MN SF3893

Amends Laws 2016, chapter 189, article 3, section 4 to appropriate $479,000 to the Board of Water and Soil Resources in the second year for developing a detailed working lands watershed restoration program plan.

The plan must include a process for selecting pilot watersheds, assessing eligible agricultural land, evaluating landowner interest, and analyzing contract terms with variable payment rates based on land priority or type.

Requires assessment of federal funding opportunities, coordination with other state programs, estimated water quality improvements, integration with conservation requirements, and viability of cover crops for biomass processing.

Mandates outreach to local governments, interest groups, and farmers on the benefits of perennial and cover crops, plus development of detailed targeting criteria and model contracts for future implementation.

Changes appropriation availability deadline from June 30, 2018 to June 30, 2019; interim report due October 15, 2018; final feasibility study and program plan due February 1, 2019 to legislative committees and Clean Water Council.