SF 1097

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 11/09/2021 01:24pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; modifying terms for certain timber permits.

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

Section 1. new text begin TIMBER PERMITS; ADDRESSING MARKET CHANGES.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 90.151, all unexpired timber permits
issued before January 1, 2021, are extended two years beyond the expiration date specified
in the permit.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, chapter 90, the holder of a permit to cut and
remove timber issued under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 90, before January 1, 2021, may
surrender the permit for cancellation to the commissioner of natural resources for a full
refund of the permit down payment and security deposit if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the timber authorized to be cut under the permit is comprised of at least 25 percent
spruce, balsam, or birch; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the permit holder has not begun cutting timber under the permit.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, chapter 90, when the holder of a permit to cut
and remove timber issued under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 90, has begun cutting timber
under the permit, the permit holder may surrender the permit for cancellation to the
commissioner of natural resources under the terms of paragraph (d) if the timber authorized
to be cut under the permit is comprised of at least 25 percent spruce, balsam, or birch.
new text end

new text begin (d) To be eligible for surrender under paragraph (c), the permit must have been issued
before January 1, 2021. The permit holder is liable to the state for the scaled value of the
timber cut and is entitled to a refund of the permit down payment only to the extent the
amount exceeds the amount due the state. Surrender under paragraph (c) is not a default for
purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 90.161. The permit holder is entitled to a return of
the security deposit if the permit holder's financial obligations to the state are fulfilled
according to a statement issued by the commissioner of natural resources under Minnesota
Statutes, section 90.181.
new text end