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MN HF3930
Bill
Status
3/15/2018
Primary Sponsor
Bud Nornes
Click for details
AI Summary
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Prohibits the commissioner of natural resources from introducing muskellunge to additional waters or stocking muskellunge in previously unstocked waters until August 1, 2022, with savings redirected to walleye stocking.
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Authorizes county boards to request the commissioner limit fish stocking within their jurisdiction by species, amount, percentage, or by refraining from stocking entirely, with mandatory commissioner compliance.
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Allows muskellunge to be taken by spearing in nonmuskellunge waters (waters where muskellunge are not indigenous or stocked) with a 20-inch minimum size limit to be established by July 1, 2018.
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Imposes a moratorium on muskellunge stocking in waters wholly located in Otter Tail County until August 1, 2023, and requires convening a stakeholder group to examine muskellunge effects on the environment and native fish.
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Appropriates $50,000 in fiscal year 2019 from the game and fish fund to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to independently study muskellunge stocking effects in Otter Tail County, with results due to legislative committees by March 1, 2020.
Legislative Description
New muskellunge waters prohibited, counties authorized to limit fish stocking within their jurisdiction, taking of muskellunge in nonmuskellunge waters provided, moratorium on stocking muskellunge in Otter Tail County imposed, rulemaking required, report required, and money appropriated.
Last Action
Authors added Dettmer and Heintzeman.
3/28/2018