MN HF3022

Commissioner of Natural Resources must submit annual reports to legislature by December 15 detailing total damages paid by elk herd for the previous two fiscal years.

Commissioner cannot increase elk herd size or adopt plans to increase herds unless Commissioner of Agriculture verifies that crop and fence damages attributed to the herd have not increased for at least two years.

Before implementing a plan to increase an elk herd, commissioners of Natural Resources and Agriculture must hold a joint public meeting at least 60 days prior in the county where the herd is located.

At the required public meeting, commissioners must present evidence that crop and fence damages have not increased in the prior two years and detail practices to reduce elk conflicts with area landowners.

The amendments to elk management plan requirements are effective the day following final enactment.