MN SF4108

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

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

Up to 5 percent of appropriation may be used for restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement of easement properties.

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