MN HF4215

Appropriates $16,500,000 from bond proceeds to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for acquiring conservation easements from landowners.

Conservation easement funds support preservation, restoration, creation, and enhancement of wetlands, uplands, prairie, grasslands, rivers, streams, and riparian lands to protect soil and water quality, support fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce flood damage.

Board shall prioritize leveraging federal money by enrolling targeted new lands or environmentally sensitive lands with expiring federal conservation agreements.

Up to five percent of the appropriation may be used for restoration and enhancement activities.

Commissioner of management and budget authorized to sell and issue state bonds up to $16,500,000 in accordance with Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and Minnesota Constitution article XI, sections 4 to 7.