MN HF2993

Appropriates $46,337,000 from the Minnesota environment and natural resources trust fund for fiscal year 2017 across eight categories: foundational natural resource data ($11,158,000), water resources ($8,349,000), environmental education ($2,812,000), invasive species ($5,860,000), air quality and renewable energy ($2,290,000), land/water/habitat protection ($8,929,000), land acquisition and recreation ($6,565,000), and emerging issues ($164,000).

Modifies the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources by changing leadership structure to rotate chairs between legislative and citizen members at each meeting, with each group selecting their own chair.

Adds new statutory requirements for trust fund recipients including mandatory use of native plant species per state guidelines, preparation of ecological restoration plans, initial and three-year post-completion evaluations, and permanent protection through conservation easements or public ownership.

Creates new provisions restricting donations from landowners during acquisitions, requiring easement monitoring and enforcement plans with dedicated funding, and establishing reimbursement procedures for University of Minnesota appropriations.

Establishes detailed project requirements including work plan approvals, data availability standards conforming to state guidelines, restrictions on overhead costs, and accessibility standards for structural facilities.