HF 2611

1st Engrossment - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/17/2016 04:58pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money from outdoor heritage
fund; modifying outdoor heritage fund and council provisions; modifying
prior appropriations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056,
subdivisions 2, 10, by adding a subdivision; Laws 2015, First Special Session
chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3, 5.

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

Section 1. new text begin OUTDOOR HERITAGE APPROPRIATION. 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
outdoor heritage fund for the fiscal year indicated for each purpose. The figures "2016"
and "2017" used in this act mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, or June 30, 2017, respectively. "The first year" is
fiscal year 2016. "The second year" is fiscal year 2017. "The biennium" is fiscal years
2016 and 2017. The appropriations in this act are onetime.
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 2016 new text end		new text begin 2017 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND 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 107,777,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the outdoor
heritage 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 Prairies new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 31,000,000 new text end

new text begin (a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $3,250,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee
for scientific and natural area purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 5. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $5,229,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pheasants Forever to
acquire in fee and restore lands for wildlife
management area purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be
given to acquisition of lands that are eligible
for the native prairie bank under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to
protected native prairie. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Martin County/Fox Lake Wildlife Management Area Acquisition new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Fox Lake Conservation
League, Inc. to acquire land in fee and restore
strategic prairie grassland, wetland, and other
wildlife habitat for wildlife management area
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $2,754,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy
in cooperation with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service to acquire land in fee
or permanent conservation easements and
restore lands within the Northern Tallgrass
Prairie Habitat Preservation Area in western
Minnesota for addition to the Northern
Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be
given to acquisition of lands that are eligible
for the native prairie bank under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to
protected native prairie. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan and
must be consistent with the priorities in the
Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $583,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Trust for Public Land
to acquire land in fee and restore lands in
the Cannon River watershed for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be
given to acquisition of lands that are eligible
for the native prairie bank under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to
protected native prairie. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase V new text end

new text begin $2,541,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources
to implement the Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan through the acquisition of
permanent conservation easements to protect
and restore native prairie. Of this amount, up
to $120,000 is for establishing monitoring
and enforcement funds as approved in
the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
permanent conservation easements must be
provided as part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (g) Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $6,708,000 the second year is to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements and
restore habitat under Minnesota Statutes,
section 103F.515, to protect, restore, and
enhance habitat by expanding the clean
water fund riparian buffer program for at
least equal wildlife benefits from buffers on
private land. Of this amount, up to $130,000
is to establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley - Phase II new text end

new text begin $2,269,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pheasants Forever, in
cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie
Chicken Society, to acquire land in fee and
restore and enhance lands in the southern
Red River Valley for wildlife management
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8, or for designation
and management as waterfowl production
areas in Minnesota, in cooperation with the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be
given to acquisition of lands that are eligible
for the native prairie bank under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to
protected native prairie. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (i) Grassland Conservation Partnership - Phase II new text end

new text begin $1,475,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Conservation Fund, in
cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to
acquire permanent conservation easements
and restore high priority grassland, prairie,
and wetland habitats as follows: $64,000
to The Conservation Fund; and $1,411,000
to Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to
$100,000 is for establishing a monitoring
and enforcement fund, as approved in
the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed acquisitions must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan and
must be consistent with the priorities in the
Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.
new text end

new text begin (j) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $3,983,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
accelerate restoration and enhancement
of prairies, grasslands, and savannas on
wildlife management areas, scientific and
natural areas, native prairie bank land,
and bluff prairies on state forest land in
southeastern Minnesota. A list of proposed
land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (k) Anoka Sandplain Habitat Restoration and Enhancement - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $1,208,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to restore and enhance wildlife
habitat on public lands, excluding state
forests, in Anoka, Isanti, Morrison,
Sherburne, and Todd Counties as follows:
$93,000 to Anoka Conservation District;
$25,000 to Isanti County Parks and
Recreation Department; $813,000 to Great
River Greening; and $277,000 to the
National Wild Turkey Federation. A list of
proposed land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Forests new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 16,309,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Young Forest Conservation - Phase II new text end

new text begin $1,369,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the American Bird
Conservancy to restore publicly owned,
permanently protected forest lands for
wildlife management purposes. A list
of proposed forest land restorations
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Jack Pine Forest/Crow Wing River Watershed Habitat Acquisition new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Minnesota Deer Hunters
Association to acquire in fee and restore
and enhance forest habitat lands in Cass
and Hubbard Counties for county forest
purposes. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $1,500,000 the second year is to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources, in cooperation
with the Morrison County Soil and Water
Conservation District, to acquire permanent
conservation easements and restore forest
wildlife habitat within the boundaries
of the Minnesota National Guard Camp
Ripley Compatible Use Buffer. Of this
amount, up to $72,000 is to establish
a monitoring and enforcement fund, as
approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (d) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $5,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy, in
cooperation with The Trust for Public Land
and Minnesota Land Trust, to acquire land
in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, to acquire land in fee for
scientific and natural areas under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision
5, to acquire land in fee for state forest
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 7, to acquire permanent
conservation easements, and to restore
and enhance prairie, grasslands, forest,
and savanna as follows: $1,506,000 to
The Nature Conservancy; $2,930,000 to
The Trust for Public Land; and $564,000
to Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to
$80,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is to
establish a monitoring and enforcement fund,
as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. Annual income
statements and balance sheets for income
and expenses from land acquired in fee with
this appropriation and not transferred to
state or local government ownership must
be submitted to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Minnesota Forests for the Future - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $1,840,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
acquire forest, wetland, and shoreline
habitat through working forest permanent
conservation easements under the Minnesota
forests for the future program pursuant
to Minnesota Statutes, section 84.66.
A conservation easement acquired with
money appropriated under this paragraph
must comply with Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 13. The
accomplishment plan must include an
easement monitoring and enforcement
plan. Of this amount, up to $25,000 is to
establish a monitoring and enforcement fund
as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (f) Protect Key Forest Lands in Cass County - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $500,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Cass County to acquire land
in fee in Cass County for forest wildlife
habitat or to prevent forest fragmentation.
A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (g) State Forest Acquisitions - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
lands in fee for wildlife habitat purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 7. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (h) Forest Habitat Protection Revolving Account new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
lands in fee and permanent conservation
easements for wildlife habitat purposes,
for forest consolidation and connective
corridor purposes, or to prevent forest
fragmentation under Minnesota Statutes,
section 86A.05, subdivision 7. Proceeds
from any subsequent sale of lands acquired
with this appropriation must be used for the
purposes of this appropriation. Any sale
proceeds remaining unused upon close of the
appropriation availability must be returned to
the outdoor heritage fund. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan. Unless
otherwise provided, this appropriation is
available until June 30, 2022. For acquisition
of real property, this appropriation is
available until June 30, 2023, if a binding
agreement with a landowner or purchase
agreement is entered into by June 30,
2022, and closed no later than June 30,
2023. Of this amount, up to $50,000 is to
establish a monitoring and enforcement fund
as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (i) Mississippi River Floodplain Forest Enhancement - Phase II new text end

new text begin $412,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the National Audubon
Society to restore and enhance floodplain
forest habitat for wildlife on public
lands along the Mississippi River. A
list of restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (j) Protecting Forest Wildlife Habitat in the Wild Rice River Watershed new text end

new text begin $2,188,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
lands in fee in Clearwater County to be
managed as a unit of the outdoor recreation
system under Minnesota Statutes, chapter
86A. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Wetlands new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 31,055,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Accelerating the Waterfowl Production Area Acquisition - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $5,650,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
in fee and restore and enhance wetlands and
grasslands to be designated and managed as
waterfowl production areas in Minnesota,
in cooperation with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Shallow Lake and Wetland Protection Program - Phase V new text end

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

new text begin (c) RIM Wetlands Partnership - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $13,808,000 the second year is to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources to acquire lands
in permanent conservation easements and
to restore wetlands and native grassland
habitat under Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.515. Of this amount, up to $195,000 is
to establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (d) Wetland Habitat Protection Program - Phase II new text end

new text begin $1,629,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to
acquire permanent conservation easements
in high-priority wetland habitat complexes
in the prairie and forest/prairie transition
regions. Of this amount, up to $180,000 is to
establish a monitoring and enforcement fund,
as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
easement acquisitions must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (e) Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Enhancement - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $2,167,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to enhance
and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat
statewide. A list of proposed land restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Marsh Lake - Phase II new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to modify
the dam at Marsh Lake for improved habitat
management and to return the historic outlet
of the Pomme de Terre River to Lac Qui Parle.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Habitats new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 29,138,000 new text end

new text begin (a) DNR Aquatic Habitat Protection - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $1,578,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee and permanent conservation
easements for aquatic management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05,
subdivision 14, and 97C.02, to acquire
permanent conservation easements under
the Minnesota forests for the future
program pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.66, and to restore and enhance
aquatic and adjacent upland habitat.
Of this amount, up to $153,000 is to
establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
proposed land acquisitions, conservation
easements, restorations, and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Metro Big Rivers Habitat - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $4,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire land in fee and
permanent conservation easements and
to restore and enhance natural systems
associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota,
and St. Croix Rivers within the metropolitan
area as follows: $500,000 to Minnesota
Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust,
Inc.; $430,000 to Friends of the Mississippi
River; $1,170,000 to Great River Greening;
$800,000 to The Trust for Public Land; and
$1,100,000 to Minnesota Land Trust, of
which up to $60,000 to Minnesota Land Trust
is to establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
proposed land acquisitions and permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Corridor Partnership - Phase II new text end

new text begin $2,105,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire lands in fee in the
Mississippi Headwaters and for agreements
as follows: $76,000 to the Mississippi
Headwaters Board; and $2,029,000 to
The Trust for Public Land. $1,045,000
the second year is to the Board of Water
and Soil Resources to acquire permanent
conservation easements and to restore
wildlife habitat, of which up to $78,000 is
to establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be included as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Fisheries Habitat Protection on Strategic North Central Minnesota Lakes - Phase II new text end

new text begin $1,425,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements with the Leech Lake Area
Watershed Foundation and Minnesota Land
Trust to acquire land in fee and permanent
conservation easements to sustain healthy
fish habitat on cold water lakes in Aitkin,
Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard Counties
as follows: $480,000 to Leech Lake Area
Watershed Foundation; and $945,000 to
Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to
$180,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is to
establish a monitoring and enforcement fund
as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
land acquisitions must be provided as part of
the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $1,975,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited
to restore or enhance habitat for trout and
other species in and along cold water rivers,
lakes, and streams in Minnesota. A list of
proposed restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) DNR Stream Habitat new text end

new text begin $2,074,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
and enhance habitat to facilitate fish passage,
degraded streams, and critical aquatic species
habitat. A list of proposed land restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (g) St. Louis River Restoration Initiative - Phase III new text end

new text begin $2,707,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
aquatic habitats in the St. Louis River
estuary. A list of proposed restorations
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (h) Sand Hill River Fish Passage - Phase II new text end

new text begin $828,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Sand Hill River
Watershed District, in cooperation with
the Department of Natural Resources and
Army Corps of Engineers, to restore and
enhance fish passage and habitat in the Sand
Hill River watershed. A list of proposed
restorations must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (i) Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase V new text end

new text begin $1,200,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Shell Rock River
Watershed District to acquire in fee, restore,
and enhance aquatic habitat in the Shell
Rock River watershed. A list of proposed
acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (j) Roseau Lake Rehabilitation new text end

new text begin $2,763,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee and permanent conservation
easements for wildlife management purposes
in Roseau County under Minnesota Statutes,
section 86A.05, subdivision 8, to restore
and enhance wildlife habitat. A list of
proposed land acquisitions and restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (k) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Statewide and Metro Habitat - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $7,438,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive, matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for
enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests,
wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, or
wildlife in Minnesota. Of this amount, up to
$2,500,000 is for grants in the seven-county
metropolitan area and cities with a population
of 50,000 or greater. Grants shall not be made
for activities required to fulfill the duties
of owners of lands subject to conservation
easements. Grants shall not be made from the
appropriation in this paragraph for projects
that have a total project cost exceeding
$575,000. Of the total appropriation,
$588,000 may be spent for personnel costs
and other direct and necessary administrative
costs. Grantees may acquire land or interests
in land. Easements must be permanent.
Grants may not be used to establish easement
stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee
must be open to hunting and fishing during
the open season unless otherwise provided
by law. The program must require a match
of at least ten percent from nonstate sources
for all grants. The match may be cash or
in-kind resources. For grant applications
of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall
provide a separate, simplified application
process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the
commissioner of natural resources shall,
when evaluating projects of equal value,
give priority to organizations that have a
history of receiving or a charter to receive
private contributions for local conservation
or habitat projects. If acquiring land in fee
or a conservation easement, priority must be
given to projects associated with or within
one mile of existing wildlife management
areas under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural
areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections
84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02.
All restoration or enhancement projects
must be on land permanently protected by
a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual
maintenance and protection of restored
and enhanced habitat, by a conservation
easement, by public ownership, or in public
waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority
must be given to restoration and enhancement
projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies
to grants awarded under this paragraph.
This appropriation is available until June
30, 2020. No less than five percent of the
amount of each grant must be held back from
reimbursement until the grant recipient has
completed a grant accomplishment report by
the deadline and in the form prescribed by
and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council. The commissioner shall
provide notice of the grant program in
the game and fish law summary prepared
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.051,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Administration new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin 275,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Contract Management new text end

new text begin $150,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
contract management duties assigned in this
section. The commissioner shall provide an
accomplishment plan in the form specified by
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
on the expenditure of this appropriation.
The accomplishment plan must include
a copy of the grant contract template
and reimbursement manual. No money
may be expended prior to Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council approval of the
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Technical Evaluation Panel new text end

new text begin $125,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
technical evaluation panel to conduct up to
15 restoration and enhancement evaluations
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Availability of Appropriation 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 accomplishment plan approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
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.
Unless otherwise provided, the amounts
in this section are available until June 30,
2019. For acquisition of real property, the
amounts in this section are available until
June 30, 2020, if a binding agreement with a
landowner or purchase agreement is entered
into by June 30, 2019, and closed no later
than June 30, 2020. Funds for restoration
or enhancement are available until June
30, 2021, or five years after acquisition,
whichever is later, in order to complete initial
restoration or enhancement work. If a project
receives at least 15 percent of its funding
from federal funds, the time period of the
appropriation may be extended to equal the
availability of federal funding to a maximum
of six years, provided the federal funding
was confirmed and included in the first draft
accomplishment plan. Money appropriated
for fee title acquisition of land may be used to
restore, enhance, and provide for public use
of the land acquired with the appropriation.
Public use facilities must have a minimal
impact on habitat in acquired lands.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Payment Conditions and Capital Equipment Expenditures new text end

new text begin All agreements 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 directly related
to each appropriation's purpose made
on or after July 1, 2016, or the date of
accomplishment plan approval, whichever is
later, are eligible for reimbursement unless
otherwise provided in this section. For the
purposes of administering appropriations
and legislatively authorized agreements paid
out of the outdoor heritage fund, an expense
must be considered reimbursable by the
administering agency when the recipient
presents the agency with an invoice, or
binding agreement with the landowner, and
the recipient attests that the goods have
been received or the landowner agreement
is binding. Periodic reimbursement must
be made upon receiving documentation that
the items articulated in the accomplishment
plan approved by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council have been achieved,
including partial achievements as evidenced
by progress reports approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
Reasonable amounts may be advanced to
projects to accommodate cash flow needs,
support future management of acquired
lands, or match a federal share. The
advances must be approved as part of the
accomplishment plan. Capital equipment
expenditures for specific items in excess of
$10,000 must be itemized in and approved as
part of the accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Mapping new text end

new text begin Each direct recipient of money appropriated
in this section, as well as each recipient of
a grant awarded pursuant to this section,
must provide geographic information to the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
for mapping of any lands acquired in fee
with funds appropriated in this section and
open to public taking of fish and game. The
commissioner of natural resources shall
include the lands acquired in fee with money
appropriated in this section on maps showing
public recreation opportunities. Maps must
include information on and acknowledgment
of the outdoor heritage fund, including a
notation of any restrictions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin RIM Buffers for Wildlife and Water Restorations new text end

new text begin The following appropriations to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources for the RIM
buffers for wildlife and water program
may be used for restoration of lands
acquired by conservation easement with the
appropriations:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2015, First Special Session
chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2,
paragraph (f);
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2014, chapter 256, article 1, section
2, subdivision 2, paragraph (f);
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 1, section
2, subdivision 2, paragraph (e);
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2012, chapter 264, article 1, section
2, subdivision 2, paragraph (a); and
new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2011, First Special Session
chapter 6, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2,
paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Appropriations Contingent Upon Audit new text end

new text begin The appropriations in this section are not
available until the Office of the Legislative
Auditor completes its next financial audit
of the outdoor heritage fund, anticipated to
be completed in 2016, and the legislative
auditor has submitted the report required
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 11, paragraph (c), listing
noncompliant recipients. A recipient
listed in the report may not receive money
appropriated in this section until the
legislative auditor has removed the recipient
from the list as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 11,
paragraph (c).
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

(a) The Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council of 12 members is created in the legislative branch, consisting of:

(1) two public members appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of
the Committee on Rules and Administration;

(2) two public members appointed by the speaker of the house;

(3) four public members appointed by the governor;

(4) two members of the senate appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees
of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and

(5) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the
house.

(b) Members appointed under paragraph (a) must not be registered lobbyists. In
making appointments, the governor, senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee
on Rules and Administration, and the speaker of the house shall consider geographic
balance, gender, age, ethnicity, and varying interests including hunting and fishing. The
governor's appointments to the council are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

(c) Public members appointed under paragraph (a) shall have practical experience
or expertise or demonstrated knowledge in the science, policy, or practice of restoring,
protecting, and enhancing wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and
wildlife.

(d) Legislative members appointed under paragraph (a) shall include the chairs
of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources
finance or their designee, one member from the minority party of the senate, and one
member from the minority party of the house of representatives.

(e) Public members serve four-year terms. Appointed legislative members serve
at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Public and legislative members continue to
serve until their successors are appointed. Public members shall be initially appointed
according to the following schedule of terms:

(1) two public members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first
Monday in January 2011;

(2) one public member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the
Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January 2011;

(3) one public member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending
the first Monday in January 2011;

(4) two public members appointed by the governor for a term ending the first
Monday in January 2013;

(5) one public member appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the
Committee on Rules and Administration for a term ending the first Monday in January
2013; and

(6) one public member appointed by the speaker of the house for a term ending
the first Monday in January 2013.

(f) Terms, compensation, and removal of public members are as provided in section
15.0575. A vacancy on the council may be filled by the appointing authority for the
remainder of the unexpired term.

(g) deleted text begin The first meeting of the council shall be convened by the chair of the Legislative
Coordinating Commission no later than December 1, 2008. deleted text end Members shall elect a chair,
vice-chair, secretary, and other officers as determined by the council. The chair may
convene meetings as necessary to conduct the duties prescribed by this section.

(h) deleted text begin Upon coordination with deleted text end The Legislative Coordinating Commission deleted text begin , the council deleted text end
may appoint nonpartisan staff and contract with consultants as necessary to deleted text begin carry out deleted text end new text begin
support new text end the functions of the council. Up to one percent of the money appropriated from the
fund may be used to pay for administrative expenses of the council and for compensation
and expense reimbursement of council members.

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.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Restoration new text begin and enhancements new text end evaluations.

The commissioner of
natural resources and the Board of Water and Soil Resources deleted text begin may deleted text end new text begin must new text end convene a technical
evaluation panel comprised of five members, including one technical representative from
the Board of Water and Soil Resources, one technical representative from the Department of
Natural Resources, one technical expert from the University of Minnesota or the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities, and two representatives with expertise in the project
being evaluated. The board and the commissioner may add a technical representative from
a unit of federal or local government. The members of the technical evaluation panel
may not be associated with the restoration new text begin or enhancement new text end , may vary depending upon
the projects being reviewed, and shall avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Each year,
the board and the commissioner may assign a coordinator to identify deleted text begin a sample of up to
ten deleted text end habitat restoration new text begin or enhancement new text end projects completed with outdoor heritage funding.
The coordinator shall secure the deleted text begin restoration deleted text end plans for the projects specified and direct
the technical evaluation panel to evaluate the restorations new text begin and enhancements new text end relative to
the law, current science, and the stated goals and standards in the deleted text begin restoration deleted text end new text begin project
new text end plan and, when applicable, to the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines. The coordinator shall summarize the findings
of the panel and provide a report to the chair of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage
Council and the chairs of the respective house of representatives and senate policy and
finance committees with jurisdiction over natural resources and spending from the outdoor
heritage fund. The report shall determine if the restorations new text begin and enhancements new text end are meeting
planned goals, any problems with the implementation of restorations new text begin and enhancements new text end ,
and, if necessary, recommendations on improving restorations new text begin and enhancements new text end . The
report shall be focused on improving future restorations new text begin and enhancements new text end . At least
one-tenth of one percent of forecasted receipts from the outdoor heritage fund must be
used for restoration new text begin and enhancements new text end evaluations under this section.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.056, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end

new text begin Local approval of land acquisitions. new text end

new text begin A recipient of money appropriated
from the outdoor heritage fund that acquires land in fee title with the appropriation must
follow the procedures under section 97A.145, subdivision 2, when acquiring land if the
land is intended to be transferred to the state or federal government after its acquisition.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2016, and applies to land
acquired with money appropriated on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2,
is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Prairies

40,948,000

-0-

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

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

(b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VII

$7,452,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management area
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquisition of
lands that are eligible for the native prairie
bank under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native
prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(c) Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project - Phase VI

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

(d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase deleted text begin V deleted text end new text begin VI new text end

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

(e) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase IV

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

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

$4,544,000 in the first year is to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements to protect
and enhance habitat by expanding the clean
water fund riparian buffer program for at
least equal wildlife benefits from buffers
on private land. Up to $72,500 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.

(g) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase V

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

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

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

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

$1,730,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire conservation
easements within important bird areas
identified in the Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan, to be used as follows:
$408,000 is to Audubon Minnesota and
$1,322,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust, of
which up to $100,000 is for establishing
monitoring and enforcement funds as
approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.

(j) Wild Rice River Corridor Habitat Restoration

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

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

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

(l) Enhanced Public Land Grasslands - Phase II

$1,120,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to enhance
and restore habitat on public lands. A list of
proposed land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the final report.

Sec. 7.

Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 3,
is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Forests

12,634,000

-0-

(a) Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase V

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

(b) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase III

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

(c) Protecting Pinelands Sands Aquifer Forestlands - Phase II

$2,180,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
forest lands in Cass new text begin , Hubbard, new text end and Wadena
Counties for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee
for state forests under Minnesota Statutes,
section 86A.05, subdivision 7. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.

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

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

(e) Critical Shoreland Protection Program - Phase III

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

(f) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Partnership

$3,002,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
acquire lands in fee and for permanent
conservation easements in the Mississippi
Headwaters and for agreements as follows:
$1,217,000 to The Trust for Public Land;
and $824,000 to Minnesota Land Trust,
of which up to $80,000 is for establishing
a monitoring and enforcement fund as
approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be included as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(g) Southeast Forest Habitat Enhancement

$910,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
enhance forests in southeastern Minnesota.
A list of proposed land enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2015.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5,
is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Habitats

22,368,000

-0-

(a) DNR Aquatic Habitat - Phase VII

$4,540,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
interests in land in fee and permanent
conservation easements for aquatic
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14,
and 97C.02, to acquire interests in land in
permanent conservation easements for fish
and wildlife habitat under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.66, and to restore and enhance
aquatic habitat. Up to $130,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment
plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of
proposed land acquisitions and restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.

(b) Metro Big Rivers - Phase VI

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

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

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

(d) Lake Bemidji South Shore Restoration and Enhancement

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

(e) Sand Hill River Fish Passage

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

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

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

(g) Lake Nokomis Integrated Habitat Enhancement

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

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

$8,440,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive, matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for
enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests,
wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game,
or wildlife in Minnesota. Of this amount,
$3,692,000 is for grants in the seven-county
metropolitan area and cities with a population
of 50,000 or greater. Grants shall not be made
for activities required to fulfill the duties
of owners of lands subject to conservation
easements. Grants shall not be made from the
appropriation in this paragraph for projects
that have a total project cost exceeding
$575,000. Of this appropriation, $596,000
may be spent for personnel costs and other
direct and necessary administrative costs.
Grantees may acquire land or interests in
land. Easements must be permanent. Grants
may not be used to establish easement
stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee
must be open to hunting and fishing during
the open season unless otherwise provided
by law. The program must require a match
of at least ten percent from nonstate sources
for all grants. The match may be cash or
in-kind resources. For grant applications
of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall
provide a separate, simplified application
process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the
commissioner of natural resources shall,
when evaluating projects of equal value,
give priority to organizations that have a
history of receiving or a charter to receive
private contributions for local conservation
or habitat projects. If acquiring land or a
conservation easement, priority must be
given to projects associated with or within
one mile of existing wildlife management
areas under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural
areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections
84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic
management areas under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02.
All restoration or enhancement projects
must be on land permanently protected by
a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual
maintenance and protection of restored
and enhanced habitat, by a conservation
easement, or by public ownership or in
public waters as defined in Minnesota
Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision
15. Priority must be given to restoration
and enhancement projects on public lands.
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 13, applies to grants awarded
under this paragraph. This appropriation is
available until June 30, deleted text begin 2018 deleted text end new text begin 2019 new text end . No less
than five percent of the amount of each grant
must be held back from reimbursement until
the grant recipient has completed a grant
accomplishment report by the deadline and
in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
The commissioner shall provide notice of
the grant program in the game and fish law
summary prepared under Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.051, subdivision 2.