(a) Grasslands for the Future (FINAL)
$2,000,000 in the first year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for a pilot project to acquire permanent conservation easements on grasslands in cooperation with the Minnesota Land Trust and the Conservation Fund. Up to $1,850,000 may be used for agreements with the Minnesota Land Trust to acquire permanent conservation easements and up to $75,000 may be used for establishing monitoring and enforcement funds with the Minnesota Land Trust and the Board of Water and Soil Resources, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Up to $75,000 may be used for an agreement with the Conservation Fund for professional services. Easements funded under this appropriation are not subject to emergency haying and grazing orders. Any net proceeds accruing to a project partner from real estate transactions related to this project must be used for the purposes outlined in this appropriation. A must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(b) Accelerating Wildlife Management Area Program - Phase V (FINAL)
$7,960,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire land in fee for wildlife management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(c) DNR Wildlife Management Area, Scientific and Natural Area, and Native Prairie Bank Easement - Phase V (FINAL)
$4,940,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire land in fee for wildlife management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8; acquire land in fee for scientific and natural area purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5; and acquire native prairie bank easements under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96. Up to $42,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17, for native prairie bank easements. A list of proposed land and permanent conservation easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(d) Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project - Phase IV (FINAL)
$5,310,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Nature Conservancy to acquire native prairie, wetland, and savanna and restore and enhance grasslands, wetlands, and savanna. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan. Annual income statements and balance sheets for income and expenses from land acquired with this appropriation must be submitted to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council no later than 180 days following the close of The Nature Conservancy's fiscal year.
(e) Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase III (FINAL)
$3,520,000 in the first year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire permanent conservation easements to protect and enhance habitat by expanding clean water fund riparian wildlife buffers on private land. Up to $120,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Easements funded under this appropriation are not subject to emergency haying and grazing orders. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.
(f) Cannon River Headwaters Habitat Complex - Phase III (FINAL)
$1,780,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Trust for Public Land to acquire and restore lands in the Cannon River watershed for wildlife management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, or aquatic management area purposes under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(g) Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands - Phase V (FINAL)
$2,220,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to accelerate the restoration and enhancement of wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, and land under native prairie bank easements. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(a) Young Forest Conservation (FINAL)
$1,180,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the American Bird Conservancy to acquire lands in fee to be added to the wildlife management area system under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, and to restore and enhance habitat on publicly protected land. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(b) Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase III (FINAL)
$1,150,000 in the first year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources and $300,000 in the first year is to the Department of Natural Resources to acquire land in fee to be added to the wildlife management area system under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, and to acquire permanent conservation easements on lands adjacent to the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers and within the boundaries of the Minnesota National Guard Army Compatible Use Buffer. Of the amount appropriated to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, $49,900 is for a grant to the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District and up to $33,600 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions and permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(c) Northeastern Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse Habitat Partnership - Phase IV (FINAL)
$1,180,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever in cooperation with the Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society to acquire and enhance lands in Aitkin, Carlton, and Kanabec Counties for wildlife management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(d) Protect Key Forest Habitat Lands in Cass County - Phase IV (FINAL)
$500,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Cass County to acquire land in fee in Cass County for forest wildlife habitat or to prevent forest fragmentation. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(e) Critical Shoreline Habitat Protection Program - Phase II (FINAL)
$820,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Land Trust to acquire permanent conservation easements along rivers and lakes in the northern forest region. Up to $160,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(f) Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative - Phase II (FINAL)
$2,000,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association to restore and enhance public forest lands in the northern forest region for moose habitat purposes. A list of proposed land restoration and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(a) Reinvest in Minnesota Wetlands Reserve Program Partnership - Phase V (FINAL)
$13,390,000 in the first year is to the Board of Soil and Water Resources to acquire permanent conservation easements and restore wetlands and associated upland habitat in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Wetlands Reserve Program and Ducks Unlimited, including $1,000,000 for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to provide technical and bioengineering assistance. Up to $120,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.
(b) Accelerating the Waterfowl Production Area Acquisition - Phase V (FINAL)
$6,830,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire land in fee to be designated and managed as waterfowl production areas in Minnesota, in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(c) Living Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Initiative - Phase III (FINAL)
$3,530,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to acquire land in fee for wildlife management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(d) Wild Rice Shoreland Protection Program - Phase II (FINAL)
$1,630,000 in the first year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire in fee wild rice lake shoreland habitat for native wild rice bed protection and to acquire permanent conservation easements in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited. Of this amount, $100,000 is for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited for acquisition of land or interests in land to protect native wild rice beds. Up to $48,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be included as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(e) Wetland Habitat Program (FINAL)
$1,980,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Land Trust to acquire permanent conservation easements in high-priority wetland complexes in the prairie and forest/prairie transition regions. Up to $280,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be included as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(f) Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Enhancement - Phase V (FINAL)
$1,790,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance and restore shallow lakes, including $210,000 for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to help implement restorations and enhancements. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(g) Pelican Lake Enhancement (FINAL)
$2,000,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to construct a gravity outlet, water control structure, and pump station lift to enhance aquatic habitat in Pelican Lake in Wright County. A list of proposed land restoration and enhancements must be included as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(a) DNR Aquatic Habitat - Phase V (FINAL)
$5,250,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire interests in land in fee for aquatic management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02, and to restore and enhance aquatic habitat. A list of proposed land acquisitions and restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(b) Dakota County Habitat Protection/Restoration - Phase IV (FINAL)
$4,100,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dakota County to acquire, restore, and enhance lands in Dakota County for fish and wildlife management purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, or aquatic management area purposes under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02, and to acquire permanent conservation easements and restore and enhance habitats in rivers and lake watersheds in Dakota County. Up to $60,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions and permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(c) Root River Protection and Restoration (FINAL)
$2,750,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire land in fee for scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 5, and for state forest purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 7, and to acquire permanent conservation easements as follows: $2,122,000 to The Nature Conservancy and $628,000 to the Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $100,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed acquisitions and permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(d) Metro Big Rivers Habitat - Phase IV (FINAL)
$1,720,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire land in fee and as permanent conservation easements and to restore and enhance natural systems associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix Rivers as follows: $450,000 to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; $160,000 to the Friends of the Mississippi; $210,000 to the Great River Greening; $450,000 to the Minnesota Land Trust; and $450,000 to the Trust for Public Land. Up to $80,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions and permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(e) Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (FINAL)
$1,000,000 in the first year is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to acquire land in fee surrounding Lake Tamarack in Carver County to be added to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. A land description must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(f) Lower Mississippi River Habitat Partnership -Phase III (FINAL)
$1,710,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance aquatic habitat. Of this amount, $450,000 is for an agreement with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance aquatic habitat in the lower Mississippi River watershed. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(g) Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement - Phase V (FINAL)
$2,470,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited to restore and enhance coldwater river and stream habitats in Minnesota. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(h) Albert Lea Lake Management and Invasive Species Control Structure - Phase III (FINAL)
$1,127,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District to construct structural deterrents and lake level controls to enhance aquatic habitat on Albert Lea Lake in Freeborn County. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
(i) Metropolitan Regional Parks Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Vetoed by the Governor: Letter from Governor Dayton
(j) Conservation Partners Legacy Grants Program, Phase 5 (FINAL)
$6,860,000 is for the outdoor heritage conservation partners program. Of this amount, $3,860,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for a program to provide competitive, matching grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, state, and national organizations for enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. Grants shall not be made for activities required to fulfill the duties of owners of lands subject to conservation easements. Grants shall not be made from this appropriation for projects that have a total project cost exceeding $575,000. Of this appropriation, $366,000 may be spent for personnel costs and other direct and necessary administrative costs. Grantees may acquire land or interests in land. Easements must be permanent. Land acquired in fee must be open to hunting and fishing during the open season unless otherwise provided by state law. The program shall require a match of at least ten percent from nonstate sources for all grants. The match may be cash or in-kind resources. For grant applications of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall provide a separate, simplified application process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the commissioner of natural resources shall, when evaluating projects of equal value, give priority to organizations that have a history of receiving or charter to receive private contributions for local conservation or habitat projects. If acquiring land or a conservation easement, priority shall be given to projects associated with existing wildlife management areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; and aquatic management areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02. All restoration or enhancement projects must be on land permanently protected by a conservation easement or public ownership or in public waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority shall be given to restoration and enhancement projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies to grants awarded under this paragraph. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017. No less than five percent of the amount of each grant must be held back from reimbursement until the grant recipient has completed a grant accomplishment report by the deadline and in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The commissioner shall provide notice of the grant program in the game and fish law summaries that are prepared underMinnesota Statutes, section 97A.051, subdivision 2. Of this amount, $3,000,000 is for aquatic invasive species grants to tribal and local governments with a delegation agreement under Minnesota Statutes, section 84D.105, subdivision 2, paragraph (g), for education, inspection, and decontamination activities at public water access, and other sites. Up to four percent of this appropriation may be used to administer the grants. $3,000,000 for AIS was veteod by the Governor, a copy of the letter is linked here
(c) Restoration Evaluations Program
$45,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for a technical evaluation panel to conduct up to ten restoration evaluations under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 10.
(d) High-Priority Pre-Transaction Service Acceleration for LSOHC (FINAL)
$50,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to provide land acquisition pre-transaction services including, but not limited to, appraisals, surveys, or title research for acquisition proposals under consideration by the LSOHC. A list of activities must be included in the final accomplishment plan.