MN SF3226

Requires the commissioner of natural resources to issue a 15-year water use permit for calcareous fens in Pipestone County (South Half of Section 28, Township 106 North, Range 44 West) upon application, notwithstanding existing statutes.

Limits water use to irrigation of agricultural crops at no more than 800 gallons per minute, with the permittee required to pay for system installation and minimize disturbance to existing plant communities.

Allows permit revocation after five years if water drawdown endangers the fens' continued sustainability, with the permittee receiving prorated reimbursement of irrigation system costs over the original 15-year term.

Requires the commissioner to monitor the fens and collect data on water use effects throughout the permit term; if fens remain viable after 15 years, the permit renews for an additional 15 years without the five-year revocation condition.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the natural resources fund in fiscal year 2017 to the commissioner for technical assistance and data collection under this section.