SB2357 Summary

• Creates the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act to establish a grant program administered by the Department of Natural Resources for restoring forests, prairies, wetlands, and native vegetation that absorb carbon dioxide.

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to prepare and maintain a comprehensive grant plan and establish a grant program subject to appropriation to mitigate climate change impacts.

• Makes units of local government eligible to apply for grants to fund restoration projects, education and marketing initiatives, and other purposes approved by the Department that advance the state goal of no net loss of forest, prairie, or wetland acres.

• Creates the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairie Grant Fund in the state treasury, which may receive appropriations, federal funds, and private donations to support the grant program.

• Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules for implementation and to contract with outside entities for up to 2 years for grant application evaluation and compliance monitoring.