2020 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 84. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

84.01 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT.

Subdivision 1.Name change.

The name of the Department of Conservation is changed to the Department of Natural Resources. The name of the commissioner of conservation is changed to the commissioner of natural resources. Subject to the provisions of Laws 1969, chapter 1129, and other applicable laws, the Department of Natural Resources with its commissioner and other officers shall continue to exercise all the powers and duties vested in, or imposed upon its commissioner as existing and constituted immediately prior to the effective date of Laws 1969, chapter 1129.

Subd. 2.Appointments.

The commissioner of natural resources is appointed by the governor under the provisions of section 15.06. The commissioner may appoint a deputy commissioner.

Subd. 3.Employees; delegation.

Subject to the provisions of Laws 1969, chapter 1129, and to other applicable laws the commissioner shall organize the department and employ up to three assistant commissioners, each of whom shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner in the unclassified service, one of whom shall have responsibility for coordinating and directing the planning of every division within the agency, and such other officers, employees, and agents as the commissioner may deem necessary to discharge the functions of the department, define the duties of such officers, employees, and agents and to delegate to them any of the commissioner's powers, duties, and responsibilities subject to the control of, and under the conditions prescribed by, the commissioner. Appointments to exercise delegated power shall be by written order filed with the secretary of state.

Subd. 4.Oath.

Before entering upon the duties of office the commissioner of natural resources shall take and subscribe an oath.

Subd. 5.Task forces.

The commissioner of natural resources may request from time to time, as the commissioner deems necessary, information and advice on technical natural resource matters from advisory task forces or individuals having specialized knowledge or experience in such matters. A task force shall expire and the terms, compensation and removal of members shall be as provided in section 15.059. The expenses allowed shall be paid from any money appropriated to the commissioner for salaries, supplies, and expenses.

Subd. 6.Legal counsel.

The commissioner of natural resources may appoint attorneys or outside counsel to render title opinions, represent the department in severed mineral interest forfeiture actions brought pursuant to section 93.55, and, notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, represent the state in quiet title or title registration actions affecting land or interests in land administered by the commissioner.

History:

1969 c 1129 art 3 s 1,4; 1971 c 113 s 1; 1976 c 149 s 16; 1977 c 305 s 18; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 306 s 1; 1987 c 404 s 91; 1991 c 326 s 4; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 2; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 1

84.02 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 4a.

[Repealed, 2010 c 361 art 1 s 11]

Subd. 5.Native prairie.

"Native prairie" means land that has never been plowed where native prairie vegetation originating from the site currently predominates or, if disturbed, is predominantly covered with native prairie vegetation that originated from the site. Unbroken pasture land used for livestock grazing can be considered native prairie if it has predominantly native vegetation originating from the site and conservation practices have maintained biological diversity.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 6a.

[Repealed, 2010 c 361 art 1 s 11]

Subd. 6b.

[Repealed, 2010 c 361 art 1 s 11]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2011 c 107 s 108]

History:

2007 c 57 art 1 s 17; 2009 c 172 art 5 s 3-5

84.024 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

84.025 CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 2]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 2]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 2]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 2]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 2]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1977 c 172 s 3]

Subd. 7.Contracts.

The commissioner of natural resources may contract with the federal government, local governmental units, the University of Minnesota, and other educational institutions, and private persons as may be necessary in the performance of duties. Contracts made pursuant to this section for professional services shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 16C, as they relate to competitive bidding.

Subd. 8.Recreational areas; maintenance services.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of natural resources may negotiate contracts, with or without requiring the submission of bids therefor, for the providing of maintenance services for recreational facilities on land under the control of the commissioner of natural resources. The terms and conditions of such contracts shall be as agreed upon and shall be such as to promote and encourage the employment of needy, elderly persons.

Subd. 9.Professional services support account.

The commissioner of natural resources may bill other governmental units, including tribal governments, and the various programs carried out by the commissioner for the costs of providing them with professional support services. Except as provided under section 89.421, receipts must be credited to a special account in the state treasury and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings were made.

The commissioner of natural resources shall submit to the commissioner of management and budget before the start of each fiscal year a work plan showing the estimated work to be done during the coming year, the estimated cost of doing the work, and the positions and fees that will be necessary. This account is exempted from statewide and agency indirect cost payments.

Subd. 10.Recreational vehicles and boats used for public purposes.

The commissioner shall give preference to engine models manufactured in the United States. All all-terrain vehicles purchased by the commissioner must be manufactured in the state of Minnesota.

History:

1943 c 60 s 1; 1947 c 609 s 25; 1949 c 467 s 1; 1949 c 739 s 7 subd 1; 1951 c 713 s 10; 1957 c 898 s 1; 1967 c 905 s 2; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1971 c 929 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 335 art 1 s 66; 1995 c 186 s 21; 1998 c 386 art 2 s 24; 2002 c 355 s 1; 2005 c 146 s 1; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 18; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 1; 2014 c 248 s 2

84.026 CONTRACTS AND GRANTS FOR PROVIDING NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Contracts.

The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to enter into contractual agreements with any public or private entity for the provision of statutorily prescribed natural resources services by the department. The contracts shall specify the services to be provided. Except as provided under section 89.421, funds generated in a contractual agreement made pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the special revenue fund and are appropriated to the department for purposes of providing the services specified in the contracts. The commissioner shall report revenues collected and expenditures made under this subdivision to the chairs of the Committees on Ways and Means in the house of representatives and Finance in the senate by January 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Subd. 2.Grants.

The commissioner is authorized to enter into grant agreements for the provision of statutorily prescribed natural resources services with any public or private entity. The grant agreements shall specify the services to be provided to the department and the amount and method of payment after services are rendered.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2017 c 93 art 2 s 166]

Subd. 4.Paying grant-eligible expenditures.

Notwithstanding section 16A.41, the commissioner may make payments for otherwise eligible grant-program expenditures that are made on or after the effective date of the appropriation that funds the payments for:

(1) grants-in-aid under sections 84.794, 84.803, 84.83, 84.927, and 85.44;

(2) local recreation grants under section 85.019; and

(3) enforcement and public education grants under sections 84.794, 84.803, 84.83, 84.927, 86B.701, 86B.705, and 87A.10.

History:

1984 c 654 art 2 s 78; 1985 c 248 s 68; 1986 c 444; 1998 c 386 art 2 s 25; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 3; 2004 c 255 s 2; 2004 c 284 art 2 s 9; 2006 c 281 art 1 s 1; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 19; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 11

84.0261 DISPOSITION OF REIMBURSEMENT FROM NATURAL DISASTERS.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, money received by the commissioner of natural resources as reimbursement for damages, losses, or service costs incurred because of a natural disaster shall be deposited in the special revenue fund and is appropriated to the commissioner to accomplish the goals of those programs from which funds were diverted in response to the natural disaster.

History:

1Sp2001 c 2 s 72

84.0262 RURAL CREDIT RECORDS.

The commissioner of natural resources shall have charge of the records of the former Department of Rural Credit and shall provide the public with appropriate access to and copies of the records.

History:

1973 c 87 s 2; 1973 c 494 s 4; 1983 c 289 s 32; 1986 c 444

84.0263 ISSUING QUITCLAIM DEEDS.

The commissioner of natural resources is empowered to issue quitclaim deeds in connection with loans made by the now defunct Department of Rural Credit, a former state agency. The commissioner shall issue the quitclaim deeds upon reasonable evidence the state of Minnesota no longer has a valid claim of title to the property involved. No fee shall be charged for the issuance of a quitclaim deed.

History:

1980 c 543 s 11; 1983 c 289 s 33

84.0264 FEDERAL LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS.

Subdivision 1.Designated agency.

The Department of Natural Resources is designated as the state agency to apply for, accept, receive, and disburse federal reimbursement funds and private funds that are granted to the state of Minnesota from section 6 of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

Subd. 2.State land and water conservation account.

A state land and water conservation account is created in the natural resources fund. All of the money made available to the state from funds granted under subdivision 1 shall be deposited in the state land and water conservation account.

Subd. 3.Local share.

Fifty percent of all money made available to the state from funds granted under subdivision 1 shall be distributed for projects to be acquired, developed, and maintained by local units of government, provided that any project approved is consistent with a statewide or a county or regional recreational plan and compatible with the statewide recreational plan. All money received by the commissioner for local units of government is appropriated annually to carry out the purposes for which the funds are received.

Subd. 4.State share.

Fifty percent of the money made available to the state from funds granted under subdivision 1 shall be used for state land acquisition and development for the state outdoor recreation system under chapter 86A and the administrative expenses necessary to maintain eligibility for the federal land and water conservation fund.

History:

1Sp2011 c 2 art 4 s 2

84.027 POWERS AND DUTIES.

Subdivision 1.Powers and duties.

The commissioner of natural resources shall be the administrative and executive head of the department. Subject to the provisions hereof and other applicable laws, the commissioner shall have the powers and duties herein prescribed. The enumeration of specific powers and duties herein shall not limit or exclude other powers or duties.

Subd. 2.General.

The commissioner shall have charge and control of all the public lands, parks, timber, waters, minerals, and wild animals of the state and of the use, sale, leasing, or other disposition thereof, and of all records pertaining to the performance of the commissioner's functions relating thereto.

Subd. 3.Former powers and duties of commissioner of conservation.

The commissioner shall have all the powers and duties prescribed for the commissioner of conservation by Laws 1931, chapter 186, all the powers and duties therein prescribed for the Conservation Commission except the power to appoint a commissioner, and all other powers and duties now prescribed by law for the commissioner of conservation, the Conservation Commission, the Department of Conservation, its divisions, or the director of any division.

Subd. 4.Certain powers and duties of state auditor.

The commissioner shall have all existing powers and duties now or heretofore vested in or imposed upon the state auditor in any capacity and not heretofore transferred to any other officer or agency with respect to the public lands, parks, timber, waters, and minerals of the state, and the records thereof; provided, that nothing herein shall divest the state auditor of any power or duty otherwise prescribed by law with respect to auditing, accounting, disbursement, or other disposition of funds pertaining to the matters herein specified, nor of any power or duty expressly vested in or imposed upon the state auditor by the following provisions of law:

(1) The provisions of Mason's Minnesota Statutes 1927, section 76, so far as the same pertain to the crediting of payments on account of state lands, timber, or other products to the proper funds, or to the depositing and keeping of conveyances and abstracts of title; also all other provisions pertaining to the filing or keeping of deeds, grants, or conveyances to the state or abstracts or other evidence of title to state property;

(2) All provisions pertaining to escheated property;

(3) Mason's Minnesota Statutes 1927, sections 2220, 6442 to 6449, 6646, 6660, and 8223.

Subd. 5.Land descriptions.

The commissioner shall have all the powers and duties prescribed for the state auditor by Mason's Supplement 1940, sections 5620-1 to 5620-13, 6452-1 to 6452-13, and 4031-75 to 4031-88, with respect to the receipt, filing, keeping, and certification of reports, lists, and records of descriptions of lands, reserving to the state auditor all other powers and duties therein prescribed for the state auditor. The county auditor shall make and transmit to the state auditor all the certificates and reports therein required except certificates and reports of land descriptions, which shall be made and transmitted to the commissioner.

Subd. 6.Land sales and conveyances.

The commissioner shall have all the powers and duties prescribed for the state auditor by Mason's Supplement 1940, sections 5620-13 1/2 to 5620-13 1/2j, as amended, and 2139-27b to 2139-27k, as amended, with respect to the receipt, filing, and keeping of reports of sales of land and the execution of conveyances, reserving to the state auditor all other powers and duties therein prescribed for the state auditor. The county auditors shall make and transmit to the commissioner all the certificates and reports therein required to be made to the state auditor with respect to such sales and conveyances. The county treasurers shall make all reports of collections thereunder in duplicate and shall transmit a copy of each report to the commissioner of management and budget and the commissioner.

Subd. 7.Limitation of powers.

Except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing herein shall confer on the commissioner any authority over any property of the state devoted pursuant to law to any specific purpose under any officer or agency of the state other than the commissioner or the Department of Natural Resources or its divisions.

Subd. 8.Selecting lands for certain purposes.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may select from any available lands owned by the United States in this state such lands as the commissioner deems suitable in lieu of any deficiencies which may have occurred in grants of school lands or other lands heretofore made to the state under any act of Congress, and may, with the approval of the Executive Council, accept on behalf of the state any grants or patents of lands so selected issued by the United States to the state.

(b) This subdivision shall not be deemed to amend, supersede, or repeal any existing law, but shall be supplementary thereto.

Subd. 9.Condemnation with landowner's consent.

If authorized by law to acquire any interest in real estate, the commissioner of natural resources may acquire by condemnation with the written consent of the landowner, that real estate which the commissioner deems to be in the best interests of the state. This subdivision shall apply only in those situations where condemnation is not otherwise authorized for the acquisition.

Subd. 10.Sale of surplus lands to local governments for recreational or natural resources purposes.

(a) The commissioner, with the approval of the state Executive Council, may sell the class of land or interest in land under paragraph (b) to a county, home rule charter or statutory city, town, or other governmental subdivision of the state for public use, including recreational or natural resource purposes.

(b) The commissioner may sell the class of land or interest in land that has been acquired by gift, purchase, or eminent domain and the commissioner has declared surplus. The commissioner shall declare land surplus in writing and state the reasons why the land or interest in land is no longer needed.

(c) The commissioner shall appraise the land or interest in land before the land or interest in land is sold, and may sell the land or interest in land for less than the appraised value if the commissioner determines, in writing, that it is in the public interest.

(d) The commissioner shall convey the state's interest in the name of the state by quitclaim deed in a form approved by the attorney general. The deed must reserve to the state minerals and mineral rights in the manner provided in sections 93.01 and 93.02, and provide that the land or interest in land reverts to the state if the governmental subdivision acquiring the land or interest in land:

(1) fails to provide the public use intended on the property;

(2) allows a public use other than the public use agreed to by the commissioner at the time of conveyance without the written approval of the commissioner; or

(3) abandons the public use of the property.

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 2 art 4 s 36]

Subd. 12.Property disposal; gift acknowledgment; advertising sales.

(a) The commissioner may recognize the contribution of money or in-kind services on plaques, signs, publications, audiovisual materials, and media advertisements by allowing the organization's contribution to be acknowledged in print of readable size.

(b) The commissioner may accept paid advertising for departmental publications. Advertising revenues received are appropriated to the commissioner to be used to defray costs of publications, media productions, or other informational materials. The commissioner may not accept paid advertising from any elected official or candidate for elective office.

Subd. 13.Game and fish rules.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459 and this subdivision that are authorized under:

(1) chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C to set open seasons and areas, to close seasons and areas, to select hunters for areas, to provide for tagging and registration of game and fish, to prohibit or allow taking of wild animals to protect a species, to prevent or control wildlife disease, to open or close bodies of water or portions of bodies of water for night bow fishing, and to prohibit or allow importation, transportation, or possession of a wild animal;

(2) sections 84.093, 84.15, and 84.152 to set seasons for harvesting wild ginseng roots and wild rice and to restrict or prohibit harvesting in designated areas; and

(3) section 84D.12 to designate prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, and unregulated nonnative species and to list infested waters.

(b) If conditions exist that do not allow the commissioner to comply with sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459, including the need to adjust season variables on an annual basis based upon current biological and harvest data, the commissioner may adopt a rule under this subdivision by submitting the rule to the attorney general for review under section 97A.0455, publishing a notice in the State Register and filing the rule with the secretary of state and the Legislative Coordinating Commission, and complying with section 97A.0459, and including a statement of the conditions and a copy of the rule in the notice. The conditions for opening a water body or portion of a water body for night bow fishing under this section may include the need to temporarily open the area to evaluate compatibility of the activity on that body of water prior to permanent rulemaking. The notice may be published after it is received from the attorney general or five business days after it is submitted to the attorney general, whichever is earlier.

(c) Rules adopted under paragraph (b) are effective upon publishing in the State Register and may be effective up to seven days before publishing and filing under paragraph (b), if:

(1) the commissioner of natural resources determines that an emergency exists;

(2) the attorney general approves the rule; and

(3) for a rule that affects more than three counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper published in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, or for a rule that affects three or fewer counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper in each of the affected counties.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e), a rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may not be effective earlier than seven days after publication.

(e) A rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may be effective the day the rule is published if the commissioner gives notice and holds a public hearing on the rule within 15 days before publication.

(f) The commissioner shall attempt to notify persons or groups of persons affected by rules adopted under paragraphs (b) and (c) by public announcements, posting, and other appropriate means as determined by the commissioner.

(g) Notwithstanding section 97A.0458, a rule adopted under this subdivision is effective for the period stated in the notice but not longer than 18 months after the rule is effective.

Subd. 13a.Game and fish expedited permanent rules.

(a) In addition to the authority granted in subdivision 13, the commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under section 14.389 that are authorized under:

(1) chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C to describe zone or permit area boundaries, to designate fish spawning beds or fish preserves, to select hunters or anglers for areas, to provide for registration of game or fish, to prevent or control wildlife disease, or to correct errors or omissions in rules that do not have a substantive effect on the intent or application of the original rule; or

(2) section 84D.12 to designate prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, and unregulated nonnative species.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under section 14.389 that are authorized under chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C, for purposes in addition to those listed in paragraph (a), clause (1), subject to the notice and public hearing provisions of section 14.389, subdivision 5.

Subd. 14.Mission; efficiency.

It is part of the department's mission that within the department's resources the commissioner shall endeavor to:

(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;

(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources and operate the department as efficiently as possible;

(3) coordinate the department's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of other governmental agencies;

(4) use technology where appropriate to increase agency productivity, improve customer service, increase public access to information about government, and increase public participation in the business of government;

(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A;

(6) report to the legislature on the performance of agency operations and the accomplishment of agency goals in the agency's biennial budget according to section 16A.10, subdivision 1;

(7) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the mission and improve the performance of the department; and

(8) plan and implement activities designed to recruit new outdoor recreation participants, including youth, women, and minorities, and retain existing participants. This includes but is not limited to anglers, hunters, trappers, and campers.

Subd. 14a.Permitting efficiency; public notice.

(a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and resource management permits be issued or denied within 90 days for tier 1 permits or 150 days for tier 2 permits following submission of a permit application. The commissioner of natural resources shall establish management systems designed to achieve the goal.

(b) The commissioner shall prepare an annual permitting efficiency report that includes statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a) and the criteria for tier 2 by permit categories. The report is due August 1 each year. For permit applications that have not met the goal, the report must state the reasons for not meeting the goal. In stating the reasons for not meeting the goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the level of public engagement. The report must specify the number of days from initial submission of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete. The report must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program or system changes are necessary to achieve the goal. The report must be posted on the department's website and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over natural resources policy and finance.

(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review and permit documents to the department.

(d) Within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the permit applicant, in writing, whether the application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines that an application is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate all deficiencies, citing specific provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and advise the applicant on how the deficiencies can be remedied. If the commissioner determines that the application is complete, the notice must confirm the application's tier 1 or tier 2 permit status. If the commissioner believes that a complete application for a tier 2 construction permit cannot be issued within the 150-day goal, the commissioner must provide notice to the applicant with the commissioner's notice that the application is complete and, upon request of the applicant, provide the permit applicant with a schedule estimating when the agency will begin drafting the permit and issue the public notice of the draft permit. This paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.

(e) When public notice of a draft individual tier 2 permit is required, the commissioner must provide the applicant a draft permit for review by the applicant within 30 days after determining the proposal conforms to all federal and state laws and rules, unless the permit applicant and the commissioner mutually agree to a different date. The commissioner must consider all comments submitted by the applicant before issuing the permit.

Subd. 14b.Expediting costs; reimbursement.

Permit applicants needing any permit from the commissioner of natural resources to construct, reconstruct, or modify a project or to operate a facility may offer to reimburse the department for the costs of staff time or consultant services needed to expedite the preapplication process and permit development process through the final decision on the permit, including the analysis of environmental review documents. The reimbursement shall be in addition to permit application fees imposed by law. When the commissioner determines that additional resources are needed to develop the permit application in an expedited manner, and that expediting the development is consistent with permitting program priorities, the commissioner may accept the reimbursement. The commissioner must give the permit applicant an estimate of costs for the expedited service to be incurred by the commissioner. The estimate must include a brief description of the tasks to be performed, a schedule for completing the tasks, and the estimated cost for each task. The proposer and the commissioner shall enter into a written agreement detailing the estimated costs for the expedited service to be incurred by the department. The agreement must also identify staff anticipated to be assigned to the project. The commissioner must not issue a permit until the applicant has paid all fees in full. The commissioner must refund any unobligated balance of fees paid. Reimbursements accepted by the commissioner are appropriated to the commissioner for the purpose of developing the permit or analyzing environmental review documents. Reimbursement by a permit applicant shall precede and not be contingent upon issuance of a permit; shall not affect the commissioner's decision on whether to issue or deny a permit, what conditions are included in a permit, or the application of state and federal statutes and rules governing permit determinations; and shall not affect final decisions regarding environmental review.

Subd. 15.Electronic transactions.

(a) The commissioner may receive an application for, sell, and issue any license, stamp, permit, pass, sticker, gift card, safety training certification, registration, or transfer under the jurisdiction of the commissioner by electronic means, including by telephone. Notwithstanding section 97A.472, electronic and telephone transactions may be made outside of the state. The commissioner may:

(1) provide for the electronic transfer of funds generated by electronic transactions, including by telephone;

(2) assign an identification number to an applicant who purchases a hunting or fishing license or recreational vehicle registration by electronic means, to serve as temporary authorization to engage in the activity requiring a license or registration until the license or registration is received or expires;

(3) charge and permit agents to charge a fee of individuals who make electronic transactions and transactions by telephone or Internet, including issuing fees and an additional transaction fee not to exceed $3.50;

(4) charge and permit agents to charge a convenience fee not to exceed three percent of the cost of the license to individuals who use electronic bank cards for payment. An electronic licensing system agent charging a fee of individuals making an electronic bank card transaction in person must post a sign informing individuals of the fee. The sign must be near the point of payment, clearly visible, include the amount of the fee, and state: "License agents are allowed by state law to charge a fee not to exceed three percent of the cost of state licenses to persons who use electronic bank cards for payment. The fee is not required by state law.";

(5) establish, by written order, an electronic licensing system commission to be paid by revenues generated from all sales made through the electronic licensing system. The commissioner shall establish the commission in a manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs involved in providing the electronic licensing system; and

(6) adopt rules to administer the provisions of this subdivision.

(b) The fees established under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), and the commission established under paragraph (a), clause (5), are not subject to the rulemaking procedures of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

(c) Money received from fees and commissions collected under this subdivision, including interest earned, is annually appropriated from the game and fish fund and the natural resources fund to the commissioner for the cost of electronic licensing.

(d) Game and fish licenses under chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C shall be available by electronic transaction, regardless of whether all or any part of the biennial appropriation law for the department has been enacted. If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, legislation has not been enacted to appropriate money to the commissioner of management and budget for central accounting, procurement, payroll, and human resources functions, amounts necessary to operate those functions for the purpose of this paragraph are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of management and budget. As necessary, the commissioner may transfer a portion of this appropriation to other state agencies to support carrying out these functions. Any subsequent appropriation to the commissioner of management and budget for a biennium in which this section is applicable supersedes and replaces the funding authorized in this paragraph.

Subd. 16.Commissioner to administer grants programs.

Unless otherwise specified by law, the commissioner may establish the procedures and criteria for selection of projects funded through authorized grants and research programs. Procedures and criteria for selection are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 17.Background checks for volunteer instructors.

(a) The commissioner may conduct background checks for volunteer instructor applicants for department safety training and education programs, including the programs established under sections 84.791 (youth off-highway motorcycle safety education and training), 84.86 and 84.862 (youth and adult snowmobile safety training), 84.925 (youth all-terrain vehicle safety education and training), 97B.015 (youth firearms safety training), and 97B.025 (hunter and trapper education and training).

(b) The commissioner shall perform the background check by retrieving criminal history data as defined in section 13.87 maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the Department of Public Safety and other data sources.

(c) The commissioner shall develop a standardized form to be used for requesting a background check, which must include:

(1) a notification to the applicant that the commissioner will conduct a background check under this section;

(2) a notification to the applicant of the applicant's rights under paragraph (d); and

(3) a signed consent by the applicant to conduct the background check expiring one year from the date of signature.

(d) The volunteer instructor applicant who is the subject of a background check has the right to:

(1) be informed that the commissioner will request a background check on the applicant;

(2) be informed by the commissioner of the results of the background check and obtain a copy of the background check;

(3) obtain any record that forms the basis for the background check and report;

(4) challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the report or a record; and

(5) be informed by the commissioner if the applicant is rejected because of the result of the background check.

Subd. 18.Permanent school fund authority; reporting.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources has the authority and responsibility to administer school trust lands under sections 92.122 and 127A.31. The commissioner shall biannually report to the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission and the legislature on the management of the school trust lands that shows how the commissioner has and will continue to achieve the following goals:

(1) manage the school trust lands efficiently and in a manner that reflects the undivided loyalty to the beneficiaries consistent with the commissioner's fiduciary duties;

(2) reduce the management expenditures of school trust lands and maximize the revenues deposited in the permanent school trust fund;

(3) manage the sale, exchange, and commercial leasing of school trust lands, requiring returns of not less than fair market value, to maximize the revenues deposited in the permanent school trust fund and retain the value from the long-term appreciation of the school trust lands;

(4) manage the school trust lands to maximize the long-term economic return for the permanent school trust fund while maintaining sound natural resource conservation and management principles;

(5) optimize school trust land revenues and maximize the value of the trust consistent with balancing short-term and long-term interests, so that long-term benefits are not lost in an effort to maximize short-term gains; and

(6) maintain the integrity of the trust and prevent the misapplication of its lands and its revenues.

(b) When the commissioner finds an irresolvable conflict between maximizing the long-term economic return and protecting natural resources and recreational values on school trust lands, the commissioner shall give precedence to the long-term economic return in managing school trust lands. By July 1, 2018, the permanent school fund must be compensated for all school trust lands included under a designation or policy provision that prohibits long-term economic return. The commissioner shall submit recommendations to the appropriate legislative committees and divisions on methods of funding for the compensation required under this paragraph, including recommendations for appropriations from the general fund, nongeneral funds, and the state bond fund. Any uncompensated designation or policy provision restrictions on the long-term economic return on school trust lands remaining after July 1, 2018, must be compiled and submitted to the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission for review.

(c) By December 31, 2013, the report required under paragraph (a) must provide an inventory and identification of all school trust lands that are included under a designation or policy provision that prohibits long-term economic return. The report must include a plan to compensate the permanent school fund through the purchase or exchange of the lands or a plan to manage the school trust land to generate long-term economic return to the permanent school fund. Subsequent reports under paragraph (a) must include a status report of the commissioner's progress in maximizing the long-term economic return on lands identified in the 2013 report.

(d) When management practices, policies, or designations by the commissioner diminish or prohibit the long-term economic return on school trust land, the conflict must be resolved as provided in section 92.122.

Subd. 19.Federal law compliance.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner may establish, by written order, policies for the use and operation of other power-driven mobility devices, as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 28, section 35.104, on lands and in facilities administered by the commissioner for the purposes of implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act, United States Code, title 42, section 12101 et seq. These policies are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 20.Hunting licenses to critically ill persons.

The commissioner may allow critically ill persons to purchase, once in a lifetime, hunting licenses otherwise limited by a lottery drawing, which licenses allow for taking game within established hunting seasons or season frameworks. The commissioner may provide the licenses to persons who are participating in a program for critically ill hunters sponsored by a nonprofit organization with expertise in providing hunting opportunities to hunters who are gravely ill or have physical disabilities. The commissioner may provide licenses or permits otherwise limited by drawings, including wild turkey, deer, bear, prairie chicken, and wolf. The commissioner may not allow the purchase of moose and elk licenses under this subdivision. Deer licenses authorized by the commissioner under this subdivision may be for deer of either sex.

History:

1943 c 60 s 2; 1953 c 382 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1976 c 96 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 628 s 1; 1993 c 172 s 32; 1994 c 509 s 1; 1995 c 233 art 2 s 39; 1995 c 248 art 11 s 6; 1996 c 385 art 2 s 1; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 20; 1997 c 216 s 58; 1998 c 366 s 53; 1999 c 92 s 1; 1999 c 231 s 83; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 12; 2004 c 221 s 2; 2004 c 243 s 3; 2004 c 255 s 3; 2005 c 146 s 2,3; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 13,14; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 20; 2008 c 357 s 2; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 4; 2009 c 59 art 6 s 2; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 1; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 2; 2011 c 4 s 1; 2012 c 150 art 1 s 1; 2012 c 249 s 4,12; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 1,2; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 2; 2013 c 121 s 1-3; 2014 c 237 s 2,3; 2014 c 289 s 2-5; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 1; 2016 c 189 art 3 s 8,9; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 2,3; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 12

84.0271 [Repealed, 1984 c 553 s 2]

84.0272 PROCEDURE IN ACQUIRING LANDS.

Subdivision 1.Acquisition procedure.

When the commissioner of natural resources is authorized to acquire lands or interests in lands the procedure set forth in this section shall apply. The commissioner of natural resources shall first prepare a fact sheet showing the lands to be acquired, the legal authority for their acquisition, and the qualities of the land that make it a desirable acquisition. The commissioner of natural resources shall cause the lands to be appraised. An appraiser shall before entering upon the duties of office take and subscribe an oath to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties as appraiser according to the best of the appraiser's ability and that the appraiser is not interested directly or indirectly in any of the lands to be appraised or the timber or improvements thereon or in the sale thereof and has entered into no agreement or combination to purchase the same or any part thereof, which oath shall be attached to the report of the appraisal. The commissioner of natural resources may pay less than the appraised value, but shall not agree to pay more than ten percent above the appraised value, except that if the commissioner pays less than the appraised value for a parcel of land, the difference between the purchase price and the appraised value may be used to apply to purchases at more than the appraised value. The sum of accumulated differences between appraised amounts and purchases for more than the appraised amount may not exceed the sum of accumulated differences between appraised amounts and purchases for less than the appraised amount. New appraisals may be made at the discretion of the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 2.Stream easements.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the commissioner may acquire permanent stream easements for angler access, fish management, and habitat work for a onetime payment based on a value attributed to both the stream and the easement corridor. The payment shall equal:

(1) the per linear foot of stream within the easement corridor times $5; plus

(2) the easement corridor acres times the estimated market value.

(b) The estimated market value is equal to:

(1) the agricultural market value plus the rural vacant market value plus the managed forest market value; divided by

(2) the acres of agricultural land plus the rural vacant land plus the managed forest land.

(c) The agricultural market value, rural vacant market value, and managed forest market value or equivalent are determined from data collected by the Department of Revenue during its annual spring mini abstract survey. If the Department of Revenue changes its property type groups for its annual spring mini abstract survey, the agricultural market value, the rural vacant market value, and the managed forest market value shall be determined by the commissioner from data collected by the Department of Revenue in a manner that provides the most reasonable substitute for the market values as presently reported. The commissioner must use the most recent available data for the city or township within which the easement corridor is located.

(d) The commissioner shall periodically review the easement payment rates under this subdivision to determine whether the stream easement payments reflect current shoreland market values. If the commissioner determines that the easements do not reflect current shoreland market values, the commissioner shall report to the senate and house of representatives natural resources policy committees with recommendations for changes to this subdivision that are necessary for the stream easement payment rates to reflect current shoreland market values. The recommendations may include an adjustment to the dollar amount in paragraph (a), clause (1).

Subd. 3.Minimal value acquisition.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 1, if the commissioner determines that lands or interests in land have a value less than $100,000, the commissioner may acquire the lands for the value determined by the commissioner without an appraisal. The commissioner shall make the determination based upon:

(1) up to the most recent assessed market value of the land or interests in land as determined by the county assessor of the county in which the land or interests in land is located, plus ten percent;

(2) a sale price of the land or interests in land, provided the sale occurred within the past year;

(3) the sale prices of comparable Department of Natural Resources land sales or acquisitions of interests in land located in the vicinity and sold within the past year; or

(4) an appraisal of the land or interests in land conducted within the past year.

(b) In the event the value is less than $1,000, the commissioner may add a transaction incentive, provided that the sum of the incentive plus the value of the land does not exceed $1,000.

Subd. 4.Agreement by landowner.

The commissioner shall utilize the valuation methods prescribed in subdivisions 2 and 3 only with prior consent of the landowner from whom the state proposes to purchase land or interests in land.

Subd. 5.Easement information.

Parties to an easement purchased under the authority of the commissioner must:

(1) specify in the easement all provisions that are perpetual in nature;

(2) file the easement with the county recorder or registrar of titles in the county in which the land is located; and

(3) submit an electronic copy of the easement to the commissioner.

History:

1975 c 144 s 1; 1980 c 458 s 10; 1984 c 553 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 404 s 92; 1989 c 335 art 1 s 67; 2002 c 366 s 1; 2004 c 262 art 2 s 1,2; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 21; 2007 c 131 art 2 s 1; 2011 c 3 s 1

84.0273 ESTABLISHING BOUNDARY LINES RELATING TO CERTAIN STATE LANDHOLDINGS.

(a) To resolve boundary line issues affecting the ownership interests of the state and adjacent landowners, the commissioner of natural resources may, in the name of the state upon terms the commissioner deems appropriate, convey, by a boundary line agreement, quitclaim deed, or management agreement in such form as the attorney general approves, such rights, titles, and interests of the state in state lands for such rights, titles, and interests in adjacent lands as are necessary to establish boundaries. The commissioner must publish a notice of the proposed conveyance and a brief statement of the reason for the conveyance once in the State Register at least 30 days before the conveyance. This paragraph is not intended to replace or supersede laws relating to land exchange or disposal of surplus state property.

(b) To resolve trespass issues affecting the ownership interests of the state and adjacent landowners, the commissioner of natural resources, in the name of the state, may sell surplus lands not needed for natural resource purposes at private sale to adjoining property owners and leaseholders. The conveyance must be by quitclaim in a form approved by the attorney general for a consideration not less than the value determined according to section 94.10, subdivision 1.

(c) Paragraph (b) applies to all state-owned lands managed by the commissioner of natural resources, except school trust land as defined in section 92.025. For acquired lands, the commissioner may sell the surplus lands as provided in paragraph (b) notwithstanding the offering to public entities, public sale, and related notice and publication requirements of sections 94.09 to 94.165. For consolidated conservation lands, the commissioner may sell the surplus lands as provided in paragraph (b) notwithstanding the classification and public sale provisions of chapters 84A and 282.

History:

1980 c 458 s 9; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 285 s 1; 1997 c 216 s 59; 2009 c 176 art 3 s 1; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 4 s 1

84.0274 LANDOWNERS' BILL OF RIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.Citation.

This section may be cited as "the landowners' bill of rights."

Subd. 2.Policy.

It is the intent of this section to clarify the responsibilities of the state in the natural resources land acquisition process and to provide additional protections to landowners in their dealings with the state.

Subd. 3.Condemnation limits.

No lands shall be acquired by the commissioner of natural resources by means of condemnation unless the owner requests that the owner's lands be condemned or the condemnation is specifically authorized by law. Notwithstanding subdivision 5, paragraph (g), and sections 117.52 and 117.521, the owner shall not be paid relocation costs when the owner requests that the owner's lands be condemned.

Subd. 4.Rights cumulative.

The protections for landowners and responsibilities of the state set forth in this section shall not limit, but shall be in addition to all rights and responsibilities contained in state or federal law.

Subd. 5.Owner's rights.

When the state proposes to purchase in fee or any lesser interest in land which will be administered by the commissioner of natural resources, the landowner shall have the following rights:

(a) the right to be informed of the specific intended use of the property and of any change in the intended use of the property which occurs during the acquisition process. The owner shall also be informed that the documents regarding the purchase will be public records if the land is purchased by the state;

(b) the right to be paid a fair price for the property. The price shall include the fair market value of the land plus:

(1) all necessary incidental costs such as abstracting and recording fees related to the sale. The costs of clearing title defects, paying taxes, and attorney's fees are not reimbursable; and

(2) any penalties incurred by the owner where the property is security for a loan or advance of credit that contains a provision requiring or permitting the imposition of a penalty if the loan or advance of credit is prepaid;

(c) the right to payment, at the owner's election, in a lump sum or in up to four annual installments;

(d) the right to have the property fairly appraised by the state. The state's appraiser shall physically inspect the property and the owner shall be allowed to accompany the appraiser when the appraisal is made. The state's appraiser shall certify in the appraisal report to having physically inspected the property and having given the landowner an opportunity to accompany the appraiser on inspections. Notwithstanding section 13.44, subdivision 3, before an offer is made, the landowner shall be informed of the value determined pursuant to section 84.0272;

(e) the right to retain a qualified independent appraiser to conduct an appraisal at any time prior to certification of the state's appraisal of the property and to have that appraisal considered along with the state's in certifying the selling price and the right to be reimbursed for appraisal fees up to $1,500 if the land is sold to the state;

(f) the right to have the state acquire the property by means of condemnation upon the owner's request with the agreement of the commissioner;

(g) when the property is being acquired by condemnation or the condemnation is specifically authorized by law, the right to receive or waive relocation assistance, services, payments and benefits as provided in sections 117.52 and 117.521 and to contest the state's offer for relocation and moving expenses;

(h) the right to accept the state's offer for the property;

(i) the right to continue occupancy of the property until full payment is received, provided that when the owner elects to receive payment in annual installments pursuant to clause (c), the owner may retain occupancy until the first payment is made; and

(j) the right to seek the advice of counsel regarding any aspect of the land transaction.

Subd. 6.State's responsibilities.

When the state proposes to purchase land for natural resources purposes, the commissioner of natural resources and, where applicable, the commissioner of administration shall have the following responsibilities:

(1) the responsibility to deal fairly and openly with the landowner in the purchase of property;

(2) the responsibility to refrain from discussing price with the landowner before an appraisal has been made. In addition, the same person shall not both appraise and negotiate for purchase of a tract of land. This paragraph does not apply to the state when discussing with a landowner the trout stream easement payment determined under section 84.0272, subdivision 2, the native prairie bank easement payment determined under section 84.96, subdivision 5, or the Camp Ripley's Army compatible use buffer easement payment determined under section 84.0277, subdivision 2;

(3) the responsibility to use private fee appraisers to lower the state's acquisition costs to the greatest extent practicable; and

(4) the responsibility to acquire land in as expeditious a manner as possible. No option shall be made for a period of greater than two months if no survey is required or for nine months if a survey is required, unless the landowner, in writing, expressly requests a longer period of time. Provided that, if county board approval of the transaction is required pursuant to section 97A.145, no time limits shall apply. If the state elects not to purchase property upon which it has an option, it shall pay the landowner $500 after the expiration of the option period. If the state elects to purchase the property, unless the landowner elects otherwise, payment to the landowner shall be made no later than 90 days following the state's election to purchase the property provided that the title is marketable and the owner acts expeditiously to complete the transaction.

Subd. 7.Disclosure.

When the state proposes to purchase lands for natural resources purposes, the landowner shall be given a written statement in lay terms of the rights and responsibilities provided for in subdivisions 5 and 6. Before a purchase can be made, the landowner must sign a statement acknowledging in writing that the statement has been provided and explained to the landowner. Within 60 days following the date of final approval of Laws 1980, chapter 45B, the commissioner of natural resources shall submit a proposed form for the statement to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. The commission shall review the proposed form for compliance with the intent of this section and shall make any changes which it deems proper.

Subd. 8.Exception for railroad right-of-way acquisitions.

When the commissioner of natural resources acquires abandoned railroad right-of-way from a railroad, railroad holding company, or similar entity, any or all of the provisions of this section may be waived by mutual agreement of the commissioner and the landowner.

Subd. 9.Exception for nonprofit organizations and governmental entities.

When the commissioner acquires land or interests in land from a nonprofit organization or governmental entity, any or all of the provisions of this section may be waived by mutual agreement of the commissioner and the nonprofit organization or governmental entity.

Subd. 10.Right of first refusal agreement.

The commissioner may enter into a right of first refusal agreement with a landowner prior to determining the value of the land. No right of first refusal agreement shall be made for a period of greater than two years and payment to the landowner for entry into the agreement shall not exceed $5,000.

History:

1980 c 458 s 1-7; 1986 c 386 art 4 s 5; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 690 art 1 s 1; 1989 c 335 art 1 s 68,269; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 15,16; 2006 c 243 s 21; 2007 c 129 s 47; 2007 c 131 art 2 s 2; 2013 c 73 s 1; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 2,3

84.0275 VIOLATIONS.

If the state acquires any land for natural resources purposes in violation of any of the provisions of section 84.0274, subdivisions 5 to 7, the landowner may maintain an action against the commissioner of natural resources for any damages suffered. However, no title to land purchased for natural resources purposes will be invalid as a result of such violations.

History:

1980 c 458 s 8

84.0276 LAND TRANSFERS BY A FEDERAL AGENCY.

Before the commissioner of natural resources accepts agricultural land or a farm homestead transferred in fee by a federal agency, the commissioner must consult with the Board of Water and Soil Resources for a determination of marginal land, tillable farmland, and farm homestead. The commissioner must comply with the acquisition procedure under section 97A.145, subdivision 2, if the agricultural land or farm homestead was in an agricultural preserve as provided in section 40A.10.

History:

1989 c 350 art 6 s 1; 1989 c 353 s 7

84.0277 CAMP RIPLEY BUFFER EASEMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Acquisition authorized.

The commissioner may acquire, from willing sellers, perpetual conservation easements on behalf of the state and federal government consistent with Camp Ripley's Army compatible use buffer project. This project is geographically defined as a three-mile zone around Camp Ripley in central Minnesota.

Subd. 2.Payments; terms.

Notwithstanding sections 84.0272, subdivision 1, and 84.0274, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), the commissioner may make payments to a landowner under this subdivision to acquire a perpetual conservation easement according to subdivision 1. The onetime payment may be based on the following:

(1) if the easement prohibits the construction of any new buildings or permanent structures upon the land, the commissioner may pay 60 percent of the most recent assessed market value of the land as determined by the county assessor of the county in which the land is located; or

(2) if the easement prohibits the construction of any new buildings or permanent structures upon the land and grants the public the right to access the land for natural resource-based outdoor recreation, the commissioner may pay 70 percent of the most recent assessed market value of the land as determined by the county assessor of the county in which the land is located.

History:

2009 c 176 art 3 s 2

84.028 COMMISSIONER OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Commissioner to control department responsibilities.

The powers, duties and responsibilities of the Department of Natural Resources relating to boat safety, firearm safety, wild rice harvest program, ginseng harvest program, and such other programs as are now or hereafter vested by statute in the Department of Natural Resources, shall be under the control and supervision of the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 2.Development and planning duties.

The overall coordination of acquisition and development programs, comprehensive planning activities, including statewide recreational planning programs required by state or federal law, and not the responsibility of the commissioner of employment and economic development, are under the control and supervision of the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Game warden duties; conservation officers.

The operation of the Game Warden Service in the Division of Game and Fish as constituted before July 1, 1967 is under the direct control and supervision of the commissioner. The name of the personnel in such Game Warden Service is changed to conservation officers. Conservation officers shall continue to have the powers and duties of game wardens as they existed before July 1, 1967 and may be assigned to public relations, conservation instructional activities, and the enforcement of laws relating to resources management which the commissioner shall direct. The commissioner shall create a separate division entitled the Division of Enforcement, to be composed of conservation officers and shall appoint a director of the division. The commissioner may place the director's position in the unclassified service if the position meets the criteria established in section 43A.08, subdivision 1a.

History:

1967 c 905 s 3; 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 5; art 10 s 2; 1979 c 94 s 1; 1981 c 356 s 100; 1982 c 560 s 41; 1983 c 289 s 115 subd 1; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 26 subd 2; 1Sp2003 c 4 s 1; 2014 c 248 s 3

84.0285 GAME AND FISH CITATION QUOTAS PROHIBITED.

The commissioner of natural resources, or the director of the Division of Enforcement and Field Service, may not order, mandate, require, or in any manner suggest, directly or indirectly, to a conservation officer that the conservation officer issue a certain number of game and fish law violations on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly quota basis.

History:

1986 c 386 art 4 s 6; 1986 c 474 s 1; 2001 c 32 s 1

84.0286 CONSERVATION OFFICER PATROL VEHICLE SECURITY BARRIER; EXEMPTION.

Marked conservation officer patrol vehicles are exempt from any law or rule requiring a security barrier in the vehicle.

History:

2004 c 260 s 1

84.029 RECREATIONAL AREAS ON PUBLIC LAND.

Subdivision 1.Establishment, development, maintenance, and operation.

In addition to other lawful authority, the commissioner of natural resources may establish, develop, maintain, and operate recreational areas, including but not limited to trails and state water trails, for the use and enjoyment of the public on any state-owned or leased land under the commissioner's jurisdiction. The commissioner may employ and designate individuals according to section 84.0835 to enforce laws governing the use of recreational areas. The commissioner may establish the recreational areas by written order published in the State Register.

Subd. 2.Acquiring land for trails.

The commissioner may acquire, by gift, purchase, or lease, easements or other interests in land for trails, and recreational uses related to trails, where necessary to complete trails established primarily in state forests, state parks, or other public land under the jurisdiction of the commissioner, when railroad rights-of-way are abandoned, when the use of township roads is compatible with vehicular travel, or when needed to complete trails established by the legislature.

Subd. 3.Rulemaking exemption.

Authority exercised by the commissioner according to this section is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386.

History:

1969 c 190 s 1,2; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1973 c 713 s 1; 1975 c 353 s 13; 1986 c 444; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 13; 2004 c 221 s 3,4; 2004 c 260 s 2; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 2; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 82

84.03 ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND POWERS.

(a) So far as practicable the commissioner shall collect and arrange statistics and other information in reference to the lands and general and special resources of the state.

(b) The commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered to take such measures as the commissioner may deem advisable to advertise, both within and without the state, sales of all state lands, and to secure, compile, and issue such valuable statistics of the resources of the state.

(c) The commissioner may adopt and promulgate reasonable rules, not inconsistent with law, governing the use and enjoyment of state land reserved from sale, state parks, state water-access sites, state trails, state monuments, state scientific and natural areas, state wilderness areas, and recreational areas owned by other state, local and federal agencies and operated under agreement by the Department of Natural Resources, which shall have the force and effect of law. A reasonable fee may be fixed, charged, and collected by the commissioner for the privilege of the use of any or all of the foregoing privileges and facilities.

(d) The commissioner, on or before November 15 of each even-numbered year, shall report to the legislature the commissioner's acts and doings, with recommendation for the improvement or conservation of state parks, state water-access sites, state trails, and state monuments, state scientific and natural areas, state forests, state wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, public shooting grounds, food and cover planting areas, wildlife lands, recreational or public hunting areas, state wild and scenic rivers, state wilderness areas, and all other recreational lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, and for desirable accessions thereto, such report to include an inventory of the tracts and parcels of land, and rights, interests, and easements therein, held by the state or withdrawn from sale for any of these purposes, with the value thereof, and a list of the name, location, size, and description of each state trail, state scientific and natural area, state wildlife management area, state water-access site, and state wild, scenic, or recreational river designated by the commissioner, and each public hunting grounds, public shooting grounds, food and cover planting area, wildlife lands, and recreational or public hunting area acquired by the commissioner since the last report. The commissioner shall maintain a long range plan governing the use of the public domain under the commissioner's jurisdiction.

History:

(77, 4342, 6460, 6466) 1905 c 201 s 1; 1907 c 267 s 5; 1923 c 430 s 8,14; 1941 c 222 s 1; 1967 c 905 s 4; 1969 c 470 s 2; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1974 c 406 s 59; 1975 c 353 s 14; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

84.031 [Repealed, 1990 c 391 art 10 s 4]

84.032 [Repealed, 1990 c 391 art 10 s 4]

84.033 SCIENTIFIC AND NATURAL AREAS.

Subdivision 1.Acquisition; designation.

The commissioner of natural resources may acquire by gift, lease, easement, exchange, or purchase, in the manner prescribed under chapter 117, in the name of the state, lands or any interest in lands suitable and desirable for establishing and maintaining scientific and natural areas. The commissioner shall designate any land so acquired as a scientific and natural area by written order published in the State Register and shall administer any land so acquired and designated as provided by section 86A.05. Designations of scientific and natural areas are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2005 c 161 s 26]

Subd. 3.County approval.

The commissioner must follow the procedures under section 97A.145, subdivision 2, when acquiring land for designation as a scientific and natural area under this section.

History:

1969 c 470 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1973 c 35 s 22; 1975 c 353 s 15; 2004 c 221 s 5; 2004 c 262 art 2 s 3; 2005 c 161 s 1; 2011 c 107 s 4

84.034 MAINTAINING CEMETERY; WHITEWATER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA.

The commissioner shall maintain in a proper and decent manner and keep free of weeds any cemetery in the Whitewater State Wildlife Management Area.

History:

1986 c 386 art 4 s 7

84.035 PEATLAND PROTECTION.

Subdivision 1.Citation.

Sections 84.035 and 84.036 may be cited as the "Minnesota Peatland Protection Act."

Subd. 2.Findings.

The legislature finds that certain Minnesota peatlands possess unique scientific, aesthetic, vegetative, hydrologic, geologic, wildlife, wilderness, and educational values and represent the various peatland ecological types in the state. The legislature finds that it is desirable and appropriate to protect and preserve these patterned peatlands as a peatland management system through establishment and designation of certain peatland core areas as scientific and natural areas.

Subd. 3.Definitions.

Unless language or context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended, the following terms, for the purposes of sections 84.035 and 84.036, have the meanings given to them.

(a) "Winter road" means an access route which may be used by vehicles only when the substrate is frozen, except as provided in subdivision 5, paragraph (b), clause (3).

(b) "Corridors of disturbance" means rights-of-way which are in existence on the effective date of Laws 1991, chapter 354, such as ditches, ditch banks, transmission lines, pipelines, permanent roads, winter roads, and recreational trails. The existence, on the effective date of Laws 1991, chapter 354, of a corridor of disturbance may be demonstrated by physical evidence, document recorded in the office of county recorder or other public official, aerial survey, or other evidence similar to the above.

(c) "State land" means land owned by the state of Minnesota and administered by the commissioner.

Subd. 4.Designating peatland scientific and natural areas.

Within the peatland areas described in section 84.036, state lands are hereby established and designated as scientific and natural areas to be preserved and managed by the commissioner in accordance with subdivision 5 and section 86A.05, subdivision 5.

Subd. 5.Activities in peatland scientific and natural areas.

Areas designated in subdivision 4 as peatland scientific and natural areas are subject to the following conditions:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), all restrictions otherwise applicable to scientific and natural areas designated under section 86A.05, subdivision 5, apply to the surface use and to any use of the mineral estate which would significantly modify or alter the peatland water levels or flows, peatland water chemistry, plant or animal species or communities, or other natural features of the peatland scientific and natural areas, including, but not limited to, the following prohibitions:

(1) construction of any new public drainage systems after the effective date of Laws 1991, chapter 354, or improvement or repair to a public drainage system in existence on the effective date of Laws 1991, chapter 354, under authority of chapter 103E, or any other alteration of surface water or groundwater levels or flows unless specifically permitted under paragraph (b), clause (5) or (6);

(2) removal of peat, sand, gravel, or other industrial minerals;

(3) exploratory boring or other exploration or removal of oil, natural gas, radioactive materials or metallic minerals which would significantly modify or alter the peatland water levels or flows, peatland water chemistry, plant or animal species or communities, or natural features of the peatland scientific and natural areas, except in the event of a national emergency declared by Congress;

(4) commercial timber harvesting;

(5) construction of new corridors of disturbance, of the kind defined in subdivision 3, after June 5, 1991; and

(6) ditching, draining, filling, or any other activities which modify or alter the peatland water levels or flows, peatland water chemistry, plant or animal species or communities, or other natural features of the peatland scientific and natural areas.

(b) The following activities are allowed:

(1) recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nature observation, or other recreational activities permitted in the management plan approved by the commissioner;

(2) scientific and educational work and research;

(3) maintenance of corridors of disturbance, including survey lines and preparation of winter roads, consistent with protection of the peatland ecosystem;

(4) use of corridors of disturbance unless limited by a management plan adopted by the commissioner under subdivision 6;

(5) improvements to a public drainage system in existence on the effective date of Laws 1991, chapter 354, only when it is for the protection and maintenance of the ecological integrity of the peatland scientific and natural area and when included in a management plan adopted by the commissioner under subdivision 6;

(6) repairs to a public drainage system in existence on the effective date of Laws 1991, chapter 354, which crosses a peatland scientific and natural area and is used for the purposes of providing a drainage outlet for lands outside of the peatland scientific and natural area, provided that there are no other feasible and prudent alternative means of providing the drainage outlet. The commissioner shall cooperate with the ditch authority in the determination of any feasible and prudent alternatives. No repairs which would significantly modify or alter the peatland water levels or flows, peatland water chemistry, plant or animal species or communities, or other natural features of the peatland scientific and natural areas shall be made unless approved by the commissioner;

(7) motorized uses on a corridor of disturbance, if the corridor existed on or before January 1, 1992, provided that recreational motorized uses may occur only when the substrate is frozen, or the corridor is snow packed, subject to a management plan developed in accordance with subdivision 6;

(8) control of forest insects, disease, and wildfires, as described in a management plan adopted by the commissioner under subdivision 6; and

(9) geological and geophysical surveys which would not significantly modify or alter the peatland water levels or flows, peatland water chemistry, plant or animal species or communities, or other natural features of the peatland scientific and natural areas.

Subd. 6.Management plans.

(a) The commissioner shall develop in consultation with the affected local government unit a management plan for each peatland scientific and natural area designated under section 84.036.

(b) The management plan shall address recreational trails. In those peatland scientific and natural areas where no corridor of disturbance was used as a recreational trail on or before January 1, 1992, the plan may permit only one corridor of disturbance, in each peatland scientific and natural area, to be used as a recreational motorized trail.

Subd. 7.Establishing baseline ecological data.

The commissioner shall establish baseline data on the ecology and biological diversity of peatland scientific and natural areas and provide for ongoing, long-term ecological monitoring to determine whether changes are occurring in the peatland scientific and natural areas. This research is intended to identify any changes occurring in peatland scientific and natural areas as a result of any permitted activities outside the peatland scientific and natural areas. This baseline data may include, but is not limited to, the history of the peatlands and their geologic origins, plant and animal communities, hydrology, water chemistry, and contaminants introduced from remote sources of atmospheric deposition.

Subd. 8.Ditch abandonments.

In order to eliminate repairs or improvements to any public drainage system that crosses a peatland scientific and natural area in those instances where the repair or improvement adversely affects an area, the commissioner may petition for the abandonment of parts of the public drainage system under section 103E.811. If the public drainage system is necessary as a drainage outlet for lands outside of the peatland scientific and natural area, the commissioner will cooperate with the ditch authority in the development of feasible and prudent alternative means of providing a drainage outlet which avoids the crossing of and damage to the peatland scientific and natural area. In so doing, the commissioner shall grant flowage easements to the ditch authority for disposal of the outlet water on other state lands. The ditch authority shall approve the abandonment of parts of any public drainage system crossing a peatland scientific and natural area if the public drainage system crossing of those areas is not necessary as a drainage outlet for lands outside of the areas or if there are feasible and prudent alternative means of providing a drainage outlet without crossing such areas. In any abandonment under this subdivision the commissioner may enter into an agreement with the ditch authority regarding apportionment of costs and, contingent upon appropriations of money for that purpose, may agree to pay a reasonable share of the cost of abandonment.

Subd. 9.Compensation for trust fund lands.

The commissioner shall acquire by exchange or eminent domain the surface interests, including peat, on trust fund lands contained in peatland scientific and natural areas established in subdivision 4.

Subd. 10.Acquisition of peatland scientific and natural areas.

(a) The commissioner may acquire by purchase the surface interests, including peat, of lands within the boundaries of the peatland areas described in section 84.036, that are owned, or that hereafter become owned, by the state and administered by the local county board.

(b) The commissioner shall designate any land acquired under this subdivision as peatland scientific and natural area and preserve and administer any land so acquired and designated in accordance with subdivision 5 and section 86A.05.

History:

1991 c 354 art 8 s 1; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1996 c 462 s 1,2; 1997 c 2 s 7; 2011 c 107 s 5

84.036 PEATLAND SCIENTIFIC AND NATURAL AREAS; DESIGNATION.

The following scientific and natural areas are established and are composed of all of the core peatland areas identified on maps in the 1984 commissioner of natural resources report, "Recommendations for the Protection of Ecologically Significant Peatlands in Minnesota" and maps on file at the Department of Natural Resources:

(1) Red Lake Scientific and Natural Area in Beltrami, Koochiching, and Lake of the Woods Counties;

(2) Myrtle Lake Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(3) Lost River Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(4) North Black River Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(5) Sand Lake Scientific and Natural Area in Lake County;

(6) Mulligan Lake Scientific and Natural Area in Lake of the Woods County;

(7) Lost Lake Scientific and Natural Area in St. Louis County;

(8) Pine Creek Scientific and Natural Area in Roseau County;

(9) Hole in the Bog Scientific and Natural Area in Cass County;

(10) Wawina Scientific and Natural Area in St. Louis County;

(11) Nett Lake Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(12) East Rat Root River Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(13) South Black River Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(14) Winter Road Lake Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County;

(15) Sprague Creek Scientific and Natural Area in Roseau County;

(16) Luxemberg Scientific and Natural Area in Roseau County;

(17) West Rat Root River Scientific and Natural Area in Koochiching County; and

(18) Norris Camp Scientific and Natural Area in Lake of the Woods County.

History:

1991 c 354 art 8 s 2

84.081 DEPARTMENT DIVISIONS AND BUREAUS.

Subdivision 1.Directors.

The Department of Natural Resources shall be organized into divisions subject to the commissioner's authority to revise or abolish existing divisions and to establish new divisions as prescribed under section 84.083, subdivision 1. Each division shall be under the immediate charge of a director, subject to the supervision and control of the commissioner. The commissioner may place a director's position in the unclassified service if the position meets the criteria established in section 43A.08, subdivision 1a. They shall be chosen with regard to knowledge, training, experience, ability in administering the work of their respective divisions, and with consideration given to applicable professional registration.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1991 c 326 s 27]

Subd. 3.Directors may employ assistants.

Each director, with the approval of the commissioner, may employ such assistants as may be necessary for the work of the director's division. Each director, with the approval of the commissioner, may designate one employee as deputy director, and may revoke such designation at any time, regardless of the civil service status of such employee and without affecting such status. Each deputy director may exercise all of the powers of the director, subject to the director's direction and control, including powers delegated by the commissioner unless otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.

History:

1943 c 60 s 3; 1943 c 601 s 1; 1947 c 587 s 17; 1949 c 356 s 1; 1949 c 739 s 7 subd 2; 1951 c 713 s 11; 1967 c 905 s 5; 1969 c 1129 art 3 s 6; 1973 c 615 s 1; 1982 c 560 s 42; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 306 s 2; 2014 c 248 s 4

84.082 VACANCIES.

In case of a vacancy in the office of commissioner or of any director, the respective deputy shall have all of the powers and perform all of the duties thereof until a successor, either as an acting or regular incumbent, has been appointed and has qualified; provided, no deputy commissioner serving as commissioner in the event of a vacancy shall have power to discharge a director or to revise or change the assignments of activities among the divisions of the department or to designate another deputy. While serving in such vacated office a deputy shall receive the same salary as the regular incumbent.

History:

1943 c 60 s 4; 1986 c 444

84.083 ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION OF DUTIES.

Subdivision 1.Division duties; delegation.

Each division shall have charge of administering the activities indicated by its title and such other duties and functions as may be assigned by the commissioner, subject to the right of the commissioner to revise and change assignments of any and all activities or of specific duties or functions at any time as the commissioner may see fit, including but not limited to the right to abolish or revise existing divisions or to establish new divisions. The commissioner may, by written order filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, delegate to the directors or other designated employees, any of the powers or duties vested in or imposed upon the commissioner by Laws 1943, chapter 60, or by any other law upon such conditions as the commissioner may prescribe and subject to modification or revocation at the commissioner's pleasure. Such delegated powers and duties may be exercised or performed by the respective directors or other employees in their own names or in the name of the commissioner, as the commissioner may direct.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

History:

1943 c 60 s 5; 1949 c 356 s 2; 1967 c 905 s 5,6; 1973 c 615 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1990 c 391 art 8 s 10,11

84.0835 DESIGNATION OF EMPLOYEES FOR LIMITED NATURAL RESOURCES LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Commissioner's authority to designate employees.

As provided in this section, the commissioner may designate by written order certain employees to enforce laws governing the use of state parks, state monuments, state recreation areas, state waysides, forest subareas, forest lands under the authority of the commissioner when incidental to trail management or normal forestry duties, and game preserves and other lands administered as wildlife management areas. The designation by the commissioner is not subject to rulemaking under chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 2.Designated employee authorities; generally.

An employee designated under subdivision 1:

(1) has citizen arrest powers according to sections 629.37 to 629.39;

(2) may issue citations, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, in lieu of arrest for petty misdemeanor violations and misdemeanor violations, unless the violation occurs in the presence of a conservation officer or other peace officer, as defined under section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c); and

(3) may issue a report of violation to be turned over to a conservation officer or other peace officer for possible charges at the peace officer's discretion.

Subd. 3.Citation authority.

Employees designated by the commissioner under subdivision 1 may issue citations, as specifically authorized under this subdivision, for violations of:

(1) sections 85.052, subdivision 3 (payment of camping fees in state parks), 85.45, subdivision 1 (cross-country-ski pass), 85.46 (horse pass), and 84.9275 (nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass);

(2) rules relating to hours and days of operation, restricted areas, noise, fireworks, environmental protection, fires and refuse, pets, picnicking, camping and dispersed camping, nonmotorized uses, construction of unauthorized permanent trails, mooring of boats, fish cleaning, swimming, storage and abandonment of personal property, structures and stands, animal trespass, state park individual and group motor vehicle permits, licensed motor vehicles, designated roads, and snowmobile operation off trails;

(3) rules relating to off-highway vehicle registration, display of registration numbers, required equipment, operation restrictions, off-trail use for hunting and trapping, and operation in lakes, rivers, and streams;

(4) rules relating to off-highway vehicle and snowmobile operation causing damage or in closed areas within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest;

(5) rules relating to parking, snow removal, and damage on state forest roads; and

(6) rules relating to controlled hunting zones on major wildlife management units.

History:

2004 c 260 s 3; 2006 c 282 art 9 s 6; 2009 c 37 art 1 s 10; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 82

84.084 TRANSFER OF FUNDS.

The commissioner may authorize the performance of services for any division by any other division or by the department staff, and, with the approval of the commissioner of administration, may require appropriate transfers of funds to compensate for the cost of such service.

History:

1943 c 60 s 6

84.0845 ADVANCE OF MATCHING FUNDS.

The commissioner may advance funds appropriated for fish and wildlife programs to government agencies, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, federally recognized Indian tribes and bands, and private, nonprofit organizations for the purposes of securing nonstate matching funds for projects involving acquisition and improvement of fish and wildlife habitat and related research and management. The commissioner shall execute agreements for contracts with the matching parties under sections 16C.03, subdivision 4, and 16C.05 prior to advancing any state funds. The agreement or contract shall contain provisions for return of the state's share and the matching funds within a period of time specified by the commissioner. The state's funds and the nonstate matching funds must be deposited in a separate account and expended solely for the purposes set forth in the agreement or contract. The commissioner shall enter into agreements or contracts only with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and federal and nonprofit authorities deemed by the commissioner to be dedicated to the purposes of the project.

History:

1993 c 269 s 1; 1998 c 386 art 2 s 26

84.0846 NATURAL RESOURCE SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES.

The commissioner of natural resources may advance funds appropriated for natural resource programs to government agencies, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, federally recognized Indian tribes and bands, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations deemed by the commissioner to be dedicated to the goals and objectives of the department for the purpose of sponsoring or cosponsoring conferences and seminars related to natural resources issues and management. The commissioner shall execute grants or contracts with the responsible parties under section 16C.05 prior to advancing any state funds and the agreements must provide for a full accounting of how the state's funds will be spent.

History:

2000 c 495 s 2

84.085 MS 1969 [Repealed, Ex1971 c 3 s 77 subd 3]

84.085 ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may accept for and on behalf of the state any gift, bequest, devise, or grants of lands or interest in lands or personal property of any kind or of money tendered to the state for any purpose pertaining to the activities of the department or any of its divisions. Any money so received is hereby appropriated and dedicated for the purpose for which it is granted. Lands and interests in lands so received may be sold or exchanged as provided in chapter 94. The deed conveying land or an interest in land to the state under this paragraph must clearly indicate whether the state may resell the donated land or interest in land.

(b) When the commissioner of natural resources accepts lands or interests in land, the commissioner may reimburse the donor for costs incurred to obtain an appraisal needed for tax reporting purposes. If the state pays the donor for a portion of the value of the lands or interests in lands that are donated, the reimbursement for appraisal costs shall not exceed $1,500. If the donor receives no payment from the state for the lands or interests in lands that are donated, the reimbursement for appraisal costs shall not exceed $5,000.

(c) The commissioner of natural resources, on behalf of the state, may accept and use grants of money or property from the United States or other grantors for conservation purposes not inconsistent with the laws of this state. Any money or property so received is hereby appropriated and dedicated for the purposes for which it is granted, and shall be expended or used solely for such purposes in accordance with the federal laws and regulations pertaining thereto, subject to applicable state laws and rules as to manner of expenditure or use providing that the commissioner may make subgrants of any money received to other agencies, units of local government, private individuals, private organizations, and private nonprofit corporations. Appropriate funds and accounts shall be maintained by the commissioner of management and budget to secure compliance with this section.

(d) The commissioner may accept for and on behalf of the permanent school fund a donation of lands, interest in lands, or improvements on lands. A donation so received shall become state property, be classified as school trust land as defined in section 92.025, and be managed consistent with section 127A.31. When the commissioner proposes to accept a donation of land or an interest in land, the commissioner must notify the landowner of the option to express in the deed whether the state may resell the land.

Subd. 2.Wetlands.

The commissioner of natural resources must accept a gift, bequest, devise, or grant of wetlands, as defined in section 103G.005, subdivision 19, or public waters wetlands, as defined in section 103G.005, subdivision 15a, unless:

(1) the commissioner determines that the value of the wetland for water quality, floodwater retention, public recreation, wildlife habitat, or other public benefits is minimal;

(2) the wetland has been degraded by activities conducted without a required permit by the person offering the wetland and the person has not taken actions determined by the commissioner to be necessary to restore the wetland;

(3) the commissioner determines that the wetland has been contaminated by a hazardous substance as defined in section 115B.02, subdivision 8, a pollutant or contaminant as defined in section 115B.02, subdivision 13, or petroleum as defined in section 115C.02, subdivision 10, and the contamination has not been remedied as required under chapter 115B or 115C;

(4) the wetland is subject to a lien or other encumbrance; or

(5) the commissioner, after reasonable effort, has been unable to obtain an access to the wetland.

History:

Ex1971 c 3 s 77 subd 1; 1984 c 654 art 2 s 79; 1989 c 51 s 1; 1991 c 354 art 10 s 1; 1994 c 578 s 1; 1996 c 462 s 43; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 4; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 14; 2006 c 281 art 3 s 1; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 3

84.0854 GIFT CARD AND CERTIFICATE SALES; RECEIPTS; TRANSFERS; APPROPRIATION.

Subdivision 1.Sales authorized; gift cards and certificates.

The commissioner may sell gift cards and certificates that can be used to purchase licenses, permits, products, or services sold by the commissioner. Gift cards and certificates are valid until they are redeemed. The commissioner may advertise the availability of this program and items offered for sale under this section. The commissioner may make the purchase and redemption of gift cards available electronically.

Subd. 2.Receipts; disposition.

Proceeds of gift card and certificate sales shall be deposited in an account in the special revenue fund. When gift cards or certificates are redeemed, funds shall be transferred to the appropriate account or fund based on the license, permit, product, or service purchased. Money in the gift card and certificate account shall accrue interest, which shall be credited to the account. Interest on funds in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to help cover the cost of administering the gift card and certificate program. Money from gift cards and certificates sold but unredeemed after three years shall be transferred to the various accounts and funds receiving revenue from purchases of licenses, permits, products, or services purchased with gift card or certificate redemptions in the last two fiscal years. Unredeemed funds shall be distributed based on the dollar value of cards redeemed for the various licenses, permits, products, or services on a pro rata basis.

Subd. 3.Exemption from rulemaking.

This section is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

History:

2009 c 37 art 1 s 11

84.0855 SALES; RECEIPTS; APPROPRIATION.

Subdivision 1.Sales authorized; gift certificates.

The commissioner may sell natural resources-related publications and maps; forest resource assessment products; federal migratory waterfowl, junior duck, and other federal stamps; and other nature-related merchandise, and may rent or sell items for the convenience of persons using Department of Natural Resources facilities or services. The commissioner may sell gift certificates for any items rented or sold. Notwithstanding section 16A.1285, a fee charged by the commissioner under this section may include a reasonable amount in excess of the actual cost to support Department of Natural Resources programs. The commissioner may advertise the availability of a program or item offered under this section.

Subd. 1a.Software sales.

Notwithstanding section 16E.15, the commissioner may sell or license intellectual property and software products or services developed by the department or custom developed by a vendor for the department.

Subd. 2.Receipts; appropriation.

Except as provided under section 89.421, money received by the commissioner under this section or to buy supplies for the use of volunteers, may be credited to one or more special accounts in the state treasury and is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes for which the money was received. Money received from sales at the state fair shall be available for state fair related costs. Money received from sales of intellectual property and software products or services shall be available for development, maintenance, and support of software products and systems.

Subd. 3.Exemption from rulemaking and legislative approval.

A fee charged under this section is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The commissioner may establish fees under this section notwithstanding section 16A.1283.

History:

1987 c 404 s 93; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 4; 1992 c 513 art 2 s 19; 1997 c 226 s 6; 1999 c 231 s 84,85; 2004 c 221 s 6; 2005 c 156 art 5 s 23; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 22,23

84.0856 FLEET MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT.

The commissioner of natural resources may bill organizational units within the Department of Natural Resources and other governmental units, including tribal governments, for the costs of providing them with equipment. Costs billed may include acquisition, licensing, insurance, maintenance, repair, and other direct costs as determined by the commissioner. Receipts and interest earned on the receipts shall be credited to a special account in the state treasury and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings were made.

History:

1987 c 404 s 94; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 3

84.0857 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may bill organizational units within the Department of Natural Resources and other governmental units, including tribal governments, for the costs of providing them with building and infrastructure facilities. Costs billed may include modifications and adaptations to allow for appropriate building occupancy, building code compliance, insurance, utility services, maintenance, repair, and other direct costs as determined by the commissioner. Receipts shall be credited to a special account in the state treasury and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings were made.

(b) Money deposited in the special account from the proceeds of a sale under section 94.16, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), is appropriated to the commissioner to acquire facilities or renovate existing buildings for administrative use or to acquire land for, design, and construct administrative buildings for the Department of Natural Resources.

(c) The commissioner of natural resources may bill organizational units within the Department of Natural Resources and other governmental units, including tribal governments, for the costs of operating facilities. Receipts shall be credited to a special account in the state treasury and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings were made.

History:

2004 c 255 s 4; 2008 c 357 s 3; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 4; 2014 c 289 s 6

84.086 SEALS, UNIFORMS, AND BADGES.

Subdivision 1.Seals required.

The Department of Natural Resources and the several divisions thereof shall have seals in the form and design heretofore adopted, bearing the words "State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources," also, in case of a division seal, the title of the division. The seals may be used to authenticate the official acts of the commissioner or the directors, respectively, but omission or absence of the seal shall not affect the validity or force of any such act.

Subd. 2.Badges and uniforms.

(a) The commissioner may provide for the issuance at state expense of such badges and uniforms as the commissioner deems necessary and suitable for officers or employees of the department and its divisions.

(b) Uniforms for conservation officers and their supervisors shall be equipped with distinctive emblems, and shall be distinctive from the uniforms of any division or section of the Department of Natural Resources, the State Patrol, or any other state department or agency.

History:

1943 c 60 s 8,9; 1965 c 181 s 1; 1967 c 905 s 9; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1981 c 37 s 2; 1986 c 444

84.087 KEEPING RECORDS AND ORDERS.

Except as otherwise prescribed or required by law, the originals of all official records, orders, and other documents made, executed, or issued by or under the authority of the commissioner of natural resources or the directors of the several divisions of the department shall be filed and kept in the respective offices where the same were made, executed, or issued, or in such other office in the department as the commissioner may direct.

History:

1943 c 60 s 10; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2

84.0872 SPECIFIC LOCATION DATA.

Subdivision 1.Definition; general classification.

As used in this section, "specific location data" means data that would enable persons to locate the protected wild animal or endangered, threatened, or special concern plant or animal identified by the data. Specific location data are public data unless otherwise classified in this section.

Subd. 2.Nonpublic data.

(a) Specific location data procured by the Department of Natural Resources that identify protected wild animals, as defined under section 97A.015, subdivision 39, or species that are designated endangered, threatened, or of special concern under section 84.0895, subdivision 3, are nonpublic data if disclosure is likely to:

(1) hinder management, propagation, or research;

(2) facilitate unfair chase or illegal taking, transport, or sale; or

(3) decrease the likelihood of establishing a protected wild animal or bringing an endangered, threatened, or special concern species to a point at which it is no longer endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

(b) If a request for access to specific location data is denied under this subdivision, the commissioner must provide the requestor with a written explanation of the reason for the denial.

Subd. 3.Disclosure.

The commissioner may disclose data classified as nonpublic under subdivision 2 to a person, an agency, or the public if the commissioner determines that the disclosure will promote public benefit by:

(1) aiding the environmental review process;

(2) aiding research, education, or conservation planning; or

(3) providing information to landowners about locations occurring on the landowners' property, if provision of the information will promote protection of the resource.

History:

2004 c 290 s 23

84.0874 ELECTRONIC LICENSING SYSTEM DATA.

(a) The following data created, collected, stored, or maintained by the department for purposes of obtaining a noncommercial game and fish license, cross-country-ski pass, horse pass, or snowmobile trail sticker; registering a recreational motor vehicle; or any other electronic licensing transaction are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12: name, addresses, driver's license number, and date of birth. The data may be disclosed for law enforcement purposes. The data, other than the driver's license number, may be disclosed to a government entity and for natural resources management purposes, including recruitment, retention, and training certification and verification.

(b) Private data on individuals under paragraph (a) may be disclosed as follows:

(1) for use by any government agency, including a court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a federal, state, or local agency in carrying out its functions;

(2) for use in connection with matters of vehicle or operator safety and theft, emissions, product alterations, recalls or advisories, and performance monitoring;

(3) for use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, employees, or contractors, in order to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by an individual. If the information as submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, correct information may be obtained only for the purpose of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual. If the person requesting access is acting as the agent of a lienholder, the requester must submit proof of a contract with the lienholder;

(4) for use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitration proceedings in any federal, state, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body, including service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a federal, state, or local court, provided that the requester provides a copy of the court order;

(5) for use by any insurer or insurance support organization, or by a self-insured entity, or its agents, employees, or contractors, in connection with claims investigation activities or antifraud activities. If the person requesting access is an agent of an insurance company, the requester must provide the insurance company's name;

(6) for use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded recreational vehicles or watercraft. The person requesting access must provide the name, address, and telephone number of the entity that requested that the recreational vehicle or watercraft be towed;

(7) for use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for any purpose permitted under this section, provided that the person provides a copy of a valid license; or

(8) where the use is related to the physical safety or security of operators, vehicles, pedestrians, or property.

The commissioner must not disclose data under this paragraph if the commissioner concludes that the requester is likely to use the data for an improper purpose or other purpose not authorized by this paragraph.

History:

2009 c 176 art 2 s 4; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 82; 2012 c 290 s 69

84.0875 ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTERS.

(a) The commissioner may acquire and better, or make grants to counties, home rule charter or statutory cities, or school districts to acquire and better, residential environmental learning centers where students may learn how to use, preserve, and renew the natural resources of this state. A facility and reasonable access to it must be owned by the state or a political subdivision but may be leased to or managed by a nonprofit organization to carry out an environmental learning program established by the commissioner. The lease or management agreement must comply with the requirements of section 16A.695 and must provide for the procurement of liability insurance by the nonprofit organization. A nonprofit organization that is operating an environmental learning center under this section is a municipality for purposes of the liability limitations of section 466.04 while acting within the scope of these activities.

(b) During the time the center is used for educational programs offered in conjunction with a college or university, the rules and standards related to space requirements are governed by section 144.74.

History:

1994 c 643 s 46; 2002 c 360 s 1; 2008 c 357 s 4

84.088 [Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 13 s 376]

84.0885 [Repealed, 1992 c 513 art 2 s 32]

84.0887 [Repealed, 2003 c 128 art 1 s 176]

84.089 VOLUNTEERS IN NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Volunteers permitted.

The commissioner of natural resources may recruit, train, and accept without regard to personnel laws, or rules, the services of individuals without compensation as volunteers for or in aid of activities in and related to the areas or programs administered by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Incidental expenses.

The commissioner may provide for the incidental expenses of a volunteer, such as transportation, uniforms, lodging, and subsistence.

Subd. 3.Application of law.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, a volunteer is not a state employee and is not subject to the provisions of law relating to state employment, including but not limited to those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment benefits, and state employee benefits. A volunteer accepted under this section is a state employee for the purposes of section 176.011, subdivision 9, and the provisions of chapter 176, relating to workers' compensation apply to the volunteer.

History:

1980 c 384 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 488 s 8; 1999 c 107 s 66; 2000 c 343 s 4

84.0894 ENFORCEMENT OF AQUATIC PLANTS AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.

An enforcement officer shall enforce a violation of sections 84.0895, 84.091, 84.093, 84.152, and 103G.615 in the same manner as a violation of the game and fish laws.

History:

1986 c 386 art 4 s 8; 1987 c 149 art 2 s 1; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3

84.0895 PROTECTION OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.

Subdivision 1.Prohibition.

Notwithstanding any other law, a person may not take, import, transport, or sell any portion of an endangered species of wild animal or plant, or sell or possess with intent to sell an article made with any part of the skin, hide, or parts of an endangered species of wild animal or plant, except as provided in subdivisions 2 and 7.

Subd. 2.Application.

(a) Subdivision 1 does not apply to:

(1) plants on land classified for property tax purposes as class 2a or 2c agricultural land under section 273.13, on a ditch, or on an existing public road right-of-way as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 6a, except for ground not previously disturbed by construction or maintenance; and

(2) noxious weeds designated pursuant to sections 18.76 to 18.88 or to weeds otherwise designated as troublesome by the Department of Agriculture.

(b) If control of noxious weeds is necessary, it takes priority over the protection of endangered plant species, as long as a reasonable effort is taken to preserve the endangered plant species first.

(c) The taking or killing of an endangered plant species on land adjacent to class 3 or 3b agricultural land as a result of the application of pesticides or other agricultural chemical on the class 3 or 3b land is not a violation of subdivision 1, if reasonable care is taken in the application of the pesticide or other chemical to avoid impact on adjacent lands. For the purpose of this paragraph, class 3 or 3b agricultural land does not include timber land, waste land, or other land for which the owner receives a state paid wetlands or native prairie tax credit.

(d) The accidental taking of an endangered plant, where the existence of the plant is not known at the time of the taking, is not a violation of subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.Designation.

(a) The commissioner shall adopt rules under chapter 14, to designate species of wild animal or plant as:

(1) endangered, if the species is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range;

(2) threatened, if the species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range; or

(3) species of special concern, if although the species is not endangered or threatened, it is extremely uncommon in this state, or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements and deserves careful monitoring of its status. Species on the periphery of their range that are not listed as threatened may be included in this category along with those species that were once threatened or endangered but now have increasing or protected, stable populations.

(b) The range of the species in this state is a factor in determining its status as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. A designation by the secretary of the interior that a species is threatened or endangered is a prima facie showing under this section.

(c) The commissioner shall reevaluate the designated species list every three years after it is first adopted and make appropriate changes. The review must consider the need for further protection of species on the species of special concern list. Species may be withdrawn from designation in the same manner that species are designated.

Subd. 4.Studies.

The commissioner may conduct investigations to determine the status and requirements for survival of a resident species of wild animal or plant.

Subd. 5.Management.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner may undertake management programs, issue orders, and adopt rules necessary to bring a resident species of wild animal or plant that has been designated as threatened or endangered to a point at which it is no longer threatened or endangered.

(b) Subject to the provisions of subdivision 6, management programs for endangered or threatened species include research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition, habitat maintenance, propagation, live trapping, transplantation, and regulated taking.

Subd. 6.Enforcement.

A peace officer or conservation officer, pursuant to chapter 626, may execute a warrant to search for and seize goods, merchandise, plant or animal taken, sold or offered for sale in violation of this section, or items used in connection with a violation of this section. Seized property must be held pending judicial proceedings. Upon conviction, seized property is forfeited to the state and must be offered to a scientific or educational institution or destroyed.

Subd. 7.General exceptions.

(a) The commissioner may issue permits and prescribe conditions for an act otherwise prohibited by subdivision 1 if:

(1) the act is for the purpose of zoological, educational, or scientific study;

(2) the act enhances the propagation or survival of the affected species;

(3) the act prevents injury to persons or property; or

(4) the social and economic benefits of the act outweigh the harm caused by it.

(b) The commissioner may issue a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more acts described in paragraph (a).

(c) A member of an endangered species may not be destroyed under paragraph (a), clause (3) or (4), until all alternatives, including live trapping and transplantation, have been evaluated and rejected. The commissioner may prescribe conditions to propagate a species or subspecies.

(d) A person may capture or destroy a member of an endangered species, without permit, to avoid an immediate and demonstrable threat to human life or property.

(e) The commissioner must give approval under this subdivision for forest management, including permit, sale, or lease of land for timber harvesting.

Subd. 8.Application.

This section does not apply retroactively or prohibit importation into this state and subsequent possession, transport, and sale of wild animals, wild plants, or parts of wild animals or plants that are legally imported into the United States or legally acquired and exported from another territory, state, possession, or political subdivision of the United States.

Subd. 9.Violations.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

History:

1986 c 386 art 4 s 9; 1995 c 186 s 22; 2012 c 272 s 2; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 13

84.0896 TRADE IN PROHIBITED ANIMAL PARTS PROHIBITED.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Antique" means an item that:

(1) contains no more than 200 grams of prohibited animal part as a fixed component of an item that is not made wholly or partially from a prohibited animal part; and

(2) is documented to be at least 100 years old.

(c) "Prohibited animal part" means any of the following:

(1) a tooth or tusk from any species of elephant, hippopotamus, mammoth, mastodon, walrus, whale, or narwhal, or any piece thereof, whether raw or worked;

(2) a product containing any of the materials described in clause (1);

(3) a horn; piece of horn; or derivative of a horn, such as a powder, of any species of rhinoceros; and

(4) a product containing any of the materials described in clause (3).

(d) "Sell" or "sale" means an exchange for consideration and includes barter and possession with intent to sell. The term does not include a transfer of ownership by gift, donation, or bequest.

Subd. 2.Prohibition.

A person shall not purchase or sell any item that the person knows or should know is a prohibited animal part.

Subd. 3.Exceptions.

(a) Subdivision 2 does not prohibit the sale or purchase of a prohibited animal part if the sale or purchase is:

(1) undertaken as part of law enforcement activities;

(2) expressly authorized by federal law;

(3) of an antique;

(4) of a musical instrument containing a lawfully acquired fixed component made of no more than 200 grams of prohibited animal part; or

(5) of a prohibited animal part by a bona fide educational or scientific institution that is a nonprofit corporation, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) Subdivision 2 does not prohibit possession of a cultural artifact containing a prohibited animal part.

Subd. 4.Disposition of seized prohibited animal parts.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a prohibited animal part seized under this section must, upon a conviction, be forfeited to the state and either destroyed or given to a nonprofit corporation, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for an educational or scientific purpose.

History:

1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 14

84.09 [Repealed, 1996 c 410 s 57]

84.091 AQUATIC VEGETATION IN PUBLIC WATERS.

Subdivision 1.Ownership.

The state is the owner of wild rice and other aquatic vegetation growing in public waters. A person may not acquire a property interest in wild rice or other aquatic vegetation or destroy wild rice or aquatic vegetation, except as authorized under this chapter or section 103G.615.

Subd. 2.License required; exemptions.

(a) Except as provided in this subdivision, a person may not harvest, buy, sell, transport, or possess aquatic plants without a license required under this chapter. A license shall be issued in the same manner as provided under the game and fish laws.

(b) A resident under the age of 18 years may harvest wild rice without a license, if accompanied by a person with a wild rice license.

(c) Tribal band members who possess a valid tribal identification card from a federally recognized tribe located in Minnesota are deemed to have a license to harvest wild rice under this section.

Subd. 3.License fees.

(a) The fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents only, are:

(1) for harvesting wild rice:

(i) for a season, $25; and

(ii) for one day, $15;

(2) for buying and selling wild ginseng, $5;

(3) for a wild rice dealer's license to buy and sell 50,000 pounds or less, $70; and

(4) for a wild rice dealer's license to buy and sell more than 50,000 pounds, $250.

(b) The fee for a nonresident one-day license to harvest wild rice is $30.

(c) The weight of the wild rice shall be determined in its raw state.

History:

1986 c 386 art 4 s 10; 1987 c 404 s 96; 1991 c 200 s 1; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 15,16; 2004 c 255 s 5; 2016 c 189 art 3 s 10

84.0911 WILD RICE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Account established.

The wild rice management account is established as an account in the game and fish fund.

Subd. 2.Receipts.

Money received from the sale of wild rice licenses issued by the commissioner under section 84.091, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (1), (3), and (4), and subdivision 3, paragraph (b), shall be credited to the wild rice management account.

Subd. 3.Use of money in account.

Except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, money in the wild rice management account is annually appropriated to the commissioner and shall be used for management of designated public waters to improve natural wild rice production.

History:

1987 c 149 art 1 s 1; 1989 c 335 art 4 s 106,109; 1990 c 594 art 1 s 78; 1995 c 186 s 23; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 17; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 17; 2006 c 281 art 1 s 2

84.092 [Repealed, 1990 c 391 art 10 s 4]

84.0921 [Repealed, 1990 c 391 art 10 s 4]

84.093 WILD GINSENG.

The commissioner may establish rules including seasons for harvesting to conserve wild ginseng.

History:

1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 386 art 4 s 12

84.10 WILD RICE HARVESTED IN CERTAIN LAKES.

It shall be unlawful for any person to take wild rice grain from any of the waters within the original boundaries of the White Earth, Leech Lake, Nett Lake, Vermillion, Grand Portage, Fond du Lac and Mille Lacs Reservations except said persons be of Indian blood, or residents of the reservation upon which said wild rice grain is taken.

History:

(6131-5) 1939 c 231 s 2; 1941 c 217 s 1; 1943 c 220 s 1; 1945 c 171 s 1; 1947 c 424 s 1

84.105 WILD RICE SEASON.

Ripe wild rice may be harvested from August 15 to September 30.

History:

1996 c 410 s 19; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 2

84.11 [Repealed, 1947 c 424 s 6]

84.111 NATURAL WILD RICE HARVESTING.

Subdivision 1.Watercraft restrictions.

It shall be unlawful to use, in harvesting wild rice in any public waters in this state, any watercraft other than a boat, skiff, or canoe propelled by hand, which boat, skiff, or canoe may have a top width of not more than 36 inches and a length of not more than 18 feet, or any machine or mechanical device for gathering or harvesting the grain other than with flails not over 30 inches in length nor over one pound in weight, which flails must be held and operated by hand.

Subd. 2.Pole restrictions.

It is unlawful to use any pole for propelling any watercraft used in such harvesting which is not forked at the end, with each branch less than 12 inches in length.

Subd. 3.Machine restrictions.

It is unlawful to use in such harvesting any machine or device for gathering the grain other than a flail not over 30 inches in length nor over one pound in weight, held and operated by hand.

Subd. 4.Harvest hours.

It is unlawful to harvest any wild rice in any public waters between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. following except as otherwise expressly permitted in writing by an authorized committee member or other agent of the commissioner pursuant to rules of the commissioner.

Subd. 5.Fee holder provisions.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 1 to 3, any person holding fee title to all property surrounding a body of public waters may use mechanical harvesting devices to harvest wild rice in those waters. This subdivision does not apply to:

(1) any body of public waters greater than 125 acres in size;

(2) any body of public waters to which the public has access directly or through a channel or watercourse;

(3) any body of public waters within the original boundaries of any Indian reservation; or

(4) harvesting of wild rice for use or sale by any person other than the owner of the surrounding property.

History:

1949 c 506 s 3,4; 1959 c 684 s 1; 1963 c 174 s 1; 1982 c 543 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

84.12 [Repealed, 1947 c 424 s 6]

84.13 [Repealed, 1947 c 424 s 6]

84.14 [Repealed, 1996 c 410 s 57]

84.15 COMMISSIONER'S AUTHORITY; RICE HARVESTING.

Subdivision 1.Authority to restrict harvest.

The commissioner may restrict or prohibit the harvesting of wild rice grain on public waters of any designated area when, upon investigation of conditions, it shall be determined necessary or advisable to protect against undue depletion of the crop so as to retard reseeding or restocking of such area or so as to endanger its effective use as a natural food for waterfowl.

Subd. 2.Harvest for research or planting.

The commissioner may harvest not to exceed 10,000 pounds of wild rice in any calendar year for the purposes of obtaining wild rice seed for experimental and research purposes and replanting in public waters of the state, including waters within the original boundaries of the Minnesota Indian reservations.

History:

(6131-15) 1939 c 231 s 12; 1949 c 628 s 1; 1957 c 85 s 1; 1986 c 444

84.151 [Expired]

84.152 WILD RICE.

Subdivision 1.Rules.

The commissioner shall prescribe rules for harvesting and possessing wild rice.

Subd. 2.License required.

A person who buys wild rice within the state for resale to anyone except consumers, or sells wild rice imported from outside the state to anyone within the state except consumers must have a wild rice dealer's license.

Subd. 3.Application.

(a) An application for a wild rice dealer's license must be made under a written oath. The form of a wild rice dealer's license application must include:

(1) the amount of wild rice, whether raw or processed, bought or sold by the applicant during the preceding calendar year;

(2) the amount of wild rice the applicant estimates will be bought or sold under the license; and

(3) other pertinent information required by the commissioner.

(b) The license fee must be paid in advance, based on the applicant's estimate. A license may not be issued for a fee based on a lesser amount of wild rice than was bought or sold by the applicant during the preceding calendar year.

Subd. 4.Supplemental license.

A wild rice dealer may not buy or sell wild rice for which a license is required in excess of the amount covered by the license. If a wild rice dealer desires to buy or sell wild rice in excess of the licensed amount, the dealer must apply for a supplemental license. The supplemental license shall be issued for the additional amount of wild rice upon payment of the prescribed fee, less credit for the fees paid for the previous license or licenses issued for the same calendar year. When the supplemental license is issued, the previous licenses held by the dealer shall be surrendered to the commissioner.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1989 c 350 art 19 s 2]

Subd. 6.Penalties.

(a) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who:

(1) willfully makes a false statement in an application for a license or in a required report or record; or

(2) violates a provision relating to wild rice dealers.

(b) Each violation is a separate offense. An acquittal prohibits later prosecution based on a similar charge involving other wild rice in the same transaction.

(c) If a wild rice dealer is convicted of two offenses under this subdivision within three years, the dealer's license is null and void and the dealer may not be issued a license for one year after the date of the conviction.

History:

1986 c 386 art 4 s 13

84.1525 STROMATOLITES.

Subdivision 1.Permit required.

A person may not possess, move, or disturb a stromatolite located in waters of the state except under a permit issued by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Rules.

The commissioner may adopt rules establishing criteria and procedures for:

(1) the issuance of stromatolite permits with reasonable conditions; and

(2) the denial, modification, suspension, or revocation of stromatolite permits for cause.

History:

1992 c 462 s 2; 1993 c 231 s 2

84.153 PROPERTY; LEASING, RENTING.

(a) The commissioner is hereby authorized at public or private vendue and at such prices and under such terms and conditions as the commissioner may prescribe, to lease any buildings or lands not now authorized to be leased, acquired in the name of the state of Minnesota by any of the several divisions of the department which are not presently needed for the uses and purposes of any of the divisions of the department. The purposes for which such leases may be executed shall be in the furtherance of the interests of conservation and such uses shall not result in any permanent injury to the land. No such lease shall be made for a term to exceed two years and shall contain a provision for cancellation at any time by the commissioner upon three months written notice. All money received from these leases shall be credited to the fund from which the property was acquired, except an amount equal to the cost of maintenance of the leased property shall be credited to the fund charged with the cost of maintenance. Money credited for leased property maintenance is appropriated to the commissioner for that purpose.

(b) The commissioner is hereby authorized to rent or lease to employees of the various divisions of the department such cabins, buildings, or living quarters as are now or may hereafter be constructed upon state-owned lands under the control of the several divisions of the department, when this occupancy is found to be necessary or beneficial to the work of the department. These leases or rental agreements shall be upon a month to month basis and provide for surrender by the lessee upon demand at any time the lessee's services with the state may be terminated, without the necessity of any written notice. All receipts from rents shall be paid in to the commissioner of management and budget and credited to the fund charged with the cost of maintenance of such buildings and are hereby appropriated for such use.

(c) All instruments and transactions so negotiated shall be approved as to form, validity, and execution by the attorney general.

(d) Hunting of wild game is prohibited on any land which has been posted by the lessee to prohibit hunting. Such prohibition shall apply to all persons including the lessee.

History:

1941 c 291 s 1-3; 1965 c 382 s 1; 1986 c 444; 2002 c 376 s 1; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 50; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109

84.154 LAC QUI PARLE WATER CONTROL PROJECT.

Subdivision 1.Conservation project.

The commissioner is hereby authorized, with the approval of the Executive Council, and on such terms as may be deemed advantageous to the state, to sell and convey to the United States the fee title, free from any mineral reservation, of lands acquired by the state for the Lac qui Parle River water control project upon which dams and appurtenant structures have been or may be constructed and such rights-of-way as may be required by the United States to provide access thereto for the purposes of construction, maintenance and operation, and to grant, sell and convey either such fee title to, or flowage rights over, all lands acquired for the project on and above Lac qui Parle Lake which lie below the 935.7 foot elevation on project datum, and to grant, sell and convey flowage rights only over all lands so acquired on or above Marsh Lake which lie below the 939.5 foot elevation on project datum and over all of such lands on and above either of these lakes which lie above such elevations, and to lease to any appropriate agency of the United States for conservation purposes, subject to such flowage rights, any of such lands the ownership of which is retained by the state, or to enter into a cooperative agreement with any such agency for the development and management of any wild life or other conservation activity thereon; provided, that no such conveyance or agreement shall waive any claim of the state for reimbursement from the United States. Each such lease for conservation purposes and each such cooperative agreement for the development and management of wild life or other conservation activity on such lands shall contain specific conditions reserving to the public during all open seasons for hunting wild waterfowl at least 40 percent of the area of these lands suitable for hunting waterfowl as public shooting grounds.

Subd. 2.Commissioner may complete Lac qui Parle and Big Stone Lake projects.

The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to construct all works and improvements pertaining or incidental to said projects which the commissioner deems necessary for such purposes, and to maintain and operate the same so far as not transferred to the United States pursuant to law.

Subd. 3.Powers of commissioner.

The commissioner of natural resources may use for any project herein authorized any land of the state under the commissioner's jurisdiction or control so far as is not inconsistent with the laws governing the same, may acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation any additional lands or interests in lands required for such projects, including lands or interests in adjacent states if authorized by the laws thereof, may accept gifts or grants of money or property from the United States or any other source for such projects, may use and apply any money or property so received in accordance with the terms of the gift or grant so far as is not inconsistent with the provisions of this section or other laws, may act in behalf of the state as sponsor for any such project undertaken or authorized by the United States, may make any sponsor's contributions required for any such project and may cooperate with the United States or any adjacent state or any authorized agency of either in constructing, maintaining and operating any such project upon such terms and conditions as the commissioner may deem proper not inconsistent with the laws of this state.

Subd. 4.May sell or lease land.

The commissioner of natural resources may, in behalf of the state, with the approval of the governor, sell or lease to the United States any part of the lands or interests in lands heretofore or hereafter acquired by the state for the purposes of such projects, with any structures or improvements thereon, upon such terms and conditions as the commissioner may deem proper, providing for the continued maintenance and operation of such projects for the purposes herein specified; provided that the provisions of this section shall not be deemed to repeal or supersede the provisions of Laws 1941, chapters 142 and 518, with respect to lands or interests heretofore acquired, so far as applicable thereto; provided, that the governor shall not approve any such sale or lease without first consulting the Legislative Advisory Commission and securing their recommendation, which shall be advisory only. Failure or refusal of the commission to make a recommendation promptly shall be deemed a negative recommendation.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2014 c 290 s 70]

Subd. 6.Transfer to commissioner.

(1) The supervision and control of the Lac qui Parle project lands, which is now vested in the Executive Council by Laws 1925, chapter 426; Laws 1933, chapter 355; Extra Session Laws 1933, chapter 25; Laws 1935, chapter 51; Extra Session Laws 1935, chapter 101; Laws 1937, chapters 209 and 459; Extra Session Laws 1937, chapter 89; Laws 1941, chapters 142 and 518; Laws 1943, chapter 476; Laws 1945, chapter 325; Laws 1947, chapter 571; and Minnesota Statutes, section 84.154, are hereby transferred to the commissioner of natural resources.

(2) These lands, which consist of 22,000 acres, more or less, located in the north and east edge of Lac qui Parle County and portions of the south and west edges of Chippewa, Swift and Big Stone Counties, shall be used and developed as a game refuge and public hunting grounds as the commissioner of natural resources may designate and shall include all state-owned lands acquired pursuant to the provisions of law above stated.

(3) The power of eminent domain will not be exercised in the case of the acquisition of additional lands to this game refuge and public hunting ground.

History:

1941 c 518 s 1; 1943 c 476 s 1; 1957 c 755 s 1-3; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1973 c 492 s 14; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1986 c 444; 2006 c 214 s 20; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2014 c 290 s 1-3

84.155 CONSERVATION PROJECTS; BELTRAMI ISLAND, PINE ISLAND.

Subdivision 1.Certain leases between state and United States of America ratified and approved.

Leases entered into between the United States of America and the state of Minnesota, through the commissioner of conservation, under date of August 2, 1940, demising to the state of Minnesota federal owned lands in what are known as the Beltrami and Pine Island areas, located in the counties of Koochiching, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, and Beltrami, in the state of Minnesota, for a period of 50 years, are hereby in all things ratified and approved.

Subd. 2.Beltrami Island conservation project created.

For the purpose of protecting, preserving, and managing wild life, forest and water resources, there is hereby established the Beltrami Island conservation project consisting of all lands within the descriptions hereinafter contained. All public lands, except tax-forfeited lands, lying within these areas are hereby set aside and reserved from sale. These areas shall comprise the following lands and waters in Beltrami County, Minnesota:

All of Townships 155 and 156 North, in Ranges 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 157 and 158 North, in Ranges 36 and 37 West of the fifth principal meridian:

and the following described lands and waters in the Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota:

All of Township 157 North, Range 32 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 157, 158, and 159 North, in Range 33 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 157, 158, 159, and 160 North, in Range 34 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 157, 158, 159, and 160 North, in Range 35 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 159 and 160 North, in Range 36 West of the fifth principal meridian:

and the following described lands and waters in Roseau County, Minnesota:

The South one-half of Township 161 North, in Range 35 West of the fifth principal meridian:

The South one-half of Township 161 North, in Range 36 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 159 and 160 and the South two-thirds of Township 161 North, in Range 37 West of the fifth principal meridian, and

The East two-thirds of Township 160 North, in Range 38 West of the fifth principal meridian.

Subd. 3.Pine Island conservation project created.

For the purpose of protecting, preserving and managing wild life, forest and water resources, there is hereby established the Pine Island conservation project consisting of all lands within the descriptions hereinafter contained. All public lands, except tax-forfeited lands, lying within these areas are hereby set aside and reserved from sale. These areas shall comprise the following lands and waters in Koochiching County, Minnesota:

All of Townships 64 and 65 North, in Range 24 and 25 West of the fourth principal meridian:

All of Townships 64, 65, 66, and 67 North, in Range 26 West of the fourth principal meridian:

All of the lands in Townships 64, 65, 66, and 67 North, in Range 27 West of the fourth principal meridian:

All of Township 152; the South one-half of Township 153; all of Townships 155 and 156; the West two-thirds of Township 157; and that portion of Township 158 North situated south of the center line of Black River, all in Range 25 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Township 152 North; the South one-half of Township 153; the North one-half of Township 155; all of Townships 156 and 157; and that portion of Township 158 North situated south of the center line of Black River, all in Range 26 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 153 and 154; the North one-half of Township 155; all of Townships 156 and 157, and that portion of Township 158 North situated south of the center line of Black River and east of that branch of the Black River that flows north through Sections 33 and 28, in Range 27 West of the fifth principal meridian:

All of Townships 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, and 158 and the West one-third of Township 159 North, in Range 28 West of the fifth principal meridian; and

All of Townships 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, and 159 North, in Range 29 West of the fifth principal meridian.

Subd. 4.Lands to be under management of commissioner.

All public lands except tax-forfeited lands, owned by the state of Minnesota, as well as lands owned by the United States and leased by the state of Minnesota within the Beltrami and Pine Island projects shall be under the management and control of the commissioner, who shall have authority to negotiate for and enter into on behalf of the state of Minnesota, leases for hay stumpage and timber stumpage at such fees and prices as the commissioner may determine reasonable and just.

Subd. 5.Commissioner to make rules.

Within the boundaries of the Beltrami Island and Pine Island areas, the commissioner is hereby given full power and authority to make, establish, promulgate, and enforce all necessary rules for the care, preservation, protection, breeding, propagation, and disposition of any and all species of wild life therein and the regulation, issuance, sale, and revocation of special licenses or special permits for hunting, fishing, trapping, camping and other uses within the areas not inconsistent with the terms of this section. The commissioner shall have the power and authority to declare the terms and conditions of such licenses and permits and the charges to be made therefor. The commissioner may issue rules specifying and controlling the terms under and by which any wild animals may be taken, captured, or killed therein or under and by which fur-bearing animals having commercial value may be sold and transported. The commissioner may regulate and effect the sale of merchantable timber from such lands as are owned or leased by the state; provided, authority as to the leased lands shall not exceed that provided in the leases.

Subd. 6.Two accounts created; disposition of receipts.

There shall be created two accounts, one to be known as the Beltrami Island conservation account and the other as the Pine Island conservation account. All income and revenue received by virtue of all hay and stumpage leases, timber sales, sales of special licenses and permits, as hereinabove provided, from each of the areas described in this section, shall be paid in to the state treasury and credited to that account bearing the name of the project from which the income was derived. These sums are hereby appropriated for the purpose of administering said areas in accordance with the terms of this section and the terms of the leases herein referred to as having been approved and ratified and for making repairs and replacements on the properties leased as provided by the leases. Any portion of income or revenue not needed for the above purposes may be used, subject to the mutual agreement between the state of Minnesota and the United States provided for in the leases, covering the acquisition by the state of Minnesota of additional lands to block in, round out and enlarge its holdings. Nothing herein contained shall alter, modify, or change the method of handling revenue or income provided for in Laws 1929, chapter 258, from lands now in the public domain under the provisions of that act and nothing herein contained shall alter, modify, or change the method of handling revenue or income provided for in Laws 1929, chapter 258, from lands now in the public domain under the provisions of this section.

History:

1941 c 215 s 2-6; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 335 art 4 s 106

84.156 INTEREST IN CERTAIN LANDS TRANSFERRED TO UNITED STATES.

Subdivision 1.Grant of easement to United States.

There is hereby granted to the United States an easement and right to flow and overflow by water the right-of-way of any and all town, county and state roads or highways lying within the Lac qui Parle water control project in Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Big Stone, and Swift Counties, below the 945.0 foot elevation on project datum, and no claims for damage shall be maintainable against the United States by the state or any of its governmental subdivisions for any damage or injury to such roadways or highways, below such 945.0 foot elevation, because of the operation of any of the dams in said project or the maintenance of any water levels thereby.

Subd. 2.Commissioner to acquire certain titles.

The commissioner of natural resources of the state of Minnesota is hereby authorized to acquire by gift, purchase or condemnation, the underlying fee title to the right-of-way of any township or county roads or highways lying within such water control project and not now in public ownership, or the right to flow and overflow the same. The commissioner is further authorized to convey such fee title or flowage easements to the United States, together with any fee titles or easements heretofore obtained by or on behalf of the state, the counties or townships involved, to the right-of-way of any such roads or highways, when such conveyances are required to carry out the purposes of Laws 1943, chapter 476, and Laws 1941, chapter 518.

Subd. 3.Grant effective upon acceptance.

The grant contained in subdivision 1 herein shall become effective upon the acceptance of title or easements by the United States to lands adjacent to each such road or highway.

Subd. 4.Certain laws continued in effect.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to repeal or supersede Laws 1943, chapter 476, or Laws 1941, chapter 518, but the same and the whole thereof shall be continued in effect.

History:

1945 c 325 s 1-4; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2

84.157 MS 2012 [Renumbered 94.3435]

84.158 [Repealed, 1990 c 391 art 10 s 4]

84.161 LAND ACQUISITION FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

The commissioner of natural resources is hereby authorized to acquire on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources, state of Minnesota, all dam site and flowage easements and other interests in land by gift, purchase, condemnation or otherwise which may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section and to construct all dams, structures and control works needed to restore and control the water levels of Goose and Mud Lakes, Cass County, Minnesota, which authority to condemn shall include the condemnation of state-owned land whether held in trust or otherwise and whether or not the same be set aside as lake shore property or other special use under other provisions of law and the commissioner may further use any land of the state under the commissioner's jurisdiction for this project; all for the purpose of improving habitat for fish, wild fowl and game, wild rice and for forestry and fire protection.

History:

1957 c 69 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1986 c 444

84.162 POWERS OF COMMISSIONER; FLOWAGE RIGHTS.

The commissioner of natural resources is hereby authorized to enter into contracts and agreements with the United States and any authorized agency thereof for the use by the state of any flowage rights and other interests in land held by the United States needed for the flowage of land for this project and the commissioner of natural resources may acquire such property in fee and may further contract and cooperate with the United States for the operation and control of the levels of said water and the construction and maintenance of any of the structures needed therefor upon such terms and conditions as the commissioner may deem necessary and proper not otherwise inconsistent with law.

History:

1957 c 69 s 2; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1986 c 444

84.163 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.164 [Repealed, 1971 c 859 s 14]

84.361 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.362 REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES.

Until after the sale of any parcel of tax-forfeited land, whether classified as agricultural or nonagricultural hereunder, the county auditor may, with the approval of the commissioner, provide:

(1) for the sale or demolition of any structure located on the land that has been determined by the county board to be especially liable to fire or so situated as to endanger life or limb or other buildings or property in the vicinity because of age, dilapidated condition, defective chimney, defective electric wiring, any gas connection, heating apparatus, or other defect; and

(2) for the sale of salvage material, if any, therefrom.

History:

1941 c 278 s 8; 2005 c 136 art 9 s 1

84.363 SALE OF DEAD AND DOWN TIMBER.

The county auditor may with the approval of the county board sell dead, down and mature timber upon any tract of agricultural land designated by the commissioner of natural resources. Such sale of timber products shall be for cash at not less than the appraised value thereof, as determined by the commissioner, to the highest bidder after not less than one week's published notice in an official paper within the county. Any timber offered at such public sale and not sold may thereafter be sold at private sale by the county auditor at not less than the appraised value thereof. The forestry practices to be followed in the cutting of this timber shall be approved by the commissioner.

History:

1941 c 278 s 9; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2

84.37 [Repealed, 1963 c 5 s 12]

84.38 [Repealed, 1963 c 5 s 12]

84.39 [Repealed, 1963 c 5 s 12]

84.40 [Repealed, 1963 c 5 s 12]

84.41 [Repealed, 1963 c 5 s 12]

84.415 UTILITY LICENSES; PERMITS.

Subdivision 1.Utility companies; permit to cross state-owned lands.

The commissioner of natural resources shall, on or before January 1, 1974, promulgate in the manner provided by chapter 15, rules containing standards and criteria governing the sale of licenses permitting the passage of utilities over public lands and waters. The rules shall include provisions to insure that all projects for which licenses are sold will have a minimum adverse impact on the environment. The commissioner of natural resources may, at public or private sale and for such price and upon such terms as are specified in the rules (except where prohibited by law) grant licenses permitting passage over, under, or across any part of any school, university, internal improvement, swamp, tax-forfeited or other land or public water under the control of the commissioner of natural resources, of telephone, telegraph, and electric power lines, cables or conduits, underground or otherwise, or mains or pipe lines for gas, liquids, or solids in suspension. Any such license shall be cancelable upon reasonable notice by the commissioner for substantial violation of its terms, or if at any time its continuance will conflict with a public use of the land or water over or upon which it is granted, or for any other cause. All such land or public water shall remain subject to sale or lease or other legal use, but in case of sale, lease or other use there may be excepted from the grant or other disposition of land or public water all rights included in any license over, under, or across it, and the license may contain an agreement that there will be such exception. The commissioner may charge a fee in lieu of but not less than that authorized by subdivision 5 if issuing a license containing an agreement that there will be such an exception. All rights so excepted shall be reserved to the state and be cancelable by the commissioner for the same reasons or cause as they might have been canceled before such sale, lease or other use of the land or water. Upon such cancellation, which shall be only after reasonable notice to the licensee, all rights granted by the license shall be vested in the state and may be granted again by the commissioner on the terms and conditions the commissioner may prescribe, but subject to cancellation for the same reasons or causes as they might have been originally canceled unless ownership of the fee and of the license are merged. Any license granted before April 13, 1951, may be governed by it if the licensee and commissioner so agree. Reasonable notice as used in this subdivision means a 90-day written notice addressed to the record owner of the license at the last known address, and upon cancellation the commissioner may grant extensions of time to vacate the premises affected.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1967 c 536 s 3]

Subd. 3.Application, form.

The application for license or permit shall be in quadruplicate, and shall include with each copy a legal description of the lands or waters affected, a metes and bounds description of the required right-of-way, a map showing said features, and a detailed design of any structures necessary, or in lieu thereof shall be in such other form, and include such other descriptions, maps or designs, as the commissioner may require. The commissioner may at any time order such changes or modifications respecting construction or maintenance of structures or other conditions of the license or permit as the commissioner deems necessary to protect the public health and safety.

Subd. 3a.Joint applications for residential use.

An application for a utility license may cover more than one type of utility if the utility lines are being installed for residential use only. Separate applications submitted by utilities for the same crossing shall be joined together and processed as one application, provided that the applications are submitted within one year of each other and the utility lines are for residential use only. The application fees for a joint application or separate applications subsequently joined together shall be as if only one application was submitted.

Subd. 4.Attorney general, duties.

The license or permit to be granted shall be in a form to be prescribed by the attorney general; shall describe the location of the license or permit thereby granted and shall continue until canceled by the commissioner, subject to change or modification as herein provided.

Subd. 5.Fees; disposition.

(a) In the event the construction of lines causes damage to timber or other property of the state on or along the same, the license or permit shall also provide for payment to the commissioner of management and budget of the amount of the damages as determined by the commissioner.

(b) The application fee specified in Minnesota Rules is credited to the general fund.

(c) The utility crossing fees specified in Minnesota Rules shall be credited to the fund to which other income or proceeds of sale from the land would be credited as provided by law, otherwise to the general fund.

(d) Money received from licenses and permits issued under this section for use of the beds of navigable waters shall be credited to the permanent school fund.

(e) Money received under subdivision 6 must be credited to the land management account in the natural resources fund and is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to cover the costs incurred for issuing and monitoring utility licenses.

Subd. 6.Supplemental application fee and monitoring fee.

(a) In addition to the application fee and utility crossing fees specified in Minnesota Rules, the commissioner of natural resources shall assess the applicant for a utility license the following fees:

(1) a supplemental application fee of $1,750 for a public water crossing license and a supplemental application fee of $3,000 for a public lands crossing license, to cover reasonable costs for reviewing the application and preparing the license; and

(2) a monitoring fee to cover the projected reasonable costs for monitoring the construction of the utility line and preparing special terms and conditions of the license to ensure proper construction. The commissioner must give the applicant an estimate of the monitoring fee before the applicant submits the fee.

(b) The applicant shall pay fees under this subdivision to the commissioner of natural resources. The commissioner shall not issue the license until the applicant has paid all fees in full.

(c) Upon completion of construction of the improvement for which the license or permit was issued, the commissioner shall refund the unobligated balance from the monitoring fee revenue. The commissioner shall not return the application fees, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

(d) If the fees collected under paragraph (a), clause (1), are not sufficient to cover the costs of reviewing the applications and preparing the licenses, the commissioner shall improve efficiencies and otherwise reduce department costs and activities to ensure the revenues raised under paragraph (a), clause (1), are sufficient, and that no other funds are necessary to carry out the requirements.

Subd. 7.Application fee exemption.

(a) A utility license for crossing public lands or public waters is exempt from all application fees specified in this section and in rules adopted under this section.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to electric power lines, cables, or conduits 100 kilovolts or greater or to main pipelines for gas, liquids, or solids in suspension.

History:

1941 c 145; 1943 c 540 s 1; 1947 c 568 s 1; 1951 c 356 s 1,2; 1967 c 536 s 2; 1969 c 399 s 1; 1969 c 516 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1973 c 479 s 1,2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 50; 2009 c 37 art 1 s 12,13; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 5,6; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 3; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 4

84.42 VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Penalties.

Any person violating any of the provisions of sections 84.091 to 84.15, or any of the orders of the commissioner promulgated in pursuance of the provisions thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and, upon a second conviction within a period of three years, the person's license shall become null and void and no license of the same kind shall be issued to the person for one year after the date of such conviction; and any person violating, or threatening to violate, any provisions of sections 84.091 to 84.15 and Laws 1939, chapter 231, may be restrained by injunction proceedings brought in the name of the state by the attorney general or by any county attorney.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1965 c 45 s 73]

History:

(3109-6, 6131-19) 1939 c 207 s 6; 1939 c 231 s 16; 1969 c 129 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 410 s 58

84.43 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.44 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.45 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.46 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.47 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.48 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.49 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.50 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.51 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.52 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.521 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19; 2014 c 289 s 70]

84.523 BWCA; MANAGING MINERALS AND RELATED RESOURCES.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For the purposes of this section, the term "Boundary Waters Canoe Area" means that area of lands and waters included within the boundaries designated in federal regulation REG U-3, Code of Federal Regulations, title 36, section 293.16, as that regulation provided on January 1, 1975.

Subd. 2.Intent.

The legislature finds that a combination of state legislative and administrative actions and court decisions have established a public policy of primarily wilderness management for state lands and waters within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This state policy, together with a similar federal policy and international actions consistent with these state and federal policies, has created an area of hundreds of thousands of acres of land and water containing myriad lakes and streams, wooded shores, virgin forests, and other natural attractions of surpassing scenic beauty and solitude, free from substantially all commercial activities and artificial development such as hydroelectric dams and power lines, resorts, roads, sawmills, and timber harvesting in no-cut zones.

Subd. 3.Mining; prohibition.

Except with the prior approval of the legislature in those cases of national emergency which have been declared by the Congress and which direct the need for exploration and mining of federal lands within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and after an investigation and determination by the commissioner of natural resources pursuant to subdivision 5 no state-owned or administered land may be leased for exploration or mining of minerals, and no state permits, licenses or leases shall be issued to use any other state natural resources for any mineral exploration or mining operations in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Subd. 4.Peat harvesting; prohibition.

Except with prior approval of the legislature in those cases of national emergency which have been declared by the Congress and which direct the need for exploitation of peat deposits on federal land within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and after an investigation and determination by the commissioner of natural resources pursuant to subdivision 5 no state-owned or administered land may be leased for the purpose of harvesting peat, and no state permits, licenses or leases shall be issued to use any other state natural resources for the purpose of harvesting peat in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Subd. 5.Investigation and determination.

In the event of a national emergency declared by Congress which requires, for the protection of national interests, exploitation of natural resources of the type found in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the commissioner of natural resources shall investigate and determine if there are reasonable alternative methods for providing the needed resources. If the investigation shows there are reasonable alternatives to exploitation of natural resources in the area, no permit for development shall be issued. If the commissioner of natural resources determines there is a need to provide resources from within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and that there is no reasonable alternative available to meet the need, a permit may be issued upon approval by the state legislature.

Subd. 6.State-owned lands.

Acquired lands owned by the state within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area defined in subdivision 1 are designated as state wilderness areas under section 86A.05, subdivision 6.

History:

1976 c 322 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 13 s 1

84.524

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1993 c 337 s 20]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1993 c 337 s 20]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1983 c 260 s 68]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1983 c 260 s 68]

84.525 MAINTAINING CAMPSITES IN BWCA.

All reservation fees paid to the state attributable to state-owned lands within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area must be credited to an account in the special revenue fund and are appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for maintenance of state-owned campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government for maintenance of the campsites.

History:

1992 c 513 art 2 s 21

84.53 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.54 [Repealed, 1993 c 163 art 1 s 35]

84.55 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.56 [Temporary appropriation]

84.57 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.58 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.59 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.60 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.61 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.611 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.62 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.621 [Repealed, 1989 c 326 art 3 s 48]

84.63 CONVEYANCE OF INTERESTS IN LANDS TO STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS.

(a) Notwithstanding any existing law to the contrary, the commissioner of natural resources is hereby authorized on behalf of the state to convey to the United States or to the state of Minnesota or any of its subdivisions, upon state-owned lands under the administration of the commissioner of natural resources, permanent or temporary easements for specified periods or otherwise for trails, highways, roads including limitation of right of access from the lands to adjacent highways and roads, flowage for development of fish and game resources, stream protection, flood control, and necessary appurtenances thereto, such conveyances to be made upon such terms and conditions including provision for reversion in the event of non-user as the commissioner of natural resources may determine.

(b) In addition to the fee for the market value of the easement, the commissioner of natural resources shall assess the applicant the following fees:

(1) an application fee of $2,000 to cover reasonable costs for reviewing the application and preparing the easement; and

(2) a monitoring fee to cover the projected reasonable costs for monitoring the construction of the improvement for which the easement was conveyed and preparing special terms and conditions for the easement. The commissioner must give the applicant an estimate of the monitoring fee before the applicant submits the fee.

(c) The applicant shall pay these fees to the commissioner of natural resources. The commissioner shall not issue the easement until the applicant has paid in full the application fee, the monitoring fee, and the market value payment for the easement.

(d) Upon completion of construction of the improvement for which the easement was conveyed, the commissioner shall refund the unobligated balance from the monitoring fee revenue. The commissioner shall not return the application fee, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

(e) Money received under paragraph (b) must be deposited in the land management account in the natural resources fund and is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to cover the reasonable costs incurred for issuing and monitoring easements.

(f) A county or joint county regional railroad authority is exempt from all fees specified under this section for trail easements on state-owned land.

History:

Ex1967 c 21 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1998 c 403 s 2; 2009 c 37 art 1 s 14; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 4

84.631 ROAD EASEMENTS ACROSS STATE LANDS.

(a) Except as provided in section 85.015, subdivision 1b, the commissioner of natural resources, on behalf of the state, may convey a road easement across state land under the commissioner's jurisdiction to a private person requesting an easement for access to property owned by the person only if the following requirements are met: (1) there are no reasonable alternatives to obtain access to the property; and (2) the exercise of the easement will not cause significant adverse environmental or natural resource management impacts.

(b) The commissioner shall:

(1) require the applicant to pay the market value of the easement;

(2) limit the easement term to 50 years if the road easement is across school trust land;

(3) provide that the easement reverts to the state in the event of nonuse; and

(4) impose other terms and conditions of use as necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.

(c) An applicant shall submit an application fee of $2,000 with each application for a road easement across state land. The application fee is nonrefundable, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

(d) In addition to the payment for the market value of the easement and the application fee, the commissioner of natural resources shall assess the applicant a monitoring fee to cover the projected reasonable costs for monitoring the construction of the road and preparing special terms and conditions for the easement. The commissioner must give the applicant an estimate of the monitoring fee before the applicant submits the fee. The applicant shall pay the application and monitoring fees to the commissioner of natural resources. The commissioner shall not issue the easement until the applicant has paid in full the application fee, the monitoring fee, and the market value payment for the easement.

(e) Upon completion of construction of the road, the commissioner shall refund the unobligated balance from the monitoring fee revenue.

(f) Fees collected under paragraphs (c) and (d) must be credited to the land management account in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to cover the reasonable costs incurred under this section.

History:

1983 c 297 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 628 s 2; 1995 c 220 s 58; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 18; 2009 c 37 art 1 s 15; 2012 c 236 s 1

84.632 CONVEYANCE OF UNNEEDED STATE EASEMENTS.

(a) Notwithstanding section 92.45, the commissioner of natural resources may, in the name of the state, release all or part of an easement acquired by the state upon application of a landowner whose property is burdened with the easement if the easement is not needed for state purposes.

(b) All or part of an easement may be released by payment of the market value of the easement. The release must be in a form approved by the attorney general.

(c) Money received under paragraph (b) must be credited to the account from which money was expended for purchase of the easement. If there is no specific account, the money must be credited to the land acquisition account established in section 94.165.

(d) In addition to payment under paragraph (b), the commissioner of natural resources shall assess a landowner who applies for a release under this section an application fee of $2,000 for reviewing the application and preparing the release of easement. The applicant shall pay the application fee to the commissioner of natural resources. The commissioner shall not issue the release of easement until the applicant has paid the application fee in full. The commissioner shall not return the application fee, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

(e) Money received under paragraph (d) must be credited to the land management account in the natural resources fund and is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to cover the reasonable costs incurred under this section.

History:

1988 c 628 s 3; 1993 c 285 s 2; 2009 c 37 art 1 s 16

84.633 EXCHANGING ROAD EASEMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

The commissioner of natural resources, on behalf of the state, may convey a road easement according to this section for access across state land under the commissioner's jurisdiction in exchange for a road easement for access to property owned by the United States, the state of Minnesota or any of its subdivisions, or a private party. The exercise of the easement across state land must not cause significant adverse environmental or natural resources management impacts. Exchanges under this section are limited to existing access corridors.

Subd. 2.Substantially equal acres.

The acres covered by the state easement conveyed by the commissioner must be substantially equal to the acres covered by the easement being received by the commissioner. For purposes of this section, "substantially equal" means that the acres do not differ by more than 20 percent. The commissioner's finding of substantially equal acres is in lieu of an appraisal or other determination of value of the lands. A state easement may be exchanged for an easement that has more than substantially equal acres if the other party to the exchange waives payment for the difference.

Subd. 3.School trust lands.

If the commissioner conveys a road easement over school trust land to a nongovernmental entity, the term of the road easement is limited to 50 years. The easement exchanged with the state may be limited to 50 years or may be perpetual.

Subd. 4.Terms and conditions.

The commissioner may impose terms and conditions of use as necessary and appropriate under the circumstances. The state may accept an easement with similar terms and conditions as the state easement.

Subd. 5.Survey.

If the commissioner determines that a survey is required, the governmental unit or private landowner shall pay to the commissioner a survey fee of not less than one half of the cost of the survey as determined by the commissioner.

Subd. 6.Application fee.

When a private landowner or governmental unit, except the state, presents to the commissioner an offer to exchange road easements, the private landowner or governmental unit shall pay an application fee as provided under section 84.63 to cover reasonable costs for reviewing the application and preparing the easements.

Subd. 7.Title.

If the commissioner determines it is necessary to obtain an opinion as to the title of the land being encumbered by the easement that will be received by the commissioner, the governmental unit or private landowner shall submit an abstract of title or other title information sufficient to determine possession of the land, improvements, liens, encumbrances, and other matters affecting title.

Subd. 8.Disposition of fees.

(a) Any fee paid under subdivision 5 must be credited to the account from which expenses are or will be paid and the fee is appropriated for the expenditures in the same manner as other money in the account.

(b) Any fee paid under subdivision 6 must be deposited in the land management account in the natural resources fund and is appropriated to the commissioner to cover the reasonable costs incurred for preparing and issuing the state road easement and accepting the road easement from the private landowner or governmental entity.

History:

2013 c 114 art 4 s 5; 2017 c 54 s 1

84.64 CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Acquisition.

A conservation restriction for a definite period or in perpetuity may be acquired by:

(1) the commissioner of natural resources, in the name of the state, by gift, purchase or exchange, with funds specifically made available for that purpose;

(2) a nonprofit charitable corporation whose purposes include conservation of land or water areas; or

(3) a home rule charter or statutory city.

Subd. 2.Definition.

For the purpose of this section, a "conservation restriction" means a right, whether or not stated in the form of a restriction, easement, covenant or condition, in any deed, will or other instrument executed by or on behalf of the owner of land or in any order of taking, appropriate to retaining land or water areas predominately in their natural, scenic, open or wooded condition, or as suitable habitat for fish and wild life, to forbid or limit any or all:

(1) construction or placing of buildings, roads, signs, billboards or other advertising, utilities or other structures on or above the ground;

(2) dumping or placing of soil or other substance or material as landfill, or dumping or placing of trash, waste or unsightly or offensive materials;

(3) removal or destruction of trees, shrubs or other vegetation;

(4) excavation, dredging or removal of loam, peat, gravel, soil, rock or other material substance in such manner as to affect the surface;

(5) surface use except for purposes permitting the land or water area to remain predominately in its natural condition;

(6) activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, erosion control or soil conservation, or fish and wild life habitat preservation; or

(7) other acts or uses detrimental to such retention of land or water areas.

History:

1974 c 531 s 1; 1975 c 163 s 1; 1979 c 159 s 1

84.65 CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS; EFFECT OF RECORDING; RELEASE OF RESTRICTIONS; ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Enforceability; notice; recording.

No conservation restriction defined in section 84.64 and acquired pursuant to section 84.64, subdivision 1, shall be unenforceable on account of lack of privity of estate or contract or lack of benefit to particular land. Nonprofit charitable corporations or home rule charter or statutory cities acquiring such conservation restrictions shall file a notice of each such acquisition with the Department of Natural Resources within 90 days. All restrictions shall be duly recorded and indexed in the office of the county recorder or the registrar of titles for the county where the land lies so as to affect its title, in the manner of other conveyances of interests in land, and shall describe the land subject to the restrictions by adequate legal description or by reference to a recorded plat showing its boundaries.

Subd. 2.Remedy; right to enter.

The restriction may be enforced by injunction and shall entitle representatives of the holder of it to enter the land in a reasonable manner and at reasonable times to assure compliance.

Subd. 3.Conveyance; release; reversion.

The restriction may be conveyed in the same manner as any other interest in land. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, a restriction may be released by the holder of the restriction or the dominant interest to the holder of the fee title or the servient interest. In the event a corporation, defined in section 84.64, subdivision 1, clause (2), no longer holds a license to do business in Minnesota, and said corporation has made no provision for the disposition of a conservation restriction held by it by transfer to another nonprofit corporation, the conservation restriction shall revert to and vest in the state of Minnesota and be administered by the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 4.Construction.

This section shall not be construed to imply that any restriction, easement, covenant or condition which does not have the benefit of this section shall, on account of any provision hereof, be unenforceable. Nothing in this section or section 84.64 shall diminish the powers granted by law to the commissioner of natural resources or to any other state agency or political subdivision to acquire by purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise and to use land for public purposes.

History:

1974 c 531 s 2; 1975 c 163 s 2,3; 1976 c 181 s 2; 1979 c 159 s 2

FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE

84.66 MINNESOTA FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

The Minnesota forests for the future program identifies and protects private, working forest lands for their timber, scenic, recreational, fish and wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered species, and other cultural and environmental values.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

For the purpose of this section, the following terms have the meanings given:

(1) "forest land" has the meaning given under section 89.001, subdivision 4;

(2) "forest resources" has the meaning given under section 89.001, subdivision 8;

(3) "guidelines" has the meaning given under section 89A.01, subdivision 8;

(4) "riparian land" has the meaning given under section 103F.511, subdivision 8c; and

(5) "working forest land" means land that provides a broad range of goods and services, including forest products, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and carbon sequestration.

Subd. 3.Establishment.

The commissioner of natural resources shall establish and administer a Minnesota forests for the future program. Land selected for inclusion in the program shall be evaluated on the land's potential for:

(1) producing timber and other forest products;

(2) maintaining forest landscapes;

(3) providing public recreation; and

(4) providing ecological, fish and wildlife habitat, and other cultural and environmental values and values consistent with working forest lands.

Subd. 4.Land eligibility.

Land may be placed in the Minnesota forests for the future program if it:

(1) is:

(i) forest land;

(ii) desirable land adjacent to forest land, as determined by the commissioner; or

(iii) beneficial to forest resource protection;

(2) is at least five acres in size, except for a riparian area or an area providing access to state forest land; and

(3) is not set aside, enrolled, or diverted under another federal or state program, unless enrollment in the Minnesota forests for the future program would provide additional conservation benefits or a longer enrollment term than under the current federal or state program.

Subd. 5.Land interests.

The commissioner may acquire permanent interests in lands by fee title, easement acquisition, gift, or donation. An acquired easement shall require a forestry management plan unless the requirement is waived or modified by the commissioner. The plan will guide forest management activities consistent with the purposes and terms of the easement and shall incorporate guidelines and other forest management practices as determined by the commissioner to provide perpetuation of the forest. The plan shall be developed in accordance with the guidelines.

Subd. 6.Application.

The commissioner shall accept applications from owners of eligible lands at the time, in the form, and containing the information as the commissioner may prescribe. If the number of applications exceeds the ability to fund them all, priority shall be given to those applications covering lands providing the greatest public benefits for timber productivity, public access, and ecological and wildlife values.

Subd. 7.Landowner responsibilities.

The commissioner may enroll eligible land in the program by signing an easement in recordable form with a landowner in which the landowner agrees to:

(1) convey to the state a permanent easement that is not subject to any prior title, lien, or encumbrance; and

(2) manage the land in a manner consistent with the purposes for which the land was selected for the program and not convert the land to other uses.

Subd. 8.Correction of easement boundary lines.

To correct errors in legal descriptions for easements that affect the ownership interests in the state and adjacent landowners, the commissioner may, in the name of the state, convey without consideration, interests of the state necessary to correct legal descriptions of boundaries. The conveyance must be by quitclaim deed or release in a form approved by the attorney general.

Subd. 9.Terminating or changing an easement.

The commissioner may terminate an easement, with the consent of the property owner, if the commissioner determines termination to be in the public interest. The commissioner may modify the terms of an easement if the commissioner determines that modification will help implement the Minnesota forests for the future program or facilitate the program's administration.

Subd. 10.Payments.

Payments to landowners under the Minnesota forests for the future program shall be made in accordance with law and Department of Natural Resources acquisition policies, procedures, and other funding requirements.

Subd. 11.Monitoring, enforcement, and damages.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a long-term program for monitoring and enforcing Minnesota forests for the future easements. The program must require that a financial contribution be made for each easement to cover the costs of managing, monitoring, and enforcing the easement.

(b) A landowner who violates the terms of an easement under this section or induces, assists, or allows another to do so is liable to the state for damages due to the loss of timber, scenic, recreational, fish and wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered species, and other cultural and environmental values.

(c) Upon request of the commissioner, the attorney general may commence an action for specific performance, injunctive relief, damages, including attorney fees, and any other appropriate relief to enforce this section in district court in the county where all or part of the violation is alleged to have been committed or where the landowner resides or has a principal place of business.

Subd. 12.Rulemaking exemption.

Easements agreed to under this section are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

History:

2008 c 357 s 5; 2008 c 368 art 1 s 6; 2009 c 172 art 2 s 11; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 3

84.67 FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE REVOLVING ACCOUNT.

A forests for the future revolving account is created in the natural resources fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for the acquisition of forest lands that meet the eligibility criteria in section 84.66, subdivision 4. The commissioner shall sell the lands acquired under this section, subject to an easement as provided in section 84.66. Money received from the sale of forest lands acquired under this section and interest earned on the account shall be deposited into the account.

History:

2008 c 357 s 6; 2008 c 368 art 1 s 7; 2012 c 272 s 3

84.68 [Repealed, 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 150]

84.69 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Account established; sources.

The natural resources conservation easement stewardship account is created in the special revenue fund. The account consists of money credited to the account and interest and other earnings on money in the account. The State Board of Investment must manage the account to maximize long-term gain. The following revenue must be deposited in the natural resources conservation easement stewardship account:

(1) contributions to the account or specified for any purpose of the account;

(2) contributions under subdivision 3; section 84.66, subdivision 11; or other applicable law;

(3) money appropriated for any of the purposes described in subdivision 2;

(4) money appropriated for monitoring and enforcement of easements and earnings on the money appropriated that revert to the state under section 97A.056, subdivision 17, or other applicable law; and

(5) gifts under section 84.085 for conservation easement stewardship.

Subd. 2.Appropriation; purposes of account.

Five percent of the balance on July 1 of each year in the natural resources conservation easement stewardship account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources and may be spent only to cover the costs of managing conservation easements held by the Department of Natural Resources, including costs associated with monitoring, landowner contacts, records storage and management, processing landowner notices, requests for approval or amendments, enforcement, and legal services associated with conservation easement management activities.

Subd. 3.Financial contributions.

The commissioner shall seek a financial contribution to the natural resources conservation easement stewardship account for each conservation easement acquired by or assigned to the Department of Natural Resources. Unless otherwise provided by law, the commissioner shall determine the amount of the contribution, which must be an amount calculated to earn sufficient money to meet the costs of managing the conservation easement at a level that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers the costs. In determining the amount of the financial contribution, the commissioner shall consider:

(1) the estimated annual staff hours needed to manage the conservation easement, taking into consideration factors such as easement type, size, location, and complexity;

(2) the average hourly wages for the class or classes of employees expected to manage the conservation easement;

(3) the estimated annual travel expenses to manage the conservation easement;

(4) the estimated annual miscellaneous costs to manage the conservation easement, including supplies and equipment, information technology support, and aerial flyovers;

(5) the estimated annualized cost of legal services, including the cost to enforce the easement in the event of a violation; and

(6) the expected rate of return on investments in the account.

History:

1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 5

84.76 APPRENTICE RIDERS.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For the purpose of this section, "accompanied by" means within a distance of another person that permits uninterrupted visual contact and verbal communication.

Subd. 2.Apprentice riders; requirements.

Notwithstanding sections 84.793, 84.862, 84.925, and 84.9256, a person who is age 12 or over and who does not possess a required safety certificate may participate in up to two trail-riding events sponsored by the commissioner in state parks, state trails, state recreation areas, and state forests that are designed to involve apprentice riders. The person must be accompanied by an adult with a valid safety certificate. All vehicles must be properly registered for use in Minnesota.

History:

2012 c 272 s 4

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES

84.771 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE DEFINITION.

For the purposes of sections 84.771 to 84.930, "off-highway vehicle" means an off-highway motorcycle, as defined under section 84.787, subdivision 7; an off-road vehicle, as defined under section 84.797, subdivision 7; or an all-terrain vehicle, as defined under section 84.92, subdivision 8.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 18

84.773 RESTRICTIONS ON OPERATION.

Subdivision 1.Restrictions.

A person may not intentionally operate an off-highway vehicle:

(1) on a trail on public land that is designated or signed for nonmotorized use only;

(2) on restricted areas within public lands that are posted or where gates or other clearly visible structures are placed to prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle access;

(3) except as specifically authorized by law or rule adopted by the commissioner, in unfrozen public waters, as defined in section 103G.005; in a state park; in a scientific and natural area; or in a wildlife management area; or

(4) in a calcareous fen, as identified by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Wetland disturbance.

A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle in a manner to:

(1) indicate a willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property;

(2) carelessly upset the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public waters wetland; or

(3) impact a wetland or public waters wetland in excess of the amounts authorized in section 103G.2241, subdivision 9, unless:

(i) sequencing of the impact is followed according to section 103G.222, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and the impact is repaired under section 103G.2242, and rules adopted pursuant to that section; or

(ii) the activity is exempt under section 103G.2241.

Subd. 3.Private land access.

The commissioner may grant up to a ten-year permit to exempt a private landowner or leaseholder from this section when the only reasonable access to a permit applicant's land is across state land.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 19; 2004 c 255 s 6

84.774 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who violates a provision of sections 84.773; 84.777; 84.788 to 84.795; 84.798 to 84.804; 84.90; or 84.922 to 84.928 or rules of the commissioner relating to off-highway vehicle use is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person violates section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (2), and the person recklessly upsets the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public waters wetland.

(c) A person is prohibited from operating an off-highway vehicle for a period of one year if the person is:

(1) convicted of a gross misdemeanor under paragraph (b);

(2) convicted of or subject to a final order under section 84.775 for a violation of the prohibition on the intentional operation on unfrozen public water, in a state park, in a scientific and natural area, or in a wildlife management area under section 84.773, subdivision 1, clause (3);

(3) convicted of or is subject to a final order under section 84.775 for a violation of the prohibition on the willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property under section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (1); or

(4) convicted of or subject to a final order under section 84.775 for a violation of the prohibition on carelessly upsetting the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public waters wetland under section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (2).

The commissioner shall notify the person of the time period during which the person is prohibited from operating an off-highway vehicle.

History:

2009 c 176 art 1 s 4

84.7741 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE FORFEITURE.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "Appropriate agency" means a law enforcement agency that has the authority to make an arrest for a violation of a designated offense.

(c) "Claimant" means an owner of an off-highway vehicle or a person claiming a leasehold or security interest in an off-highway vehicle.

(d) "Designated offense" means a second gross misdemeanor violation under section 84.774, paragraph (b).

(e) "Family or household member" means:

(1) a parent, stepparent, or guardian;

(2) any of the following persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption: brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, first cousin, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, grandparent, great-grandparent, great-uncle, or great-aunt; or

(3) persons residing together or persons who regularly associate and communicate with one another outside of a workplace setting.

(f) "Off-highway vehicle" and "vehicle" do not include an off-highway vehicle that is stolen or taken in violation of the law.

(g) "Owner" means a person legally entitled to possession, use, and control of an off-highway vehicle, including a lessee of an off-highway vehicle if the lease agreement has a term of 180 days or more. There is a rebuttable presumption that a person registered as the owner of an off-highway vehicle according to the records of the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Natural Resources is the legal owner. For purposes of this section, if an off-highway vehicle is owned jointly by two or more people, each owner's interest extends to the whole of the vehicle and is not subject to apportionment.

(h) "Prosecuting authority" means the attorney in the jurisdiction in which the designated offense occurred, or a designee, who is responsible for prosecuting violations of a designated offense. If a state agency initiated the forfeiture and the attorney responsible for prosecuting the designated offense declines to pursue forfeiture, the attorney general's office, or its designee, may initiate forfeiture under this section.

(i) "Security interest" means a bona fide security interest perfected according to section 168A.17, subdivision 2, based on a loan or other financing that, if an off-highway vehicle is required to be registered under chapter 168, is listed on the vehicle's title.

Subd. 2.Seizure.

(a) An off-highway vehicle subject to forfeiture under this section may be seized by the appropriate agency upon process issued by any court having jurisdiction over the vehicle.

(b) Property may be seized without process if:

(1) the seizure is incident to a lawful arrest or a lawful search;

(2) the vehicle subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding under this section; or

(3) the appropriate agency has probable cause to believe that the delay occasioned by the necessity to obtain process would result in the removal or destruction of the vehicle. If property is seized without process under this clause, the prosecuting authority must institute a forfeiture action under this section as soon as is reasonably possible by serving a notice of seizure and intent to forfeit at the address of the owner as listed in the records of the Department of Public Safety or Department of Natural Resources.

(c) When an off-highway vehicle is seized, the officer must provide a receipt to the person found in possession of the vehicle; or in the absence of any person, the officer must leave a receipt in the place where the vehicle was found, if reasonably possible.

Subd. 3.Right to possession vests immediately; custody.

All right, title, and interest in an off-highway vehicle subject to forfeiture under this section vests in the appropriate agency upon commission of the conduct resulting in the designated offense giving rise to the forfeiture. Any vehicle seized under this section is not subject to replevin, but is deemed to be in the custody of the appropriate agency subject to the orders and decrees of the court having jurisdiction over the forfeiture proceedings. When an off-highway vehicle is seized under this section, the appropriate agency shall use reasonable diligence to secure the property and prevent waste and may do any of the following:

(1) place the vehicle under seal;

(2) remove the vehicle to a place designated by the agency; and

(3) place a disabling device on the vehicle.

Subd. 4.Bond by owner for possession.

If the owner of an off-highway vehicle that has been seized under this section seeks possession of the vehicle before the forfeiture action is determined, the owner may give security or post bond payable to the appropriate agency in an amount equal to the retail value of the seized vehicle. On posting the security or bond, the seized vehicle may be returned to the owner. The forfeiture action must proceed against the security as if it were the seized vehicle. This subdivision does not apply to a vehicle being held for investigatory purposes.

Subd. 5.Evidence.

Certified copies of court records and off-highway vehicle and driver's records concerning prior incidents are admissible as substantive evidence where necessary to prove the commission of a designated offense.

Subd. 5a.Petition for remission or mitigation.

Prior to the entry of a court order disposing with the forfeiture action, any person who has an interest in forfeited property may file with the prosecuting authority a petition for remission or mitigation of the forfeiture. The prosecuting authority may remit or mitigate the forfeiture upon terms and conditions the prosecuting authority deems reasonable if the prosecuting authority finds that: (1) the forfeiture was incurred without willful negligence or without any intention on the part of the petitioner to violate the law; or (2) extenuating circumstances justify the remission or mitigation of the forfeiture.

Subd. 6.Vehicle subject to forfeiture.

An off-highway vehicle is subject to forfeiture under this section if it was used in the commission of a designated offense.

Subd. 7.Presumptions; limitations on vehicle forfeiture.

(a) An off-highway vehicle is presumed subject to forfeiture under this section if the driver:

(1) is convicted of the designated offense upon which the forfeiture is based; or

(2) fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance with respect to the designated offense charged and fails to voluntarily surrender within 48 hours after the time required for appearance.

(b) An off-highway vehicle encumbered by a security interest perfected according to section 168A.17, subdivision 2, or subject to a lease that has a term of 180 days or more, is subject to the interest of the secured party or lessor unless the party or lessor had knowledge of or consented to the act upon which the forfeiture is based. However, when the proceeds of the sale of a seized vehicle do not equal or exceed the outstanding loan balance, the appropriate agency shall remit all proceeds of the sale to the secured party after deducting the agency's costs for the seizure, tow, storage, forfeiture, and sale of the vehicle. If the sale of the vehicle is conducted in a commercially reasonable manner consistent with section 336.9-610, the agency is not liable to the secured party for any amount owed on the loan in excess of the sale proceeds. The validity and amount of a nonperfected security interest must be established by its holder by clear and convincing evidence.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the secured party's or lessor's interest in an off-highway vehicle is not subject to forfeiture based solely on the secured party's or lessor's knowledge of the act or omission upon which the forfeiture is based if the secured party or lessor demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the party or lessor took reasonable steps to terminate use of the vehicle by the offender.

(d) An off-highway vehicle is not subject to forfeiture under this section if its owner can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the owner did not have actual or constructive knowledge that the vehicle would be used or operated in any manner contrary to law or that the owner took reasonable steps to prevent use of the vehicle by the offender. If the offender is a family or household member of the owner and has three or more prior off-highway vehicle convictions, the owner is presumed to know of any vehicle use by the offender that is contrary to law.

Subd. 8.Administrative forfeiture procedure.

(a) An off-highway vehicle used to commit a designated offense is subject to administrative forfeiture under this subdivision.

(b) Within 60 days from when an off-highway vehicle is seized under subdivision 2, or within a reasonable time after seizure, the appropriate agency shall serve the driver or operator of the vehicle with a notice of the seizure and intent to forfeit the vehicle. Additionally, when an off-highway vehicle is seized under subdivision 2, or within a reasonable time after that, all persons known to have an ownership, possessory, or security interest in the vehicle must be notified of the seizure and the intent to forfeit the vehicle. For those vehicles required to be registered under chapter 168, the notification to a person known to have a security interest in the vehicle is required only if the vehicle is registered under chapter 168 and the interest is listed on the vehicle's title. Upon motion by the appropriate agency or prosecuting authority, a court may extend the time period for sending notice for a period not to exceed 90 days for good cause shown. Notice mailed by certified mail to the address shown in Department of Public Safety records is sufficient notice to the registered owner of the vehicle. For off-highway vehicles not required to be registered under chapter 168, notice mailed by certified mail to the address shown in the applicable filing or registration for the vehicle is sufficient notice to a person known to have an ownership, possessory, or security interest in the vehicle. Otherwise, notice may be given in the manner provided by law for service of a summons in a civil action.

(c) The notice must be in writing and contain:

(1) a description of the vehicle seized;

(2) the date of the seizure; and

(3) notice of the right to obtain judicial review of the forfeiture and of the procedure for obtaining that judicial review, printed in English. This requirement does not preclude the appropriate agency from printing the notice in other languages in addition to English.

Substantially the following language must appear conspicuously in the notice:

"WARNING: You will automatically lose the above-described property and the right to be heard in court if you do not file a lawsuit and serve the prosecuting authority within 60 days. You may file your lawsuit in conciliation court if the property is worth $15,000 or less; otherwise, you must file in district court. You may not have to pay a filing fee for your lawsuit if you are unable to afford the fee. You do not have to pay a conciliation court fee if your property is worth less than $500."

(d) If notice is not sent in accordance with paragraph (b), and no time extension is granted or the extension period has expired, the appropriate agency shall return the property to the person from whom the property was seized, if known. An agency's return of property due to lack of proper notice does not restrict the agency's authority to commence a forfeiture proceeding at a later time. The agency shall not be required to return contraband or other property that the person from whom the property was seized may not legally possess.

(e) Within 60 days following service of a notice of seizure and forfeiture under this subdivision, a claimant may file a demand for a judicial determination of the forfeiture. The demand must be in the form of a civil complaint and must be filed with the court administrator in the county in which the seizure occurred, together with proof of service of a copy of the complaint on the prosecuting authority having jurisdiction over the forfeiture and the standard filing fee for civil actions unless the petitioner has the right to sue in forma pauperis under section 563.01. The claimant may serve the complaint on the prosecuting authority by any means permitted by court rules. If the value of the seized property is $15,000 or less, the claimant may file an action in conciliation court for recovery of the seized vehicle. A copy of the conciliation court statement of claim must be served personally or by mail on the prosecuting authority having jurisdiction over the forfeiture within 60 days following service of the notice of seizure and forfeiture under this subdivision. If the value of the seized property is less than $500, the claimant does not have to pay the conciliation court filing fee. No responsive pleading is required of the prosecuting authority and no court fees may be charged for the prosecuting authority's appearance in the matter. Pleadings, filings, and methods of service are governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure.

(f) The complaint must be captioned in the name of the claimant as plaintiff and the seized vehicle as defendant and must state with specificity the grounds on which the claimant alleges the vehicle was improperly seized, the claimant's interest in the vehicle seized, and any affirmative defenses the claimant may have. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an action for the return of an off-highway vehicle seized under this section may not be maintained by or on behalf of any person who has been served with a notice of seizure and forfeiture unless the person has complied with this subdivision.

(g) If the claimant makes a timely demand for a judicial determination under this subdivision, the forfeiture proceedings must be conducted according to subdivision 9.

Subd. 9.Judicial forfeiture procedure.

(a) This subdivision governs judicial determinations of the forfeiture of an off-highway vehicle used to commit a designated offense. An action for forfeiture is a civil in rem action and is independent of any criminal prosecution. All proceedings are governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure.

(b) If no demand for judicial determination of the forfeiture is pending, the prosecuting authority may, in the name of the jurisdiction pursuing the forfeiture, file a separate complaint against the vehicle, describing it, specifying that it was used in the commission of a designated offense, and specifying the time and place of its unlawful use.

(c) The prosecuting authority may file an answer to a properly served demand for judicial determination, including an affirmative counterclaim for forfeiture. The prosecuting authority is not required to file an answer.

(d) A judicial determination under this subdivision must be held at the earliest practicable date, and in any event no later than 180 days following the filing of the demand by the claimant. If a related criminal proceeding is pending, the hearing shall not be held until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. The district court administrator shall schedule the hearing as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the criminal prosecution. The district court administrator shall establish procedures to ensure efficient compliance with this subdivision. The hearing is to the court without a jury.

(e) There is a presumption that an off-highway vehicle seized under this section is subject to forfeiture if the prosecuting authority establishes that the vehicle was used in the commission of a designated offense. A claimant bears the burden of proving any affirmative defense raised.

(f) If the forfeiture is based on the commission of a designated offense and the person charged with the designated offense appears in court as required and is not convicted of the offense, the court shall order the property returned to the person legally entitled to it upon that person's compliance with the redemption requirements of subdivision 12.

(g) If the lawful ownership of the vehicle used in the commission of a designated offense can be determined and the owner makes the demonstration required under subdivision 7, paragraph (d), the vehicle must be returned immediately upon the owner's compliance with the redemption requirements of subdivision 12.

(h) If the court orders the return of a seized vehicle under this subdivision, it must order that filing fees be reimbursed to the person who filed the demand for judicial determination. In addition, the court may order sanctions under section 549.211. Any reimbursement fees or sanctions must be paid from other forfeiture proceeds of the law enforcement agency and prosecuting authority involved and in the same proportion as distributed under subdivision 10, paragraph (b).

Subd. 10.Disposition of forfeited vehicle.

(a) If the vehicle is administratively forfeited under subdivision 8, or if the court finds under subdivision 9 that the vehicle is subject to forfeiture under subdivisions 6 and 7, the appropriate agency shall:

(1) sell the vehicle and distribute the proceeds under paragraph (b); or

(2) keep the vehicle for official use. If the agency keeps a forfeited off-highway vehicle for official use, the agency shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the off-highway vehicle is available for use by the agency's officers who participate in off-highway vehicle enforcement or education programs.

(b) The proceeds from the sale of forfeited vehicles, after payment of seizure, towing, storage, forfeiture, and sale expenses and satisfaction of valid liens against the property, must be distributed as follows:

(1) 70 percent of the proceeds must be forwarded to the appropriate agency for deposit as a supplement to the state or local agency's operating fund or similar fund for use in purchasing equipment for off-highway vehicle enforcement, training, and education; and

(2) 30 percent of the money or proceeds must be forwarded to the prosecuting authority that handled the forfeiture for deposit as a supplement to its operating fund or similar fund for prosecutorial purposes.

(c) If a vehicle is sold under paragraph (a), the appropriate agency shall not sell the vehicle to: (1) an officer or employee of the agency that seized the property or to a person related to the officer or employee by blood or marriage; or (2) the prosecuting authority or any individual working in the same office or a person related to the authority or individual by blood or marriage.

(d) Sales of forfeited vehicles under this section must be conducted in a commercially reasonable manner.

(e) If a vehicle is forfeited administratively under this section and no demand for judicial determination is made, the appropriate agency shall provide the prosecuting authority with a copy of the forfeiture or evidence receipt, the notice of seizure and intent to forfeit, a statement of probable cause for forfeiture of the property, and a description of the property and its estimated value. Upon review and certification by the prosecuting authority that (1) the appropriate agency provided a receipt in accordance with subdivision 2, paragraph (c), (2) the appropriate agency served notice in accordance with subdivision 8, and (3) probable cause for forfeiture exists based on the officer's statement, the appropriate agency may dispose of the property in any of the ways listed in this subdivision.

Subd. 11.Sale of forfeited vehicle by secured party.

(a) A financial institution with a valid security interest in or a valid lease covering a forfeited off-highway vehicle may choose to dispose of the vehicle under this subdivision, in lieu of the appropriate agency disposing of the vehicle under subdivision 10. A financial institution wishing to dispose of an off-highway vehicle under this subdivision shall notify the appropriate agency of its intent, in writing, within 30 days after receiving notice of the seizure and forfeiture. The appropriate agency shall release the vehicle to the financial institution or its agent after the financial institution presents proof of its valid security agreement or of its lease agreement and the financial institution agrees not to sell the vehicle to a family or household member of the violator, unless the violator is not convicted of the offense on which the forfeiture is based. The financial institution shall dispose of the vehicle in a commercially reasonable manner as defined in section 336.9-610.

(b) After disposing of the forfeited vehicle, the financial institution shall reimburse the appropriate agency for its seizure, storage, and forfeiture costs. The financial institution may then apply the proceeds of the sale to its storage costs, to its sale expenses, and to satisfy the lien or the lease on the vehicle. If any proceeds remain, the financial institution shall forward the proceeds to the state treasury, which shall credit the appropriate fund as specified in subdivision 10.

Subd. 12.Redemption requirements.

(a) If an off-highway vehicle is seized by a peace officer for a designated offense, the seized vehicle must be released only:

(1) to the registered owner, a person authorized by the registered owner, a lienholder of record, or a person who has purchased the vehicle from the registered owner who provides proof of ownership of the vehicle;

(2) if the vehicle is subject to a rental or lease agreement, to a renter or lessee who provides a copy of the rental or lease agreement; or

(3) to an agent of a towing company authorized by a registered owner if the owner provides proof of ownership of the vehicle.

(b) The proof of ownership or, if applicable, the copy of the rental or lease agreement required under paragraph (a) must be provided to the law enforcement agency seizing the vehicle or to a person or entity designated by the law enforcement agency to receive the information.

(c) No law enforcement agency, local unit of government, or state agency is responsible or financially liable for any storage fees incurred due to a seizure under this section.

Subd. 13.Reporting.

The appropriate agency and prosecuting authority shall report on forfeitures occurring under this section as described in section 609.5315, subdivision 6.

History:

2009 c 176 art 1 s 5; 2010 c 391 s 1; 2012 c 128 s 1-7

84.775 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE CIVIL CITATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Civil citation; authority to issue.

(a) A conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may issue a civil citation to a person who operates:

(1) an off-highway motorcycle in violation of sections 84.773, subdivision 1 or 2, clause (1); 84.777; 84.788 to 84.795; or 84.90;

(2) an off-road vehicle in violation of sections 84.773, subdivision 1 or 2, clause (1); 84.777; 84.798 to 84.804; or 84.90; or

(3) an all-terrain vehicle in violation of sections 84.773, subdivision 1 or 2, clause (1); 84.777; 84.90; or 84.922 to 84.928.

(b) A civil citation under paragraph (a) shall require restitution for public and private property damage and impose a penalty of:

(1) $100 for the first offense;

(2) $200 for the second offense; and

(3) $500 for third and subsequent offenses.

(c) A conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may issue a civil citation to a person who operates an off-highway motorcycle, off-road vehicle, or all-terrain vehicle in violation of section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (2) or (3). A civil citation under this paragraph shall require restitution for damage to wetlands and impose a penalty of:

(1) $100 for the first offense;

(2) $500 for the second offense; and

(3) $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses.

(d) If the peace officer determines that there is damage to property requiring restitution, the commissioner must send a written explanation of the extent of the damage and the cost of the repair by first class mail to the address provided by the person receiving the citation within 15 days of the date of the citation.

(e) An off-road vehicle that is equipped with a snorkel device and receives a civil citation under this section is subject to twice the penalty amounts in paragraphs (b) and (c).

Subd. 2.Appeals.

Civil citations issued under subdivision 1 may be appealed according to section 116.072, if the recipient of the citation requests a hearing by notifying the commissioner in writing within 30 days after receipt of the citation or, if applicable, within 15 days after the date of mailing the explanation of restitution. For the purposes of this section, the terms "commissioner" and "agency" as used in section 116.072 mean the commissioner of natural resources. If a hearing is not requested within the 30-day period, the citation becomes a final order not subject to further review.

Subd. 3.Enforcement.

Civil citations issued under subdivision 1 may be enforced under section 116.072, subdivision 9. Penalty amounts must be remitted within 30 days of issuance of the citation.

Subd. 4.Allocating penalty amounts.

Penalty amounts collected from civil citations issued under this section must be paid to the treasury of the unit of government employing the officer that issued the civil citation. Penalties retained by the commissioner shall be credited as follows: to the off-highway motorcycle account under section 84.794 for citations involving off-highway motorcycles; to the off-road vehicle account under section 84.803 for citations involving off-road vehicles; or to the all-terrain vehicle account under section 84.927 for citations involving all-terrain vehicles. Penalty amounts credited under this subdivision are dedicated for the enforcement of off-highway vehicle laws.

Subd. 5.Selecting remedy.

A peace officer may not seek both civil and misdemeanor penalties for offenses listed in subdivision 1.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 20; 2004 c 221 s 7; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 19; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 15

84.777 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILES; USE OF STATE LANDS RESTRICTED.

Subdivision 1.Designated trails.

(a) Except as otherwise allowed by law or rules adopted by the commissioner, effective June 1, 2003, notwithstanding sections 84.787 to 84.804 and 84.92 to 84.928, the use of off-highway vehicles is prohibited on state land administered by the commissioner of natural resources, and on county-administered forest land within the boundaries of a state forest, except on roads and trails specifically designated and posted by the commissioner for use by off-highway vehicles.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to county-administered land within a state forest if the county board adopts a resolution that modifies restrictions on the use of off-highway vehicles on county-administered land within the forest.

Subd. 2.Seasonal restrictions.

(a) Except for designated forest roads, a person must not operate an off-highway vehicle or snowmobile on state forest lands during the firearms deer-hunting season in areas of the state where deer may be taken by rifle. This paragraph does not apply to a person in possession of a valid deer-hunting license operating an off-highway vehicle or snowmobile before or after legal shooting hours or from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(b) The commissioner may designate and post winter trails on state forest lands for use by off-highway vehicles.

(c) For the purposes of this subdivision, "state forest lands" means forest lands under the authority of the commissioner as defined in section 89.001, subdivision 13, and lands managed by the commissioner under section 282.011.

Subd. 3.Mapped trails.

(a) Except as provided in sections 84.926 and 84.928, after completion of official department off-highway vehicle maps for the area, a person must not operate an off-highway vehicle on state land that is not mapped for the type of off-highway vehicle. This paragraph does not apply to state forest land north of U.S. Highway 2 until after June 30, 2009.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to a forest access route in a managed forest north of U.S. Highway 2 that the commissioner has not designated as a road or trail. Forest access routes will not be signed or maintained and will not be included on published user maps of the forest. Off-highway vehicle operation on forest access routes is subject to the prohibitions on causing erosion, rutting, damage to trees or crops, and construction of unauthorized trails contained in Minnesota Rules. Damaged routes are subject to closure to off-highway vehicle use.

Subd. 4.Rulemaking exemption.

Determinations of the commissioner under this section may be by written order published in the State Register and are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14. Section 14.386 does not apply.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 21; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 24; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 3; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 7; 2011 c 107 s 6; 2014 c 290 s 4

84.780 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE DAMAGE ACCOUNT.

(a) The off-highway vehicle damage account is created in the natural resources fund. Money in the off-highway vehicle damage account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for the repair or restoration of property damaged by the illegal operation of off-highway vehicles or the operation of off-highway vehicles in an unpermitted area after August 1, 2003, and for the costs of administration for this section. Before the commissioner may make a payment from this account, the commissioner must determine whether the damage to the property was caused by the unpermitted or illegal use of off-highway vehicles, that the applicant has made reasonable efforts to identify the responsible individual and obtain payment from the individual, and that the applicant has made reasonable efforts to prevent reoccurrence.

(b) Determinations of the commissioner under this section may be made by written order and are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14. Section 14.386 does not apply.

(c) Money in the account is available until expended.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 22; 2004 c 221 s 8; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 20; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 25

84.781 USE OF DEPARTMENT RESOURCES.

The commissioner of natural resources may permit Department of Natural Resources personnel and equipment to be used to assist local units of government in developing and maintaining off-highway vehicle grant-in-aid trails located on property owned by or under the control of the local unit of government.

History:

1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 21; 2014 c 248 s 5

OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLES

84.787 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 84.787 to 84.795.

Subd. 2.Accompanied.

"Accompanied" means subject to continuous direction or control.

Subd. 3.City.

"City" means a statutory or home rule charter city.

Subd. 4.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 5.Dealer.

"Dealer" means a person engaged in the business of selling off-highway motorcycles at wholesale or retail.

Subd. 6.Manufacturer.

"Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing off-highway motorcycles.

Subd. 7.Off-highway motorcycle.

"Off-highway motorcycle" means a motorized, off-highway vehicle traveling on two wheels and having a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, including a vehicle that is registered under chapter 168 for highway use if it is also used for off-highway operation on trails or unimproved terrain.

Subd. 8.Owner.

"Owner" means a person, other than a person with a security interest, that has a property interest in or title to an off-highway motorcycle and is entitled to the use and possession of the motorcycle.

Subd. 9.Person.

"Person" has the meaning given it in section 336.1-201(b)(27).

Subd. 10.Public road right-of-way.

"Public road right-of-way" means the entire right-of-way of a town road or a county, county state-aid, or trunk highway, including the traveled portions, banks, ditches, shoulders, and medians.

Subd. 11.Register.

"Register" means the act of assigning a registration number to an off-highway motorcycle.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 1; 2004 c 162 art 3 s 2; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50

84.788 REGISTRATION.

Subdivision 1.General requirements.

Unless exempted in subdivision 2, a person may not operate and an owner may not give permission for another to operate an off-highway motorcycle unless the vehicle has been registered under this section.

Subd. 2.Exemptions.

Registration is not required for off-highway motorcycles:

(1) owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, the state, another state, or a political subdivision;

(2) registered in another state or country that have not been within this state for more than 30 consecutive days;

(3) registered under chapter 168, when operated on forest roads to gain access to a state forest campground;

(4) operated on state or grant-in-aid trails by a nonresident possessing a nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass;

(5) operated by a person participating in an event for which the commissioner has issued a special use permit; or

(6) operated on boundary trails and registered in another state or country providing equal reciprocal registration or licensing exemptions for registrants of this state.

Subd. 3.Application; issuance; reports.

(a) Application for registration or continued registration must be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The form must state the name and address of every owner of the off-highway motorcycle.

(b) A person who purchases from a retail dealer an off-highway motorcycle shall make application for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary 21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The dealer shall submit the completed registration applications and fees to the deputy registrar at least once each week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary permit.

(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary 21-day permit. Once issued, the registration number must be affixed to the motorcycle according to paragraph (f). A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the 21-day temporary permit period.

(d) The commissioner shall develop a registration system to register vehicles under this section. A deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting under section 168.33, is also a deputy registrar of off-highway motorcycles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to ensure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with the accounting and procedural requirements.

(e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, a filing fee of $4.50 is charged for each off-highway motorcycle registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and replacement decal and a filing fee of $7 is charged for each off-highway motorcycle registration and registration transfer issued by:

(1) a deputy registrar and must be deposited in the treasury of the jurisdiction where the deputy is appointed, or kept if the deputy is not a public official; or

(2) the commissioner and must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account.

(f) Unless exempted in paragraph (g), the owner of an off-highway motorcycle must display a registration decal issued by the commissioner. If the motorcycle is licensed as a motor vehicle, a registration decal must be affixed on the upper left corner of the rear license plate. If the motorcycle is not licensed as a motor vehicle, the decal must be attached on the side of the motorcycle and may be attached to the fork tube. The decal must be attached in a manner so that it is visible while a rider is on the motorcycle. The issued decals must be of a size to work within the constraints of the electronic licensing system, not to exceed three inches high and three inches wide.

(g) Display of a registration decal is not required for an off-highway motorcycle:

(1) while being operated on private property; or

(2) while competing in a closed-course competition event.

Subd. 4.Registration card; signature; replacement fee.

The commissioner shall provide to the registrant a registration card that includes the registration number, the date of registration, the make and serial number of the off-highway motorcycle, the owner's name and address, and additional information the commissioner may require. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one owner. Information concerning registrations must be kept by the commissioner. Upon a satisfactory showing that the registration card has been lost or destroyed, the commissioner shall issue a replacement registration card upon payment of a fee of $4. The fees collected from replacement registration cards must be credited to the off-highway motorcycle account.

Subd. 5.Report of ownership transfers; fee.

(a) Application for transfer of ownership of an off-highway motorcycle registered under this section must be made to the commissioner within 15 days of the date of transfer.

(b) An application for transfer must be executed by the registered owner and the purchaser using a bill of sale that includes the vehicle serial number.

(c) The purchaser is subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.774 if the purchaser fails to apply for transfer of ownership as provided under this subdivision.

Subd. 5a.Report of registration transfers.

(a) Application for transfer of registration under this section must be made to the commissioner within 15 days of the date of transfer.

(b) An application for transfer must be executed by the registered owner and the purchaser using a bill of sale that includes the vehicle serial number.

(c) The purchaser is subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.774 if the purchaser fails to apply for transfer of registration as provided under this subdivision.

Subd. 6.Registration fees.

(a) The fee for registration of an off-highway motorcycle under this section, other than those registered by a dealer or manufacturer under paragraph (b) or (c), is $30 for three years and $4 for a duplicate or transfer.

(b) The total registration fee for off-highway motorcycles owned by a dealer and operated for demonstration or testing purposes is $50 per year. Dealer registrations are not transferable.

(c) The total registration fee for off-highway motorcycles owned by a manufacturer and operated for research, testing, experimentation, or demonstration purposes is $150 per year. Manufacturer registrations are not transferable.

(d) The fees collected under this subdivision must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account.

Subd. 7.Renewal.

An owner of an off-highway motorcycle must renew registration in a manner prescribed by the commissioner upon payment of the appropriate registration fee in subdivision 6.

Subd. 8.Vehicles owned by state or political subdivision.

A registration number must be issued without the payment of a fee for off-highway motorcycles owned by the state or political subdivision upon application.

Subd. 9.Licensing by political subdivisions.

A political subdivision of this state may not require licensing or registration of off-highway motorcycles covered by sections 84.787 to 84.795.

Subd. 10.Registration by minors prohibited.

A person under the age of 18 may not register an off-highway motorcycle.

Subd. 11.Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within 12 months of the original registration and:

(1) the off-highway motorcycle was registered incorrectly by the commissioner or the deputy registrar; or

(2) the off-highway motorcycle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Subd. 12.Dual registration.

(a) An off-highway motorcycle registered under this section may also be registered as a motorcycle under chapter 168 for use on public roads and highways.

(b) If the off-highway motorcycle was not originally constructed primarily for use on public roads and highways, the off-highway motorcycle must be equipped with mirrors and a headlight, taillight, and horn and be otherwise modified as necessary to meet the requirements of chapter 169, the safety standards of the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act, Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571, and the regulations adopted under that federal act, for motorcycles regarding safety and acceptability to operate on public roads and highways.

(c) An applicant for registration under chapter 168 must submit a form, prescribed by the commissioner of public safety.

(d) For the purposes of this subdivision, off-highway motorcycle according to section 84.787, subdivision 7, does not include a golf cart; mini truck; dune buggy; go-cart; moped; pocket bike; gray market vehicle; or vehicle designed and used specifically for lawn maintenance, agriculture, logging, or mining purposes.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 2; 1995 c 220 s 59; 1996 c 410 s 20; 2001 c 185 s 2,3; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 23,24; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 22,23; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 4; 2008 c 357 s 7; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 8; 2011 c 107 s 7; 2014 c 312 art 13 s 12; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 6,7; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 4; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 16

84.789 REQUIREMENTS OF MAKERS OF OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLES; SOUND EMISSIONS.

Subdivision 1.Identification number.

An off-highway motorcycle made after January 1, 1994, and sold in the state, must have a manufacturer's permanent identification number stamped in letters and numbers on the vehicle in the form and at a location prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Registration number.

An off-highway motorcycle made after January 1, 1995, and sold in the state, must be designed and made to provide an area to affix the registration number. This area must be at a location and of dimensions prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Sound emissions.

(a) On and after July 1, 2006, off-highway motorcycles, when operating on public lands, shall at all times be equipped with a silencer or other device that limits sound emissions according to this subdivision.

(b) Sound emissions of competition off-highway motorcycles manufactured on or after January 1, 1998, are limited to not more than 96 dbA and, if manufactured prior to January 1, 1998, to not more than 99 dbA, when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Standard J-1287, as applicable.

(c) Sound emissions of all other off-highway motorcycles are limited to not more than 96 dbA if manufactured on or after January 1, 1986, and not more than 99 dbA if manufactured prior to January 1, 1986, when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the Society of Automotive Engineers under Standard J-1287, as applicable.

(d) Off-highway motorcycles operating in closed course competition events are excluded from the requirements of this subdivision.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 3; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 24

84.79 RULEMAKING; ACCIDENT REPORT.

(a) With a view of achieving proper use of off-highway motorcycles consistent with protection of the environment, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of public safety and transportation, shall adopt rules under chapter 14 relating to:

(1) registration of off-highway motorcycles and display of registration numbers;

(2) use of off-highway motorcycles insofar as game and fish resources are affected;

(3) use of off-highway motorcycles on public lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the commissioner;

(4) uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities necessary or desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of off-highway motorcycles; and

(5) off-highway motorcycle sound levels.

(b) The commissioner of public safety, in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources and transportation, may adopt rules under chapter 14 regulating the use of off-highway motorcycles on public roads.

(c) The operator and an officer investigating an accident of an off-highway motorcycle resulting in injury requiring medical attention or hospitalization to or death of a person or total damage to an extent of $500 or more shall forward within ten days a written report of the accident to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 4

84.791 EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

Subdivision 1.Program established; when required.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a comprehensive off-highway motorcycle environment and safety education and training program, including the preparation and dissemination of vehicle information and safety advice to the public, the training of off-highway motorcycle operators, and the issuance of off-highway motorcycle safety certificates to operators under the age of 16 years who successfully complete the off-highway motorcycle environment and safety education and training courses.

(b) An individual who is convicted of violating a law related to the operation of an off-highway motorcycle must successfully complete the environment and safety education and training program established under paragraph (a) before continuing operation of an off-highway motorcycle.

Subd. 2.Fees.

For the purposes of administering the program and to defray a portion of the expenses of training and certifying vehicle operators, the commissioner shall collect a fee not to exceed $5 from each person who receives the training. The commissioner shall collect a fee for issuing a duplicate off-highway motorcycle safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish the fee for a duplicate off-highway motorcycle safety certificate, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead costs, involved in providing the service. The fees, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 3.Cooperation and consultation.

The commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations, private and public corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the program established under this section. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of public safety in regard to training program subject matter and performance testing that leads to the certification of off-road motorcycle operators.

Subd. 4.Off-highway motorcycle safety courses; reciprocity with other states; accepted equivalencies.

(a) The commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements or otherwise certify off-highway motorcycle environment and safety education and training courses from other states that are substantially similar to in-state courses. Proof of completion of a course subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified as substantially similar is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.787 to 84.795.

(b) Proof of completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirtbike School is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.787 to 84.795.

Subd. 5.Exemption from rulemaking and legislative approval.

The fees provided for under subdivision 2 are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The commissioner may establish the fees under subdivision 2 notwithstanding section 16A.1283.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 5; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 5; 2004 c 221 s 9,10; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 25,26; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2014 c 289 s 7

84.792 [Repealed, 2001 c 185 s 34]

84.793 YOUTHFUL OPERATORS; PROHIBITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Prohibitions on youthful operators.

(a) A person six years or older but less than 16 years of age operating an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters must possess a valid off-highway motorcycle safety certificate issued by the commissioner.

(b) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.795, subdivision 1, a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an off-highway motorcycle along or on a public road right-of-way.

(c) A person under 12 years of age may not:

(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;

(2) operate an off-highway motorcycle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or

(3) operate an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters unless accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older or participating in an event for which the commissioner has issued a special use permit.

(d) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person less than 16 years of age may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway only if that person is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(e) A person less than 16 years of age may operate an off-highway motorcycle on public road rights-of-way in accordance with section 84.795, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), only if that person is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a nonresident less than 16 years of age may operate an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters if the nonresident youth has in possession evidence of completing an off-road safety course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or another state as provided in section 84.791, subdivision 4.

Subd. 2.Helmet required.

A person less than 18 years of age may not operate an off-highway motorcycle on public land, public waters, or on a public road right-of-way unless wearing a safety helmet approved by the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 3.Prohibitions on owner.

An owner of an off-highway motorcycle may not knowingly allow it to be operated contrary to this section.

Subd. 4.Eye protection required.

A person may not operate an off-highway motorcycle without an eye-protective device.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 7; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 6; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 9; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 5

84.794 OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE ACCOUNT; RECEIPTS AND ALLOCATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Registration revenue.

Fees from the registration of off-highway motorcycles and the unrefunded gasoline tax attributable to off-highway motorcycle use under section 296A.18 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 2.Purposes.

(a) Subject to appropriation by the legislature, money in the off-highway motorcycle account may only be spent for:

(1) administration, enforcement, and implementation of sections 84.787 to 84.795;

(2) acquisition, maintenance, and development of off-highway motorcycle trails and use areas;

(3) grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities to construct and maintain off-highway motorcycle trails and use areas; and

(4) grants for enforcement and public education to local law enforcement agencies.

(b) The distribution of funds made available for grants-in-aid must be guided by the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 8; 1994 c 587 art 12 s 1; 1998 c 299 s 30; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 17

84.7945 NONRESIDENTS; STATE TRAIL PASS FOR OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLES.

Subdivision 1.Pass required; fee.

(a) A tribal member exempt from registration under section 84.788, subdivision 2, clause (2), or a nonresident, may not operate an off-highway motorcycle on a state or grant-in-aid off-highway motorcycle trail unless the operator carries a valid nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass in immediate possession. The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment of a $20 fee. The pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities for off-highway motorcycle organizations to construct and maintain off-highway motorcycle trails and use areas.

(c) A nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass is not required for:

(1) an off-highway motorcycle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.788, subdivision 2;

(2) a person operating an off-highway motorcycle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(3) a nonresident operating an off-highway motorcycle that is registered according to section 84.788.

Subd. 2.License agents.

The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time. The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling of passes pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the passes, exclusive of the issuing fee, to the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Issuing passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail passes. The commissioner shall also make the passes available through the electronic licensing system established under section 84.027, subdivision 15.

Subd. 4.Agent's fee.

In addition to the fee for a pass, an issuing fee of $1 per pass shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the pass. Issuing fees for passes issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund and retained for the operation of the electronic licensing system.

Subd. 5.Duplicate passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue a duplicate pass to persons whose pass is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules adopted thereunder. The fee for a duplicate nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

History:

2014 c 312 art 13 s 13

84.795 OPERATION REQUIREMENTS; LOCAL REGULATION.

Subdivision 1.Operation on public road rights-of-way.

(a) A person may not operate an off-highway motorcycle within the right-of-way of a town road or a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway in this state unless the right-of-way encompasses:

(1) a trail administered by the commissioner and designated for off-highway motorcycle use or multiple use; or

(2) a corridor access trail designated under paragraph (b).

(b) A road authority, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, may designate, with the approval of the commissioner, corridor access trails on public road rights-of-way for gaining access to established off-highway motorcycle trails.

(c) A person may not operate an off-highway motorcycle upon a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway in this state unless the vehicle is equipped with at least one headlight and one taillight, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by rule of the commissioner, and with brakes conforming to standards prescribed by rule of the commissioner, all of which are subject to the approval of the commissioner of public safety.

(d) A person may not operate an off-highway motorcycle at any time within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or freeway within this state.

Subd. 2.Crossing public road right-of-way.

(a) A person operating an off-highway motorcycle may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way provided:

(1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the road and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;

(2) the off-highway motorcycle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main-traveled way of the road;

(3) the driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard;

(4) in crossing a divided road, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the road with another public road; and

(5) if the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.

(b) Chapters 169 and 169A apply to the operation of off-highway motorcycles upon streets and highways, except for those provisions relating to required equipment and those provisions that by their nature have no application.

Subd. 3.Exemptions.

Subdivisions 1 and 2 do not apply to vehicles registered for public road use under chapter 168 when being operated on a traveled portion of a public road.

Subd. 4.Operation generally.

A person may not drive or operate an off-highway motorcycle:

(1) at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances;

(2) in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to endanger or to cause injury or damage to the person or property of another;

(3) in a tree nursery or planting in a manner that damages or destroys growing stock;

(4) without a brake operational by either hand or foot;

(5) at a speed exceeding ten miles per hour on the frozen surface of public waters within 100 feet of a person fishing or a fishing shelter; or

(6) in a manner that violates operation rules adopted by the commissioner.

Subd. 5.Operating under influence of alcohol or controlled substance.

A person may not operate or be in control of an off-highway motorcycle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, as provided in section 169A.20, and is subject to sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or 171.177. A conservation officer of the Department of Natural Resources is a peace officer for the purposes of sections 169A.20 and 169A.50 to 169A.53 or 171.177 as applied to the operation of an off-highway motorcycle in a manner not subject to registration under chapter 168.

Subd. 6.Operation prohibited on airports.

A person may not drive or operate an off-highway motorcycle on an airport defined in section 360.013, subdivision 39.

Subd. 7.Organized contests.

(a) Nothing in this section or chapter 169 prohibits the use of off-highway motorcycles within the right-of-way of a state trunk or county state-aid highway or upon public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources, in an organized contest or event, subject to the consent of the official or board having jurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.

(b) In permitting the contest or event, the official or board having jurisdiction may prescribe restrictions, conditions, or permit revocation procedures, as the official or board considers advisable.

Subd. 8.Regulation by political subdivisions.

A county, city, or town, acting through its governing body, may regulate the operation of off-highway motorcycles on public lands, waters, and property under its jurisdiction other than public road rights-of-way within its boundaries, by resolution or ordinance of the governing body and by giving appropriate notice, provided that:

(1) the regulations must be consistent with sections 84.787 to 84.795 and rules adopted under section 84.79;

(2) an ordinance may not impose a fee for the use of public land or water under the jurisdiction of either the Department of Natural Resources or another agency of the state, or for the use of an access to it owned by the state, a county, or a city; and

(3) an ordinance may not require an off-highway motorcycle operator to possess a motor vehicle driver's license while operating an off-highway motorcycle.

History:

1993 c 311 art 1 s 9; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2017 c 83 art 3 s 18

84.796 [Repealed, 2009 c 176 art 1 s 52]

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

84.797 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 84.797 to 84.804.

Subd. 2.City.

"City" means a statutory or home rule charter city.

Subd. 3.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 4.Dealer.

"Dealer" means a person engaged in the business of selling off-road vehicles at wholesale or retail.

Subd. 5.Manufacturer.

"Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing off-road vehicles.

Subd. 6.Off-road.

"Off-road" means on trails or nonpublic roads or for cross-country travel on natural terrain. For purposes of sections 84.797 to 84.8045, nonpublic roads include state forest roads, county forest roads, and other roads and trails that are not operated by a public road authority as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25.

Subd. 7.Off-road vehicle.

"Off-road vehicle" or "vehicle" means a motor-driven recreational vehicle capable of cross-country travel on natural terrain without benefit of a road or trail. Off-road vehicle does not include a snowmobile; an all-terrain vehicle; a motorcycle; a watercraft; a farm vehicle being used for farming; a vehicle used for military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement purposes; a construction or logging vehicle used in the performance of its common function; a motor vehicle owned by or operated under contract with a utility, whether publicly or privately owned, when used for work on utilities; a commercial vehicle being used for its intended purpose; snow-grooming equipment when used for its intended purpose; or an aircraft.

Subd. 8.Off-road vehicle use area.

"Off-road vehicle use area" means an area that is posted or designated for off-road vehicle use in accordance with rules adopted by the managing authority.

Subd. 9.Owner.

"Owner" means a person, other than a person with a security interest, that has a property interest in or title to an off-road vehicle and is entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle.

Subd. 10.Person.

"Person" has the meaning given in section 336.1-201(b)(27).

Subd. 11.Public road right-of-way.

"Public road right-of-way" means the entire right-of-way of a roadway that is not privately owned, including the traveled portions, banks, ditches, shoulders, and medians.

Subd. 12.Off-road vehicle staging area.

"Off-road vehicle staging area" means a parking lot, trail head, campground, or other location to or from which an off-road vehicle is transported by truck, trailer, or other motor vehicle so that it may be placed into operation or removed from operation on public lands. Off-road vehicle staging area does not include a location to which an off-road vehicle is transported primarily for servicing, maintenance, repair, storage, or sale.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 1; 2004 c 162 art 3 s 3; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2010 c 382 s 15

84.798 REGISTRATION.

Subdivision 1.General requirements.

(a) Unless exempted under paragraph (b) or subdivision 2, after January 1, 1995, a person may not operate and an owner may not give permission for another to operate an off-road vehicle on off-road vehicle-designated trails or areas on land administered by the commissioner, or on off-road vehicle grant-in-aid trails and areas funded under section 84.803, unless the vehicle has been registered under this section.

(b) Annually on the third Saturday of May, nonregistered off-road vehicles may be operated at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.

Subd. 2.Exemptions.

Registration is not required for an off-road vehicle that is:

(1) owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, the state, another state, or a political subdivision;

(2) registered in another state or country and has not been in this state for more than 30 consecutive days; or

(3) operated with a valid state trail pass according to section 84.8035.

Subd. 3.Application; issuance.

(a) Application for registration or continued registration must be made to the commissioner, or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The form must state the name and address of every owner of the off-road vehicle. Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner shall register the off-road vehicle and assign a registration number that must be affixed to the vehicle in accordance with subdivision 4.

(b) A deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting under section 168.33 is also a deputy registrar of off-road vehicles. The commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to ensure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with the accounting and procedural requirements. In addition to other fees prescribed by law, a filing fee of $4.50 is charged for each off-road vehicle registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and replacement decal and a filing fee of $7 is charged for each off-road vehicle registration and registration transfer issued by:

(1) a deputy registrar and must be deposited in the treasury of the jurisdiction where the deputy is appointed, or retained if the deputy is not a public official; or

(2) the commissioner and must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account.

Subd. 4.Registration sticker.

An off-road vehicle must display a registration sticker issued by the commissioner. If the vehicle is licensed as a motor vehicle, the registration sticker must be affixed on the upper left corner of the rear license plate. If the vehicle is not licensed as a motor vehicle, the owner shall provide a plate not less than four inches high and 7-1/2 inches wide. The plate must be attached to the rear of the vehicle at least 12 inches from the ground. The registration sticker must be affixed on the upper left corner of the plate. Plates and registration stickers must be maintained in a clean and legible condition.

Subd. 5.Registration card; signature; replacement fee.

The commissioner shall provide to the registrant a registration card that includes the registration number, date of expiration, make and serial number of the off-road vehicle, owner's name and address, and additional information the commissioner may require. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one owner. Information concerning each registration must be kept by the commissioner. If a registration card is lost or destroyed, the commissioner shall issue a replacement registration card on payment of a fee of $4. The fees collected from replacement registration cards must be credited to the off-road vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 6.Registration fees.

(a) The fee for registration of an off-road vehicle under this section, other than those registered by a dealer or manufacturer under paragraph (b) or (c), is $30 for three years and $4 for a duplicate or transfer.

(b) The total registration fee for off-road vehicles owned by a dealer and operated off-road for demonstration or testing purposes is $50 per year. Dealer registrations are not transferable.

(c) The total registration fee for off-road vehicles owned by a manufacturer and operated off-road for research, testing, experimentation, or demonstration purposes is $150 per year. Manufacturer registrations are not transferable.

(d) The fees collected under this subdivision must be credited to the off-road vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 7.Renewal.

An owner of an off-road vehicle must renew registration in a manner prescribed by the commissioner upon payment of the appropriate registration fee under subdivision 5.

Subd. 8.Licensing by political subdivisions.

A political subdivision may not require licensing or registration of off-road vehicles regulated under sections 84.797 to 84.804.

Subd. 9.Registration by minors prohibited.

A person under the age of 18 may not register an off-road vehicle.

Subd. 10.Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the off-road vehicle was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the off-road vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 2; 1995 c 220 s 60; 2001 c 185 s 5,6; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 25; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 27,29; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; art 2 s 6; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 10; 2016 c 189 art 3 s 11

84.799 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

An off-road vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1995, and sold in the state must have a manufacturer's permanent identification number stamped in letters and numbers on the vehicle.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 3

84.80 RULEMAKING; ACCIDENT REPORT.

Subdivision 1.Rules.

The commissioner shall adopt rules under chapter 14 relating to:

(1) the use of off-road vehicles, in a manner consistent with protection of the environment, on public lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources, including measures to minimize adverse impacts on soils, waters, vegetation, and wildlife;

(2) off-road vehicle equipment and safety standards, in consultation with the commissioner of public safety;

(3) uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of off-road vehicles; and

(4) maximum off-road vehicle sound levels.

Subd. 2.Accident report; requirement and form.

The operator and an officer investigating an accident involving an off-road vehicle and resulting in injury requiring medical attention or hospitalization, death, or total damage of $300 or more shall forward within ten days a written report of the accident to the commissioner of natural resources on a form prescribed by either the commissioner or the commissioner of public safety.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 4

84.801 [Repealed, 2001 c 185 s 34]

84.8015 EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

Subdivision 1.Program established; when required.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a comprehensive off-road vehicle environment and safety education and training program, including the preparation and dissemination of vehicle information and safety advice to the public, the training of off-road vehicle operators, and the issuance of off-road vehicle safety certificates to operators 16 to 18 years of age who successfully complete the off-road vehicle environment and safety education and training courses.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2006, an individual who is convicted of violating a law related to the operation of an off-road vehicle must successfully complete the environment and safety education and training program established under paragraph (a) before continuing operation of an off-road vehicle.

Subd. 2.Fees.

For the purposes of administering the program and to defray a portion of the expenses of training and certifying vehicle operators, the commissioner shall collect a fee not to exceed $15 from each person who receives the training. The commissioner shall collect a fee for issuing a duplicate off-road vehicle safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish the fee for a duplicate off-road vehicle safety certificate that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead costs, involved in providing the service. The fees must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account.

Subd. 3.Cooperation and consultation.

The commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations, private and public corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the program established under this section. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of public safety in regard to training program subject matter and performance testing that leads to the certification of off-road vehicle operators.

Subd. 4.Reciprocity with other states.

The commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements or otherwise certify off-road vehicle environment and safety education and training courses from other states that are substantially similar to in-state courses. Proof of completion of a course subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified as substantially similar is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of this section.

History:

1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 28

84.802 YOUTHFUL OPERATORS; PROHIBITIONS.

(a) A person under 16 years of age may not operate an off-road vehicle.

(b) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.804, a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an off-road vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way.

(c) An owner of an off-road vehicle may not knowingly allow it to be operated in violation of this section.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 6

84.803 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ACCOUNT; RECEIPTS AND ALLOCATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Registration revenue.

Fees from the registration of off-road vehicles and unrefunded gasoline tax attributable to off-road vehicle use under section 296A.18 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 2.Purposes.

Subject to appropriation by the legislature, money in the off-road vehicle account may only be spent for:

(1) administration, enforcement, and implementation of sections 84.773 to 84.8045;

(2) acquisition, maintenance, and development of off-road vehicle trails and use areas;

(3) grant-in-aid programs to counties and municipalities to construct and maintain off-road vehicle trails and use areas;

(4) grants-in-aid to local safety programs; and

(5) enforcement and public education grants to local law enforcement agencies.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 7; 1994 c 587 art 12 s 2; 1998 c 299 s 30; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 26; 2010 c 382 s 16

84.8031 GRANT-IN-AID APPLICATIONS; REVIEW PERIOD.

The commissioner must review an off-road vehicle grant-in-aid application and, if approved, begin public review of the application within 60 days after the completed application has been locally approved and submitted to an area parks and trails office. If the commissioner fails to approve or deny the application within 60 days after submission, the application is deemed approved and the commissioner must provide for a 30-day public review period. If the commissioner denies an application, the commissioner must provide the applicant with a written explanation for denying the application at the time the applicant is notified of the denial.

History:

1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 8; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 6

84.8035 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE STATE TRAIL PASS.

Subdivision 1.Pass required; fee.

(a) Except as provided under paragraph (c), a person may not operate an off-road vehicle on a state or grant-in-aid off-road vehicle trail or use area unless the vehicle displays an off-road vehicle state trail pass sticker issued according to this section. The pass must be viewable by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment of the fee. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities for off-road vehicle organizations to construct and maintain off-road vehicle trails and use areas.

(c) An off-road vehicle state trail pass is not required for:

(1) an off-road vehicle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.798, subdivision 2;

(2) a person operating an off-road vehicle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(3) a person operating an off-road vehicle that is registered according to section 84.798.

(d) The fee for an annual nonresident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The nonresident pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. The fee for a nonresident three-year pass is $30.

(e) The fee for a resident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The resident pass is valid for 30 consecutive days after the date of issuance.

Subd. 2.License agents.

The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell off-road vehicle state trail passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time. The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling of passes pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the passes, exclusive of the issuing fee, to the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Issuing passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell off-road vehicle state trail passes. The commissioner shall also make the passes available through the electronic licensing system established under section 84.027, subdivision 15.

Subd. 4.Agent's fee.

In addition to the fee for a pass, an issuing fee of $1 per pass shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the pass. Issuing fees for passes issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the off-road vehicle account in the natural resources fund and retained for the operation of the electronic licensing system.

Subd. 5.Duplicate passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue a duplicate pass to persons whose pass is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules adopted thereunder. The fee for a duplicate off-road vehicle state trail pass is $4, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

History:

2011 c 107 s 8; 2016 c 189 art 3 s 12

84.804 OPERATION REQUIREMENTS; LOCAL REGULATION.

Subdivision 1.Operation on public road rights-of-way.

(a) A person may not operate a vehicle off-road within a public road right-of-way in this state except on a trail designated by the commissioner and approved by the unit of government having jurisdiction over the right-of-way.

(b) A person may not operate a vehicle off-road within a public road right-of-way between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, except on the right-hand side of the right-of-way and in the same direction as traffic on the nearest lane of the road.

(c) A person may not operate an off-road vehicle within the right-of-way of an interstate highway.

Subd. 2.Crossing public road rights-of-way.

(a) An off-road vehicle not registered under chapter 168 may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way for the purpose of continuing on a designated off-road trail if:

(1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the road and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;

(2) the vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main-traveled way of the road;

(3) the driver yields the right-of-way to all traffic;

(4) in crossing a divided road, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the road with another public road; and

(5) if the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.

(b) An off-road vehicle not registered under chapter 168 may be operated on a bridge, other than a bridge that is part of the main-traveled lanes of an interstate highway, or a roadway shoulder or inside bank of a public road right-of-way when required to avoid obstructions to travel and no other method of avoidance is possible, provided that the vehicle is operated in the farthest right-hand lane, the entrance to the roadway is made within 100 feet of the bridge or obstacle, and the crossing is made without undue delay.

(c) A person may not operate an off-road vehicle on a public street or highway unless the off-road vehicle is equipped with at least one headlight and one taillight, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by rules of the commissioner, and with brakes conforming to standards prescribed by rule of the commissioner, and all of which are subject to the approval of the commissioner of public safety.

(d) Chapter 169 applies to the operation of off-road vehicles on streets and highways, except that those provisions that by their nature have no application and those provisions relating to required equipment do not apply to vehicles not registered under chapter 168. Chapter 169A applies to the operation of off-road vehicles anywhere in the state and on the ice of boundary waters.

(e) A road authority, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, may, with the approval of the commissioner, designate access trails on public road rights-of-way for gaining access to established off-road vehicle trails.

Subd. 3.Operation generally.

A person may not drive or operate a vehicle off-road:

(1) at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable under the surrounding circumstances;

(2) in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner which may endanger or cause injury or damage to the person or property of another;

(3) without a functioning stoplight if so equipped;

(4) in a tree nursery or planting in a manner that damages or destroys growing stock;

(5) without a brake operational by either hand or foot; or

(6) in a manner that violates rules adopted by the commissioner.

Subd. 4.Operation prohibited on airports.

It is unlawful for a person to drive or operate an off-road vehicle on an airport, as defined in section 360.013, subdivision 39, except in connection with the operation of the airport.

Subd. 5.Organized contests.

(a) Nothing in this section or chapter 169 prohibits the use of vehicles off-road within the right-of-way of a state trunk or county state-aid highway or on public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commissioner in an organized contest or event, subject to the consent of the official or board having jurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.

(b) In permitting the contest or event, the official or board having jurisdiction must obtain the commissioner's approval and may prescribe restrictions or conditions it considers advisable.

Subd. 6.Regulation by political subdivisions.

(a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), a county, city, or town acting through its governing body may regulate the operation of off-road vehicles on public lands, waters, and property under its jurisdiction, other than public road rights-of-way within its boundaries, by ordinance of the governing body and by giving appropriate notice.

(b) The ordinance must be consistent with sections 84.797 to 84.804 and rules adopted under section 84.80.

(c) An ordinance may not impose a fee for the use of public land or water under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources or another agency of the state, or for the use of an access to the public land or water owned by the state, a county, or a city.

History:

1993 c 311 art 2 s 8; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50

84.8045 RESTRICTIONS ON OFF-ROAD VEHICLE TRAILS.

Notwithstanding any provision of sections 84.797 to 84.804 or other law to the contrary, the commissioner shall not permit land administered by the commissioner in Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard Counties to be used or developed for trails primarily for off-road vehicles as defined in section 84.797, subdivision 7, except:

(1) upon approval by the legislature; or

(2) in designated off-road vehicle use areas.

History:

2007 c 57 art 1 s 26; 2010 c 382 s 17

84.805 [Repealed, 2009 c 176 art 1 s 52]

SNOWMOBILES

84.81 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

For the purposes of Laws 1967, chapter 876, the terms defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them.

Subd. 2.Person.

"Person" includes an individual, partnership, corporation, the state and its agencies and subdivisions, and any body of persons, whether incorporated or not.

Subd. 3.Snowmobile.

"Snowmobile" means a self-propelled vehicle originally manufactured and designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners. Snowmobile does not include the following vehicles equipped with aftermarket ski and track configurations:

(1) an all-terrain vehicle defined in section 84.92;

(2) an off-highway motorcycle defined in section 84.787;

(3) an off-road vehicle defined in section 84.797;

(4) a mini truck defined in section 169.011;

(5) a utility task vehicle described in section 169.045; or

(6) any other vehicle being operated off road.

Subd. 4.Owner.

"Owner" means a person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a snowmobile entitled to the use or possession thereof.

Subd. 5.Operate.

"Operate" means to ride in or on and control the operation of a snowmobile.

Subd. 6.Operator.

"Operator" means every person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile.

Subd. 7.Register.

"Register" means the act of assigning a registration number to a snowmobile.

Subd. 8.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources acting directly or through the commissioner's authorized agent.

Subd. 9.Roadway.

"Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

Subd. 10.Dealer.

"Dealer" means a person, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of selling snowmobiles at wholesale or retail.

Subd. 11.Manufacturer.

"Manufacturer" means a person, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing snowmobiles.

Subd. 12.Collector snowmobile.

"Collector snowmobile" means a snowmobile that is 25 years old or older, was originally produced as a separate identifiable make by a manufacturer, and is owned and operated solely as a collector's item.

Subd. 13.Metal traction device.

"Metal traction device" means any metal device or array of metal devices attached to a snowmobile track to enhance traction that is:

(1) made of metal, except that metal cleats affixed perpendicular to the direction of travel of a snowmobile track which was manufactured in 1981 or earlier shall not be considered a metal traction device; or

(2) affixed to a snowmobile track with metal components that extend more than one-fourth inch from the bottom of the track.

History:

1967 c 876 s 3; 1969 c 695 s 1,2; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1971 c 577 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 5; 1999 c 231 s 86; 2014 c 289 s 8

84.82 EXEMPTIONS; COLLECTOR SNOWMOBILES; UNLIMITED USE.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1984 c 654 art 2 s 155]

Subd. 1a.General requirements.

A person may not operate or transport a snowmobile unless the snowmobile has been registered under this section. A person may not sell a snowmobile without furnishing the buyer a bill of sale on a form prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Application, issuance, issuing fee.

(a) Application for registration or reregistration shall be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a format prescribed by the commissioner and shall state the legal name and address of every owner of the snowmobile.

(b) A person who purchases a snowmobile from a retail dealer shall make application for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary 21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The temporary permit must contain the dealer's identification number and phone number. Each retail dealer shall submit completed registration and fees to the deputy registrar at least once a week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary permit.

(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary 21-day permit. Once issued, the registration number must be affixed to the snowmobile in a clearly visible and permanent manner for enforcement purposes as the commissioner of natural resources shall prescribe. A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the temporary 21-day permit period. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one owner.

(d) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting pursuant to section 168.33 shall also be a deputy registrar of snowmobiles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to ensure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with these accounting and procedural requirements.

(e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, an issuing fee of $4.50 is charged for each snowmobile registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and replacement decal, and an issuing fee of $7 is charged for each snowmobile registration and registration transfer issued by:

(1) a registrar or a deputy registrar and must be deposited in the manner provided in section 168.33, subdivision 2; or

(2) the commissioner and must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 2a.Nontrail use registration.

A snowmobile may be registered for nontrail use. A snowmobile registered under this subdivision may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail. The fee for a nontrail use registration of a snowmobile with an engine displacement that is greater than 125 cubic centimeters is $45 for three years. A nontrail use registration is not transferable. In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, the penalty for violation of this subdivision is immediate revocation of the nontrail use registration. The commissioner shall ensure that the registration sticker provided for limited nontrail use is of a different color and is distinguishable from other snowmobile registration and state trail stickers provided.

Subd. 3.Registration fees.

(a) The fee for registration of each snowmobile, other than those used for an agricultural purpose, as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 1c; those registered by a dealer or manufacturer pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c); or those registered under subdivision 2a shall be as follows: $105 for three years and $10 for a duplicate or transfer.

(b) The total registration fee for all snowmobiles owned by a dealer and operated for demonstration or testing purposes shall be $50 per year.

(c) The total registration fee for all snowmobiles owned by a manufacturer and operated for research, testing, experimentation, or demonstration purposes shall be $150 per year. Dealer and manufacturer registrations are not transferable.

(d) The onetime fee for registration of an exempt snowmobile under subdivision 6a is $6.

Subd. 3a.Expiration.

All snowmobile registrations, excluding temporary registration permits, required under this section expire June 30 of the year of expiration.

Subd. 4.Renewal.

Every owner of a snowmobile shall renew its registration in such manner as the commissioner shall prescribe, upon payment of the same registration fees provided in subdivision 3 hereof.

Subd. 5.Snowmobiles owned by state or political subdivision.

A registration number shall be issued without the payment of a fee for snowmobiles owned by the state of Minnesota or a political subdivision thereof upon application therefor.

Subd. 6.Exemptions.

Registration is not required under this section for:

(1) a snowmobile owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, another state, or a political subdivision thereof;

(2) a snowmobile registered in a country other than the United States temporarily used within this state;

(3) a snowmobile that is covered by a valid license of another state and has not been within this state for more than 30 consecutive days or that is registered by an Indian tribal government to a tribal member and has not been outside the tribal reservation boundary for more than 30 consecutive days;

(4) a snowmobile used exclusively in organized track-racing events;

(5) a snowmobile in transit by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer;

(6) a snowmobile at least 15 years old in transit by an individual for use only on land owned or leased by the individual;

(7) a snowmobile while being used to groom a state or grant-in-aid trail; or

(8) a snowmobile with an engine displacement that is 125 cubic centimeters or less and the snowmobile is not operated on a state or grant-in-aid trail.

Subd. 6a.Exemption; collector unlimited snowmobile use.

Snowmobiles may be issued an exempt registration if the machine is at least 25 years old. Exempt registration is valid from the date of issuance until ownership of the snowmobile is transferred. Exempt registrations are not transferable.

Subd. 7.Out-of-state snowmobiles.

The commissioner of natural resources may issue special permits to out-of-state snowmobiles from a state or country where registration is not required to operate in Minnesota for limited periods of time not to exceed 30 days in connection with organized group outings, trail rides, races, rallies and other promotional events.

Subd. 7a.Collector snowmobiles; limited use.

The commissioner may issue a special permit to a person or organization to operate or transport a collector snowmobile without registration in parades or organized group outings, such as races, rallies, and other promotional events and for up to ten days each year for personal transportation. The commissioner may impose a reasonable restriction on a permittee and may revoke, amend, suspend, or modify a permit for cause.

Subd. 8.Registration by persons under 18 prohibited.

No person under the age of 18 years may register a snowmobile.

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 1985 c 54 s 3]

Subd. 10.Proof of sales tax payment; collection and refund.

(a) A person applying for initial registration of a snowmobile must provide a receipt, invoice, or other document to prove that:

(1) the sales and use tax under chapter 297A was paid;

(2) the purchase was exempt from tax under chapter 297A; or

(3) the snowmobile was purchased from a retailer that is maintaining a place of business in this state as defined in section 297A.66, subdivision 1, and is a dealer.

(b) The commissioner or authorized deputy registrars, acting as agents of the commissioner of revenue under an agreement between the commissioner and the commissioner of revenue, as provided in section 297A.825:

(1) must collect use tax from the applicant if the applicant does not provide the proof required under paragraph (a); and

(2) are authorized to issue refunds of use tax paid to them in error.

(c) Subdivision 11 does not apply to refunds under this subdivision.

Subd. 11.Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the snowmobile was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the snowmobile was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

History:

1967 c 876 s 4; 1969 c 131 s 1; 1969 c 695 s 3,4; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1971 c 577 s 2-5; Ex1971 c 48 s 33,34; 1973 c 202 s 1; 1979 c 241 s 1; 1982 c 580 s 1,2; 1985 c 54 s 1,2; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 5,6; 1991 c 291 art 8 s 1; 1993 c 375 art 1 s 1; 1995 c 220 s 61; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 6,7; 1997 c 216 s 61; 1997 c 226 s 7; 2000 c 418 art 1 s 44; 2001 c 185 s 7; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 6; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 30,31; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 5; 2008 c 357 s 8,9; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 7; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 11-13; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 4-6; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 6,7; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 9,10; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 7,8; 1Sp2017 c 1 art 21 s 1

84.8205 SNOWMOBILE STATE TRAIL STICKER.

Subdivision 1.Sticker required; fee.

(a) A snowmobile that is not registered in the state under section 84.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), or that is registered by a manufacturer or dealer under section 84.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (b) or (c), may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail sticker is affixed to the snowmobile.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a sticker upon application and payment of a fee. The fee is:

(1) $50 for a one-year snowmobile state trail sticker purchased by an individual; and

(2) $15 for a one-year snowmobile state trail sticker purchased by a dealer or manufacturer.

(c) In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, an individual in violation of this subdivision must purchase an annual state trail sticker for a fee of $70. The sticker is valid from November 1 through June 30. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid, trail maintenance, grooming, and easement acquisition.

(d) A state trail sticker is not required under this section for:

(1) a snowmobile that is owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.82, subdivision 6;

(2) a collector snowmobile that is operated as provided in a special permit issued for the collector snowmobile under section 84.82, subdivision 7a;

(3) a person operating a snowmobile only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(4) a snowmobile while being used to groom a state or grant-in-aid trail.

Subd. 2.Placement of sticker.

The state trail sticker shall be permanently affixed to either:

(1) the forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight of the snowmobile;

(2) above the expiration year on the top portion of the snowmobile registration validation decal; or

(3) the lower right corner of a registration plate issued to a dealer or manufacturer under section 84.82, subdivision 3.

Subd. 3.License agents.

The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell state trail stickers. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time. The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling of stickers pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the stickers, exclusive of the issuing fee, to the commissioner.

Subd. 4.Issuing stickers.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell snowmobile state trail stickers.

Subd. 5.Agent's fee.

In addition to the fee for a sticker, an issuing fee of $1 per sticker shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the sticker. Issuing fees for stickers issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and retained for the operation of the electronic licensing system.

Subd. 6.Duplicate state trail stickers.

The commissioner and agents shall issue a duplicate sticker to persons whose sticker is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules promulgated thereunder. The fee for a duplicate state trail sticker is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

History:

1997 c 216 s 62; 1998 c 401 s 21; 1999 c 231 s 87; 2004 c 255 s 7; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 32-35; 2006 c 281 art 1 s 3,4; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 6; 2008 c 357 s 10; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 14; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 7; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 8; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 9

84.821 REQUIREMENTS OF SNOWMOBILE MAKERS.

Subdivision 1.Identification number.

All snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972, and sold in Minnesota, shall bear the maker's permanent identification number stamped in letters and numbers in the form and at a location prescribed by rule of the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Area for registration number.

All snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972, and sold in Minnesota, shall be designed and made to provide an area on which to affix the registration number. This area shall be at a location and of dimensions prescribed by rule of the commissioner.

History:

1971 c 577 s 6; 1985 c 248 s 70

84.83 SNOWMOBILE TRAILS AND ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNT; RECEIPTS AND ALLOCATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

There is created in the state treasury an account known as the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 2.Money deposited in account.

Fees from the registration of snowmobiles and from the issuance of snowmobile state trail stickers and the unrefunded gasoline tax attributable to snowmobile use pursuant to section 296A.18 shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account.

Subd. 3.Purposes; allocation.

(a) The money deposited in the account and interest earned on that money may be expended only as appropriated by law for the following purposes:

(1) for a grant-in-aid program to counties and municipalities for construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails that are determined by the commissioner to be part of the state's grant-in-aid system, including maintenance of trails on lands and waters of Voyageurs National Park; on Lake of the Woods; on Rainy Lake; on the following lakes in St. Louis County: Burntside, Crane, Little Long, Mud, Pelican, Shagawa, and Vermilion; and on the following lakes in Cook County: Devil Track and Hungry Jack. The commissioner may establish a performance-based funding formula for annual grants-in-aid. The procedures and criteria for grants-in-aid are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply. In administering the performance-based grants-in-aid, the commissioner must:

(i) determine annual grant amounts based on a funding formula that includes consideration of historical costs, snowfall, use, and tourism;

(ii) make grant payments based on:

(A) successful completion of performance benchmarks;

(B) reimbursement of eligible expenditures; or

(C) a combination of subitems (A) and (B); and

(iii) assess penalties to nonperforming grant-in-aid recipients, which may include withholding grant payments or making the grantee or trail system ineligible for future grant-in-aid funding;

(2) to acquire, develop, and maintain state recreational snowmobile trails;

(3) for snowmobile safety programs; and

(4) to administer and enforce sections 84.81 to 84.91 and appropriated grants to local law enforcement agencies.

(b) No less than 60 percent of revenue collected from snowmobile registration and snowmobile state trail sticker fees must be expended for grants-in-aid to develop, maintain, and groom trails and acquire easements.

Subd. 4.Provisions applicable to funding recipients.

(a) Recipients of Minnesota trail assistance program funds must be afforded the same protection and be held to the same standard of liability as a political subdivision under chapter 466 for activities associated with the administration, design, construction, maintenance, and grooming of snowmobile trails.

(b) Recipients of Minnesota trail assistance program funds who maintain ice trails on public waters listed under subdivision 3, clause (1), or on waters of Voyageurs National Park are expressly immune from liability under section 466.03, subdivision 6e.

Subd. 4a.Trail continuation on lands acquired by state.

When the commissioner acquires lands with easements or other agreements for snowmobile trails that have received grant-in-aid financing under this section, the commissioner shall:

(1) continue the easements or other agreements for the snowmobile trail; or

(2) develop an alternative route for the trail, including acquiring any necessary easements or other agreements for the trail right-of-way and providing funding for all expenses associated with clearing and marking the snowmobile trail.

Subd. 5.Fines and forfeited bail.

The disposition of fines and forfeited bail collected from prosecutions of violations of sections 84.81 to 84.91 or rules adopted thereunder, and violations of section 169A.20 that involve off-road recreational vehicles, as defined in section 169A.03, subdivision 16, are governed by section 97A.065.

History:

1967 c 876 s 5; 1969 c 399 s 1; 1969 c 695 s 5; 1982 c 580 s 3; 1987 c 404 s 97; 1989 c 335 art 4 s 17; 1992 c 573 s 1; 1995 c 230 s 1,2; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 1,67; 1998 c 299 s 30; 1999 c 231 s 88,89; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2001 c 165 s 1; 2001 c 185 s 8,9; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 79; 2004 c 255 s 8; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 36,37; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 7; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 8,9; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 18

84.84 TRANSFER OR TERMINATION OF SNOWMOBILE OWNERSHIP.

(a) Within 15 days after the transfer of ownership, or any part thereof, other than a security interest, or the destruction or abandonment of any snowmobile, written notice of the transfer or destruction or abandonment shall be given to the commissioner in such form as the commissioner shall prescribe.

(b) An application for transfer must be executed by the registered owner and the purchaser using a bill of sale that includes the vehicle serial number.

(c) The purchaser is subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.88 if the purchaser fails to apply for transfer of ownership as provided under this subdivision. Every owner or part owner of a snowmobile shall, upon failure to give notice of destruction or abandonment, be subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.88.

History:

1967 c 876 s 6; 1986 c 444; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 11

84.85 LICENSING BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.

No political subdivision of this state shall require licensing or registration of snowmobiles covered by the provisions of Laws 1967, chapter 876.

History:

1967 c 876 s 7

84.86 RULES.

Subdivision 1.Required rules.

With a view of achieving maximum use of snowmobiles consistent with protection of the environment the commissioner of natural resources shall adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, for the following purposes:

(1) Registration of snowmobiles and display of registration numbers.

(2) Use of snowmobiles insofar as game and fish resources are affected.

(3) Use of snowmobiles on public lands and waters, or on grant-in-aid trails.

(4) Uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities, which are necessary or desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles.

(5) Specifications relating to snowmobile mufflers.

(6) A comprehensive snowmobile information and safety education and training program, including but not limited to the preparation and dissemination of snowmobile information and safety advice to the public, the training of snowmobile operators, and the issuance of snowmobile safety certificates to snowmobile operators who successfully complete the snowmobile safety education and training course. For the purpose of administering such program and to defray expenses of training and certifying snowmobile operators, the commissioner shall collect a fee from each person who receives the youth or adult training. The commissioner shall collect a fee, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, for issuing a duplicate snowmobile safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish both fees in a manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead costs, involved in providing the services. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The fees may be established by the commissioner notwithstanding section 16A.1283. The fees, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and the amount thereof, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, and issuing fees collected by the commissioner, is appropriated annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for the administration of such programs. In addition to the fee established by the commissioner, instructors may charge each person any fee paid by the instructor for the person's online training course and up to the established fee amount for class materials and expenses. The commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations, private and public corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the program established under this clause. School districts may cooperate with the commissioner and volunteer instructors to provide space for the classroom portion of the training. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of public safety in regard to training program subject matter and performance testing that leads to the certification of snowmobile operators.

(7) The operator of any snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in injury requiring medical attention or hospitalization to or death of any person or total damage to an extent of $500 or more, shall forward a written report of the accident to the commissioner on such form as the commissioner shall prescribe. If the operator is killed or is unable to file a report due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating the accident shall file the accident report within ten business days.

Subd. 2.Public safety rules.

The commissioner of public safety may adopt rules not inconsistent herewith in the manner provided by chapter 14, regulating the use of snowmobiles on streets and highways.

History:

1967 c 876 s 8; 1969 c 399 s 1; 1969 c 695 s 6; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1971 c 491 s 1; 1971 c 577 s 7; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1982 c 594 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1Sp1985 c 13 s 194; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 184 s 1; 1997 c 216 s 63; 1998 c 401 s 22; 1999 c 4 s 1; 1999 c 231 s 90; 2000 c 495 s 3; 2004 c 221 s 11; 2004 c 255 s 9; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 38; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 19

84.862 SNOWMOBILE TRAINING REQUIRED.

Subdivision 1.Youth and adult safety training.

(a) Any resident born after December 31, 1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must possess:

(1) a valid snowmobile safety certificate;

(2) a driver's license that has a valid snowmobile qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 12; or

(3) an identification card that has a valid snowmobile qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 12.

(b) For youth or adults taking the youth course, the certificate or qualification indicator may only be issued upon successful completion of a course authorized under section 84.86. Either the youth course under this paragraph or the adult course under paragraph (c) may be completed by persons 16 years of age or older.

(c) Persons 16 years of age or older may take the adult snowmobile safety training course. The certificate or qualification indicator may only be issued upon successful completion of a safety course designed for adults or persons 16 years of age or older.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2004 c 255 s 51]

Subd. 2a.Certificates issued in other states.

If a person completes a safety course in another state that is recognized by the commissioner under a reciprocity agreement or certified by the commissioner as substantially similar to requirements in this state, evidence that the person has completed that course is acceptable in lieu of a certificate under this section.

Subd. 3.Training for offenders.

Any person who is convicted for a second or subsequent speeding violation in a snowmobile season, or any conviction for careless or reckless operation of a snowmobile, must successfully complete a training course in subdivision 1 before continuing operation of a snowmobile.

History:

1997 c 216 s 64; 1999 c 231 s 91,92; 2001 c 185 s 10,11; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 7; 2004 c 255 s 10-12

84.87 OPERATION; REGULATIONS BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.

Subdivision 1.Operation on streets and highways.

(a) No person shall operate a snowmobile upon the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of any trunk, county state-aid, or county highway in this state and, in the case of a divided trunk or county highway, on the right-of-way between the opposing lanes of traffic, except as provided in sections 84.81 to 84.90. No person shall operate a snowmobile within the right-of-way of any trunk, county state-aid, or county highway between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, except on the right-hand side of such right-of-way and in the same direction as the highway traffic on the nearest lane of the roadway adjacent thereto. No snowmobile shall be operated at any time within the right-of-way of any interstate highway or freeway within this state.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of paragraph (a) to the contrary:

(1) under conditions prescribed by the commissioner of transportation, the commissioner of transportation may allow two-way operation of snowmobiles on either side of the trunk highway right-of-way where the commissioner of transportation determines that two-way operation will not endanger users of the trunk highway or riders of the snowmobiles using the trail;

(2) under conditions prescribed by a local road authority as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, the road authority may allow two-way operation of snowmobiles on either side of the right-of-way of a street or highway under the road authority's jurisdiction, where the road authority determines that two-way operation will not endanger users of the street or highway or riders of the snowmobiles using the trail;

(3) the commissioner of transportation under clause (1) and the local road authority under clause (2) shall notify the commissioner of natural resources and the local law enforcement agencies responsible for the streets or highways of the locations of two-way snowmobile trails authorized under this paragraph; and

(4) two-way snowmobile trails authorized under this paragraph shall be posted for two-way operation at the authorized locations.

(c) A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway at any hour of the day provided:

(1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; and

(2) the snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway; and

(3) the driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard; and

(4) in crossing a divided highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of such highway with another public street or highway; and

(5) if the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on; and

(6) a snowmobile may be operated upon a bridge, other than a bridge that is part of the main traveled lanes of an interstate highway, when required for the purpose of avoiding obstructions to travel when no other method of avoidance is possible; provided the snowmobile is operated in the extreme right-hand lane, the entrance to the roadway is made within 100 feet of the bridge and the crossing is made without undue delay.

(d) No snowmobile shall be operated upon a public street or highway unless it is equipped with at least one headlamp, one tail lamp, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by rules of the commissioner, reflector material of a minimum area of 16 square inches mounted on each side forward of the handle bars, and with brakes each of which shall conform to standards prescribed by rule of the commissioner pursuant to the authority vested in the commissioner by section 84.86, and each of which shall be subject to approval of the commissioner of public safety.

(e) A snowmobile may be operated upon a public street or highway other than as provided by paragraph (c) in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.

(f) All provisions of chapters 169 and 169A shall apply to the operation of snowmobiles upon streets and highways, except for those relating to required equipment, and except those which by their nature have no application. Section 169.09 applies to the operation of snowmobiles anywhere in the state or on the ice of any boundary water of the state.

(g) Any sled, trailer, or other device being towed by a snowmobile must be equipped with reflective materials as required by rule of the commissioner.

Subd. 1a.Organized contests.

(a) Nothing in this section or chapter 169 shall prohibit the use of snowmobiles within the right-of-way of any state trunk or county state-aid highway or upon public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources, in any organized contest, subject to the consent of the official or board having jurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.

(b) In permitting such contest, the official or board having jurisdiction may prescribe such restrictions or conditions as they may deem advisable.

Subd. 2.Operation generally.

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile in the following unsafe or harassing ways:

(1) at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the surrounding circumstances;

(2) in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto;

(3) without a lighted head and taillight when required for safety; or

(4) in any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock.

Subd. 2a.Operation prohibited on airports.

It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile on an airport defined in section 360.013, subdivision 39, or other applicable law.

Subd. 2b.

[Repealed, 1994 c 615 s 28]

Subd. 2c.Application of speed limits to testing activities.

(a) A speed limit established by the commissioner in rules adopted under section 84.86 does not apply to a snowmobile that is being operated as part of a testing program established by a snowmobile manufacturer if:

(1) the snowmobile is operated for testing purposes by a driver employed by the snowmobile manufacturer;

(2) the snowmobile is clearly marked as a test machine; and

(3) the snowmobile is operated in compliance with all other applicable laws and rules.

(b) A card containing a photograph of the driver and identifying the driver as a test driver for the manufacturer must be in the driver's possession at all times when the snowmobile is being operated at a speed in excess of the limit established by the commissioner under section 84.86.

Subd. 3.Regulation by political subdivisions.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, a county board may by resolution permit the operation of snowmobiles upon the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of any county highway or county state-aid highway if safe operation in the ditch or outside bank or slope thereof is impossible, in which case the county board shall cause appropriate notice thereof to be given.

(b) Any county, city, or any town acting by its town board, may regulate the operation of snowmobiles on public lands, waters, and property under their jurisdiction and on streets and highways within their boundaries by resolution or ordinance of the governing body and by giving appropriate notice, provided such regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 84.81 to 84.88 inclusive and rules promulgated thereunder. However, no such governmental unit may adopt an ordinance which (1) imposes a fee for the use of public land or water under the jurisdiction of either the commissioner of natural resources or any other agency of the state, or for the use of any access thereto owned by the state, or a county or city; or (2) requires a snowmobile operator to possess a motor vehicle driver's license while operating a snowmobile.

Subd. 4.Snowmobile speed limit; lakes greater than 10,000 acres.

Notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, a county may enact an ordinance to raise the speed limit up to 65 miles per hour for snowmobiles traveling on marked trails during daylight hours on lakes greater than 10,000 acres, subject to the approval of the commissioner of natural resources. Within any posted speed limit, it remains unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable or proper under all of the surrounding conditions or circumstances.

Subd. 5.Snowmobile operation during firearms deer season.

Snowmobile operation during the firearms deer-hunting season is restricted as provided in section 84.777, subdivision 2, and rules adopted by the commissioner.

History:

1967 c 876 s 9; 1969 c 1 s 1; 1969 c 695 s 7,8; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1971 c 491 s 2; 1971 c 577 s 8; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 701 s 1; 1974 c 51 s 1; 1974 c 239 s 1; 1976 c 2 s 48; 1977 c 31 s 1; 1981 c 363 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 368 s 1,2; 1989 c 331 s 2; 1992 c 573 s 2; 1997 c 226 s 8; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2002 c 355 s 5; 2004 c 244 s 1; 2005 c 72 s 1; 2014 c 290 s 5

84.871 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Mufflers.

Except as provided in this section, every snowmobile shall be equipped at all times with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall snowmobile noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. The exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling sound. This section does not apply to organized races or similar competitive events held on (1) private lands, with the permission of the owner, lessee, or custodian of the land; (2) public lands and water under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources, with the commissioner's permission; or (3) other public lands, with the consent of the public agency owning the land. No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale on any new snowmobile any muffler that fails to comply with the specifications required by the rules of the commissioner after the effective date of the rules.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1999 c 4 s 5]

History:

1969 c 695 s 9; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1998 c 401 s 23

84.8712 METAL TRACTION DEVICES; PROHIBITION ON PAVED TRAILS.

Subdivision 1.Prohibition.

A person may not use a snowmobile with metal traction devices on a paved public trail that is designated closed to such use by a local government with jurisdiction over the trail or on a paved state trail or any portion of a paved state trail that is designated closed to such use by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Civil citation; authority to issue.

Conservation officers and other licensed peace officers may issue civil citations to a person who operates a snowmobile in violation of this section. The citation must impose a penalty of $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $500 for third and subsequent offenses.

Subd. 3.Appeals.

Civil citations for offenses under this section may be appealed under the procedures in section 116.072, subdivision 6, if the recipient of the citation requests a hearing by notifying the commissioner in writing within 15 days after receipt of the citation. For the purposes of the enforcement of this section, the terms "commissioner" and "agency" as used in section 116.072 mean the commissioner of natural resources. If a hearing is not requested within the 15-day period, the citation becomes a final order not subject to further review.

Subd. 4.Enforcement.

Civil citations for offenses under this section may be enforced under section 116.072, subdivision 9. If a person fails to pay a penalty owed under this section, the person may not operate a snowmobile until the penalty is paid. Penalty amounts must be remitted within 30 days of issuance of the penalty citation.

Subd. 5.Allocation of penalty amounts.

Penalty amounts collected from civil citations issued under this section are deposited to the unit of government employing the officer that issues the civil citation. The commissioner must deposit penalty amounts received by the state in the snowmobile trails and enforcement account established by section 84.83, subdivision 1. The penalty amounts in the account must be dedicated for the repair of paved public trails.

Subd. 6.Selecting remedy.

A person operating a snowmobile in violation of this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $50 for the first offense, no more than $300 for the second offense, and no more than $600 for the third and subsequent offenses. A peace officer may not seek both civil and petty misdemeanor penalties for a violation of this section.

History:

1999 c 4 s 2; 1999 c 231 s 93; 2000 c 324 s 1-4; 2004 c 221 s 12; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 17-20; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 10

84.8713 MS 2002 [Repealed, 1999 c 231 s 94]

84.8715 [Repealed, 1999 c 4 s 5]

84.872 YOUTHFUL SNOWMOBILE OPERATORS; PROHIBITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Restrictions on operation.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in section 84.87 to the contrary, no person under 14 years of age shall make a direct crossing of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway as the operator of a snowmobile, or operate a snowmobile upon a street or highway within a municipality. A person 14 years of age or older, but less than 18 years of age, may make a direct crossing of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway only if the person has in immediate possession:

(1) a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the commissioner;

(2) a driver's license that has a valid snowmobile qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 12; or

(3) an identification card that has a valid snowmobile qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 12.

(b) Notwithstanding section 84.862, no person under the age of 14 years shall operate a snowmobile unless supervised by or accompanied by one of the following listed persons on the same or an accompanying snowmobile, or on a device towed by the same or an accompanying snowmobile: the person's parent, legal guardian, or other person 18 years of age or older designated by the parent or guardian. However, a person 12 years of age or older but under the age of 14 years may operate a snowmobile if the person has in immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the commissioner or an identification card with a valid snowmobile qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 12.

(c) The snowmobile safety certificate exceptions under paragraph (b) do not allow a person under the age of 14 years to make a direct crossing of a highway as the operator of a snowmobile or to operate a snowmobile upon a street or highway, as prohibited under paragraph (a).

Subd. 1a.Helmet required.

(a) No person under the age of 18 shall operate or ride a snowmobile in this state without wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.

(b) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to persons during their participation in a parade that has been granted a permit or other official authorization by a local unit of government or to a person operating a snowmobile on land that is owned by the person or the person's parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, or aunts.

Subd. 2.Owner's duties.

It is unlawful for any person who is the owner or in lawful control of a snowmobile to permit the snowmobile to be operated contrary to the provisions of this section.

Subd. 3.Reporting convictions; suspensions.

When the judge of a juvenile court, or any of its duly authorized agents, shall determine that any person, while less than 18 years of age, has violated the provisions of sections 84.81 to 84.88, or any other state or local law or ordinance regulating the operation of snowmobiles, the judge, or duly authorized agent, shall immediately report this determination to the commissioner and may recommend the suspension of the person's snowmobile safety certificate. The commissioner is hereby authorized to suspend the certificate, without a hearing.

History:

1969 c 695 s 10; 1971 c 577 s 9; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 89 s 1; 1993 c 184 s 2; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 9; 1994 c 632 art 2 s 20; 1997 c 226 s 9; 1999 c 231 s 95; 2001 c 185 s 12; 2004 c 255 s 13

84.873 [Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

84.88 PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Penalty.

Any person who shall violate any provision of sections 84.81 to 84.89 or any rule of the commissioner of natural resources or of the commissioner of public safety promulgated pursuant to law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 2.Owner's penalty.

A person registered as owner of a snowmobile may be fined not to exceed $300 if a snowmobile bearing the person's registration number is operated contrary to the provisions of sections 84.81 to 84.88, or 97B.091. The registered owner may not be so fined if (a) the snowmobile was reported as stolen to the commissioner or a law enforcement agency at the time of the alleged unlawful act, or if (b) the registered owner demonstrates that the snowmobile either was stolen or was not in use at the time of the alleged unlawful act, or if (c) the registered owner furnishes to law enforcement officers upon request the identity of the person in actual physical control of the snowmobile at the time of such violation. The provisions of this subdivision do not apply to any person who rents or leases a snowmobile if such person keeps a record of the name and address of the person or persons renting or leasing such snowmobile, the registration number thereof, the departure date and time, and expected time of return thereof. Such record shall be preserved for at least six months and shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein was the operator thereof at the time it was operated contrary to sections 84.81 to 84.88, or 97B.091. The provisions of this subdivision do not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a snowmobile operator for violating any of the sections referred to in this subdivision.

History:

1967 c 876 s 10; 1969 c 1129 art 10 s 2; 1971 c 23 s 10; 1971 c 491 s 3; 1971 c 577 s 10; 1973 c 701 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 386 art 4 s 14; 1986 c 444

84.89 CONFISCATING SNOWMOBILE USED IN BURGLARY.

A law enforcement officer shall seize any snowmobile, as defined in section 84.81, used for the purpose of gaining access to property for the purpose of committing the crime of burglary, as defined in section 609.582. Any snowmobile seized pursuant to this section shall be held, subject to the order of the district court of the county in which the burglary was committed, and shall be confiscated after conviction of the person from whom the snowmobile was seized and disposed of in accordance with the procedure provided for equipment used in committing game and fish violations by section 97A.225, except that the balance of the proceeds from the sale of a confiscated snowmobile which are paid into the state treasury shall be credited to the general fund.

History:

1969 c 176 s 1; 1969 c 399 s 1; 1986 c 386 art 4 s 15; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1

84.90 OPERATING LIMITATIONS; RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:

(1) "Recreational motor vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle and any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle used for recreational purposes, including but not limited to snowmobile, trail bike or other all-terrain vehicle, hovercraft, or motor vehicle licensed for highway operation which is being used for off-road recreational purposes.

(2) "Snowmobile" has the same meaning given by section 84.81, subdivision 3.

Subd. 2.Within metropolitan area.

Within the seven-county metropolitan area, no person shall enter and operate a recreational motor vehicle on lands not owned by the person, except where otherwise allowed by law, without the written or oral permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee of such lands. Written permission may be given by a posted notice of any kind or description that the owner, occupant, or lessee prefers, so long as it specifies the kind of vehicles allowed, such as by saying "Recreational Vehicles Allowed," "Snowmobiles Allowed," "Trail Bikes Allowed," "All-Terrain Vehicles Allowed," or words substantially similar.

Subd. 3.Outside metropolitan area.

Outside the seven-county metropolitan area, no person shall enter on any land not owned by the person for the purpose of operating a recreational motor vehicle after being notified, either orally or by written or posted notice, by the owner, occupant, or lessee not to do so. Where posted notice is used, signs shall bear letters not less than two inches high and shall state one of the following: "Recreational Vehicles Prohibited," "Snowmobiles Prohibited," "Trail Bikes Prohibited," "All-Terrain Vehicles Prohibited," or words substantially similar. In lieu of the above notice an owner, occupant or lessee may post any sign prohibiting recreational motor vehicles which has been adopted by rule of the commissioner of natural resources. The notice or sign shall be posted at corners and ordinary ingress and egress to the property and when so posted shall serve so as to raise a conclusive presumption that a person operating a recreational motor vehicle thereon had knowledge of entering upon such posted lands. Failure to post notice as provided in this subdivision shall not deprive a person of the right to bring a civil action for damage to one's person or property as otherwise provided by law.

Subd. 4.Posting; trail facilities.

It is unlawful for a person to post, mutilate, or remove any notice or sign provided in this section upon any lands or waters over which the person has no right, title, interest, or license. It is unlawful for a person other than a duly constituted legal authority to so post any public lands, including but not limited to tax-forfeited lands, as above described. It is unlawful for a person to mutilate, destroy, damage, or remove any shelter, comfort station or other trail facility on any trail established on state-owned land or on any recreational trail which is funded in whole or in part by state grant-in-aid funds.

Subd. 5.Gates; fencing.

No person shall enter or leave the lands of another with a recreational motor vehicle, or pass from one portion of such lands to another portion, through a closed gate, without returning the gate to its original position. No person shall enter or leave the lands of another with a recreational motor vehicle by cutting any wire or tearing down or destroying any fence.

Subd. 6.Additional prohibitions.

Nothing in this section shall limit or otherwise qualify the power of municipalities, counties, school districts, or other political subdivisions of the state or any agency of the state to impose additional restrictions or prohibitions on the operation of recreational motor vehicles on property not owned by the operator in accordance with law.

Subd. 7.Penalty.

A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

History:

1974 c 468 s 1; 1981 c 215 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

84.901 [Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 162]

84.9011 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE SAFETY AND CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

The commissioner of natural resources shall establish a program to promote the safe and responsible operation of off-highway vehicles in a manner that does not harm the environment.

Subd. 2.Agreements.

(a) The commissioner shall enter into agreements with organizations for volunteer services that promote the safe and responsible operation of off-highway vehicles in a manner that does not harm the environment to maintain, make improvements to, and monitor trails on state forest land and other public lands. The organizations shall promote the operation of off-highway vehicles in a safe and responsible manner that complies with the laws and rules that relate to the operation of off-highway vehicles.

(b) The organizations may provide assistance to the department in locating, recruiting, and training instructors for off-highway vehicle training programs.

(c) The commissioner may provide assistance to enhance the comfort and safety of volunteers and to facilitate the implementation and administration of the safety and conservation program.

(d) The commissioner shall establish standards, train, and certify organizations and individuals participating as volunteers under this section. The training shall include:

(1) the identification of invasive species;

(2) correctly reporting the location of invasive species; and

(3) basic global positioning system operation.

Subd. 3.Worker displacement prohibited.

The commissioner may not enter into any agreement that has the purpose of or results in the displacement of public employees by volunteers participating in the off-highway safety and conservation program under this section. The commissioner must certify to the appropriate bargaining agent that the work performed by a volunteer will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or workers on seasonal layoff or layoff from a substantially equivalent position, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or other employment benefits.

Subd. 4.Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Advisory Council.

The commissioner of natural resources shall appoint an Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Advisory Council to advise the commissioner on:

(1) off-highway vehicle safety; and

(2) standards and certification for organizations and individuals participating as volunteers under this section.

History:

2007 c 57 art 1 s 27

84.91 OPERATING SNOWMOBILES AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES; PERSONS UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

Subdivision 1.Acts prohibited.

(a) No owner or other person having charge or control of any snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall authorize or permit any individual the person knows or has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other substance to operate the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state.

(b) No owner or other person having charge or control of any snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall knowingly authorize or permit any person, who by reason of any physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the vehicle, to operate the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state.

(c) A person who operates or is in physical control of a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state is subject to chapter 169A. In addition to the applicable sanctions under chapter 169A, a person who is convicted of violating section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it, or who refuses to comply with a lawful request to submit to testing or fails a test lawfully administered under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or 171.177, or an ordinance in conformity with any of these sections, is prohibited from operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle for one year. The commissioner shall notify the person of the period during which the person is prohibited from operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.

(d) Administrative and judicial review of the operating privileges prohibition is governed by section 169A.53 or 171.177.

(e) The court shall promptly forward to the commissioner and the Department of Public Safety copies of all convictions and criminal and civil sanctions imposed under:

(1) this section;

(2) chapter 169 relating to snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles;

(3) chapter 169A; and

(4) section 171.177.

(f) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b), or an ordinance in conformity with either of them, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who operates a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle during the time period the person is prohibited from operating a vehicle under paragraph (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 5a.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

History:

1987 c 368 s 3; 1990 c 391 art 8 s 12; 1992 c 570 art 2 s 1; 1994 c 615 s 1,2; 1995 c 230 s 3; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 2; 1999 c 231 s 96; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2000 c 495 s 4; 2005 c 146 s 4; 2012 c 272 s 5; 2017 c 83 art 3 s 18; 2018 c 183 s 1; 1Sp2019 c 5 art 6 s 1

84.911 REPORTS OF DEATH.

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 7.Coroner to report death.

Every coroner or medical examiner shall report in writing to the Department of Natural Resources the death of any person within the jurisdiction of the coroner or medical examiner as the result of an accident involving an off-road recreational vehicle, as defined in section 169A.03, subdivision 16, and the circumstances of the accident. The report shall be made within 15 days after the death.

In the case of drivers killed in off-road recreational vehicle accidents and of the death of passengers 14 years of age or older, who die within four hours after accident, the coroner or medical examiner shall examine the body and shall make tests as are necessary to determine the presence and percentage concentration of alcohol, and drugs if feasible, in the blood of the victim. This information shall be included in each report submitted pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision and shall be tabulated by the Department of Natural Resources. Periodically, the commissioner of natural resources must transmit a summary of the reports to the commissioner of public safety.

History:

1987 c 368 s 4; 1990 c 391 art 8 s 13,14; 1992 c 570 art 2 s 2; 1994 c 615 s 3; 1995 c 185 s 1; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 3; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

84.912 [Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

84.915 LAND USE FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES RESTRICTED.

After June 1, 1993, the commissioner may not allow the use of state lands or acquire private lands for development or operation of a motor sports area for use by all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or four-wheel drive trucks without legislative approval. This restriction does not apply to recreational trails.

History:

1993 c 203 s 1

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES

84.92 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 84.92 to 84.928.

Subd. 1a.Agricultural zone.

"Agricultural zone" means the areas in Minnesota lying south and west of a line starting at the Minnesota-North Dakota border and formed by rights-of-way of Trunk Highway No. 10, thence easterly along Trunk Highway No. 10 to Trunk Highway No. 23, thence easterly along Trunk Highway No. 23 to Trunk Highway No. 95, thence easterly along Trunk Highway No. 95 to its termination at the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.

Subd. 1b.Accompanied.

"Accompanied" means being subject to continuous direction or control.

Subd. 1c.Agricultural purpose.

"Agricultural purpose" means used exclusively for an agricultural use as defined in subdivision 1d.

Subd. 1d.Agricultural use.

"Agricultural use" means use in agriculturally related activities or harvesting of wood for commercial or firewood purposes by any person.

Subd. 1e.City.

"City" means a home rule charter or statutory city.

Subd. 2.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 3.Dealer.

"Dealer" means a person engaged in the business of selling all-terrain vehicles at wholesale or retail.

Subd. 4.Manufacturer.

"Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing all-terrain vehicles.

Subd. 5.Owner.

"Owner" means a person, other than a person with a security interest, having a property interest in or title to an all-terrain vehicle and entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle.

Subd. 6.Person.

"Person" means an individual or an organization as defined in section 336.1-201 (b)(27).

Subd. 6a.Public road right-of-way.

"Public road right-of-way" means the entire right-of-way of a public road, including the traveled portions, banks, ditches, shoulders, and medians of a roadway, that is not privately owned.

Subd. 7.Register.

"Register" means the act of assigning a registration number to an all-terrain vehicle.

Subd. 8.All-terrain vehicle or vehicle.

"All-terrain vehicle" or "vehicle" means a motorized vehicle with: (1) not less than three, but not more than six low pressure or non-pneumatic tires; (2) a total dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less; and (3) a total width from outside of tire rim to outside of tire rim that is 65 inches or less. All-terrain vehicle includes a class 1 all-terrain vehicle and class 2 all-terrain vehicle. All-terrain vehicle does not include a golf cart, mini-truck, dune buggy, or go-cart or a vehicle designed and used specifically for lawn maintenance, agriculture, logging, or mining purposes.

Subd. 9.Class 1 all-terrain vehicle.

"Class 1 all-terrain vehicle" means an all-terrain vehicle that has a total width from outside of tire rim to outside of tire rim that is 50 inches or less.

Subd. 10.Class 2 all-terrain vehicle.

"Class 2 all-terrain vehicle" means an all-terrain vehicle that has a total width from outside of tire rim to outside of tire rim that is greater than 50 inches but not more than 65 inches.

History:

1984 c 647 s 1; 1986 c 452 s 1; 1989 c 331 s 3-8; 1990 c 426 art 2 s 1; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 8; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 28; 2004 c 162 art 3 s 4; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 1-3; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 8,50; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 15,16; 2011 c 107 s 9; 2014 c 289 s 9-11; 2014 c 290 s 6-8; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 12-14

84.922 REGISTRATION.

Subdivision 1.General requirements.

Unless exempted in subdivision 1a, a person may not operate and an owner may not give permission for another to operate an all-terrain vehicle within the state unless the vehicle has been registered with the commissioner of natural resources, or is exempt from registration.

Subd. 1a.Exemptions.

All-terrain vehicles exempt from registration are:

(1) vehicles owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, the state, another state, or a political subdivision;

(2) vehicles that are registered in another state or country and have not been in this state for more than 30 consecutive days or that are registered by an Indian tribal government to a tribal member and have not been outside the tribal reservation boundary for more than 30 consecutive days;

(3) vehicles that:

(i) are owned by a resident of another state or country that does not require registration of all-terrain vehicles;

(ii) have not been in this state for more than 30 consecutive days; and

(iii) are operated on state and grant-in-aid trails by a nonresident possessing a nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass;

(4) vehicles used exclusively in organized track-racing events; and

(5) vehicles that are 25 years old or older and were originally produced as a separate identifiable make by a manufacturer.

Subd. 2.Application, issuance, reports.

(a) Application for registration or continued registration shall be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The form must state the name and address of every owner of the vehicle.

(b) A person who purchases an all-terrain vehicle from a retail dealer shall make application for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary 21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The dealer shall submit the completed registration application and fees to the deputy registrar at least once each week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary permit.

(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary 21-day permit. Once issued, the registration number must be affixed to the vehicle in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the 21-day temporary permit period. The commissioner shall use the snowmobile registration system to register vehicles under this section.

(d) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting under section 168.33, is also a deputy registrar of all-terrain vehicles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to assure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with the accounting and procedural requirements.

(e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, a filing fee of $4.50 is charged for each all-terrain vehicle registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and replacement decal and a filing fee of $7 is charged for each all-terrain vehicle registration and registration transfer issued by:

(1) a deputy registrar and shall be deposited in the treasury of the jurisdiction where the deputy is appointed, or retained if the deputy is not a public official; or

(2) the commissioner and shall be deposited to the state treasury and credited to the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 2a.Private use registration.

All-terrain vehicles may be registered for private use that are used exclusively for private or agricultural use or used exclusively on private property. Private use registration is valid from the date of issuance until ownership of the all-terrain vehicle is transferred. Private or agricultural use registrations are not transferable.

Subd. 2b.Collector vehicles; exempt registration.

All-terrain vehicles may be issued an exempt registration if requested and the machine is at least 25 years old. Exempt registration is valid from the date of issuance until ownership of the all-terrain vehicle is transferred. Exempt registrations are not transferable.

Subd. 3.Registration card; signature.

The commissioner shall provide to the registrant a registration card that includes the registration number, the date of registration, the make and serial number of the vehicle, the owner's name and address, and additional information the commissioner may require. Information concerning each registration shall be retained by the commissioner. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one owner. Upon a satisfactory showing that the registration card has been lost or destroyed the commissioner shall issue a replacement registration card upon payment of a fee of $4. The fees collected from replacement registration cards shall be deposited in the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 4.Report of transfers.

(a) Application for transfer of ownership must be made to the commissioner within 15 days of the date of transfer.

(b) An application for transfer must be executed by the registered owner and the purchaser using a bill of sale that includes the vehicle serial number.

(c) The purchaser is subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.774 if the purchaser fails to apply for transfer of ownership as provided under this subdivision.

Subd. 5.Fees.

(a) The fee for a three-year registration of an all-terrain vehicle under this section, other than those registered by a dealer or manufacturer under paragraph (b) or (c), is:

(1) for public use, $60;

(2) for private use, $6; and

(3) for a duplicate or transfer, $4.

(b) The total registration fee for all-terrain vehicles owned by a dealer and operated for demonstration or testing purposes is $50 per year. Dealer registrations are not transferable.

(c) The total registration fee for all-terrain vehicles owned by a manufacturer and operated for research, testing, experimentation, or demonstration purposes is $150 per year. Manufacturer registrations are not transferable.

(d) The onetime fee for registration of an all-terrain vehicle under subdivision 2b is $6.

(e) The fees collected under this subdivision must be credited to the all-terrain vehicle account.

Subd. 6.Renewal.

Every owner of an all-terrain vehicle must renew registration in a manner prescribed by the commissioner upon payment of the registration fees in subdivision 5.

Subd. 7.Vehicles owned by state or political subdivision.

A registration number must be issued without the payment of a fee for all-terrain vehicles owned by the state or a political subdivision upon application.

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 1989 c 331 s 26]

Subd. 9.Licensing by political subdivisions.

No political subdivision of this state shall require licensing or registration of all-terrain vehicles covered by sections 84.92 to 84.928.

Subd. 10.Registration by minors prohibited.

No person under the age of 18 may register an all-terrain vehicle.

Subd. 11.Proof of sales tax payment; collection and refund.

(a) A person applying for initial registration in Minnesota of an all-terrain vehicle must provide a receipt, invoice, or other document to prove that:

(1) the sales and use tax under chapter 297A was paid;

(2) the purchase was exempt from tax under chapter 297A; or

(3) the all-terrain vehicle was purchased from a retailer that is maintaining a place of business in this state as defined in section 297A.66, subdivision 1, and is a dealer.

(b) The commissioner or authorized deputy registrars, acting as agents of the commissioner of revenue under an agreement between the commissioner and the commissioner of revenue, as provided in section 297A.825:

(1) must collect use tax from the applicant if the applicant does not provide the proof required under paragraph (a); and

(2) are authorized to issue refunds of use tax paid to them in error.

(c) Subdivision 12 does not apply to refunds under this subdivision.

Subd. 12.Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the vehicle was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Subd. 13.No-registration weekend.

The commissioner shall designate, by written order published in the State Register, one weekend each year when, notwithstanding subdivision 1, an all-terrain vehicle may be operated on state and grant-in-aid all-terrain vehicle trails without a registration issued under this section. Nonresidents may participate during the designated weekend without a state trail pass required under section 84.9275.

History:

1984 c 647 s 2; 1986 c 452 s 2-9; 1989 c 331 s 9-12; 1989 c 335 art 4 s 18; 1995 c 220 s 62; 1996 c 410 s 21; 2001 c 185 s 13,14; 1Sp2001 c 5 art 7 s 2; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 29,30; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 39,40; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 28,29; 2008 c 357 s 11; 2009 c 37 art 1 s 17; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; art 2 s 8; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 17-19; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 9; 2013 c 121 s 4,5; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 15; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 10; 1Sp2017 c 1 art 21 s 2

84.923 REQUIREMENTS OF MAKERS OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.Identification number.

All vehicles made after January 1, 1985, and sold in the state, must have manufacturer's permanent identification number stamped in letters and numbers on the vehicle in the form and at a location prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Registration number.

All vehicles made after January 1, 1985, and sold in the state, must be designed and made to provide an area to affix the registration number. This area shall be at a location and of dimensions prescribed by the commissioner.

History:

1984 c 647 s 3

84.924 RULEMAKING; ACCIDENT REPORT.

Subdivision 1.Commissioner of natural resources.

With a view of achieving proper use of all-terrain vehicles consistent with protection of the environment, the commissioner of natural resources shall adopt rules under chapter 14 relating to:

(1) registration of all-terrain vehicles and display of registration numbers;

(2) use of all-terrain vehicles insofar as game and fish resources are affected;

(3) use of all-terrain vehicles on public lands and waters;

(4) uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities necessary or desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of all-terrain vehicles; and

(5) specifications relating to all-terrain vehicle mufflers.

Subd. 2.Commissioner of public safety.

The commissioner of public safety may adopt rules under chapter 14 regulating the use of all-terrain vehicles on streets and highways.

Subd. 3.Accident report; requirement and form.

The operator and an officer investigating an accident of an all-terrain vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury requiring medical attention or hospitalization to or death of a person or total damage to an extent of $500 or more shall within ten business days forward a written report of the accident to the commissioner of natural resources on a form prescribed by either the commissioner of natural resources or by the commissioner of public safety. If the operator is killed or is unable to file a report due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating the accident shall file the accident report within ten business days. Periodically, the commissioner of natural resources must transmit a summary of the accident reports to the commissioner of public safety.

History:

1986 c 452 s 10; 1989 c 331 s 13; 1993 c 184 s 3,4; 1994 c 615 s 4

84.925 EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Training and certification programs established.

(a) The commissioner shall establish:

(1) a comprehensive all-terrain vehicle environmental and safety education and training certification program, including the preparation and dissemination of vehicle information and safety advice to the public, the training of all-terrain vehicle operators, and the issuance of all-terrain vehicle safety certificates to vehicle operators over the age of 12 years who successfully complete the all-terrain vehicle environmental and safety education and training course; and

(2) a voluntary all-terrain vehicle online training program for youth and a parent or guardian, offered at no charge for operators at least six years of age but younger than ten years of age.

(b) A parent or guardian must be present at a training program when the youth is under ten years of age.

(c) For the purpose of administering the program and to defray the expenses of training and certifying vehicle operators, the commissioner shall collect a fee from each person who receives the training for certification under paragraph (a), clause (1). The commissioner shall collect a fee, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, for issuing a duplicate all-terrain vehicle safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish both fees in a manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead costs, involved in providing the services. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The fees may be established by the commissioner notwithstanding section 16A.1283. Fee proceeds, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund and the amount thereof, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, and issuing fees collected by the commissioner, is appropriated annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for the administration of the programs. In addition to the fee established by the commissioner, instructors may charge each person up to the established fee amount for class materials and expenses.

(d) The commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations, private and public corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the programs established under this section. School districts may cooperate with the commissioner and volunteer instructors to provide space for the classroom portion of the training. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of public safety in regard to the subject matter of the training programs and performance testing that leads to the certification of vehicle operators. The commissioner shall incorporate a riding component in the training certification programs established under this section and may incorporate a riding component in the training program established in paragraph (a), clause (2).

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1989 c 331 s 26]

Subd. 3.All-terrain vehicle safety courses; reciprocity with other states; accepted equivalencies.

(a) The commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements or otherwise certify all-terrain vehicle environmental and safety education and training courses from other states that are substantially similar to in-state courses. Proof of completion of a course subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified as substantially similar is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.92 to 84.928.

(b) Proof of completion of the ATV RiderCourse offered by the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements of sections 84.92 to 84.928.

Subd. 4.Exemption from rulemaking and legislative approval.

The fee to issue a duplicate all-terrain vehicle safety certificate under subdivision 1 is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The commissioner may establish the duplicate all-terrain safety certificate fee notwithstanding section 16A.1283.

Subd. 5.Training requirements.

(a) An individual who was born after July 1, 1987, and who is 16 years of age or older, must successfully complete the independent study course component of all-terrain vehicle safety training before operating an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters, public road rights-of-way, or state or grant-in-aid trails.

(b) An individual who is convicted of violating a law related to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle must successfully complete the independent study course component of all-terrain vehicle safety training before continuing operation of an all-terrain vehicle.

(c) An individual who is convicted for a second or subsequent excess speed, trespass, or wetland violation in an all-terrain vehicle season, or any conviction for careless or reckless operation of an all-terrain vehicle, must successfully complete the independent study and the testing and operating course components of all-terrain vehicle safety training before continuing operation of an all-terrain vehicle.

(d) An individual who receives three or more citations and convictions for violating a law related to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle in a two-year period must successfully complete the independent study and the testing and operating course components of all-terrain vehicle safety training before continuing operation of an all-terrain vehicle.

(e) An individual must present evidence of compliance with this subdivision before an all-terrain vehicle registration is issued or renewed. A person may use the following as evidence of meeting all-terrain vehicle safety certificate requirements:

(1) a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner;

(2) a driver's license that has a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 18; or

(3) an identification card that has a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 18.

History:

1984 c 647 s 4; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 452 s 11; 2000 c 495 s 5; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 80; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 8; 2004 c 221 s 13,14; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 41,42; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 7; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 20; 2011 c 107 s 10; 2014 c 289 s 12; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 16; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 11; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 20

84.9254 [Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

84.9256 YOUTHFUL OPERATORS; PROHIBITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Prohibitions on youthful operators.

(a) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.928 and as provided under paragraph (j), a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way.

(b) A person under 12 years of age shall not:

(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;

(2) operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or

(3) operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters, except as provided in paragraph (f).

(c) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person 12 years of age but less than 16 years may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails, only if that person possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner and is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(d) To be issued an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate, a person at least 12 years old, but less than 16 years old, must:

(1) successfully complete the safety education and training program under section 84.925, subdivision 1, including a riding component; and

(2) be able to properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.

(e) A person at least ten years of age may take the safety education and training program and may receive an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate under paragraph (d), but the certificate is not valid until the person reaches age 12.

(f) A person at least ten years of age but under 12 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine capacity up to 110cc if the vehicle is a class 1 all-terrain vehicle with straddle-style seating or up to 170cc if the vehicle is a class 1 all-terrain vehicle with side-by-side-style seating on public lands or waters if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

(g) A person under 15 years of age shall not operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicle.

(h) A person under the age of 16 may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters or on state or grant-in-aid trails if the person cannot properly reach and control:

(1) the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle with straddle-style seating; or

(2) the steering wheel and foot controls of a class 1 all-terrain vehicle with side-by-side-style seating while sitting upright in the seat with the seat belt fully engaged.

(i) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), a nonresident at least 12 years old, but less than 16 years old, may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails if:

(1) the nonresident youth has in possession evidence of completing an all-terrain safety course offered by the ATV Safety Institute or another state as provided in section 84.925, subdivision 3; and

(2) the nonresident youth is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(j) A person 12 years of age but less than 16 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle on the roadway, bank, slope, or ditch of a public road right-of-way as permitted under section 84.928 if the person:

(1) possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner; and

(2) is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on a separate all-terrain vehicle.

Subd. 2.Helmet and seat belts required.

(a) A person less than 18 years of age shall not ride as a passenger or as an operator of an all-terrain vehicle on public land, public waters, or on a public road right-of-way unless wearing a safety helmet approved by the commissioner of public safety.

(b) A person less than 18 years of age shall not ride as a passenger or as an operator of an all-terrain vehicle without wearing a seat belt when provided by the manufacturer.

Subd. 2a.Parent or guardian authorization.

A person under age 16 shall not operate and a person shall not allow a person under age 16 to operate an all-terrain vehicle, unless the parent or guardian of the person under age 16 authorizes the operation. For purposes of this subdivision, "guardian" means the legal guardian of the person under age 16 or a person age 18 or older who has been authorized by the parent or legal guardian to supervise the person under age 16.

Subd. 3.Prohibitions on person in lawful control.

It is unlawful for any person who is in lawful control of an all-terrain vehicle to permit it to be operated contrary to this section.

Subd. 4.Suspension.

When the judge of a juvenile court, or its duly authorized agent, determines that a person, while less than 18 years of age, has violated sections 84.92 to 84.928, or other state or local law or ordinance regulating the operation of an all-terrain vehicle, the judge or duly authorized agent shall immediately report the determination to the commissioner and (1) may recommend the suspension of the person's all-terrain vehicle safety certificate, or (2) may recommend to the commissioner of public safety, the suspension of the person's driver's license. The commissioner may suspend the certificate without a hearing.

History:

1986 c 452 s 13; 1989 c 331 s 14-16; 1993 c 184 s 5; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 81; 2005 c 146 s 5; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 43; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 4; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 8,9; 2008 c 357 s 12; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 21; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 10; 2013 c 121 s 6; 2014 c 289 s 13; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 17; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 12,13; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 21

84.9257 PASSENGERS.

(a) A person 18 years of age or older may operate a class 1 all-terrain vehicle carrying only one passenger.

(b) A person 18 years of age or older may operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicle while carrying only one passenger, or up to the number of passengers for which the vehicle was designed, whichever is greater.

(c) A person 12 to 17 years of age may operate a class 1 all-terrain vehicle carrying only one passenger and the passenger must be the person's parent or legal guardian.

History:

1Sp2001 c 2 s 82; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 44; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 5; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 10; 2011 c 107 s 11

84.926 VEHICLE USE ON PUBLIC LANDS; EXCEPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Exception by permit.

Notwithstanding sections 84.773, subdivision 1, and 84.777, on a case-by-case basis, the commissioner may issue a permit authorizing a person to operate an off-highway vehicle on individual public trails under the commissioner's jurisdiction during specified times and for specified purposes.

Subd. 2.All-terrain vehicles; managed or limited forests; off trail.

Notwithstanding section 84.777, but subject to the commissioner's authority under subdivision 5, on state forest lands classified as managed or limited, other than the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, a person may use an all-terrain vehicle off forest trails or forest roads when:

(1) hunting big game or transporting or installing hunting stands during October, November, and December, when in possession of a valid big-game-hunting license;

(2) retrieving big game in September, when in possession of a valid big-game-hunting license;

(3) tending traps during an open trapping season for protected furbearers, when in possession of a valid trapping license; or

(4) trapping minnows, when in possession of a valid minnow dealer, private fish hatchery, or aquatic farm license.

Subd. 3.All-terrain vehicles; closed forests; hunting.

Notwithstanding section 84.777, the commissioner may determine whether all-terrain vehicles are allowed on specific forest roads, on state forest lands classified as closed, for the purpose of hunting big game during an open big-game season. The determination shall be by written order as published in the State Register and is exempt from chapter 14. Section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 4.Off-road and all-terrain vehicles; limited or managed forests; trails.

Notwithstanding section 84.777, but subject to the commissioner's authority under subdivision 5, on state forest lands classified as limited or managed, other than the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, a person may use vehicles registered under chapter 168 or section 84.798 or 84.922, including class 2 all-terrain vehicles, on forest trails designated for off-road vehicle use and on forest trails that are not designated for a specific use when:

(1) hunting big game or transporting or installing hunting stands during October, November, and December, when in possession of a valid big-game-hunting license;

(2) retrieving big game in September, when in possession of a valid big-game-hunting license;

(3) tending traps during an open trapping season for protected furbearers, when in possession of a valid trapping license; or

(4) trapping minnows, when in possession of a valid minnow dealer, private fish hatchery, or aquatic farm license.

Subd. 5.Limitations on off-trail and undesignated trail use.

The commissioner may designate areas on state forest lands that are not subject to the exceptions provided in subdivisions 2 and 4. Such designations are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. Before designating such areas, the commissioner shall hold a public meeting in the county where the largest portion of the forest lands are located to provide information to and receive comment from the public regarding the proposed designation. Sixty days before the public meeting, notice of the proposed designation shall be published in the legal newspapers that serve the counties in which the lands are located, in a statewide Department of Natural Resources news release, and in the State Register.

Subd. 6.Operation; class 2 vehicles.

Except as provided in subdivision 4, operation of class 2 all-terrain vehicles on lands administered by the commissioner is limited to forest roads, minimum maintenance roads, and trails designated or signed for class 2 all-terrain vehicles.

Subd. 7.Snowmobiles; closed forests; off trail.

Forests classified as closed forests are open to off-trail snowmobile use unless prohibited, as determined by the commissioner by written order published in the State Register. The determination is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

History:

1984 c 647 s 5; 1986 c 444; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 31; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 45; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 6; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 11,12; 2014 c 289 s 14

84.927 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ACCOUNT; RECEIPTS AND ALLOCATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Registration revenue.

Fees from the registration of all-terrain vehicles and the unrefunded gasoline tax attributable to all-terrain vehicle use under section 296A.18, as well as the net proceeds from the sale of all-terrain vehicles forfeited pursuant to section 169A.63, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 2.Purposes.

(a) Subject to appropriation by the legislature, money in the all-terrain vehicle account may only be spent for:

(1) the education and training program under section 84.925;

(2) administration, enforcement, and implementation of sections 84.773 to 84.928;

(3) acquisition, maintenance, and development of vehicle trails and use areas;

(4) grant-in-aid programs to counties and municipalities to construct and maintain all-terrain vehicle trails and use areas;

(5) grants-in-aid to local safety programs;

(6) enforcement and public education grants to local law enforcement agencies; and

(7) maintenance of minimum-maintenance forest roads designated under section 89.71, subdivision 5, and county forest roads that are part of a designated trail system within state forest boundaries as established under section 89.021.

(b) The distribution of funds made available through grant-in-aid programs must be guided by the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.

History:

1984 c 647 s 6; 1986 c 452 s 14; 1989 c 335 art 4 s 19; 1995 c 230 s 5; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 4; 1998 c 299 s 30; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 32; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 30; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50

84.9275 NONRESIDENTS; STATE TRAIL PASS FOR ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.Pass required; fee.

(a) A tribal member exempt from registration under section 84.922, subdivision 1a, clause (2), or a nonresident may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on a state or grant-in-aid all-terrain vehicle trail unless the operator carries a valid nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass in immediate possession. The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment of a $30 fee. The pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities for all-terrain vehicle organizations to construct and maintain all-terrain vehicle trails and use areas.

(c) A nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass is not required for:

(1) an all-terrain vehicle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.922, subdivision 1a;

(2) a person operating an all-terrain vehicle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(3) a nonresident operating an all-terrain vehicle that is registered according to section 84.922.

Subd. 2.License agents.

The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time. The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling of passes pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the passes, exclusive of the issuing fee, to the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Issuing passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail passes. The commissioner shall also make the passes available through the electronic licensing system established under section 84.027, subdivision 15.

Subd. 4.Agent's fee.

In addition to the fee for a pass, an issuing fee of $1 per pass shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the pass. Issuing fees for passes issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund and retained for the operation of the electronic licensing system.

Subd. 5.Duplicate passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue a duplicate pass to persons whose pass is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules adopted thereunder. The fee for a duplicate nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

History:

2009 c 37 art 1 s 18; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 22; 2013 c 121 s 7; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 14

84.928 OPERATION REQUIREMENTS; LOCAL REGULATION.

Subdivision 1.Operation on roads and rights-of-way.

(a) Unless otherwise allowed in sections 84.92 to 84.928 or by local ordinance under paragraph (k), a person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle in this state along or on the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway.

(b) A person may operate a class 1 all-terrain vehicle in the ditch or the outside bank or slope of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway unless prohibited under paragraph (d) or (f).

(c) A person may operate a class 1 all-terrain vehicle designed by the manufacturer for off-road use to be driven by a steering wheel and equipped with operator and passenger seat belts and a roll-over protective structure or a class 2 all-terrain vehicle:

(1) within the public road right-of-way of a county state-aid or county highway on the right shoulder or the extreme right-hand side of the road and left turns may be made from any part of the road if it is safe to do so under the prevailing conditions, unless prohibited under paragraph (d) or (f);

(2) on the bank, slope, or ditch of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway but only to access businesses or make trail connections, and left turns may be made from any part of the road if it is safe to do so under the prevailing conditions, unless prohibited under paragraph (d) or (f); and

(3) on the bank or ditch of a public road right-of-way on a designated class 2 all-terrain vehicle trail.

(d) A road authority as defined under section 160.02, subdivision 25, may after a public hearing restrict the use of all-terrain vehicles in the public road right-of-way under its jurisdiction.

(e) The restrictions in paragraphs (a), (d), (h), (i), and (j) do not apply to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle on the shoulder, inside bank or slope, ditch, or outside bank or slope of a trunk, interstate, county state-aid, or county highway:

(1) that is part of a funded grant-in-aid trail; or

(2) when the all-terrain vehicle is owned by or operated under contract with:

(i) a road authority as defined under section 160.02, subdivision 25; or

(ii) a publicly or privately owned utility or pipeline company and used for work on utilities or pipelines.

(f) The commissioner may limit the use of a right-of-way for a period of time if the commissioner determines that use of the right-of-way causes:

(1) degradation of vegetation on adjacent public property;

(2) siltation of waters of the state;

(3) impairment or enhancement to the act of taking game; or

(4) a threat to safety of the right-of-way users or to individuals on adjacent public property.

The commissioner must notify the road authority as soon as it is known that a closure will be ordered. The notice must state the reasons and duration of the closure.

(g) A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle registered for private use and used for agricultural purposes on a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway in this state if the all-terrain vehicle is operated on the extreme right-hand side of the road, and left turns may be made from any part of the road if it is safe to do so under the prevailing conditions.

(h) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle within the public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway from April 1 to August 1 in the agricultural zone unless the vehicle is being used exclusively as transportation to and from work on agricultural lands. This paragraph does not apply to an agent or employee of a road authority, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, or the Department of Natural Resources when performing or exercising official duties or powers.

(i) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle within the public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, except on the right-hand side of the right-of-way and in the same direction as the highway traffic on the nearest lane of the adjacent roadway.

(j) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle at any time within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or freeway within this state.

(k) A county, city, or town, acting through its governing body, may by ordinance allow a person to operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public road or street under its jurisdiction to access businesses and residences and to make trail connections.

Subd. 1a.Crossing public road right-of-way.

(a) An all-terrain vehicle may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way provided:

(1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the road and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;

(2) the vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main-traveled way of the road;

(3) the driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard;

(4) in crossing a divided road, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the road with another public road; and

(5) if the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.

(b) An all-terrain vehicle may be operated upon a bridge, other than a bridge that is part of the main-traveled lanes of an interstate highway, or roadway shoulder or inside bank of a public road right-of-way when required for the purpose of avoiding obstructions to travel or environmentally sensitive areas when no other method of avoidance is possible; provided the all-terrain vehicle is operated in the extreme right-hand lane, the entrance to the roadway is made within 100 feet of the bridge, obstacle, or sensitive area, and the crossing is made without undue delay.

(c) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle upon a public street or highway unless the vehicle is equipped with at least one headlight and one taillight, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by rules of the commissioner, and with brakes conforming to standards prescribed by rule of the commissioner, and all of which are subject to the approval of the commissioner of public safety.

(d) An all-terrain vehicle may be operated upon a public road right-of-way other than as provided by paragraph (b) in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where the condition of the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.

(e) Chapters 169 and 169A apply to the operation of all-terrain vehicles upon streets and highways, except for those provisions relating to required equipment and except those provisions which by their nature have no application.

(f) A sled, trailer, or other device being towed by an all-terrain vehicle must be equipped with reflective materials as required by rule of the commissioner.

(g) A driver's license is not required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way if the right-of-way encompasses a trail administered by the commissioner and designated for all-terrain vehicle use or multiple use.

(h) A road authority as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, may by permit designate corridor access trails on public road rights-of-way for purposes of accessing established all-terrain vehicle trails. A driver's license is not required to operate an all-terrain vehicle on a designated corridor access trail.

Subd. 2.Operation generally.

A person may not drive or operate an all-terrain vehicle:

(1) at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances;

(2) in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to endanger or to cause injury or damage to the person or property of another;

(3) without headlight and taillight lighted at all times if the vehicle is equipped with headlight and taillight;

(4) without a functioning stoplight if so equipped;

(5) in a tree nursery or planting in a manner that damages or destroys growing stock;

(6) without a brake operational by either hand or foot;

(7) with more than one person on the vehicle, except as allowed under section 84.9257;

(8) at a speed exceeding ten miles per hour on the frozen surface of public waters within 100 feet of a person not on an all-terrain vehicle or within 100 feet of a fishing shelter; or

(9) in a manner that violates operation rules adopted by the commissioner.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1994 c 615 s 28]

Subd. 4.Operation prohibited on airports.

Except for employees and agents while acting incident to the operation of the airport, it is unlawful for a person to drive or operate an all-terrain vehicle on an airport defined in section 360.013, subdivision 39.

Subd. 5.Organized contests; using highways and public lands and waters.

(a) Nothing in this section or chapter 169 prohibits the use of all-terrain vehicles within the right-of-way of a state trunk or county state-aid highway or upon public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources, in an organized contest or event, subject to the consent of the official or board having jurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.

(b) In permitting the contest or event, the official or board having jurisdiction may prescribe restrictions or conditions as they may deem advisable.

(c) Notwithstanding section 84.9256, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), a person under 12 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle in an organized contest on public lands or waters, if the all-terrain vehicle has an engine capacity of 90cc or less, the person complies with section 84.9256, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), and the person is supervised by a person 18 years of age or older.

Subd. 6.Regulation by political subdivisions.

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a city or town, acting through its governing body, may by resolution or ordinance prohibit the operation of all-terrain vehicles on city streets or town roads in its jurisdiction provided the regulations are otherwise consistent with sections 84.92 to 84.928.

(b) A county or city, or a town acting by its town board, may regulate the operation of all-terrain vehicles on public lands, waters, and property under its jurisdiction other than public road rights-of-way within its boundaries, by resolution or ordinance of the governing body and by giving appropriate notice, provided:

(1) the regulations must be consistent with sections 84.92 to 84.928 and rules adopted under section 84.924;

(2) an ordinance may not impose a fee for the use of public land or water under the jurisdiction of either the Department of Natural Resources or other agency of the state, or for the use of an access to it owned by the state or a county or a city; and

(3) an ordinance may not require an all-terrain vehicle operator to possess a motor vehicle driver's license while operating an all-terrain vehicle.

(c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a county board by ordinance may allow the operation of all-terrain vehicles on the road right-of-way shoulder, or inside bank or slope of a county highway or county state-aid highway, if:

(1) the highway is in the agricultural zone; or

(2) safe operation in the ditch or outside slope is impossible, and the county posts the appropriate notice.

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1989 c 331 s 26]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2007 c 131 art 1 s 96]

History:

1984 c 647 s 7; 1986 c 452 s 15; 1987 c 149 art 2 s 2; 1987 c 368 s 5; 1989 c 331 s 17-19; 1994 c 635 art 2 s 1; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 83; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 33; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 46,47; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 7,8; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 13; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 9,50; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 23,24; 2013 c 114 art 4 s 11; 2013 c 121 s 8; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 18; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 22

84.929 [Repealed, 2009 c 176 art 1 s 52]

MOTORIZED TRAIL GRANTS-IN-AID

84.930 MOTORIZED TRAIL GRANTS-IN-AID.

(a) This section applies to grants-in-aid for motorized trail construction and maintenance under sections 84.794, 84.803, 84.83, and 84.927.

(b) If the commissioner of natural resources determines that a grant-in-aid recipient has violated any federal or state law or any of the terms of the grant agreement with the commissioner, the commissioner may withhold all grant payments for any work occurring after the date the recipient was notified of the violation and seek restitution for any property damage caused by the violation.

(c) A grant-in-aid recipient may appeal the commissioner's decision under paragraph (b) in a contested case hearing under section 14.58.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 34

PLANNING AND PROTECTING RESOURCES

84.94 AGGREGATE PLANNING AND PROTECTION.

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

It is the purpose of this section to protect aggregate resources; to promote orderly and environmentally sound development; to spread the burden of development; and to introduce aggregate resource protection into local comprehensive planning and land use controls.

Subd. 2.Definition.

For the purpose of this section, "municipality" means a home rule charter or statutory city, or a town.

Subd. 3.Identification and classification.

The Department of Natural Resources, with the cooperation of the state Geological Survey, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development, outside of the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, shall conduct a program of identification and classification of potentially valuable publicly or privately owned aggregate lands located outside of urban or developed areas where aggregate mining is restricted, without consideration of their present land use. The program shall give priority to identification and classification in areas of the state where urbanization or other factors are or may be resulting in a loss of aggregate resources to development. Lands shall be classified as:

(1) identified resources, being those containing significant aggregate deposits;

(2) potential resources, being those containing potentially significant deposits and meriting further evaluation; or

(3) subeconomic resources, being those containing no significant deposits.

As lands are classified, the information on the classification shall be transmitted to each of the departments and agencies named in this subdivision, to the planning authority of the appropriate county and municipality, and to the appropriate county engineer. The county planning authority shall notify owners of land classified under this subdivision by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or by mail.

Subd. 4.Local action.

Each planning authority of a county or municipality receiving information pursuant to subdivision 3 shall consider the protection of identified and important aggregate resources in their land use decisions.

History:

1984 c 605 s 1; 2009 c 78 art 2 s 3

FISH AND WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLANS

84.941 POLICY.

It is the policy of the state that fish and wildlife are renewable natural resources to be conserved and enhanced through planned scientific management, protection, and utilization.

History:

1986 c 383 s 7

84.942 FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLANS.

Subdivision 1.Preparation.

The commissioner of natural resources shall prepare fish and wildlife management plans designed to accomplish the policy of section 84.941.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 70]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 70]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 70]

Subd. 5.Public agency coordination.

The commissioner of natural resources must coordinate fish and wildlife planning efforts with appropriate public agencies to achieve optimum public benefit.

Subd. 6.Public involvement.

The commissioner of natural resources must make fish and wildlife management plans available for public input, review, and comment.

History:

1986 c 383 s 8; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 11

CRITICAL NATURAL HABITAT

84.943 MINNESOTA CRITICAL HABITAT PRIVATE SECTOR MATCHING ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The Minnesota critical habitat private sector matching account is established as a separate account in the reinvest in Minnesota resources fund established under section 84.95. The account shall be administered by the commissioner of natural resources as provided in this section.

Subd. 2.Funding sources.

The critical habitat private sector matching account shall consist of contributions from private sources and appropriations.

Subd. 3.Appropriations matched by private funds.

Appropriations transferred to the critical habitat private sector matching account and money credited to the account under section 168.1296, subdivision 5, may be expended only to the extent that they are matched equally with contributions from private sources or by funds contributed to the nongame wildlife management account. The private contributions may be made in cash, property, land, or interests in land. Appropriations transferred to the account that are not matched within three years from the date of the appropriation shall cancel to the source of the appropriation. For the purposes of this section, the private contributions of property, land, or interests in land that are retained by the commissioner shall be valued in accordance with their appraised value.

Subd. 4.Management.

The critical habitat private sector matching account shall be managed to earn the highest interest compatible with prudent investment, preservation of principal, and reasonable liquidity. Unless an appropriation to the account reverts to its original source under subdivision 3, the principal and interest in the account remain in the account until expended as provided in this section.

Subd. 5.Pledges and contributions.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources may accept contributions and pledges to the critical habitat private sector matching account. A pledge that is made contingent on an appropriation is acceptable and shall be reported with other pledges as required in this section. The commissioner may agree to match a contribution contingent on a future appropriation. In the budget request for each biennium, the commissioner shall report the balance of contributions in the account and the amount that has been pledged for payment in the succeeding two calendar years.

(b) Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources only for the direct acquisition or improvement of land or interests in land as provided in section 84.944. To the extent of available appropriations other than bond proceeds, the money matched to the nongame wildlife management account may be used for the management of nongame wildlife projects as specified in section 290.431. Acquisition includes:

(1) purchase of land or an interest in land by the commissioner; or

(2) acceptance by the commissioner of gifts of land or interests in land as program projects.

History:

1986 c 383 s 9; 1987 c 357 s 13-15; 1995 c 220 s 63; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 9; 2008 c 368 art 1 s 8

84.944 ACQUIRING CRITICAL NATURAL HABITAT.

Subdivision 1.Acquisition considerations.

(a) In determining what critical natural habitat shall be acquired or improved, the commissioner shall consider:

(1) the significance of the land or water as existing or potential habitat for fish and wildlife and providing fish and wildlife oriented recreation;

(2) the significance of the land, water, or habitat improvement to maintain or enhance native plant, fish, or wildlife species designated as endangered or threatened under section 84.0895;

(3) the presence of native ecological communities that are now uncommon or diminishing; and

(4) the significance of the land, water or habitat improvement to protect or enhance natural features within or contiguous to natural areas including fish spawning areas, wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, riparian habitat and fish and wildlife management projects.

(b) Based on the above clauses, the commissioner by rule must establish a process to prioritize what critical habitat shall be acquired or improved.

Subd. 2.Designating acquired sites.

The critical natural habitat acquired in fee title by the commissioner under this section shall be designated by the commissioner as: (1) an outdoor recreation unit pursuant to section 86A.07, subdivision 3, or (2) as provided in sections 89.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), 97A.101, 97A.125, and 97C.001. The commissioner may so designate any critical natural habitat acquired in less than fee title.

Subd. 3.County approval.

The commissioner must follow the procedures under section 97A.145, subdivision 2, for critical natural habitat acquired under this section.

History:

1986 c 383 s 10; 1987 c 149 art 2 s 3-5; 1987 c 357 s 16; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 7; 1991 c 259 s 7; 2000 c 375 s 1; 2014 c 290 s 9

84.946 NATURAL RESOURCES ASSET PRESERVATION AND REPLACEMENT (NRAPR).

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

The legislature recognizes that the Department of Natural Resources owns and operates capital assets that in number, size, and programmatic use differ significantly from the capital assets owned and operated by other state departments and agencies. However, the legislature recognizes the need for standards to aid in categorizing and funding capital projects. The purpose of this section is to provide standards for those natural resource projects that are intended to preserve and replace existing facilities.

Subd. 2.Standards.

(a) An appropriation for asset preservation may be used only for a capital expenditure on a capital asset previously owned by the state, within the meaning of generally accepted accounting principles as applied to public expenditures. The commissioner of natural resources will consult with the commissioner of management and budget to the extent necessary to ensure this and will furnish the commissioner of management and budget a list of projects to be financed from the account in order of their priority. The legislature assumes that many projects for preservation and replacement of portions of existing capital assets will constitute betterments and capital improvements within the meaning of the constitution and capital expenditures under generally accepted accounting principles, and will be financed more efficiently and economically under this section than by direct appropriations for specific projects.

(b) An appropriation for asset preservation must not be used to acquire land or to acquire or construct buildings or other facilities.

(c) Capital budget expenditures for natural resource asset preservation and replacement projects must be for one or more of the following types of capital projects that support the existing programmatic mission of the department: code compliance including health and safety, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, hazardous material abatement, access improvement, or air quality improvement; building energy efficiency improvements using current best practices; building or infrastructure repairs necessary to preserve the interior and exterior of existing buildings; projects to remove life safety hazards such as building code violations or structural defects; or renovation of other existing improvements to land, including but not limited to trails and bridges.

(d) Up to ten percent of an appropriation awarded under this section may be used for design costs for projects eligible to be funded from this account in anticipation of future funding from the account.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2012 c 272 s 98]

Subd. 4.Priorities; report.

The commissioner of natural resources must establish priorities for natural resource asset preservation and replacement projects. By January 15 each year, the commissioner must submit to the commissioner of management and budget a list of the projects that have been paid for with money from a natural resource asset preservation and replacement appropriation during the preceding calendar year.

History:

2009 c 93 art 1 s 25; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 15,16; 1Sp2017 c 8 art 2 s 4

REINVESTMENT IN MINNESOTA
RESOURCES FUND

84.95 REINVEST IN MINNESOTA RESOURCES FUND.

Subdivision 1.Program fund; establishment.

A reinvest in Minnesota resources fund is created as a separate fund in the state treasury. The fund shall be managed to earn the highest interest compatible with prudent investment, preservation of principal, and reasonable liquidity. The principal and interest attributable to the principal shall remain in the fund until spent. Proceeds of state bonds issued for purposes of the fund shall be segregated in a special account and disbursed only for capital costs of the acquisition and betterment of public land and easements in land and improvements in land for which the proceeds are appropriated.

Subd. 2.Purposes and expenditures.

Money from the reinvest in Minnesota resources fund may only be spent for the following fish and wildlife conservation enhancement purposes:

(1) development and implementation of the fish and wildlife management plans under section 84.942;

(2) implementation of the reinvest in Minnesota reserve program established by section 103F.515;

(3) soil and water conservation practices to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and crop surpluses;

(4) enhancement or restoration of fish and wildlife habitat on lakes, streams, wetlands, and public and private forest lands;

(5) acquisition and development of public access sites and recreation easements to lakes, streams, and rivers for fish and wildlife oriented recreation;

(6) matching funds with government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and bands, and the private sector for acquisition and improvement of fish and wildlife habitat;

(7) research and surveys of fish and wildlife species and habitat;

(8) enforcement of natural resource laws and rules;

(9) information and education;

(10) implementing the aspen recycling program under section 88.80 and for other forest wildlife management projects; and

(11) necessary support services to carry out these purposes.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2004 c 255 s 51]

History:

1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 383 s 12; 1987 c 357 s 17,18; 1989 c 353 s 8; 1990 c 391 art 8 s 15; 1993 c 227 s 1; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 50; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 12

84.96 NATIVE PRAIRIE BANK.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The commissioner shall establish a native prairie bank, determine where native prairie land is located in the state, and prescribe eligibility requirements for inclusion of land in the native prairie bank.

Subd. 2.Definition.

For the purposes of this section, "native prairie" means land that has never been plowed, with less than ten percent tree cover and with predominantly native prairie vegetation.

Subd. 3.Easement acquisition.

(a) The commissioner may acquire native prairie for conservation purposes by entering into easements with landowners. The easements must be conservation easements as defined in section 84C.01, clause (1), except the easements may be made possessory as well as nonpossessory if agreed upon by the landowner and the commissioner.

(b) The easements may be permanent or of limited duration. Highest priority must be given to permanent easements consistent with the purposes of this section. Easements of limited duration must be for at least 20 years, with provision for renewal for at least another 20-year period. For easements of limited duration, the commissioner may reexamine and adjust the payment rates at the beginning of any renewal period after considering current land and crop values.

Subd. 4.Easement agreement.

(a) In the easement between the commissioner and an owner, the owner must agree:

(1) to place in the program for the period of the easement eligible native prairie areas designated by the owner, including prairie covered by a federal or state easement that allows agricultural use and desirable land adjacent to the prairie as determined by the commissioner;

(2) not to alter the native prairie by plowing, heavy grazing, seeding to nonnative grasses or legumes, spraying with large amounts of herbicides, or otherwise destroying the native prairie character of the easement area, except mowing the native prairie tract for wild hay may qualify for easement as determined by the commissioner;

(3) to implement the native prairie conservation and development plan as provided in the easement agreement, unless a requirement in the easement agreement is waived or modified by the commissioner;

(4) to forfeit all rights to further payments under the terms of the easement and to refund to the state all payments received under the easement if the easement is violated at any time when the owner has control of the land subject to the easement, if the commissioner determines that the violation warrants termination of the easement, or if the commissioner determines that the violation does not warrant termination of the easement, the commissioner may determine refunds or payment adjustments to be paid by the commissioner;

(5) not to adopt a practice specified by the commissioner in the easement as a practice that would tend to defeat the purposes of the easement; and

(6) to additional provisions included in the easement that the commissioner determines are desirable.

(b) In return for the easement of the owner, the commissioner shall make payments as provided in subdivision 5 and may provide advice on conservation and development practices on the native prairie in the easement and adjacent areas.

Subd. 5.Payments.

(a) The commissioner must make payments to the landowner under this subdivision for the easement.

(b) For a permanent easement, the commissioner must pay 65 percent of the permanent marginal agricultural land payment rate as established by the Board of Water and Soil Resources for the time period when the application is made.

(c) For an easement of limited duration, the commissioner must pay 65 percent of the permanent prairie bank easement rate for the time period when the application is made.

(d) To maintain and protect native prairies, the commissioner may enter into easements that allow selected agricultural practices. Payment must be based on paragraph (b) or (c) but may be reduced due to the agricultural practices allowed after negotiation with the landowner.

Subd. 6.Renewal.

A limited-term easement may be converted to a permanent easement or renewed at the end of the easement period by mutual agreement of the commissioner and the owner, subject to any rate redetermination by the commissioner.

Subd. 7.Easement runs with land.

If during the easement period the owner sells or otherwise disposes of the ownership or right of occupancy of the land, the new owner must continue the easement under the same terms or conditions.

Subd. 8.Modification and termination by agreement.

The commissioner may terminate an easement by mutual agreement with the owner if the commissioner determines that the termination would be in the public interest. The commissioner may agree to modifications of agreements if the commissioner determines the modification is desirable to implement the native prairie program.

Subd. 9.Rules.

The commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules that include the procedures and payment rates to implement this section.

History:

1987 c 357 s 19; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 8

PRAIRIE LAND MANAGEMENT

84.961 PRAIRIE LAND MANAGEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Native prairie values.

The commissioner of natural resources must recognize the value of native prairie land by taking into consideration the wildlife, scientific, erosion control, educational, and recreational benefits of native prairie.

Subd. 2.Planning.

The commissioner must plan for management, development, and restoration of:

(1) prairie land under the commissioner's jurisdiction; and

(2) prairie landscape reserves, comprised of an integrated network of protected prairie lands, prairie restoration sites, and private prairie lands.

Subd. 3.Prairie landscape reserves.

The commissioner must develop and manage permanent prairie landscape reserves to maintain the native plant and animal populations, landscape features, and habitat types that are characteristic of intact native prairie ecosystems. Management practices may include haying and grazing.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2008 c 357 s 40]

History:

1987 c 404 s 98

84.963 PRAIRIE PLANT SEED PRODUCTION AREAS; PRAIRIE ESTABLISHMENT GUIDANCE.

(a) The commissioner of natural resources shall study the feasibility of establishing private or public prairie plant seed production areas within prairie land locations. If prairie plant seed production is feasible, the commissioner may aid the establishment of production areas. The commissioner may enter cost-share or sharecrop agreements with landowners having easements for conservation purposes of ten or more years on their land to commercially produce prairie plant seed of Minnesota origin. The commissioner may only aid prairie plant seed production areas on agricultural land used to produce crops before December 23, 1985, and cropped three out of five years between 1981 and 1985.

(b) The commissioner shall compile, prepare, and electronically disseminate to the public prairie establishment guidance materials and resources. The resources must provide information and guidance on project planning, seed selection including ecotype and species mix, site preparation, seeding, maintenance, and technical service providers. The commissioner shall use actual prairie restoration projects under development on state-owned land to illustrate and demonstrate the practices described.

History:

1987 c 404 s 99; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 31

84.964 [Repealed, 2014 c 286 art 2 s 4]

84.965 [Repealed, 2014 c 248 s 19]

84.966 [Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]

84.967 [Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]

84.968 [Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]

84.969 [Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]

84.9691 [Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]

84.9692 [Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]

84.9695 [Renumbered 17.457]

STATE LANDS CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

84.97 CONTROLLED BURNING.

Subdivision 1.Program established.

The commissioner may establish a controlled burning program on public and private land to propagate wildlife requiring new vegetative growth and brush habitats, to manage the prairie, and to reduce the wildfire hazard.

Subd. 2.Burning permits.

(a) A person may not conduct a controlled burn without a permit.

(b) The commissioner may provide a manual that describes financial and technical assistance available and provides detailed information on conducting a controlled burn.

Subd. 3.Assistance for private burns.

The commissioner may provide financial and technical assistance to persons who desire to conduct controlled burns approved by the commissioner. Technical assistance includes controlled burn plan development, demonstration controlled burns, and personnel assistance for a controlled burn.

History:

1988 c 714 s 1

84.972 PRAIRIE AND GRASSLANDS PUBLIC GRAZING PROGRAM.

The commissioner of natural resources shall establish a prairie and grasslands public grazing program. The commissioner shall enter into cooperative farming agreements or lease agreements with livestock owners to annually graze prairie and grasslands administered by the commissioner where grazing will enhance wildlife habitat. The commissioner shall maintain a list of lands grazed under the program describing the location, acreage, and years grazed. The program shall have a goal of being financially self-sufficient. Unless otherwise provided by law, revenues received under this section shall be deposited in the game and fish fund and are appropriated to the commissioner for purposes of the program.

History:

2012 c 272 s 6

84.973 POLLINATOR HABITAT PROGRAM.

(a) The commissioner shall develop best management practices and habitat restoration guidelines for pollinator habitat enhancement. Best management practices and guidelines developed under this section must be used for all habitat enhancement or restoration of lands under the commissioner's control.

(b) Prairie restorations conducted on state lands or with state funds must include an appropriate diversity of native species selected to provide habitat for pollinators throughout the growing season.

History:

2013 c 114 art 4 s 12

84.974 MILKWEED.

When feasible, the commissioner of natural resources is encouraged to plant milkweed.

History:

1Sp2015 c 2 art 1 s 3

SHORELAND MANAGEMENT GRANTS

84.975 SHORELAND MANAGEMENT GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.Purposes.

The commissioner of natural resources may make grants to local governments:

(1) to administer, monitor, and enforce state approved shoreland management ordinances;

(2) to adopt shoreland management ordinances consistent with statewide standards;

(3) to develop comprehensive lake by lake or river shoreland management strategies that provide a unique plan to guide activities on and adjacent to a lake or river; and

(4) to implement elements of a comprehensive lake or river management strategy.

Subd. 2.Action on grant applications.

Upon receipt of a request for a shoreland management grant, the commissioner of natural resources must confer with the local government requesting the grant and may make a grant based on the following considerations:

(1) the number and classification of lakes and rivers in the jurisdiction of the local government;

(2) the extent of current shoreland development;

(3) the development trends for the lakes and rivers;

(4) the miles of lake and river shoreline;

(5) whether the shoreland management ordinance or regulation adopted by the local government meets the minimum standards established by the commissioner;

(6) the degree and effectiveness of administration, enforcement, and monitoring of the existing shoreland ordinances;

(7) the ability of the local government to finance the program or project; and

(8) the degree to which the program considers a comprehensive approach to lake or river management including land use, recreation, water levels, surface water use, fish, wildlife, and water quality that may be secondary to the other elements.

Subd. 3.Limitations.

The maximum annual shoreland management grant to local government for purposes of subdivision 1, clauses (1) and (2), may not exceed the local contribution to the shoreland management activity. Any federal program aid for shoreland management shall serve to reduce the state and local contribution to the activity.

Subd. 4.Aquatic plant grants.

The commissioner may make grants for aquatic plant restoration projects, research, and propagation.

History:

1989 c 335 art 1 s 266; 2002 c 376 s 2

84.976 NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE; GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The commissioner of natural resources must establish and administer a program to provide grants for outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural-resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth.

Subd. 2.Eligibility.

The commissioner may award grants under this section to public entities or private nonprofit organizations.

Subd. 3.Priorities.

In awarding grants under this section, the commissioner must give priority to programs that:

(1) provide students with opportunities to directly experience and understand nature and the natural world;

(2) use a research-based, effective environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other natural-resource-based educational curriculum;

(3) maximize the number of participants that can be served;

(4) serve children with limited opportunities to participate in natural-resource-based outdoor activities;

(5) use public park and other natural resource venues and personnel as a resource; and

(6) commit matching funds or in-kind resources.

History:

1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 23

CONSERVATION CORPS MINNESOTA

84.98 [Repealed, 2003 c 128 art 1 s 176]

84.99 [Repealed, 2003 c 128 art 1 s 176]

84.991 CONSERVATION CORPS MINNESOTA.

Subdivision 1.Transfer.

(a) The Minnesota Conservation Corps is moved to the Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps, an existing nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, doing business as Conservation Corps Minnesota under the supervision of a board of directors.

(b) The expenditure of state funds by Conservation Corps Minnesota is subject to audit by the legislative auditor and regular annual report to the legislature in general and specifically to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance.

Subd. 2.Staff; corps members.

(a) Staff employed by Conservation Corps Minnesota are not state employees, but, at the option of the board of directors of the nonprofit corporation and at the expense of the corporation or its staff, employees who are in the employ of the Minnesota Conservation Corps on or before June 30, 2003, may continue to participate in state retirement and deferred compensation that apply to state employees.

(b) Employment as a Conservation Corps Minnesota member is noncovered employment for purposes of eligibility for unemployment benefits under chapter 268.

(c) Conservation Corps Minnesota is authorized to continue to have staff and corps members participate in the state of Minnesota workers' compensation program through the Department of Natural Resources. Staff and corps members' claim and administrative costs must be allocated and set annually by the Department of Natural Resources in a manner that is consistent with how these costs are allocated across that agency's operations. The Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps shall establish and follow loss-control strategies that are consistent with loss-control activities of the Department of Natural Resources. In the event that the Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps becomes insolvent or cannot otherwise fund its claim and administrative costs, liability for these costs shall be assumed by the Department of Natural Resources.

(d) Conservation Corps Minnesota is a training and service program and exempt from Minnesota prevailing wage guidelines.

Subd. 3.State and other agency collaboration.

The Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Public Safety, Transportation, and other appropriate state agencies must constructively collaborate with Conservation Corps Minnesota.

Subd. 4.Equipment and service purchases; state contracts.

Conservation Corps Minnesota may purchase or lease equipment and services, including fleet, through state contracts administered by the commissioner of administration or the Department of Natural Resources.

Subd. 5.Employee displacement.

Each employing state or local agency must certify that the assignment of Conservation Corps Minnesota members will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or workers on seasonal layoff, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or other employment benefits. Supervising agencies that participate in the program may not terminate, lay off, reduce the seasonal hours, or reduce the working hours of any employee for the purpose of using a corps member with available funds. The positions and job duties of corps members employed in projects shall be submitted to affected exclusive representatives prior to actual assignment.

Subd. 6.Joint powers.

Section 471.59 relating to joint exercise of powers applies to Conservation Corps Minnesota.

History:

2003 c 128 art 1 s 35; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 82

84.992 MINNESOTA NATURALIST CORPS.

Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The Minnesota Naturalist Corps is established under the direct control and supervision of the commissioner of natural resources.

Subd. 2.Program.

The commissioner of natural resources shall develop a program for the Minnesota Naturalist Corps that supports state parks in providing interpretation of the natural and cultural features of state parks in order to enhance visitors' awareness, understanding, and appreciation of those features and encourages the wise and sustainable use of the environment.

Subd. 3.Training and mentoring.

The commissioner must develop and implement a training program that adequately prepares Minnesota Naturalist Corps members for the tasks assigned. Each corps member is assigned an interpretive naturalist as a mentor.

Subd. 4.Uniform pin.

Uniforms worn by members of the Minnesota Naturalist Corps must have a pin that includes the name of the Minnesota Naturalist Corps and information that the program is funded by the clean water, land, and legacy amendment to the Minnesota Constitution adopted by the voters in November 2008.

Subd. 5.Eligibility.

A person is eligible to enroll in the Minnesota Naturalist Corps if the person:

(1) is a permanent resident of the state;

(2) is a participant in an approved college internship program in a field related to natural resources, cultural history, interpretation, or conservation; and

(3) has completed at least one year of postsecondary education.

Subd. 6.Corps member status.

Minnesota Naturalist Corps members are not eligible for unemployment benefits and are not eligible for other benefits except workers' compensation. The corps members are not employees of the state within the meaning of section 43A.02, subdivision 21.

Subd. 7.Employee displacement.

The commissioner must certify that the assignment of Minnesota Naturalist Corps members will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers or workers on seasonal layoff or layoff from a substantially equivalent position, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or other employment benefits. The department may not terminate, lay off, reduce the seasonal hours of, or reduce the working hours of any employee for the purpose of using a corps member with available funds.

History:

2009 c 172 art 3 s 8; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 17-20