MN SF2329

Establishes the Wild Rice Stewardship Council with 13 governor-appointed members plus 4 legislative appointees, including representatives from Minnesota tribal nations, independent scientists, industry stakeholders, environmental organizations, and state agencies.

Council must provide biennial reports to the governor, tribal executives, and legislature on wild rice health and policy recommendations, and recommend shared monitoring protocols and statewide management plans to natural resources and pollution control agencies.

Council responsibilities include identifying research priorities on wild rice health factors, climate change impacts, restoration criteria, and seed development, and advising on statewide outreach campaigns and annual Wild Rice Week (first week of September).

Appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2021 to the commissioner of natural resources for protecting, restoring, and enhancing wild rice, with up to $100,000 annually supporting council operations.

Council section expires January 1, 2029; council appointments must be made by September 1, 2019, with first meeting convened by October 15, 2019.