MN SF3297

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.

Commissioner shall contract with landowners in agricultural areas of the state to provide recreational access on lands containing at least 40 contiguous acres of game habitat, with public access required from September 1 through the end of the small game season each year.

Contracted lands receive the same liability protections as lands made available without charge for recreational purposes under Minnesota Statutes sections 604A.20 to 604A.27.

Commissioner must submit a progress report by February 15, 2011 to legislative committees covering acres and locations, landowner acceptance, program design and payments, landowner contracts, revenue sources, and habitat criteria for the sites.

Appropriation is one-time only and available until June 30, 2012, with the commissioner directed to pursue additional federal funding and coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture.