MN HF2378

Establishes the Wild Rice Stewardship Council to foster leadership, collaboration, and coordination among state and tribal governments and wild rice stakeholders, with members representing diverse interests including state/tribal government, resource users, scientists, and local communities.

Requires the council to provide biennial reports to the governor, tribal chief executives, and legislature on wild rice health with policy and funding recommendations.

Directs the council to recommend a shared monitoring protocol addressing biological, chemical, and hydrological factors; develop a comprehensive statewide wild rice management plan; and identify research priorities on topics including climate change impacts, seed development, and restoration criteria.

Tasks the council with developing statewide outreach and education activities, including an annual Wild Rice Week (first week of September), and recommending approaches to protect wild rice from pollutants, particularly through water quality standards for sulfate.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to the commissioner of natural resources for wild rice protection, restoration, and enhancement, with portions available to support the council's work.