1998 Minnesota Statutes

     89A.06 Landscape-level forest resource planning and 
  coordination. 

    Subdivision 1.    Framework.  The council shall 
 establish a framework that will enable long-range strategic 
 planning and landscape coordination to occur, to the extent 
 possible, across all forested regions of the state and across 
 all ownerships.  The framework must include: 

    (1) identification of the landscapes within which 
 long-range strategic planning of forest resources can occur, 
 provided that the landscapes must be delineated based on broadly 
 defined ecological units and existing classification systems, 
 yet recognize existing political and administrative boundaries 
 and planning processes; 

    (2) a statement of principles and goals for landscape-based 
 forest resource planning; and 

    (3) identification of a general process by which 
 landscape-based forest resource planning can occur, provided 
 that the process must give considerable latitude to design 
 planning processes that fit the unique needs and resources of 
 each landscape; reflect a balanced consideration of the 
 economic, social, and environmental conditions and needs of each 
 landscape; and interface and establish formats that are 
 compatible with other landscape-based forest resource plans. 

    Subd. 2.    Regional forest resource committees.  To 
 foster landscape-based forest resource planning, the council 
 shall establish regional forest resource committees.  The 
 regional committees must: 

    (1) include representative interests in a particular region 
 that are committed to and involved in landscape planning and 
 coordination activities; 

    (2) serve as a forum for landowners, managers, and 
 representative interests to discuss landscape forest resource 
 issues; 

    (3) identify and implement an open and public process 
 whereby landscape-based strategic planning of forest resources 
 can occur; 

    (4) identify sustainable forest resource goals for the 
 landscape and strategies to achieve those goals; and 

    (5) provide a regional perspective to the council with 
 respect to council activities. 

    Subd. 3.    Regional committee officers and staff.  Each 
 regional committee shall elect a chair from among its members. 
 The council shall ensure regional committees have sufficient 
 staff resources to carry out their mission as defined in this 
 section. 

    Subd. 4.    Report.  Each regional committee shall 
 report to the council its work activities and accomplishments. 

    HIST: 1995 c 220 s 83