabric treatments;

(7) juvenile products;

(8) menstruation products;

(9) textile furnishings;

(10) ski wax; or

(11) upholstered furniture.

new text begin (b) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of a
product that contains intentionally added PFAS only in electronic components or internal
components.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The commissioner may by rule identify additional products by category or use
that may not be sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in this state if they contain
intentionally added PFAS and designate effective dates. A prohibition adopted under this
paragraph must be effective no earlier than January 1, 2025, and no later than January 1,
2032. The commissioner must prioritize the prohibition of the sale of product categories
that, in the commissioner's judgment, are most likely to contaminate or harm the state's
environment and natural resources if they contain intentionally added PFAS.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Beginning January 1, 2032, a person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute for
sale in this state any product that contains intentionally added PFAS, unless the commissioner
has determined by rule that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use.
The commissioner may specify specific products or product categories for which the
commissioner has determined the use of PFAS is a currently unavoidable use. The
commissioner may not determine that the use of PFAS in a product is a currently unavoidable
use if the product is listed in paragraph (a).

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end The commissioner may not take action under paragraph deleted text begin (b) or deleted text end (c) new text begin or (d) new text end with
respect to a pesticide, as defined under chapter 18B, a fertilizer, an agricultural liming
material, a plant amendment, or a soil amendment as defined under chapter 18C, unless the
commissioner of agriculture approves the action.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325F.072, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Prohibition.

(a) No person, political subdivision, or state agency shall
manufacture or knowingly sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use in this
state, and no person shall use in this state, class B firefighting foam containing PFAS
chemicals.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of class
B firefighting foam for which the inclusion of PFAS chemicals is required by federal law,
including but not limited to Code of Federal Regulations, title 14, section 139.317. If a
federal requirement to include PFAS chemicals in class B firefighting foam is revoked after
January 1, 2024, class B firefighting foam subject to the revoked requirements is no longer
exempt under this paragraph effective one year after the day of revocation.

(c) new text begin Except as provided under paragraph (e), new text end this subdivision does not apply to the
manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of class B firefighting foam for purposes of use at an
airport, as defined under section 360.013, subdivision 39, until the state fire marshal makes
a determination that:

(1) the Federal Aviation Administration has provided policy guidance on the transition
to fluorine-free firefighting foam;

(2) a fluorine-free firefighting foam product is included in the Federal Aviation
Administration's Qualified Product Database; and

(3) a firefighting foam product included in the database under clause (2) is commercially
available in quantities sufficient to reliably meet the requirements under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 14, part 139.

(d) Until the state fire marshal makes a determination under paragraph (c), the operator
of an airport using class B firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals must, on or before
December 31 each calendar year, submit a report to the state fire marshal regarding the
status of the airport's conversion to class B firefighting foam products without intentionally
added PFAS, the disposal of class B firefighting foam products with intentionally added
PFAS, and an assessment of the factors listed in paragraph (c) as applied to the airport.

new text begin (e) Until January 1, 2028, this subdivision does not apply to the manufacture, sale,
distribution, or use of class B firefighting foam for use in fixed firefighting systems in a
hangar at an airport. The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency, in consultation
with the state fire marshal, may issue a hangar operator one-year extensions beyond January
1, 2028, if the commissioner determines (1) the need for additional time is beyond the
operator's control, and (2) public safety and the environment are sufficiently protected during
each extension period.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 473.355, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Definitions deleted text end new text begin Definition new text end .

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end For deleted text begin the deleted text end purposes of this section, deleted text begin the following
terms have the meanings given them.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end "shade tree" means a woody perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental
purposes with minimal to residual timber value.

deleted text begin (c) "Supplemental demographic index" means an index in the Environmental Justice
Screening and Mapping Tool developed by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency that is based on socioeconomic indicators, including low income, unemployment,
less than high school education, limited English speaking, and low life expectancy.
deleted text end

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 473.355, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Priority.

Priority for grants awarded under this section must be given to:

(1) projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns;
and

(2) projects located in deleted text begin a census block group with a supplemental demographic index
score in the 70th percentile or higher within the state of Minnesota deleted text end new text begin an area identified using
the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screening and
Mapping Tool methodology provided in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's
environmental justice screen technical documentation dated July 31, 2024 new text end .

Sec. 24. new text begin MINNESOTA SUSTAINABLE FORAGING TASK FORCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force consists
of the following members:
new text end

new text begin (1) two members of the senate, one appointed by the majority leader of the senate and
one appointed by the minority leader of the senate;
new text end

new text begin (2) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the
house of representatives and one appointed by the speaker emerita of the house of
representatives;
new text end

new text begin (3) one member appointed by the Minnesota Mycological Society;
new text end

new text begin (4) one member appointed by the Minnesota Foraging Alliance;
new text end

new text begin (5) four members from conservation or outdoor recreation organizations, appointed by
the commissioner of natural resources;
new text end

new text begin (6) two scientists with expertise in botany, ecology, and environmental science appointed
by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (7) three representatives of the Department of Natural Resources involved with managing
state parks, forestry, fish and wildlife, and public lands appointed by the commissioner of
natural resources;
new text end

new text begin (8) one member of the Minnesota Ojibwe Tribe appointed by the Minnesota Indian
Affairs Council;
new text end

new text begin (9) one member of the Minnesota Dakota Tribe appointed by the Minnesota Indian
Affairs Council; and
new text end

new text begin (10) two representatives with expertise on local ecosystems, species recovery, or
sustainable harvesting appointed by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota
Extension.
new text end

new text begin (b) A member appointed under paragraph (a) may not be a registered lobbyist.
new text end

new text begin (c) The appointing authorities must make the appointments by August 1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The task force must:
new text end

new text begin (1) gather and review data and information, including traditional ecological knowledge,
on the impact of foraging on species resilience, ecosystem health, and other aspects of
Minnesota's diverse biomes;
new text end

new text begin (2) review existing regulations governing foraging activities on state lands;
new text end

new text begin (3) develop recommendations for science-based, including traditional ecological
knowledge, foraging guidelines for state lands that balance public access and foraging
opportunities with conservation needs. The recommendations must be in the form of draft
statutory or rule language and must be consistent with Indigenous and other cultural practices
and traditions;
new text end

new text begin (4) develop recommendations for increasing public understanding of sustainable foraging
practices that include safety and ecological considerations;
new text end

new text begin (5) solicit public input, when appropriate; and
new text end

new text begin (6) develop recommendations for reduced-priced foraging permits.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Administrative support; meetings. new text end

new text begin (a) The Legislative Coordinating
Commission must provide administrative support and convene the first meeting by September
1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of natural resources must provide subject matter resources and
expertise, including information on the management of, and flora and fauna on, state lands,
as requested by the task force.
new text end

new text begin (c) The task force must meet at regular intervals as often as necessary to accomplish the
goals enumerated under subdivision 2. Meetings of the task force are subject to the Minnesota
Open Meeting Law under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Chair. new text end

new text begin The task force must elect a chair at its first meeting from among the
legislative members.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Legislative recommendations; expiration. new text end

new text begin By February 28, 2026, the task
force must submit a written report containing its findings and recommendations to the
commissioner of natural resources and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over natural resources policy. The
recommendations in the report must be specific and actionable. The report must detail the
proposals for changes or additions to statute or rules to effectuate the task force's
recommendations. The task force expires March 15, 2026, or upon submission of the report
required by this subdivision, whichever occurs later.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Compensation; expense reimbursement. new text end

new text begin Members of the task force appointed
under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), may receive per diem and
reimbursement for expenses as provided in the rules of their respective bodies. Other
members of the task force may be compensated and have expenses reimbursed as provided
in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3.
new text end

Sec. 25. new text begin OUTDOOR RECREATION ENDORSEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.
new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2026, the commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the
commissioner of public safety and deputy registrars, must submit recommendations, including
a draft statutory framework, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and transportation on
establishing an outdoor recreation endorsement to provide for reduced state park vehicle
entrance fees and to provide support for state parks and other units of the outdoor recreation
system as classified in Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05.
new text end

Sec. 26. new text begin NOTIFICATION OF FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS DURING DEER
HUNTING OPTION.
new text end

new text begin By March 1, 2026, the commissioner of natural resources must notify county boards
and county sheriffs of the option available to counties in the shotgun zone to adopt an
ordinance under Minnesota Statutes, section 97B.031, subdivision 7.
new text end

Sec. 27. new text begin MORATORIUM ON FORAGING RULES.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of natural resources must not begin or complete any rulemaking on
foraging before July 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 28. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.318, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103E.067, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Paragraph (a) is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

STATE LANDS

Section 1. new text begin ADDITION TO STATE PARK.
new text end

new text begin [85.012] [Subd. 11] Carley State Park, Wabasha County. The following area is added
to Carley State Park: That part of Section 32, Township 108 North, Range 11 West, Wabasha
County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the South Quarter corner stake of
said Section 32; thence North 15-1/2 degrees East along road 425 feet; thence North 17
degrees East 290 feet; thence North 53 degrees East 280 feet; thence North 17 degrees East
115 feet; thence North 6-1/2 degrees West 643 feet; thence North 72-1/2 degrees West 720
feet; thence North across river 690 feet; thence South 62 degrees East 263 feet along northerly
bank of river; thence North 250 feet to center of said Section 32; thence East 1,320 feet;
thence North 440 feet to river; thence North 54-1/2 degrees East 224 feet along center of
river; thence North 75 degrees East 192 feet; thence South 49 degrees East 115 feet; thence
North 79 degrees East 155 feet; thence North 62 degrees East 232 feet; thence North 86
degrees East 293 feet; thence North 64 degrees East 255 feet; thence South 3,368 feet, more
or less to the southeast corner of Section 32; thence West 2,643.13 feet to the place of
beginning.
new text end

new text begin EXCEPTING therefrom that portion lying West of the centerline of Wabasha County
Road No. 4 owned by the State of Minnesota and A. M. Christenson.
new text end

new text begin ALSO EXCEPTING that part of the East Half of Section 32, Township 108 North,
Range 11 West, Wabasha County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the South
Quarter corner stake of said Section 32; thence North 15-1/2 degrees East along road 425
feet; thence North 17 degrees East 290 feet; thence North 53 degrees East 280 feet; thence
South 80 degrees 02 minutes 23 seconds East 304.46 feet; thence North 6 degrees 12 minutes
49 seconds West 483.31 feet; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes 25 seconds East 386.31
feet; thence North 1 degree 39 minutes 32 seconds East 358.66 feet; thence North 36 degrees
14 minutes 35 seconds East 693.46 feet; thence North 81 degrees 03 minutes 15 seconds
East 349.81 feet; thence North 1 degree 49 minutes 43 seconds West 298.16 feet; thence
North 79 degrees 04 minutes 47 seconds East 529.39 feet; thence South 35 degrees 46
minutes 01 seconds East to the east line of the Southeast Quarter of Section 32; thence
southerly along the east line of said Southeast Quarter to the southeast corner of said
Southeast Quarter of Section 32; thence on a bearing of West along the south line of said
Southeast Quarter 2,643.13 feet to the point of beginning.
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

Sec. 2. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; AITKIN COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, Aitkin County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited land
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in Aitkin County and is described as: the West 20 feet
of the East 932 feet of the South 208 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter,
as in DOC 203542, Section 32, Township 46 North, Range 25 West (0.1 acres) (parcel
number 09-0-054803).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; AITKIN COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, Aitkin County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited lands
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in Aitkin County and is described as: the East 32 feet
of the West 250 feet of Lot 5 and the East 32 feet of the West 250 feet of the North 10 feet
of Lot 3, Hill City Realty Cos Fourth Addition, Section 14, Township 52 North, Range 26
West, Aitkin County, Minnesota (0.1 acres) (parcel number 57-1-073003).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
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

Sec. 4. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF SURPLUS STATE LAND BORDERING PUBLIC
WATER; CASS COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 92.45, and the public sale provisions
of Minnesota Statutes, chapters 92 and 94, the commissioner of natural resources may sell
by private sale the surplus land bordering public water that is described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may make necessary changes to the legal description to correct
errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in Cass County and is described as: the Northwest
Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and all that part of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest
Quarter lying north of the northerly right-of-way of U.S. Highway 2, as it exists in 2024,
all in Section 27, Township 145 North, Range 28 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner has determined that the state's land management interests would
best be served if the lands were returned to Tribal ownership.
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

Sec. 5. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; ITASCA COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, Itasca County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited lands
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The lands to be sold are located in Itasca County and are described as: That part of
the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter, Section 15, Township 59 North, Range 24
west of the Fourth Principal Meridian, Itasca County, Minnesota, further described as
follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of said Southwest Quarter of the Southeast
Quarter; thence North 89 degrees 01 minutes 34 seconds East, assigned bearing, along the
north line of said Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter a distance of 255.80 feet to
the point of beginning; thence South 10 degrees 50 minutes 31 seconds East a distance of
604.37 feet; thence North 55 degrees 26 minutes 17 seconds East a distance of 672.63 feet,
more or less to the centerline of County Road 52; thence North 51 degrees 32 minutes 12
seconds West along said centerline a distance of 351.56 feet to said north line of the
Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; thence South 89 degrees 01 minutes 34 seconds
West along said north line a distance of 392.39 feet to the point of beginning.
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
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

Sec. 6. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND BORDERING PUBLIC
WATER; SIBLEY COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 92.45 and 282.018, subdivision 1, and
the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, Sibley County may sell by
private sale the tax-forfeited land bordering public water that is described in paragraph (c),
under the remaining provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282.
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in Sibley County and is described as: that part of
Government Lot 3, Section 27, Township 114 North, Range 28 West, described as follows:
commencing at the center of said Section 27; thence due South along the north-south quarter
line of said Section 27, 559.30 feet; thence South 86 degrees 46 minutes 30 seconds West,
572.20 feet; thence South 30 degrees 04 minutes 33 seconds West, 541.52 feet; thence South
12 degrees 41 minutes 30 seconds West, 163.17 feet more or less to a point on the high
bank line of High Island Lake, said point being the point of beginning; thence North 12
degrees 41 minutes 30 seconds East, 163.17 feet; thence South 71 degrees 05 minutes 30
seconds West, 199.05 feet to a point on the high bank line of High Island Lake; thence
southeasterly along said high bank line to the point of beginning (0.35 acres) (parcel number
20.2712.000).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; ST. LOUIS COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, St. Louis County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited land
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in St. Louis County and is described as:
new text end

new text begin (1) the easterly 15 feet of Lot 5, Block 47, West Duluth 6th Division, Section 7, Township
49, Range 14 (parcel number 010-4520-06505); and
new text end

new text begin (2) that part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter described as follows:
beginning at the northwest corner continue due East parallel with the north boundary line
a distance of 330 feet to a point of beginning; thence due South parallel with the west
boundary line a distance of 400 feet to a point; thence due East parallel with the north
boundary line a distance of 190 feet to a point; thence due North parallel with the west
boundary a distance of 60 feet to a point; thence due East parallel with the north boundary
line a distance of 140 feet to a point; thence due North parallel with the west boundary line
a distance of 340 feet to a point; thence due West parallel with the north boundary line a
distance of 330 feet to the point of beginning, Section 14, Township 54, Range 20 (parcel
number 550-0020-02294).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

ARTICLE 6

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING REFORM

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.03, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Permitting efficiency.

(a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and
resource management permits be issued or denied within 90 days for tier 1 permits or 150
days for tier 2 permits following submission of a permit application. The commissioner of
the Pollution Control Agency deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end establish management systems designed to achieve
the goal. For the purposes of this section, "tier 1 permits" are permits that do not require
individualized actions or public comment periods, and "tier 2 permits" are permits that
require individualized actions or public comment periods. new text begin Goals established in this paragraph
do not apply to permit applications required due to agency enforcement actions.
new text end

(b) The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end prepare an annual permitting efficiency report that
includes statistics on meeting the new text begin tier 2 new text end goal in paragraph (a) and the criteria for tier 2 by
permit categories. The report deleted text begin is due August 1 deleted text end new text begin must be submitted to the governor and to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees
having jurisdiction over environment policy and finance by October 1 new text end each year new text begin and must
be posted on the agency's website new text end . new text begin The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end for new text begin each new text end permit deleted text begin applications deleted text end new text begin application new text end that deleted text begin have deleted text end new text begin has new text end not met the goal, deleted text begin the report
must state the reasons for not meeting the goal. In stating the reasons for not meeting the
goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays deleted text end new text begin an explanation of whether the delay
was new text end caused by the responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical
disagreements, or the level of public engagement deleted text begin . The report must specify deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) for each permit that has not met the goal, new text end the number of days from initial submission
of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete deleted text begin . The report
must aggregate deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) a summary of new text end the data for the deleted text begin year deleted text end new text begin reporting period new text end and deleted text begin assess deleted text end new text begin an assessment of new text end
whether program or system changes are necessary to achieve the new text begin tier 2 new text end goal deleted text begin . The report
must be posted on the agency's website and submitted to the governor and the chairs and
ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having
jurisdiction over environment policy and finance. deleted text end new text begin in paragraph (a);
new text end

new text begin (4) a statement of the number of tier 2 permits completed within the reporting period
and, immediately following in parentheses, a statement of the percentage of total applications
received for that tier 2 permit category that the number represents, stated separately for
industrial and municipal permits; and
new text end

new text begin (5) for permits that did not meet the goal due to lack of staff, a combined estimate of
the aggregate staff resources that would have been necessary for all affected permits to meet
the goal.
new text end

(c) The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end allow electronic submission of environmental review
and permit documents to the agency.

(d) Within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end notify the permit applicant, in
writing, deleted text begin whether the application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines
that an application is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate deleted text end new text begin of new text end all
deficiencies deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin while new text end citing specific provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and new text begin must new text end
advise the applicant on how the deficiencies can be remedied. new text begin The applicant has five business
days to remedy all identified deficiencies before the commissioner determines that the
application is complete or incomplete. new text end If the commissioner determines that the application
is complete, the deleted text begin notice deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end must confirm the application's tier 1 or tier 2 permit
status. If the commissioner believes that a complete application for a tier 2 construction
permit cannot be issued within the 150-day goal, the commissioner must provide notice to
the applicant with the commissioner's notice that the application is complete and, upon
request of the applicant, provide the permit applicant with a schedule estimating when the
agency will begin drafting the permit and issue the public notice of the draft permit. This
paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan
agreement under chapter 446A.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "permit professional" means an individual not
employed by the Pollution Control Agency who:

(1) has a professional license issued by the state of Minnesota in the subject area of the
permit;

(2) has at least ten years of experience in the subject area of the permit; and

(3) abides by the duty of candor applicable to employees of the Pollution Control Agency
under agency rules and complies with all applicable requirements under chapter 326.

(f) Upon the agency's request, an applicant relying on a permit professional must
participate in a meeting with the agency before submitting an application:

(1) at least two weeks prior to the preapplication meeting, the applicant must submit at
least the following:

(i) project description, including, but not limited to, scope of work, primary emissions
points, discharge outfalls, and water intake points;

(ii) location of the project, including county, municipality, and location on the site;

(iii) business schedule for project completion; and

(iv) other information requested by the agency at least four weeks prior to the scheduled
meeting; and

(2) during the preapplication meeting, the agency deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end provide for the applicant
at least the following:

(i) an overview of the permit review program;

(ii) a determination of which specific application or applications will be necessary to
complete the project;

(iii) a statement notifying the applicant if the specific permit being sought requires a
mandatory public hearing or comment period;

(iv) a review of the timetable established in the permit review program for the specific
permit being sought; and

(v) a determination of what information must be included in the application, including
a description of any required modeling or testing.

(g) The applicant may select a permit professional to undertake the preparation of the
permit application and draft permit.

(h) If a preapplication meeting was held, the agency deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end , within seven business
days of receipt of an application, notify the applicant and submitting permit professional
that the application is complete or is denied, specifying the deficiencies of the application.

(i) Upon receipt of notice that the application is complete, the permit professional deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin
must new text end submit to the agency a timetable for submitting a draft permit. The permit professional
deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end submit a draft permit on or before the date provided in the timetable. Within 60
days after the close of the public comment period, the commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end notify the
applicant whether the permit can be issued.

(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify:

(1) any requirement of law that is necessary to retain federal delegation to or assumption
by the state; or

(2) the authority to implement a federal law or program.

(k) The permit application and draft permit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end identify or include as an appendix
all studies and other sources of information used to substantiate the analysis contained in
the permit application and draft permit. The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end request additional
studies, if needed, and the permit applicant deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end submit all additional studies and
information necessary for the commissioner to perform the commissioner's responsibility
to review, modify, and determine the completeness of the application and approve the draft
permit.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.07, subdivision 4d, is amended to read:

Subd. 4d.

Permit fees.

(a) The agency may collect permit fees in amounts not greater
than those necessary to cover the reasonable costs of developing, reviewing, and acting
upon applications for agency permits and implementing and enforcing the conditions of the
permits pursuant to agency rules. Permit fees shall not include the costs of litigation. The
fee schedule must reflect reasonable and routine direct and indirect costs associated with
permitting, implementation, and enforcement. The agency may impose an additional
enforcement fee to be collected for a period of up to two years to cover the reasonable costs
of implementing and enforcing the conditions of a permit under the rules of the agency.
Any money collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the environmental fund.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the agency shall collect an annual fee from the owner
or operator of all stationary sources, emission facilities, emissions units, air contaminant
treatment facilities, treatment facilities, potential air contaminant storage facilities, or storage
facilities subject to a notification, permit, or license requirement under this chapter,
subchapters I and V of the federal Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7401
et seq., or rules adopted thereunder. The annual fee shall be used to pay for all direct and
indirect reasonable costs, including legal costs, required to develop and administer the
notification, permit, or license program requirements of this chapter, subchapters I and V
of the federal Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7401 et seq., or rules
adopted thereunder. Those costs include the reasonable costs of reviewing and acting upon
an application for a permit; implementing and enforcing statutes, rules, and the terms and
conditions of a permit; emissions, ambient, and deposition monitoring; preparing generally
applicable regulations; responding to federal guidance; modeling, analyses, and
demonstrations; preparing inventories and tracking emissions; and providing information
to the public about these activities.

(c) The agency shall set fees that:

(1) will result in the collection, in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph
(b), of an amount not less than $25 per ton of each volatile organic compound; pollutant
regulated under United States Code, title 42, section 7411 or 7412 (section 111 or 112 of
the federal Clean Air Act); and each pollutant, except carbon monoxide, for which a national
primary ambient air quality standard has been promulgated;

(2) may result in the collection, in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph
(b), of an amount not less than $25 per ton of each pollutant not listed in clause (1) that is
regulated under this chapter or air quality rules adopted under this chapter; and

(3) shall collect, in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph (b), the amount
needed to match grant funds received by the state under United States Code, title 42, section
7405 (section 105 of the federal Clean Air Act).

The agency must not include in the calculation of the aggregate amount to be collected
under clauses (1) and (2) any amount in excess of 4,000 tons per year of each air pollutant
from a source. The increase in air permit fees to match federal grant funds shall be a surcharge
on existing fees. The commissioner may not collect the surcharge after the grant funds
become unavailable. In addition, the commissioner shall use nonfee funds to the extent
practical to match the grant funds so that the fee surcharge is minimized.

(d) To cover the reasonable costs described in paragraph (b), the agency shall provide
in the rules promulgated under paragraph (c) for an increase in the fee collected in each
year by the percentage, if any, by which the Consumer Price Index for the most recent
calendar year ending before the beginning of the year the fee is collected exceeds the
Consumer Price Index for the calendar year 1989. For purposes of this paragraph the
Consumer Price Index for any calendar year is the average of the Consumer Price Index for
all-urban consumers published by the United States Department of Labor, as of the close
of the 12-month period ending on August 31 of each calendar year. The revision of the
Consumer Price Index that is most consistent with the Consumer Price Index for calendar
year 1989 shall be used.

(e) Any money collected under paragraphs (b) to (d) must be deposited in the
environmental fund and must be used solely for the activities listed in paragraph (b).

(f) Permit applicants who wish to construct, reconstruct, or modify a project may deleted text begin offer deleted text end new text begin
request expedited permitting under this paragraph. An applicant requesting expedited
permitting under this paragraph must agree new text end to reimburse the agency for the costs of staff
time or consultant services needed to expedite the preapplication process and permit
development process through the final decision on the permit, including the analysis of
environmental review documents. The reimbursement deleted text begin shall be deleted text end new text begin is new text end in addition to permit
application fees imposed by law. deleted text begin When the agency determines that it needs additional
resources to develop the permit application in an expedited manner, and that expediting the
development is consistent with permitting program priorities, the agency may accept the
reimbursement. deleted text end new text begin The commissioner must first determine if existing agency staff is available
to work on the permit subject to the expedited permitting request. If the commissioner
determines that no agency staff is available to assign to the permit subject to the expedited
permitting request, then the commissioner may contract for permitting services. If the
commissioner determines that no agency staff is available and no contracting services are
available to assign to the permit subject to the expedited permit request, then the
commissioner may deny the expedited permitting request. new text end The commissioner must give the
applicant an estimate of new text begin the timeline and new text end costs to be incurred by the commissioner. The
estimate must include a brief description of the tasks to be performed, a schedule for
completing the tasks, and the estimated cost for each task. new text begin If the applicant agrees to the
estimated timeline and costs negotiated with the commissioner, new text end the applicant and the
commissioner must enter into a written agreement deleted text begin detailing the estimated costs for the
expedited permit decision-making process to be incurred by the agency deleted text end new text begin to proceed
accordingly new text end . The agreement must deleted text begin also deleted text end identify staff anticipated to be assigned to the project. new text begin
The agreement may provide that, if permitting is completed ahead of the schedule set forth
in the written agreement, the commissioner may retain any fees that would have been due
if the permitting had taken the time contemplated in the written agreement. Fees retained
by the commissioner under this paragraph are appropriated to the commissioner for
administering the commissioner's permitting duties. new text end The commissioner must not issue a
permit until the applicant has paid all fees in full. The commissioner must refund any
unobligated balance of fees paid. Reimbursements accepted by the agency are appropriated
to the agency for the purpose of developing the permit or analyzing environmental review
documents. Reimbursement by a permit applicant shall precede and not be contingent upon
issuance of a permit; shall not affect the agency's decision on whether to issue or deny a
permit, what conditions are included in a permit, or the application of state and federal
statutes and rules governing permit determinations; and shall not affect final decisions
regarding environmental review.

(g) The fees under this subdivision are exempt from section 16A.1285.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

When prepared.

(a) Where there is potential for significant environmental
effects resulting from any major governmental action, the action must be preceded by a
detailed environmental impact statement prepared by the responsible governmental unit.
The environmental impact statement must be an analytical rather than an encyclopedic
document that describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes its significant environmental
impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the proposed action and their impacts, and
explores methods by which adverse environmental impacts of an action could be mitigated.
The environmental impact statement must also analyze those economic, employment, and
sociological effects that cannot be avoided should the action be implemented. To ensure its
use in the decision-making process, the environmental impact statement must be prepared
as early as practical in the formulation of an action.

(b) The board deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end by rule establish categories of actions for which environmental
impact statements and for which environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared
as well as categories of actions for which no environmental review is required under this
section. A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet is not required for the expansion
of an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), or the
conversion of an ethanol plant to a biobutanol facility or the expansion of a biobutanol
facility as defined in section 41A.15, subdivision 2d, based on the capacity of the expanded
or converted facility to produce alcohol fuel, but must be required if the ethanol plant or
biobutanol facility meets or exceeds thresholds of other categories of actions for which
environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared. The responsible governmental unit
for an ethanol plant or biobutanol facility project for which an environmental assessment
worksheet is prepared is the state agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or
approving the project as a whole.

(c) A mandatory environmental impact statement is not required for a facility or plant
located outside the seven-county metropolitan area that produces less than 125,000,000
gallons of ethanol, biobutanol, or cellulosic biofuel annually, or produces less than 400,000
tons of chemicals annually, if the facility or plant is: an ethanol plant, as defined in section
41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b); a biobutanol facility, as defined in section 41A.15,
subdivision 2d; or a cellulosic biofuel facility. A facility or plant that only uses a cellulosic
feedstock to produce chemical products for use by another facility as a feedstock is not
considered a fuel conversion facility as used in rules adopted under this chapter.

(d) The responsible governmental unit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end promptly publish notice of the
completion of an environmental assessment worksheet by publishing the notice in at least
one newspaper of general circulation in the geographic area where the project is proposed,
by posting the notice on a website that has been designated as the official publication site
for publication of proceedings, public notices, and summaries of a political subdivision in
which the project is proposed, or in any other manner determined by the board and deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin
must new text end provide copies of the environmental assessment worksheet to the board and its member
agencies. Comments on the need for an environmental impact statement may be submitted
to the responsible governmental unit during a 30-day period following publication of the
notice that an environmental assessment worksheet has been completed. The responsible
governmental unit may extend the 30-day comment period for an additional 30 days one
time. Further extensions of the comment period may not be made unless approved by the
project's proposer. The responsible governmental unit's decision on the need for an
environmental impact statement must be based on the environmental assessment worksheet
and the comments received during the comment period, and must be made within 15 days
after the close of the comment period. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by
not more than 15 additional days upon the request of the responsible governmental unit.

(e) An environmental assessment worksheet must also be prepared for a proposed action
whenever material evidence accompanying a petition by not less than 100 individuals who
reside or own property in deleted text begin the state deleted text end new text begin a Minnesota county where the proposed action will be
undertaken or in one or more adjoining counties new text end , submitted before the proposed project has
received final approval by the appropriate governmental units, demonstrates that, because
of the nature or location of a proposed action, there may be potential for significant
environmental effects. Petitions requesting the preparation of an environmental assessment
worksheet must be submitted to the board. The chair of the board deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end determine the
appropriate responsible governmental unit and forward the petition to it. A decision on the
need for an environmental assessment worksheet must be made by the responsible
governmental unit within 15 days after the petition is received by the responsible
governmental unit. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15
additional days upon request of the responsible governmental unit.

(f) Except in an environmentally sensitive location where Minnesota Rules, part
4410.4300, subpart 29, item B, applies, the proposed action is exempt from environmental
review under this chapter and rules of the board, if:

(1) the proposed action is:

(i) an animal feedlot facility with a capacity of less than 1,000 animal units; or

(ii) an expansion of an existing animal feedlot facility with a total cumulative capacity
of less than 1,000 animal units;

(2) the application for the animal feedlot facility includes a written commitment by the
proposer to design, construct, and operate the facility in full compliance with Pollution
Control Agency feedlot rules; and

(3) the county board holds a public meeting for citizen input at least ten business days
before the Pollution Control Agency or county issuing a feedlot permit for the animal feedlot
facility unless another public meeting for citizen input has been held with regard to the
feedlot facility to be permitted. The exemption in this paragraph is in addition to other
exemptions provided under other law and rules of the board.

(g) The board may, before final approval of a proposed project, require preparation of
an environmental assessment worksheet by a responsible governmental unit selected by the
board for any action where environmental review under this section has not been specifically
provided for by rule or otherwise initiated.

(h) An early and open process must be used to limit the scope of the environmental
impact statement to a discussion of those impacts that, because of the nature or location of
the project, have the potential for significant environmental effects. The same process must
be used to determine the form, content, and level of detail of the statement as well as the
alternatives that are appropriate for consideration in the statement. In addition, the permits
that will be required for the proposed action must be identified during the scoping process.
Further, the process must identify those permits for which information will be developed
concurrently with the environmental impact statement. The board deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end provide in its
rules for the expeditious completion of the scoping process. The determinations reached in
the process must be incorporated into the order requiring the preparation of an environmental
impact statement.

(i) The responsible governmental unit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end , to the extent practicable, avoid
duplication and ensure coordination between state and federal environmental review and
between environmental review and environmental permitting. Whenever practical,
information needed by a governmental unit for making final decisions on permits or other
actions required for a proposed project must be developed in conjunction with the preparation
of an environmental impact statement. When an environmental impact statement is prepared
for a project requiring multiple permits for which two or more agencies' decision processes
include either mandatory or discretionary hearings before a hearing officer before the
agencies' decision on the permit, the agencies may, notwithstanding any law or rule to the
contrary, conduct the hearings in a single consolidated hearing process if requested by the
proposer. All agencies having jurisdiction over a permit that is included in the consolidated
hearing deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end participate. The responsible governmental unit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end establish
appropriate procedures for the consolidated hearing process, including procedures to ensure
that the consolidated hearing process is consistent with the applicable requirements for each
permit regarding the rights and duties of parties to the hearing, and deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end use the earliest
applicable hearing procedure to initiate the hearing. All agencies having jurisdiction over
a permit identified in the draft environmental assessment worksheet scoping document must
begin reviewing any permit application upon publication of the notice of preparation of the
environmental impact statement.

(j) An environmental impact statement must be prepared and its adequacy determined
within 280 days after notice of its preparation unless the time is extended by consent of the
parties or by the governor for good cause. The responsible governmental unit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end
determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement, unless within 60 days after
notice is published that an environmental impact statement will be prepared, the board
chooses to determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement. If an environmental
impact statement is found to be inadequate, the responsible governmental unit has 60 days
to prepare an adequate environmental impact statement.

(k) The proposer of a specific action may include in the information submitted to the
responsible governmental unit a preliminary draft environmental impact statement under
this section on that action for review, modification, and determination of completeness and
adequacy by the responsible governmental unit. A preliminary draft environmental impact
statement prepared by the project proposer and submitted to the responsible governmental
unit must identify or include as an appendix all studies and other sources of information
used to substantiate the analysis contained in the preliminary draft environmental impact
statement. The responsible governmental unit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end require additional studies, if needed,
and obtain from the project proposer all additional studies and information necessary for
the responsible governmental unit to perform its responsibility to review, modify, and
determine the completeness and adequacy of the environmental impact statement.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116D.04, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Project prerequisites.

new text begin (a) new text end If an environmental assessment worksheet or an
environmental impact statement is required for a governmental action under subdivision
2a, a project may not be started and a final governmental decision may not be made to grant
a permit, approve a project, or begin a project, until:

(1) a petition for an environmental assessment worksheet is dismissed;

(2) a negative declaration has been issued on the need for an environmental impact
statement;

(3) the environmental impact statement has been determined adequate; or

(4) a variance has been granted from making an environmental impact statement by the
environmental quality board.

new text begin (b) Nothing in this subdivision precludes a local unit of government from beginning to
review a feedlot permit application for a feedlot subject to environmental review under this
chapter.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin SCOPING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET NOT
REQUIRED FOR PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A MANDATORY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Environmental Quality Board must amend Minnesota Rules, part 4410.2100, as
follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) to provide that an environmental assessment worksheet does not need to be prepared
for a project that falls within a mandatory environmental impact statement category under
Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4400, or other applicable law; and
new text end

new text begin (2) to provide that a scoping process undertaken under Minnesota Rules, part 4410.2100,
for a project that falls within a mandatory environmental impact statement category must
be completed no later than 280 days after publication of the notice of availability of a scoping
document in the EQB Monitor.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section
14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin INTENT.
new text end

new text begin The legislature recognizes the need to retain and grow the state's economy and vital
infrastructure to keep Minnesota competitive on a national and global level. This growth
requires innovation and creativity, which will be achieved while protecting our environment
and natural resources as prescribed under current law. It is therefore the intent of the
legislature in enacting this article that the state will meet or exceed efficiency goals,
modernize existing regulatory systems, and communicate clearly to permit applicants and
stakeholders to ensure a predictable, transparent, and fair permitting and environmental
review process.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin REPORT ON USE OF AUTHORITY TO EXTEND TIMELINE FOR
CERTAIN AGENCY ACTIONS.
new text end

new text begin By March 1, 2028, the Board of Water and Soil Resources must report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment
and natural resources policy on the number of extensions noticed under Minnesota Statutes,
section 15.99, subdivision 3, paragraph (f), that are made for any decision under Minnesota
Rules, chapter 8420, between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. A local government
unit must supply the board with information necessary to prepare the report required by this
section. The report must also include information on all other decisions made under
Minnesota Rules, chapter 8420, for requests that are not subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 15.99, providing statistics on the time from submission of a complete wetland
boundary and type or wetland replacement plan application to the government unit
responsible for making the decision on the application to the approval or denial of the
application. The government unit responsible for making the decision must supply the board
with information necessary to prepare the report required by this section.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-05671

97B.318 ARMS USE AREAS AND RESTRICTIONS; REGULAR FIREARMS SEASON.

Subdivision 1.

Shotgun use area.

During the regular firearms season in the shotgun use area, only legal shotguns loaded with single-slug shotgun shells, legal muzzle-loading long guns, and legal handguns may be used for taking deer. Legal shotguns include those with rifled barrels. The shotgun use area is that portion of the state lying within the following described boundary: Beginning on the west boundary of the state at the northern boundary of Clay County; thence along the northern boundary of Clay County to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32; thence along STH 32 to STH 34; thence along STH 34 to Interstate Highway 94 (I-94); thence along I-94 to County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 40, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 40 to CSAH 82, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 82 to CSAH 22, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 22 to CSAH 6, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 6 to CSAH 14, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 14 to STH 29; thence along STH 29 to CSAH 46, Otter Tail County; thence along CSAH 46, Otter Tail County, to CSAH 22, Todd County; thence along CSAH 22 to U.S. Highway 71; thence along U.S. Highway 71 to STH 27; thence along STH 27 to the Mississippi River; thence along the east bank of the Mississippi River to STH 23; thence along STH 23 to STH 95; thence along STH 95 to U.S. Highway 8; thence along U.S. Highway 8 to the eastern boundary of the state; thence along the east, south, and west boundaries of the state to the point of beginning.

Subd. 2.

All legal firearms use area.

The all legal firearms use area is that part of the state lying outside of the shotgun use area.

103E.067 DITCH BUFFER STRIP; ANNUAL REPORTING.

The drainage authority shall annually submit a report to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for the calendar year including:

(1) the number and types of actions for which viewers were appointed;

(2) the number of miles of buffer strips established according to section 103E.021;

(3) the number of drainage system inspections conducted; and

(4) the number of violations of section 103E.021 identified and enforcement actions taken.