MN HF3722

Appropriates funds from the game and fish fund in fiscal year 2011 to the commissioner of natural resources for a two-year pilot walk-in public access program.

Requires the commissioner to work with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and contract with landowners in agricultural areas for recreational access on lands containing at least 40 contiguous acres of game habitat.

Mandates all pilot locations be open to the public for taking game during prescribed seasons from September 1 through the end of the small game season each year.

Requires the commissioner to submit a progress report by February 15, 2011, to relevant house and senate committees detailing acreage, landowner participation, program design, landowner payment contracts, funding sources, federal leverage opportunities, and habitat criteria.

Appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, and contracted land receives the same treatment as land made available for recreational purposes under Minnesota Statutes sections 604A.20 to 604A.27.