SF2969 - Outdoor Heritage Fund Appropriations

• Appropriates $159,049,000 from the outdoor heritage fund for fiscal year 2023 for land acquisition, restoration, and habitat enhancement across multiple categories.

• Funds prairie habitat projects ($35,033,000) including wildlife management areas, grassland reserves, and prairie recovery programs through partnerships with conservation organizations.

• Funds forest habitat protection ($13,261,000), wetland protection and restoration ($26,771,000), and general habitat projects ($83,361,000) across Minnesota regions.

• Establishes a competitive grant program (Conservation Partners Legacy Grant) with $9,450,000 for local and regional organizations to protect and restore forests, wetlands, prairies, and fish and wildlife habitats.

• Requires all funded projects to submit accomplishment plans to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, with money available for acquisition until June 30, 2026, and restoration work for up to four years after acquisition.