HF1250

This bill appropriates funds from Minnesota's Outdoor Heritage Fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the acquisition, restoration, and enhancement of natural habitats across the state. The allocations target prairies, forests, wetlands, and other critical habitats, primarily through partnerships with conservation organizations.

Key provisions include: - Funding for conservation easements and land acquisitions to protect prairies, wetlands, forests, and aquatic habitats. - Specific allocations for projects such as prairie chicken habitat conservation, wildlife management areas, and trout stream protection. - Support for federal grant leveraging to maximize conservation impact. - Funding for administration, contract management, and technical evaluations to ensure program accountability. - Extensions and reallocations of certain previous appropriations.

The bill emphasizes permanent protection efforts, prioritizing lands adjacent to protected areas or within designated conservation regions. It includes reporting requirements and mapping provisions to ensure transparency. The appropriations are one-time and available through various timeframes, aligned with state and federal conservation priorities.