HF424 Summary

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 116G.15 to establish the Mississippi River corridor critical area as a protected zone designated under the Critical Areas Act, with the purpose of protecting and preserving the river and adjacent lands as unique natural, environmental, and recreational resources.

• Requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to establish districts within the critical area, develop minimum guidelines and standards for management, and create a bluff map defining bluffs and bluff-related features based on specified slope and elevation criteria.

• Standards must protect 14 key resources including floodplains, wetlands, gorges, scenic views, cultural sites, and water quality; allows exceptions for river access facilities, water supply facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and hydropower facilities.

• Requires local units of government and state agencies to notify the Commissioner of Natural Resources at least 10 days before taking discretionary actions on developments, with a $50 late fee for non-compliance.

• Appropriates $225,000 in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 from the clean water fund to develop and adopt rules under Chapter 14 by January 15, 2010.