HF 595

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/14/2013 01:58pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing a honey bee habitat program; allowing
honey bee habitat projects on lands under certain conservation easements;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103F.515, subdivision 4; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [84.973] HONEY BEE HABITAT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall establish a honey bee habitat program to
provide enhanced honey bee and other pollinator habitat on state lands. The commissioner
shall identify state lands suitable for enhanced honey bee habitat projects and ensure
state lands throughout the state provide enhanced honey bee and other pollinator habitat.
Notwithstanding section 86A.05, subdivision 2, or any other law to the contrary, the
commissioner may plant native and nonnative plants beneficial to honey bees and other
pollinators as part of an enhanced honey bee habitat project. The commissioner shall
exclude native prairie and lands within state scientific and natural areas from inclusion in a
honey bee habitat project.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103F.515, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Nature of property rights acquired.

(a) A conservation easement must
prohibit:

(1) alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features, unless specifically
approved by the board;

(2) agricultural crop production and livestock grazing, unless specifically approved
by the board for conservation management purposes or extreme drought; and

(3) spraying with chemicals or mowing, except:

(i) as necessary to comply with noxious weed control laws;

(ii) for emergency control of pests necessary to protect public health; or

(iii) as approved by the board for conservation management purposes.

(b) A conservation easement is subject to the terms of the agreement provided in
subdivision 5.

(c) A conservation easement must allow repairs, improvements, and inspections
necessary to maintain public drainage systems provided the easement area is restored to
the condition required by the terms of the conservation easement.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board must permit the harvest of native
grasses for use in seed production or bioenergy on wellhead protection lands eligible
under subdivision 2, paragraph (d).

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board may permit the planting of native and
nonnative species beneficial to honey bees and other pollinators as part of a honey bee
habitat project, except on lands containing native prairie. The board shall develop a list of
suitable plantings, best management practices, and standards for honey bee habitat projects
allowable under this paragraph in consultation with the commissioner of natural resources.
new text end