MN HF634

Appropriates $127.247 million from the outdoor heritage fund for fiscal year 2022 and $557,000 for fiscal year 2023 for natural resource conservation projects including prairie, forest, wetland, and habitat acquisition and restoration.

Allocates funds across five main categories: Prairies ($42.784 million), Forests ($12.476 million), Wetlands ($22.389 million), Habitats ($48.664 million), and Administration ($934,000 for FY2022 and $557,000 for FY2023).

Modifies restrictions on outdoor heritage fund spending to allow purchases of state or politically subdivided-owned land if it creates additional direct benefit and is approved by at least 9 council members, or if the land is partially subject to a conservation easement.

Establishes a competitive grant program (Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program) providing up to $400,000 matching grants to organizations for habitat enhancement, restoration, or protection projects, with at least $2.4 million reserved for metropolitan areas.

Extends availability periods for land acquisition (until June 30, 2025), restoration and enhancement (until June 30, 2026), and allows federal funding projects up to six years if confirmed in approved plans.