1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to game and fish; modifying elk management plan requirements;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.516.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.516, is amended to read:
1.6 	97B.516 ELK MANAGEMENT PLAN.
1.7 	(a) The commissioner of natural resources must adopt an elk management plan that:
1.8 	(1) recognizes the value and uniqueness of elk;
1.9 	(2) provides for integrated management of an elk population in harmony with the 
1.10 	environment; and
1.11 	(3) affords optimum recreational opportunities.
1.12 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner must not manage an elk herd 
1.13 	in a manner that would increase the size of the herd, including adoption or implementation 
1.14 	of an elk management plan designed to increase an elk herd, unless the commissioner 
1.15 	determines that crop and fence damage from the herd has not increased for at least two 
1.16 	years.

1.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.