SF 262

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 01/24/2017 08:19am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money from outdoor heritage fund;
modifying recipient requirements; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section
97A.056, by adding a subdivision; Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2,
article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 2016, chapter 172, article 1,
section 2, subdivisions 2, 4; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 97A.056,
subdivision 8.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this act. The appropriations are from the outdoor heritage
fund for the fiscal year indicated for each purpose. The figures "2018" and "2019" used in
this act mean that the appropriations listed under the figure are available for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2018, and June 30, 2019, respectively. The "first year" is fiscal year 2018.
The "second year" is fiscal year 2019. The "biennium" is fiscal years 2018 and 2019,
respectively. The appropriations in this act are onetime appropriations.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2018 new text end		new text begin 2019 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 103,978,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 585,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the outdoor heritage
fund. The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Prairies new text end

new text begin 30,862,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $4,437,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
in fee and restore lands for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, and
to acquire land in fee for scientific and natural
area purposes under Minnesota Statutes,
section 86A.05, subdivision 5. Subject to
evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part
6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring
lands that are eligible for the native prairie
bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96,
or lands adjacent to protected native prairie.
A list of proposed land acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Accelerating the Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $5,603,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
in fee and restore lands for wildlife
management area purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given
to acquiring lands that are eligible for the
native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected
native prairie. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $1,901,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy to
acquire land in fee for native prairie, wetland,
and savanna and to restore and enhance
grasslands, wetlands, and savanna. Subject to
evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part
6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring
lands that are eligible for the native prairie
bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96,
or lands adjacent to protected native prairie.
No later than 180 days after The Nature
Conservancy's fiscal year ends, The Nature
Conservancy must submit to the Lessard-Sams
Outdoor Heritage Council annual income
statements and balance sheets for income and
expenses from land acquired with this
appropriation. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan and must be
consistent with the priorities identified in
Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $2,683,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy in
cooperation with the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service to acquire land in fee or
permanent conservation easements and restore
lands in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat
Preservation Area in western Minnesota for
addition to the Northern Tallgrass Prairie
National Wildlife Refuge. Subject to
evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part
6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring
lands that are eligible for the native prairie
bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96,
or lands adjacent to protected native prairie.
A list of proposed land acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan, and the acquisitions
must be consistent with the priorities in
Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $1,436,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Trust for Public Land to
acquire in fee and restore lands in the Cannon
River watershed for wildlife management
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquiring lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $2,481,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements to
implement the strategies in Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan to protect and restore native
prairie. Of this amount, up to $140,000 is for
establishing monitoring and enforcement funds
as approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquiring lands that
are eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
permanent conservation easements must be
provided as part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (g) Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase VII new text end

new text begin $5,333,000 the first year is to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to restore habitat
and acquire permanent conservation easements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515,
to protect, restore, and enhance habitat by
expanding the riparian-buffer program of the
clean water fund for at least equal wildlife
benefits from buffers on private land. Of this
amount, up to $858,000 is for establishing a
monitoring and enforcement fund as approved
in the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,908,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever in
cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie
Chicken Society to acquire land in fee and
restore and enhance lands in the southern Red
River valley for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, or to be designated and
managed as waterfowl-production areas in
Minnesota in cooperation with the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service. Subject to
evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part
6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring
lands that are eligible for the native prairie
bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96,
or lands adjacent to protected native prairie.
A list of proposed land acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (i) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $3,950,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
accelerate restoration and enhancement of
prairies, grasslands, and savannas on wildlife
management areas, scientific and natural areas,
native prairie bank land, bluff prairies on state
forest land in southeastern Minnesota, and
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
waterfowl-production area and refuge lands.
A list of proposed land restorations and
enhancements must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (j) Anoka Sandplain Habitat Restoration and Enhancement - Phase V new text end

new text begin $1,130,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire permanent conservation
easements and to restore and enhance wildlife
habitat on public lands in Anoka, Benton,
Isanti, Morrison, and Stearns Counties as
follows: $41,000 is to the Anoka Conservation
District, $231,000 is to the Isanti County Soil
and Water Conservation District, $345,000 is
to Great River Greening, $163,000 is to the
Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation
District, and $350,000 is to Minnesota Land
Trust. Up to $40,000 to Minnesota Land Trust
is for establishing monitoring and enforcement
funds as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
permanent conservation easements,
restorations, and enhancements must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Forests new text end

new text begin 16,824,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Carnelian Creek Conservation Corridor new text end

new text begin $2,458,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to
acquire permanent conservation easements in
Washington County. Of this amount, up to
$30,000 is for establishing a monitoring and
enforcement fund as approved in the
accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A
list of proposed permanent conservation
easements and an annual public hunting and
fishing plan must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Laurentian Forest - St. Louis County Habitat Project new text end

new text begin $2,400,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements with the Minnesota Deer Hunters
Association in cooperation with The
Conservation Fund and St. Louis County to
acquire land in fee to be transferred to St.
Louis County for wildlife habitat purposes.
The amount is for agreements as follows:
$2,292,000 to the Minnesota Deer Hunter
Association and $108,000 to The Conservation
Fund. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase V new text end

new text begin $2,375,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8; to acquire land in fee for
scientific and natural areas under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5; to
acquire land in fee for state forest purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 7; to acquire permanent
conservation easements; and to restore and
enhance prairie, grassland, forest, and savanna.
The amount is for agreements as follows:
$1,000,000 to The Nature Conservancy,
$675,000 to The Trust for Public Land, and
$700,000 to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to
$80,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. No later than 180
days after the The Nature Conservancy's fiscal
year ends, The Nature Conservancy must
submit to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage
Council annual income statements and balance
sheets for income and expenses from land
acquired in fee with this appropriation and not
transferred to the state or a local governmental
unit. A list of proposed land acquisitions must
be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Minnesota Forests for the Future - Phase V new text end

new text begin $2,291,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
easements for forest, wetland, and shoreline
habitat through working forest permanent
conservation easements under the Minnesota
forests for the future program pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.66. A
conservation easement acquired with money
appropriated under this paragraph must
comply with Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 13. The accomplishment
plan must include an easement monitoring and
enforcement plan. Of this amount, up to
$72,000 is for establishing a monitoring and
enforcement fund as approved in the
accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A
list of permanent conservation easements must
be provided as part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (e) State Forest Acquisitions - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
lands in fee for wildlife habitat purposes in
the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood
State Forest under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 7. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Critical Shoreland Protection Program - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $1,700,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to
acquire permanent conservation easements
along rivers and lakes in the northern forest
region. Of this amount, up to $120,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed
permanent conservation easements must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (g) Bushmen Lake new text end

new text begin $4,600,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Conservation Fund in
cooperation with the United States Forest
Service to acquire lands in fee adjacent to
Bushmen Lake in St. Louis County to be
managed for wildlife habitat purposes. A list
of proposed land acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Wetlands new text end

new text begin 28,869,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Accelerating Waterfowl-Production Area Acquisition - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $5,500,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
land in fee and restore and enhance wetlands
and grasslands to be designated and managed
as waterfowl-production areas in Minnesota
in cooperation with the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Shallow Lakes and Wetland Protection Program - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $5,750,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Ducks Unlimited to acquire
land in fee and restore prairie lands, wetlands,
and land-buffering shallow lakes for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list
of proposed acquisitions must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) RIM Wetlands Partnership - Phase VIII new text end

new text begin $10,398,000 the first year is to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements and to
restore wetlands and native grassland habitat
under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515.
Of this amount, up to $306,000 is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.
new text end

new text begin (d) Wild-Rice Shoreland Protection Program - Phase V new text end

new text begin $750,000 the first year is to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements on
wild-rice lake shoreland habitat for native
wild-rice bed protection. Of this amount, up
to $59,000 is for establishing a monitoring and
enforcement fund as approved in the
accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A
list of permanent conservation easements must
be provided as part of the final report by the
Board of Water and Soil Resources.
new text end

new text begin (e) Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Enhancement - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $1,755,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to enhance
and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat
statewide. A list of proposed land restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) Living Shallow Lakes and Wetland Initiative - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $4,716,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Ducks Unlimited to restore
and enhance shallow lakes and wetlands on
public lands and wetlands under permanent
conservation easement for wildlife
management purposes. A list of proposed
shallow-lake enhancements and wetland
restorations must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Habitats new text end

new text begin 26,554,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Corridor Partnership - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,617,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
lands in fee and restore wildlife habitat in the
Mississippi headwaters and for agreements as
follows: $60,000 to the Mississippi
Headwaters Board and $1,557,000 to The
Trust for Public Land. $779,000 the first year
is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources
to acquire lands in permanent conservation
easements and to restore wildlife habitat. Up
to $59,000 to the Board of Water and Soil
Resources is for establishing a monitoring and
enforcement fund as approved in the
accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A
list of proposed acquisitions must be included
as part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Fisheries Habitat Protection on Strategic North-Central Minnesota Lakes - Phase III new text end

new text begin $1,716,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in permanent conservation easements to
sustain healthy fish habitat on coldwater lakes
in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard
Counties for agreements as follows: $113,000
to the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation
and $1,603,000 to Minnesota Land Trust. Up
to $120,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Goose Prairie new text end

new text begin $600,000 the first year is to the commissioner
of natural resources for an agreement with the
Wild Rice Watershed District, in cooperation
with the Department of Natural Resources, to
enhance aquatic and upland habitat in and
adjacent to the Goose Prairie Marsh Wildlife
Management Area in Clay County. A list of
proposed land enhancements must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $2,403,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited
to restore or enhance habitat for trout and other
species in and along coldwater rivers, lakes,
and streams in Minnesota. A list of proposed
restorations and enhancements must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) DNR Stream Habitat - Phase II new text end

new text begin $2,166,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
and enhance habitat in degraded streams and
critical aquatic-species habitat and to facilitate
fish passage. A list of proposed land
restorations and enhancements must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (f) St. Louis River Restoration Initiative - Phase IV new text end

new text begin $3,392,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to restore
aquatic habitats in the St. Louis River estuary.
Of this appropriation, up to $226,000 is for an
agreement with Minnesota Land Trust. A list
of proposed restorations must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (g) Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase VI new text end

new text begin $1,779,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Shell Rock River
Watershed District to acquire land in fee and
restore and enhance aquatic habitat in the Shell
Rock River watershed. A list of proposed
acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (h) Lake Wakanda Enhancement Project new text end

new text begin $921,000 the first year is to the commissioner
of natural resources for an agreement with
Kandiyohi County to enhance aquatic habitat
in and adjacent to Lake Wakanda in Kandiyohi
County. A list of proposed land enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (i) Wolverton Creek Habitat Restoration new text end

new text begin $1,877,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Buffalo-Red River
Watershed District to acquire permanent
conservation easements and restore and
enhance aquatic and upland habitat associated
with Wolverton Creek in the Buffalo-Red
River watershed. A list of proposed
acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (j) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Statewide and Metro Habitat - Phase IX new text end

new text begin $9,294,000 the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for a
program to provide competitive matching
grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional,
state, and national organizations for enhancing,
restoring, or protecting forests, wetlands,
prairies, or habitat for fish, game, or wildlife
in Minnesota. Of this amount, up to
$2,660,000 is for grants in the seven-county
metropolitan area and cities with a population
of 50,000 or greater. Grants must not be made
for activities required to fulfill the duties of
owners of lands subject to conservation
easements. Grants must not be for projects
that have a total project cost exceeding
$575,000. Of the total appropriation, $634,000
may be spent for personnel costs and other
direct and necessary administrative costs.
Grantees may acquire land or interests in land.
Easements must be permanent. Grants may
not be used to establish easement stewardship
accounts. Land acquired in fee must be open
to hunting and fishing during the open season
unless otherwise provided by law. The
program must require a match of at least ten
percent from nonstate sources for all grants.
The match may be cash or in-kind resources.
For grant applications of $25,000 or less, the
commissioner must provide a separate,
simplified application process. Subject to
Minnesota Statutes, the commissioner must,
when evaluating projects of equal value, give
priority to organizations that have a history of
receiving or a charter to receive private
contributions for local conservation or habitat
projects. If acquiring land in fee or a
conservation easement, priority must be given
to projects associated with or within one mile
of existing wildlife management areas under
Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8; scientific and natural areas
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.033 and
86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic management
areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections
86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02. All
restoration or enhancement projects must be
on land permanently protected by a permanent
covenant ensuring perpetual maintenance and
protection of restored and enhanced habitat,
by a conservation easement, or by public
ownership, or must be in public waters as
defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority must be
given to restoration and enhancement projects
on public lands. Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 13, applies to grants
awarded under this paragraph. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2021.
No less than five percent of the amount of each
grant must be held back from reimbursement
until the grant recipient has completed a grant
accomplishment report by the deadline and in
the form prescribed by and satisfactory to the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The
commissioner must provide notice of the grant
program in the game and fish law summary
prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.051, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Administration new text end

new text begin 879,000 new text end

new text begin 585,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Contract Management new text end

new text begin $150,000 the first year is to the commissioner
of natural resources for contract management
duties assigned in this section. The
commissioner must provide an
accomplishment plan in the form specified by
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
for expending this appropriation. The
accomplishment plan must include a copy of
the grant contract template and reimbursement
manual. No money may be expended before
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
approves the accomplishment plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Legislative Coordinating Commission new text end

new text begin $571,000 the first year and $578,000 the
second year is to the Legislative Coordinating
Commission for Lessard-Sams Outdoor
Heritage Council administrative expenses and
for compensating and reimbursing expenses
of council members. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2019. Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.281, applies to this
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Technical Evaluation Panel new text end

new text begin $150,000 the first year is to the commissioner
of natural resources for a technical evaluation
panel to conduct up to 15 restoration and
enhancement evaluations under Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin (d) Legacy Website new text end

new text begin $8,000 the first year and $7,000 the second
year is to the Legislative Coordinating
Commission for the website required in
Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision
10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Appropriation Availability new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may not
be spent on activities unless they are directly
related to and necessary for a specific
appropriation and are specified in the
accomplishment plan approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
Money appropriated in this section must not
be spent on indirect costs or other institutional
overhead charges that are not directly related
to and necessary for a specific appropriation.
Unless otherwise provided, the amounts in
this section are available until June 30, 2020.
For acquiring real property, the amounts in
this section are available until June 30, 2021,
if a binding agreement with a landowner or
purchase agreement is entered into by June
30, 2020, and closed no later than June 30,
2021. Appropriations for restoration or
enhancement are available until June 30, 2022,
or five years after acquisition, whichever is
later, so that initial restoration or enhancement
work can be completed. If a project receives
at least 15 percent of its funding from federal
funds, the appropriation period may be
extended to equal the availability of federal
funding to a maximum of six years, provided
the federal funding was confirmed and
included in the first draft accomplishment
plan. Money appropriated for fee title
acquisition of land may be used to restore,
enhance, and provide for public use of the land
acquired with the appropriation. Public use
facilities must have no more than a minimal
impact on habitat in acquired lands.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Payment Conditions and Capital Equipment Expenditures new text end

new text begin All agreements referred to in this section must
be administered on a reimbursement basis
unless otherwise provided in this section.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.41, expenditures directly related to each
appropriation's purpose made on or after July
1, 2017, or the date of accomplishment plan
approval, whichever is later, are eligible for
reimbursement unless otherwise provided in
this section. For the purposes of administering
appropriations and legislatively authorized
agreements paid out of the outdoor heritage
fund, an expense must be considered
reimbursable by the administering agency
when the recipient presents the agency with
an invoice or binding agreement with the
landowner and the recipient attests that the
goods have been received or the landowner
agreement is binding. Periodic reimbursement
must be made upon receiving documentation
that the items articulated in the
accomplishment plan approved by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council have
been achieved, including partial achievements
as evidenced by progress reports approved by
the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
Reasonable amounts may be advanced to
projects to accommodate cash-flow needs,
support future management of acquired lands,
or match a federal share. The advances must
be approved as part of the accomplishment
plan. Capital equipment expenditures for
specific items over $10,000 must be itemized
in and approved as part of the accomplishment
plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Mapping new text end

new text begin Each direct recipient of money appropriated
in this section, as well as each recipient of a
grant awarded pursuant to this section, must
provide geographic information to the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council for
mapping any lands acquired in fee with money
appropriated in this section and open to public
taking of fish and game. The commissioner
of natural resources must include the lands
acquired in fee with money appropriated in
this section on maps showing public recreation
opportunities. Maps must include information
on and acknowledgment of the outdoor
heritage fund, including a notation of any
restrictions.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 97A.056, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end

new text begin Revenues. new text end

new text begin (a) A recipient must disclose to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage
Council and the commissioner all revenues that are received by the recipient before the
availability of the appropriation ends and that are generated from activities on land acquired
in fee title or easement, restored, or enhanced with money from the outdoor heritage fund.
The revenues must be disclosed to the council and commissioner no later than 60 days after
the availability of the appropriation ends.
new text end

new text begin (b) For all revenues disclosed under paragraph (a), a recipient must:
new text end

new text begin (1) use the revenues to protect, restore, or enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, or habitat
for fish, game, or wildlife according to the appropriation purposes and the approved
accomplishment plan;
new text end

new text begin (2) use the revenues for other purposes as approved in the accomplishment plan by the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council; or
new text end

new text begin (3) transfer the revenues to the outdoor heritage fund no later than 60 days after the
availability of the appropriation ends, unless otherwise approved by the council.
new text end

new text begin (c) Paragraph (b), clause (3), does not apply to the state and its departments and agencies.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, as
amended by Laws 2016, chapter 172, article 1, section 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Prairies

40,948,000

-0-

(a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase VII

$4,570,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee for
scientific and natural area purposes under
Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 5. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that are
eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land and permanent conservation
easement acquisitions must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.

(b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VII

$7,452,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management area
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquisition of lands
that are eligible for the native prairie bank
under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or
lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A
list of proposed land acquisitions must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(c) Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project - Phase VI

$4,032,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy to
acquire native prairie, wetlands, and savanna
and restore and enhance grasslands, wetlands,
and savanna. Subject to evaluation criteria in
Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that are
eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. Annual
income statements and balance sheets for
income and expenses from land acquired with
this appropriation must be submitted to the
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council no
later than 180 days following the close of The
Nature Conservancy's fiscal year. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan
and must be consistent with the priorities
identified in the Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan.

(d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase VI

$3,430,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy in
cooperation with the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service to acquire land in fee or
permanent conservation easements within the
Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat Preservation
Area in western Minnesota for addition to the
Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife
Refuge. Subject to evaluation criteria in
Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that are
eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan
and must be consistent with the priorities in
the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

(e) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase IV

$3,740,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
implement the Minnesota Prairie Conservation
Plan through the acquisition of permanent
conservation easements to protect native
prairie and grasslands. Up to $165,000 is for
establishing monitoring and enforcement funds
as approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquisition of lands
that are eligible for the native prairie bank
under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or
lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A
list of permanent conservation easements must
be provided as part of the final report.

(f) Minnesota Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase V

$4,544,000 in the first year is to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements to protect
and enhance habitat by expanding the clean
water fund riparian buffer program for at least
equal wildlife benefits from buffers on private
land. Up to deleted text begin $72,500 deleted text end new text begin $728,000 new text end is for
establishing a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.

(g) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase V

$1,380,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Trust for Public Land to
acquire and restore lands in the Cannon River
watershed for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that are
eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.

(h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley

$1,800,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever in
cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie
Chicken Society to acquire and restore lands
in the southern Red River Valley for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, or for
designation and management as waterfowl
production areas in Minnesota, in cooperation
with the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service. A list of proposed land acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

(i) Protecting and Restoring Minnesota's Important Bird Areas

$1,730,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to acquire conservation easements
within important bird areas identified in the
Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan, to be
used as follows: $408,000 is to Audubon
Minnesota and $1,322,000 is to Minnesota
Land Trust, of which up to $100,000 is for
establishing monitoring and enforcement funds
as approved in the accomplishment plan and
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.

(j) Wild Rice River Corridor Habitat Restoration

$2,270,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Wild Rice Watershed
District to acquire land in fee and permanent
conservation easement and to `restore river
and related habitat in the Wild Rice River
corridor. A list of proposed acquisitions and
restorations must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(k) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase VII

$4,880,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
accelerate the restoration and enhancement of
prairie communities on wildlife management
areas, scientific and natural areas, state forest
land, and land under native prairie bank
easements. A list of proposed land restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.

(l) Enhanced Public Land Grasslands - Phase II

$1,120,000 in the first year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to enhance
and restore habitat on public lands. A list of
proposed land restorations and enhancements
must be provided as part of the final report.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2015.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Laws 2016, chapter 172, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Prairies

-0-

31,000,000

(a) DNR Wildlife Management Area and Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition - Phase VIII

$3,250,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to acquire
land in fee for wildlife management purposes
under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 8, and to acquire land in fee for
scientific and natural area purposes under
Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05,
subdivision 5. Subject to evaluation criteria
in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority
must be given to acquisition of lands that are
eligible for the native prairie bank under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands
adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of
proposed land acquisitions must be provided
as part of the required accomplishment plan.

(b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Acquisition - Phase VIII

$5,229,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
in fee and restore lands for wildlife
management area purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given
to acquisition of lands that are eligible for the
native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected
native prairie. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(c) Martin County/Fox Lake Wildlife Management Area Acquisition

$1,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Fox Lake Conservation
League, Inc. to acquire land in fee and restore
strategic prairie grassland, wetland, and other
wildlife habitat for wildlife management area
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition - Phase VII

$2,754,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Nature Conservancy in
cooperation with the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service to acquire land in fee or
permanent conservation easements and restore
lands within the Northern Tallgrass Prairie
Habitat Preservation Area in western
Minnesota for addition to the Northern
Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given
to acquisition of lands that are eligible for the
native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected
native prairie. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan and must be
consistent with the priorities in the Minnesota
Prairie Conservation Plan.

(e) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase VI

$583,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Trust for Public Land to
acquire land in fee and restore lands in the
Cannon River watershed for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given
to acquisition of lands that are eligible for the
native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected
native prairie. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(f) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase V

$2,541,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
implement the Minnesota Prairie Conservation
Plan through the acquisition of permanent
conservation easements to protect and restore
native prairie. Of this amount, up to $120,000
is for establishing monitoring and enforcement
funds as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation
criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900,
priority must be given to acquisition of lands
that are eligible for the native prairie bank
under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or
lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A
list of permanent conservation easements must
be provided as part of the final report.

(g) Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase VI

$6,708,000 the second year is to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources to acquire
permanent conservation easements and restore
habitat under Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.515, to protect, restore, and enhance
habitat by expanding the clean water fund
riparian buffer program for at least equal
wildlife benefits from buffers on private land.
Of this amount, up to deleted text begin $130,000 deleted text end new text begin $1,079,000 new text end is
to establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.

(h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley - Phase II

$2,269,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever, in
cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie
Chicken Society, to acquire land in fee and
restore and enhance lands in the southern Red
River Valley for wildlife management
purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section
86A.05, subdivision 8, or for designation and
management as waterfowl production areas
in Minnesota, in cooperation with the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service. Subject to
evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part
6136.0900, priority must be given to
acquisition of lands that are eligible for the
native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected
native prairie. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(i) Grassland Conservation Partnership - Phase II

$1,475,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with The Conservation Fund, in
cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to
acquire permanent conservation easements
and restore high priority grassland, prairie,
and wetland habitats as follows: $64,000 to
The Conservation Fund; and $1,411,000 to
Minnesota Land Trust, of which up to
$100,000 is for establishing a monitoring and
enforcement fund, as approved in the
accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17.
Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota
Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given
to acquisition of lands that are eligible for the
native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected
native prairie. A list of proposed acquisitions
must be provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan and must be consistent
with the priorities in the Minnesota Prairie
Conservation Plan.

(j) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase VIII

$3,983,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to
accelerate restoration and enhancement of
prairies, grasslands, and savannas on wildlife
management areas, scientific and natural areas,
native prairie bank land, and bluff prairies on
state forest land in southeastern Minnesota. A
list of proposed land restorations and
enhancements must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(k) Anoka Sandplain Habitat Restoration and Enhancement - Phase IV

$1,208,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for
agreements to restore and enhance wildlife
habitat on public lands in Anoka, Isanti,
Morrison, Sherburne, and Todd Counties as
follows: $93,000 to Anoka Conservation
District; $25,000 to Isanti County Parks and
Recreation Department; $813,000 to Great
River Greening; and $277,000 to the National
Wild Turkey Federation. A list of proposed
land restorations and enhancements must be
provided as part of the required
accomplishment plan.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Laws 2016, chapter 172, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Wetlands

-0-

31,055,000

(a) Accelerating the Waterfowl Production Area Acquisition - Phase VIII

$5,650,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire
in fee and restore and enhance wetlands and
grasslands to be designated and managed as
waterfowl production areas in Minnesota, in
cooperation with the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
required accomplishment plan.

(b) Shallow Lake and Wetland Protection Program - Phase V

$5,801,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Ducks Unlimited to acquire
in fee and restore prairie lands, wetlands, and
land buffering shallow lakes for wildlife
management purposes under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list
of proposed acquisitions must be provided as
part of the required accomplishment plan.

(c) RIM Wetlands Partnership - Phase VII

$13,808,000 the second year is to the Board
of Water and Soil Resources to acquire lands
in permanent conservation easements and to
restore wetlands and native grassland habitat
under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515.
Of this amount, up to deleted text begin $195,000 deleted text end new text begin $410,000 new text end is
to establish a monitoring and enforcement
fund as approved in the accomplishment plan
and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent
conservation easements must be provided as
part of the final report.

(d) Wetland Habitat Protection Program - Phase II

$1,629,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to
acquire permanent conservation easements in
high-priority wetland habitat complexes in the
prairie and forest/prairie transition regions. Of
this amount, up to $180,000 is to establish a
monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved
in the accomplishment plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056,
subdivision 17. A list of proposed easement
acquisitions must be provided as part of the
final report.

(e) Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Enhancement - Phase VIII

$2,167,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to enhance
and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat
statewide. A list of proposed land restorations
and enhancements must be provided as part
of the required accomplishment plan.

(f) Marsh Lake - Phase II

$2,000,000 the second year is to the
commissioner of natural resources to modify
the dam at Marsh Lake for improved habitat
management and to return the historic outlet
of the Pomme de Terre River to Lac Qui Parle.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 97A.056, subdivision 8, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 17-0987

97A.056 OUTDOOR HERITAGE FUND; LESSARD-SAMS OUTDOOR HERITAGE COUNCIL.

Subd. 8.

Revenues.

(a) When a parcel of land that was previously purchased with money from the outdoor heritage fund is transferred to the state, the owner of the land shall disclose to the council and commissioner of natural resources:

(1) all revenues generated from activities on the land from the time the land was purchased with money from the outdoor heritage fund until the land was transferred to the state;

(2) all holding costs associated with managing the land between the time of purchase with money from the outdoor heritage fund and the time the land was transferred to the state; and

(3) the total net revenues as determined by subtracting the costs described in clause (2) from the revenues described in clause (1).

(b) The owner of the land shall submit the total net revenues determined under paragraph (a), clause (3), to the state no later than 60 days after the land is transferred to the state.