HF1841

Purpose

To remove Little Rock Creek in Morrison County from being designated as a trout stream and to stop stocking the stream with trout.

Main Provisions

• The commissioner of natural resources must amend Minnesota Rules part 6264.0050 subpart 4 to remove the designation of Little Rock Creek as a trout stream.
• The commissioner must no longer stock Little Rock Creek with trout.
• The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes section 14.388 subdivision 1 clause 3 to adopt rules under this section.
• Minnesota Statutes section 14.386 does not apply to these rules except as provided under Minnesota Statutes section 14.388.

Significance and Changes to Existing Law

• Removes the stream’s official designation as a trout stream, changing how the stream is managed with respect to trout.
• Ends state-provided stocking of trout in the stream.
• Allows a faster rulemaking process by using the good cause exemption, rather than requiring the standard rulemaking process under 14.386 (with exceptions under 14.388).

Process and Implementation

• The changes would be carried out through amendments to state administrative rules (not through a separate change to statute), using the specified exemptions to move forward with rulemaking.

Practical Considerations

• The changes rely on administrative rulemaking rather than a direct bill-to-law change, and could affect public fishing practices and resource management tied to Little Rock Creek's designation.

Relevant Terms Little Rock Creek; Morrison County; trout stream; trout stocking; Commissioner of Natural Resources; Minnesota Rules part 6264.0050 subpart 4; rulemaking; good cause exemption; Minnesota Statutes §14.388; Minnesota Statutes §14.386.