This bill, House File No. 02172025, proposes the creation of the Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force. The task force’s primary aim is to develop recommendations for foraging regulations on state lands that are scientifically based and ensure both ecological sustainability and public enjoyment of natural resources.

Key Features of the Bill include:

1. Establishment of the Task Force:

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Natural Resources will establish the task force by September 1, 2025.

2. Membership:

   • It will consist of legislative members from both the Senate and House committees concerned with natural resources, appointed by respective leaders.
   • Additional members will include two scientists, representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Indigenous communities, food safety, public health experts, and representatives from various foraging, cultural, and conservation groups.
   • No members can be registered lobbyists.

3. Duties:

   • The task force will collect data on the effects of foraging on local ecosystems, review existing foraging regulations, develop new science-based guidelines, create educational materials on sustainable foraging, solicit public input, and propose a permitting model that potentially includes volunteerism as payment.

4. Administration:

   • The task force will adopt a rotating chair system, meet monthly, and be supported by the Department of Natural Resources staff.

5. Reporting and Expiration:

   • By December 1, 2026, the task force must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Commissioner of Natural Resources and legislative leaders.
   • The task force will dissolve on September 1, 2026, or sooner if the report is submitted earlier.

In summary, this bill is focused on forming a task force to create balanced, data-driven guidelines for sustainable foraging practices on Minnesota's state lands, with a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders in the foraging community.