MN SF3684

Expands the definition of "agricultural purposes" to include use of land not exceeding the greater of 3 acres or 10 percent of total land area to provide environmental benefits such as buffer strips, old growth forest restoration or retention, and retention ponds to prevent soil erosion.

Requires taxpayers to apply to the assessor by February 1 of the assessment year and submit program requirements, specific agreements with local agencies, and a map of the conservation area to qualify for agricultural classification under the environmental benefits provision.

Applies to land enrolled in local conservation programs administered by towns, cities, counties, watershed districts, or soil and water conservation districts where landowners receive incentive payments of at least $50 per acre.

Effective for assessment year 2018 and thereafter.