MN HF3649

Amends Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 3, subdivision 4 to modify Forest Management appropriations from $50,668,000 to $50,603,000.

Appropriates $700,000 in fiscal year 2020 for one-time grants to local units of government to develop community ash management plans, identify and convert ash stands to climate-adapted species, and replace removed ash trees (available until June 30, 2021).

Grants may cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs and not exceed $500,000 per grant; available to cities, counties, regional authorities, joint powers boards, towns, and parks and recreation boards in first-class cities.

Appropriates $500,000 from the forest management investment account in fiscal year 2021 to the commissioner of natural resources to identify and convert ash forests on state lands to climate-adapted species.

Commissioner must establish funding criteria in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture and may use grant funds to cover reasonable administrative costs.