MN HF207

Appropriates $97,644,000 from the outdoor heritage fund for fiscal year 2014 for natural resource projects in prairies, forests, wetlands, and habitats.

Allocates funds to acquire land in fee and conservation easements for wildlife management, scientific and natural areas, and aquatic management purposes through agreements with nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Modifies restoration evaluation requirements to allow technical evaluation panels to assess outdoor heritage fund projects, with findings reported to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and legislative committees.

Establishes new land acquisition approval requirements whereby recipients must obtain written commissioner approval before acquiring real property interests with outdoor heritage funds, and must submit tax-assessed values and proposed offers to the council and commissioner.

Provides $1,251,000 for administration including contract management, Lessard-Sams Council expenses, technical evaluation panel, and pre-transaction services for land acquisitions.