as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/08/2018 02:33pm
A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; modifying management requirements for Sand Dunes
State Forest; amending Laws 2017, chapter 93, article 2, section 155.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Laws 2017, chapter 93, article 2, section 155, is amended to read:
When managing deleted text begin thedeleted text end Sand Dunes State Forest, the
commissioner of natural resources must:
(1) deleted text begin not convert additional land to oak savanna or convert oak savanna to nonforest land
unless it is done as a result of a contract entered into before the effective date of this sectiondeleted text end new text begin
manage the forest for forest cover and habitats. Forest stands must consist of multiple ages
and multiple species to maximize forest health and resiliencynew text end ;
new text begin
(2) manage rare features by focusing on species associated with forest habitats, wetlands,
and small forest openings;
new text end
deleted text begin (2)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end require all prairie seeds planted to be from native species of a local ecotype to
Sherburne or Benton County; and
deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end comply with the Minnesota Forest Resources Council's guidelines for aesthetics
in residential areas.
At least 40 days before conducting a prescribed
burn, the commissioner must:
(1) publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area;
(2) notify the county and township in writing; and
(3) notify residents within a quarter mile of the prescribed burn in writing.
Nothing in this section restricts the ability of the
commissioner or the school trust lands director from managing school trust lands within
deleted text begin thedeleted text end Sand Dunes State Forest for long-term economic return.new text begin No additional trust lands may
be transferred into Sand Dunes State Forest.
new text end
deleted text begin
If the commissioner of natural resources finds that any portion
of 233rd Avenue within the Sand Dunes State Forest is not owned by the township, the
commissioner must convey an easement over and across state-owned lands administered
by the commissioner to the township under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.63, for the width
of 233rd Avenue.
deleted text end
new text begin
The commissioner of natural resources must hold annual
meetings with local residents, stakeholders, and interested parties to discuss upcoming plans
for Sand Dunes State Forest. The meetings must be informative and elicit input on proposed
actions.
new text end
This section expires deleted text begin two years from the day following final enactmentdeleted text end new text begin
January 1, 2035new text end .
new text begin
This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end