HF 21

as introduced - 91st Legislature, 2020 3rd Special Session (2020 - 2020) Posted on 08/12/2020 04:06pm

A bill for an act
relating to environment; appropriating money from environment and natural
resources trust fund; modifying previous appropriations; amending Laws 2017,
chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 9, as amended; Laws 2018, chapter 214, article
4, section 2, subdivision 6.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this act. The appropriations are from the environment and
natural resources trust fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years
indicated for each purpose. The figures "2020" and "2021" used in this act mean that the
appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, or
June 30, 2021, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2020. "The second year" is fiscal
year 2021. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
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 2020 new text end		new text begin 2021 new text end

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

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

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 61,387,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions. Appropriations in the second
year are available for three years beginning
July 1, 2020, unless otherwise stated in the
appropriation. 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.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 8,593,000 new text end

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

new text begin $2,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey,
to continue producing county geologic atlases
to inform management of surface water and
groundwater resources. This appropriation is
to complete Part A, which focuses on the
properties and distribution of earth materials
to define aquifer boundaries and the
connection of aquifers to the land surface and
surface water resources.
new text end

new text begin (b) Expanding Minnesota Ecological Monitoring Network new text end

new text begin $800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to improve conservation and management of
Minnesota's native forests, wetlands, and
grasslands by expanding the partially
established long-term Ecological Monitoring
Network that will provide critical knowledge
of how ecosystem dynamics and conditions
change through time.
new text end

new text begin (c) County Groundwater Atlas new text end

new text begin $1,125,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to continue producing county geologic atlases
to inform management of surface water and
groundwater resources for drinking water and
other purposes. This appropriation is for Part
B, to characterize the potential water yields of
aquifers and the aquifers' sensitivity to
contamination.
new text end

new text begin (d) Foundational Hydrology Data for Wetland Protection and Restoration new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to improve wetland protection, management,
and restoration in Minnesota by completing
the partially established long-term Wetland
Hydrology Monitoring Network that will
provide critical knowledge of wetland
hydrology dynamics. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2024, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (e) Voyageurs Wolf Project - Phase II new text end

new text begin $575,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to study summertime wolf
predation on deer, moose, and other species
in the Voyageurs region to inform
management of wildlife. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2024, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (f) Expanding Restoration and Promoting Awareness of Native Mussels new text end

new text begin $489,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden to
promote mussel conservation by rearing
juvenile mussels for reintroduction,
researching methods to improve growth and
survival in captivity, and encouraging public
action to benefit water quality. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) Improving Pollinator Conservation by Revealing Habitat Needs new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to use citizen scientists and novel
analyses to determine the nesting and
overwintering needs of wild bees to allow
more specific protection and enhancement of
pollinator habitat across the state.
new text end

new text begin (h) Bee Minnesota - Protect Our Native Bumblebees new text end

new text begin $650,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to protect native bee health by
investigating the potential to mitigate against
pathogens that may be transmissible between
honey and wild bees and by promoting best
practices to beekeepers and the public. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (i) Bobcat and Fisher Habitat Use and Interactions new text end

new text begin $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 identify
potential solutions to reverse the fisher
population decline through better
understanding of habitat, diet, and activity
patterns of bobcats and fishers.
new text end

new text begin (j) Healthy Prairies III: Restoring Minnesota Prairie Plant Diversity new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to improve Minnesota prairie
resiliency by increasing locally sourced seed
availability and diversity, evaluating use of
beneficial microbes in prairie restorations, and
assessing adaptation and adaptive capacity of
prairie plant populations.
new text end

new text begin (k) Freshwater Sponges and AIS: Engaging Citizen Scientists new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Crookston, to use citizen
scientists to study the geographic distribution,
taxonomic diversity, and antifouling potential
of freshwater sponges against aquatic invasive
species.
new text end

new text begin (l) Do Beavers Buffer Against Droughts and Floods? new text end

new text begin $168,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Voyageurs National
Park to analyze existing data sets to determine
the role of beaver populations and beaver
ponds in buffering the region against droughts
and floods.
new text end

new text begin (m) Enhancing Bat Recovery by Optimizing Artificial Roost Structures new text end

new text begin $190,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to improve the survival of bats by identifying
characteristics of successful artificial bat roost
structures and optimizing the structures for
bat use and reproduction. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2024, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (n) Tools for Supporting Healthy Ecosystems and Pollinators new text end

new text begin $198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to create a pollination companion guide to the
Department of Natural Resources' Field
Guides to the Native Plant Communities of
Minnesota for conservation practitioners to
better integrate plant-pollinator interactions
into natural resource planning and decision
making.
new text end

new text begin (o) Conserving Black Terns and Forster's Terns in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $198,000 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
distribution and breeding status of black tern
and Forster's tern and to make conservation
and restoration recommendations to improve
the suitability of habitat for these two bird
species in Minnesota.
new text end

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

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 3,457,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Managing Highly Saline Waste from Municipal Water Treatment new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop a cost- and
energy-efficient method of managing the
concentrated saline waste from a municipal
water treatment plant to increase the feasibility
of using reverse osmosis for centralized water
softening and sulfate removal. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (b) Technology for Energy-Generating On-site Industrial Wastewater Treatment new text end

new text begin $450,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to improve water quality and
generate cost savings by developing off the
shelf technology that treats industrial
wastewater on-site and turns pollutants into
hydrogen and methane for energy. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (c) Microplastics: Transporters of Contaminants in Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $425,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to study how several types of
common microplastics transport contaminants
of concern in Minnesota waters.
new text end

new text begin (d) Developing Strategies to Manage PFAS in Land-Applied Biosolids new text end

new text begin $1,404,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to help municipal wastewater
plants, landfills, and compost facilities protect
human health and the environment by
developing strategies to manage per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in
land-applied biosolids.
new text end

new text begin (e) Quantifying New Urban Precipitation and Water Reality new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to better guide storm water
management by evaluating the groundwater
and surface water interactions contributing to
high water tables and damage to home
basements and underground infrastructure in
urban areas.
new text end

new text begin (f) Innovative Solution for Protecting Minnesota from PFAS Contamination new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Dem-Con Companies
to demonstrate a new technology for
protecting the state's drinking water and
natural resources by eliminating per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from point
source discharges. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10,
related to royalties, copyrights, patents, and
sale of products and assets.
new text end

new text begin (g) Expanding Protection of Minnesota Water through Industrial Conservation new text end

new text begin $178,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota technical
assistance program in partnership with the
Minnesota Rural Water Association to provide
technical assistance to businesses to decrease
industrial and commercial water use in
communities at risk for inadequate
groundwater supply or quality.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Technical Assistance, Outreach, and Environmental Education new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 2,989,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Statewide Environmental Education via Public Television Outdoor Series new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Pioneer Public
Television to produce approximately 25 new
episodes of a statewide outdoor public
television series designed to inspire
Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and
restore and protect the environment.
new text end

new text begin (b) Minnesota Freshwater Quest: Environmental Education on State Waterways new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry for
approximately 10,000 underserved Minnesota
youth to explore and improve local waterways
using the place-based and hands-on
"Minnesota Freshwater Quest" environmental
education program.
new text end

new text begin (c) Teach Science: Schools as STEM Living Laboratories new text end

new text begin $368,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Climate Generation: A
Will Steger Legacy to prepare students for the
challenges and careers of the future by
connecting new science standards, renewable
energy, and STEM opportunities in teacher
trainings, classroom demonstrations, and
program support across the state.
new text end

new text begin (d) Mentoring Next Generation of Conservation Professionals new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota Valley
National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc., to
provide paid internships and apprenticeships
for diverse young people to learn about careers
in the conservation field from United States
Fish and Wildlife Service professionals while
working at the Minnesota Valley National
Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management
District.
new text end

new text begin (e) Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Supplemental Teaching Staff new text end

new text begin $225,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Austin to
expand the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
environmental education program beyond the
city of Austin to students in southeastern
Minnesota for three years.
new text end

new text begin (f) 375 Underserved Youth Learn Minnesota Ecosystems by Canoe new text end

new text begin $375,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the YMCA of the
Greater Twin Cities to connect approximately
375 underserved and diverse teens from urban
areas and first-ring suburbs to environmental
sciences in the natural world through canoeing
and learning expeditions with experienced
outdoor education counselors. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) YES! Students Take on Water Quality Challenge - Phase II new text end

new text begin $199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Prairie Woods
Environmental Learning Center to mobilize
local watershed stewardship efforts in
approximately 20 communities through
student-driven action projects.
new text end

new text begin (h) Engaging Minnesotans with Phenology: Radio, Podcasts, Citizen Science new text end

new text begin $198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Northern Community
Radio, Inc., in partnership with the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota to
build the next generation of conservationists
using phenology, radio broadcasts, podcasts,
and an online, interactive map interface to
inspire teachers, students, and the public to
get outside and experience nature.
new text end

new text begin (i) Driving Conservation Behavior for Native Mussels and Water Quality new text end

new text begin $191,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden to
develop research-supported strategies to
engage the public in specific conservation
behaviors to improve water quality and native
mussel health across the state.
new text end

new text begin (j) Workshops and Outreach to Protect Raptors from Lead Poisoning new text end

new text begin $133,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Raptor Center, in cooperation
with the Department of Natural Resources and
other conservation partners, to provide hunters
with outreach and workshops on alternatives
to lead hunting ammunition, including copper
ammunition as an alternative, and to promote
voluntary selection of nontoxic ammunition
to protect raptors and other wildlife in
Minnesota from accidental lead poisoning
caused by ingestion of ammunition fragments.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 10,425,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) - Phase V new text end

new text begin $5,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to support the Minnesota
Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center
to fund approximately 15 new, high-priority
research projects that will lead to better
management of invasive plants, pathogens,
and pests on Minnesota's natural and
agricultural lands. This appropriation is subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Protect Community Forests by Managing Ash for Emerald Ash Borer new text end

new text begin $3,500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to reduce emerald ash borer by providing
surveys, assessments, trainings, assistance,
and grants for communities to manage emerald
ash borer, plant a diversity of trees, and engage
citizens in community forestry activities. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (c) Biological Control of White-Nose Syndrome in Bats - Phase III new text end

new text begin $440,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to continue assessing and
developing a biocontrol agent for white-nose
syndrome in bats.
new text end

new text begin (d) Applying New Tools and Techniques Against Invasive Carp new text end

new text begin $478,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to apply new monitoring, outreach, and
removal techniques and to continue work with
commercial anglers to protect Minnesota
waters from invasive carp.
new text end

new text begin (e) Emerald Ash Borer and Black Ash: Maintaining Forests and Benefits new text end

new text begin $700,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to use ongoing experiments to
determine statewide long-term emerald ash
borer impacts on water, vegetation, and
wildlife; to determine optimal replacement
species and practices for forest diversification;
and to develop criteria for prioritizing
mitigation activities. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2025, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (f) Testing Effectiveness of Aquatic Invasive Species Removal Methods new text end

new text begin $110,000 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 test how well
boat-cleaning methods work, to provide the
Department of Natural Resources with a risk
assessment, and to provide recommendations
for improving boat-launch cleaning stations
to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive
species.
new text end

new text begin (g) Invasive Didymosphenia Threatens North Shore Streams new text end

new text begin $197,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota to
evaluate the recent spread, origin, cause, and
economic and ecological threat of didymo
formation in North Shore streams and Lake
Superior to inform management and outreach.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Air Quality and Renewable Energy new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 573,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Storing Renewable Energy in Flow Battery for Grid Use new text end

new text begin $250,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, on behalf of the Morris campus,
to analyze the potential of adding a flow
battery and solar energy generation to the
University of Minnesota Morris's existing
renewable-energy-intensive microgrid.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eco-Friendly Plastics from Cloquet Pulp-Mill Lignin new text end

new text begin $193,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to reduce environmental
pollution from plastics by creating eco-friendly
replacements using lignin from the pulp mill
in Cloquet, Minnesota. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (c) Diverting Unsold Food from Landfills and Reducing Greenhouse Gases new text end

new text begin $130,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Second Harvest
Heartland to prevent food from going to
landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by helping businesses donate unsold prepared
food to food shelves.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 4,219,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Pollinator Central: Habitat Improvement with Citizen Monitoring new text end

new text begin $750,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Great River Greening
to restore and enhance approximately 400
acres of pollinator habitat on traditional and
nontraditional sites such as roadsides and turf
grass from Hastings to St. Cloud to benefit
pollinators and build knowledge by engaging
approximately 100 citizens in monitoring the
impact of habitat improvements. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Strategic Habitat Program new text end

new text begin $750,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources
for building a new initiative to strategically
restore and enhance approximately 1,000 acres
of diverse native habitat to benefit multiple
insects through grants, cost-share, and
outreach. Notwithstanding subdivision 14,
paragraph (e), restorations and enhancements
may take place on land enrolled in
Conservation Reserve Program and Reinvest
in Minnesota easement programs. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (c) Lignin-Coated Fertilizers for Phosphate Control new text end

new text begin $250,000 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 test a new,
natural, slow-release fertilizer coating made
from processed wood to decrease phosphorus
runoff from farmland while also storing carbon
in soils. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (d) Implementing Hemp Crop Rotation to Improve Water Quality new text end

new text begin $700,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities System for Central Lakes College
to evaluate how hemp crops reduce nitrogen
contamination of surface water and
groundwater in conventional crop rotations
and demonstrate the environmental and
economic benefits of hemp production. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (e) Developing Cover-Crop Systems for Sugar Beet Production new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to develop agronomic guidelines
to support growers adopting cover-crop
practices in sugar beet production in
west-central and northwest Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (f) Native Eastern Larch Beetle Decimating Minnesota's Tamarack Forests new text end

new text begin $398,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to understand conditions
triggering eastern larch beetle outbreaks and
develop management techniques to protect
tamarack forests from this native insect. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) Habitat Associations of Mississippi Bottomland Forest Marsh Birds new text end

new text begin $275,000 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 evaluate habitat
associations of bottomland forest birds in
response to restoration actions to better target
restoration efforts for wildlife. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Peatland Restoration in the Lost River State Forest new text end

new text begin $135,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Roseau River
Watershed District to collect physical attribute
data from drained peatlands, incorporate the
data into a decision matrix, and generate a
report detailing peatland restoration potential
throughout the Lost River State Forest.
new text end

new text begin (i) Prescribed Burning for Brushland-Dependent Species - Phase II new text end

new text begin $147,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to compare the effects of spring,
summer, and fall burns on birds and vegetation
and to provide guidelines for maintaining
healthy brushland habitat for a diversity of
wildlife and plant species.
new text end

new text begin (j) Pollinator Habitat Creation Along Urban Mississippi River new text end

new text begin $129,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Friends of the
Mississippi River to remove invasive plants
and replace them with high-value native
species at three urban sites along the
Mississippi River to improve habitat for
pollinators and other wildlife. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (k) Increase Golden Shiner Production to Protect Aquatic Communities new text end

new text begin $188,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Sea Grant in
Duluth to identify and demonstrate best
methods for in-state production of golden
shiners to address angler demand while
reducing the risk of introducing and spreading
invasive species and to communicate findings
through reports, manuals, and workshops.
Production of shiners in this project must not
take place in wetlands.
new text end

new text begin (l) Restoring Turf to Native Pollinator Gardens Across Metro new text end

new text begin $197,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Wilderness in the City
to transition turf to native gardens for
pollinator habitat, establish long-term
volunteer stewardship networks, and help
connect diverse populations with nature
throughout the metropolitan regional park
system. A letter of commitment from the
respective regional park implementing agency
must be provided before money from this
appropriation is spent at a regional park within
the agency's jurisdiction.
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 -0- new text end

new text begin 29,901,000 new text end

new text begin (a) DNR Scientific and Natural Areas new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for the scientific and natural area (SNA)
program to restore, improve, and enhance
wildlife habitat on SNAs; increase public
involvement and outreach; and strategically
acquire high-quality lands that meet criteria
for SNAs under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, from willing sellers.
new text end

new text begin (b) Private Native Prairie Conservation through Native Prairie Bank new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to provide technical stewardship assistance to
private landowners, restore and enhance native
prairie protected by easements in the native
prairie bank, and acquire easements for the
native prairie bank in accordance with
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, including
preparing initial baseline property assessments.
Up to $60,000 of this appropriation may be
deposited in the natural resources conservation
easement stewardship account, created in
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.69, proportional
to the number of easement acres acquired.
new text end

new text begin (c) Minnesota State Parks and State Trails Inholdings new text end

new text begin $3,500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to acquire high-priority inholdings from
willing sellers within the legislatively
authorized boundaries of state parks,
recreation areas, and trails to protect
Minnesota's natural heritage, enhance outdoor
recreation, and promote tourism.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grants for Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas new text end

new text begin $2,400,000 the second 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.
new text end

new text begin (e) Mississippi River Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Mussel Reintroduction new text end

new text begin $1,800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund. Of this amount, $1,549,000 is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board and $251,000 is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
lost habitat and reintroduce mussels in the
Mississippi River above St. Anthony Falls.
This work includes creating habitat and
species restoration plans, implementing the
restoration plans, and monitoring effectiveness
of the restoration for multiple years after
implementation. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2026, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (f) Minnesota Hunter Walking Trails: Public Land Recreational Access new text end

new text begin $300,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Ruffed Grouse
Society to improve Minnesota's hunter
walking trail system by restoring or upgrading
trailheads and trails, developing new walking
trails, and compiling enhanced maps for use
by managers and the public.
new text end

new text begin (g) Turning Back to Rivers: Environmental and Recreational Protection new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with The Trust for Public
Land to help local communities acquire
priority land along the Mississippi, St. Croix,
and Minnesota Rivers and their tributaries to
protect natural resources, provide buffers for
flooding, and improve access for recreation.
new text end

new text begin (h) Metropolitan Regional Parks System Land Acquisition - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Metropolitan Council for grants to
acquire land within the approved park
boundaries of the metropolitan regional park
system. This appropriation must be matched
by at least 40 percent of nonstate money.
new text end

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

new text begin $994,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to expand high-priority recreational
opportunities on Minnesota's state trails by
rehabilitating, improving, and enhancing
existing state trails. The high-priority trail
bridges to be rehabilitated or replaced under
this appropriation include, but are not limited
to, those on the Taconite, Great River Ridge,
and C. J. Ramstad/Northshore State Trails.
new text end

new text begin (j) Elm Creek Restoration - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Champlin to
conduct habitat and stream restoration of
approximately 0.7 miles of Elm Creek
shoreline above Mill Pond Lake and through
the Elm Creek Protection Area.
new text end

new text begin (k) Superior Hiking Trail as Environmental Showcase new text end

new text begin $450,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Superior Hiking
Trail Association to rebuild damaged and
dangerous segments and create a new trail
segment of the Superior Hiking Trail to
minimize environmental impacts, make the
trail safer for users, and make the trail more
resilient for future use and conditions.
new text end

new text begin (l) Upper St. Anthony Falls Enhancements new text end

new text begin $2,800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Friends of the Lock
and Dam in partnership with the city of
Minneapolis to design and install green
infrastructure, public access, and habitat
restorations on riverfront land at Upper St.
Anthony Falls for water protection, recreation,
and environmental education purposes. Of this
amount, up to $600,000 is for planning,
design, and engagement. No funds from this
appropriation may be spent until Congress
directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
convey an interest in the Upper St. Anthony
Falls property to the city of Minneapolis for
use as a visitor center. After this congressional
act is signed into law, up to $100,000 of the
planning, design, and engagement funds may
be spent. The remaining planning, design, and
engagement funds may be spent after a binding
agreement has been secured to acquire the land
or access and use rights to the land for at least
25 years. Any remaining balance of the
appropriation may be spent on installing
enhancements after the Upper St. Anthony
Falls land has been acquired by the city of
Minneapolis.
new text end

new text begin (m) Whiskey Creek and Mississippi River Water Quality, Habitat, and Recreation new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Mississippi
Headwaters Board to acquire and transfer
approximately 13 acres of land to the city of
Baxter for future construction of water quality,
habitat, and recreational improvements to
protect the Mississippi River.
new text end

new text begin (n) Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail (West Segment) new text end

new text begin $2,600,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Otter Tail County to
construct the west segment of the 32-mile
Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail that
will connect the city of Pelican Rapids to
Maplewood State Park.
new text end

new text begin (o) Crow Wing County Community Natural Area Acquisition new text end

new text begin $400,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Crow Wing County to
acquire approximately 65 acres of land
adjacent to the historic fire tower property to
allow for diverse recreational opportunities
while protecting wildlife habitat and
preventing forest fragmentation. Any revenue
generated from selling products or assets
developed or acquired with this appropriation
must be repaid to the trust fund unless a plan
is approved for reinvestment of income in the
project as provided under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (p) Rocori Trail - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Rocori Trail
Construction Board to design and construct
Phase III of the Rocori Trail along the old
Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail corridor
between the cities of Cold Spring and
Rockville.
new text end

new text begin (q) Mesabi Trail: New Trail and Additional Funding new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the St. Louis and Lake
Counties Regional Railroad Authority for
constructing the Mesabi Trail beginning at the
intersection of County Road 20 and Minnesota
State Highway 135 and terminating at 1st
Avenue North and 1st Street North in the city
of Biwabik in St. Louis County. This
appropriation may not be spent until all
Mesabi Trail projects funded with trust fund
appropriations before fiscal year 2020, with
the exception of the project funded under Laws
2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 9,
paragraph (g), are completed.
new text end

new text begin (r) Ranier Safe Harbor and Transient Dock on Rainy Lake new text end

new text begin $762,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Ranier to
construct a dock that accommodates boats 26
feet or longer with the goal of increasing
public access for boat recreation on Rainy
Lake. Any revenue generated from selling
products or assets developed or acquired with
this appropriation must be repaid to the trust
fund unless a plan is approved for
reinvestment of income in the project as
provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (s) Crane Lake Voyageurs National Park Campground and Visitor Center new text end

new text begin $3,100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the town of Crane Lake
to design and construct a new campground
and to plan and preliminarily prepare a site
for constructing a new Voyageurs National
Park visitor center on land acquired for these
purposes in Crane Lake. Any revenue
generated from selling products or assets
developed or acquired with this appropriation
must be repaid to the trust fund unless a plan
is approved for reinvestment of income in the
project as provided under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (t) Chippewa County Acquisition, Recreation, and Education new text end

new text begin $160,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Chippewa County to
acquire wetland and floodplain forest and
abandoned gravel pits along the Minnesota
River to provide water filtration, education,
and recreational opportunities.
new text end

new text begin (u) Sportsmen's Training and Developmental Learning Center new text end

new text begin $85,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minnesota Forest Zone
Trappers Association to complete a site
evaluation and master plan for the Sportsmen's
Training and Developmental Learning Center
near Hibbing. Any revenue generated from
selling products or assets developed or
acquired with this appropriation must be
repaid to the trust fund unless a plan is
approved for reinvestment of income in the
project as provided under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (v) Birch Lake Recreation Area new text end

new text begin $350,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for a grant to the city of Babbitt to expand the
Birch Lake Recreation Area by adding a new
campground to include new campsites,
restrooms, and other facilities. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2024.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Emerging Issues Account; Wastewater Renewable Energy Demonstration Grants new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 1,095,000 new text end

new text begin $1,095,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to an emerging issues account authorized
in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.08,
subdivision 4, paragraph (d). Money
appropriated under this subdivision must be
used for grants administered by the Public
Facilities Authority for renewable energy
demonstration projects at wastewater treatment
facilities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 135,000 new text end

new text begin $135,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources,
at the direction of the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources, for
expenses incurred for preparing and
administering contracts for the agreements
specified in this section. The commissioner
must provide documentation to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources on the expenditure of these funds.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. 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 until June 30, 2023, 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
grant, the time period of the appropriation is
extended to equal the federal grant period.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. 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 MN.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 guideline and must be
submitted to the Minnesota Geospatial
Information Office. 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. 14. 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 (l) 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 funds 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 funds
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 an easement in the
easement;
new text end

new text begin (3) specify all of the 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 ten 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 funds, a recipient of money
appropriated under this section must, within
60 days of the transaction, 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 Subd. 15. 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, 2020,
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. 16. 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. 17. new text end new text begin Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Guidelines new text end

new text begin A recipient to whom an appropriation is made
under this section for a capital improvement
project must ensure that the project complies
with the applicable energy conservation and
sustainable building guidelines and standards
contained in law, including Minnesota
Statutes, sections 16B.325, 216C.19, and
216C.20, and rules adopted under those
sections. The recipient may use the energy
planning, advocacy, and State Energy Office
units of the Department of Commerce to
obtain information and technical assistance
on energy conservation and alternative-energy
development relating to planning and
constructing the capital improvement project.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. 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. 19. new text end new text begin Carryforward; Extension new text end

new text begin (a) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2021:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 7, paragraph (e), Geotargeted
Distributed Clean Energy Initiative;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (a), Optimizing the
Nutrition of Roadside Plants for Pollinators;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (f), Prescribed-Fire
Management for Roadside Prairies;
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (h), Mississippi and
Vermillion Rivers Restoration of Prairie,
Savanna, and Forest Habitat - Phase X;
new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (e), Native Prairie
Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement
Acquisition, as amended by Laws 2019, First
Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 4;
new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section
2, subdivision 5, paragraph (j), Expanding the
State's Reuse Economy to Conserve Natural
Resources; and
new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section
2, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), Palmer
Amaranth Detection and Eradication
Continuation.
new text end

new text begin (b) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2022:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (k), Conservation
Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Outreach and Implementation; and
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (h), Tower Trailhead
Boat Landing and Habitat Improvement -
Phase II.
new text end

new text begin (c) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2023:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section
2, subdivision 10, Emerging Issues Account;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter
4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph
(f), Lawns to Legumes.
new text end

new text begin (d) The availability of the appropriation under
Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (l), Lake Agnes
Treatment, is extended to June 30, 2024.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special
Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam
Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in
the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed
for its original purpose is available until June
30, 2023, and transferred as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) $849,000 is transferred to the Science
Museum of Minnesota to determine how,
when, and why lakes in pristine areas of the
state without obvious nutrient loading are
experiencing algal blooms;
new text end

new text begin (2) $699,000 is transferred to the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota to
evaluate the ability of the virus that causes
COVID-19 and other potentially infectious
organisms to travel through wastewater
systems, including septic systems, to drinking
water sources;
new text end

new text begin (3) $320,000 is transferred to the
commissioner of natural resources to reduce
emerald ash borer by providing surveys,
assessments, trainings, assistance, and grants
for communities to manage emerald ash borer,
plant a diversity of trees, and engage citizens
in community forestry activities; and
new text end

new text begin (4) $900,000 is transferred to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources for demonstration
projects that provide grants or payments to
plant residential lawns with native vegetation
and pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes to
protect a diversity of pollinators. The board
must establish criteria for grants or payments
awarded under this clause. Grants or payments
awarded under this clause may be made for
up to 75 percent of the costs of the project,
except that in areas identified by the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service as areas
where there is a high potential for rusty
patched bumble bees to be present, grants may
be awarded for up to 90 percent of the costs
of the project.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 9, as amended by Laws 2019, First
Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

999,000

13,533,000

-0-

(a) Metropolitan Regional Parks System Land Acquisition

$1,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Metropolitan Council for grants to
acquire approximately 70 acres of land within
the approved park boundaries of the
metropolitan regional park system. This
appropriation may not be used to purchase
habitable residential structures. A list of
proposed fee title acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required work plan.
This appropriation must be matched by at least
40 percent of nonstate money that must be
committed by December 31, 2017. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2020,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(b) Scientific and Natural Areas Acquisition and Restoration, Citizen Science, and Engagement

$2,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
acquire land with high-quality native plant
communities and rare features to be
established as scientific and natural areas as
provided in Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 5, restore and improve
scientific and natural areas, and provide
technical assistance and outreach, including
site steward events. At least one-third of the
appropriation must be spent on restoration
activities. A list of proposed acquisitions and
restorations must be provided as part of the
required work plan. Land acquired with this
appropriation must be sufficiently improved
to meet at least minimum management
standards, as determined by the commissioner
of natural resources. When feasible,
consideration must be given to accommodate
trails on lands acquired. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2020, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(c) Minnesota State Parks and State Trails Land Acquisition

$1,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
acquire approximately 373 acres from willing
sellers for authorized state trails and critical
parcels within the statutory boundaries of state
parks. State park land acquired with this
appropriation must be sufficiently improved
to meet at least minimum management
standards, as determined by the commissioner
of natural resources. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required work plan. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2020, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(d) Minnesota State Trails Acquisition, Development, and Enhancement

$999,000 in fiscal year 2017 and $39,000 the
first year are from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for state
trail acquisition, development, and
enhancement in southern Minnesota. A
proposed list of trail projects on authorized
state trails must be provided as part of the
required work plan. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2020, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(e) Native Prairie Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement Acquisition

$2,675,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
acquire native prairie bank easements in
accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section
84.96, on approximately 250 acres, prepare
baseline property assessments, restore and
enhance native prairie sites, and provide
technical assistance to landowners. Of this
amount, up to $132,000 may be deposited in
a conservation easement stewardship account.
Deposits into the conservation easement
stewardship account must be made upon
closing on conservation easements or at a time
otherwise approved in the work plan. A list of
proposed easement acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required work plan.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2020, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(f) Leech Lake Acquisition

$1,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe to acquire approximately 45 acres,
including 0.67 miles of shoreline of
high-quality aquatic and wildlife habitat at the
historic meeting place between Henry
Schoolcraft and the Anishinabe people. The
land must be open to public use including
hunting and fishing. The band must provide a
commitment that land will not be put in a
federal trust through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs.

(g) Mesabi Trail Development

$2,269,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the St. Louis and Lake
Counties Regional Railroad Authority for
engineering and constructing segments of the
Mesabi Trail. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2020, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.

(h) Tower Trailhead Boat Landing and Habitat Improvement - Phase II

$600,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Tower to
construct a trailhead new text begin , trail connection to the
Mesabi Trail, new text end and boat landing and new text begin to new text end restore
vegetative habitat on city-owned property.
Plant and seed materials must follow the Board
of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2020, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(i) Land Acquisition for Voyageurs National Park Crane Lake Visitors Center

$950,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the town of Crane Lake, in
partnership with Voyageurs National Park and
the Department of Natural Resources, to
acquire approximately 30 acres to be used for
a visitor center and campground. Income
generated by the campground may be used to
support the facility.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2017.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section 2, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

-0-

5,760,000

(a) Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center - Phase 4

$3,500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for high-priority research at the
Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center
to protect Minnesota's natural and agricultural
resources from terrestrial invasive plants,
pathogens, and pests as identified through the
center's strategic prioritization process. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2023,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(b) Palmer Amaranth Detection and Eradication Continuation

$431,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of agriculture to
continue to monitor, ground survey, and
control Palmer amaranth new text begin and other prohibited
eradicate species of noxious weeds new text end primarily
in deleted text begin conservation plantings deleted text end new text begin natural areas new text end and to
develop and implement aerial-survey methods
to prevent infestation and protect prairies,
other natural areas, and agricultural crops.

(c) Evaluate Control Methods for Invasive Hybrid Cattails

$131,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Voyageurs National
Park to evaluate the effectiveness of
mechanical harvesting and managing muskrat
populations to remove exotic hybrid cattails
and restore fish and wildlife habitat in
Minnesota wetlands. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2021, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(d) Developing RNA Interference to Control Zebra Mussels

$500,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the United States
Geological Survey to develop a genetic control
tool that exploits the natural process of RNA
silencing to specifically target and effectively
control zebra mussels without affecting other
species or causing other nontarget effects. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(e) Install and Evaluate an Invasive Carp Deterrent for Mississippi River Locks and Dams

$998,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota in cooperation with the United
States Army Corps of Engineers and the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service to
install, evaluate, and optimize a system in
Mississippi River locks and dams to deter
passage of invasive carp without negatively
impacting native fish and to evaluate the
ability of predator fish in the pools above the
locks and dams to consume young carp. The
project must conduct a cost comparison of
equipment purchase versus lease options and
choose the most effective option. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(f) Determining Risk of Toxic Alga in Minnesota Lakes

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for
the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
determine the historical distribution,
abundance, and toxicity of the invasive
blue-green alga, Cylindrospermopsis
raciborskii, in about 20 lakes across Minnesota
and inform managers and the public about the
alga's spread and health risks. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

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

new text begin Sections 1, 2, and 4 are effective the day following final enactment.
new text end