HF 3557

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/08/2018 02:38pm

A bill for an act
relating to environment; expanding exemptions from requirements for
environmental assessment worksheets for certain recreational trails.

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

Section 1. new text begin RECREATIONAL TRAILS; ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW;
RULEMAKING.
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new text begin (a) The Environmental Quality Board must amend Minnesota Rules, chapter 4410, to
exempt construction, extension, or modification of a recreational trail from the requirement
for a mandatory environmental assessment worksheet when:
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new text begin (1) the trail is constructed on:
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new text begin (i) an existing or abandoned forest road;
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new text begin (ii) the road bed of an abandoned public road;
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new text begin (iii) an abandoned railroad right-of-way;
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new text begin (iv) mining spoils; or
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new text begin (v) lean ore piles; and
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new text begin (2) the length of the trail does not exceed 100 miles.
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new text begin (b) For purposes of determining the length of the trail, any portion of an existing trail
must not be included.
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new text begin (c) The board may use the good cause exemption rulemaking procedure under Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and
Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.388.
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