HF791

Purpose

• Designate Castoroides ohioensis, commonly known as the giant beaver, as the official state fossil of Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Adds a formal designation of Castoroides ohioensis as Minnesota’s official state fossil.
• Requires a photograph of the giant beaver that is approved by the commissioner of natural resources to be preserved.
• The preserved photograph may be displayed in the Office of the Secretary of State.

How it Changes Existing Law

• Introduces a new official state symbol (the state fossil) into Minnesota statutes.
• Establishes a responsibility for the commissioner of natural resources to approve the photo.
• Creates a potential display location by authorizing the photograph to be shown in the Office of the Secretary of State.

Significance and Implications

• Elevates paleontological history (the giant beaver) as part of Minnesota’s civic symbols.
• Encourages preservation and public display of a fossil-related image to educate residents and visitors about Minnesota’s natural history.

Terminology Context

• Uses terms: state fossil, official state fossil, Castoroides ohioensis, giant beaver, photograph, preserved, commissioner of natural resources, Office of the Secretary of State, Minnesota Statutes.

Relevant Terms - Castoroides ohioensis - giant beaver - state fossil - official state fossil - photograph - preserved - commissioner of natural resources - Office of the Secretary of State - Minnesota Statutes - designation - state symbol - Minnesota