HF3550 Summary

• Consolidates and modernizes watershed management procedures by requiring watershed districts to adopt and maintain management plans that must receive board approval, with streamlined amendment processes and dispute resolution mechanisms.

• Modifies soil and water conservation district authorities to clarify their statutory responsibilities and expand their powers regarding water and soil resource management, loans, and coordination with state/federal/Tribal governments.

• Restructures wetland management by updating classification systems, clarifying exemptions for agricultural and drainage activities, and establishing requirements for wetland banking and in-lieu fee programs administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

• Eliminates state beaver damage control grants previously available to joint powers boards, soil and water conservation districts, and Tribal governments.

• Adds new conservation easement program provisions including definitions for agricultural crop production, pasture, perennial cover, and conservation plans, with expanded enforcement mechanisms and landowner compliance requirements.