SF1245

SF1245 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Commissioner of natural resources requirement to consider decommissioning a road or trail designated for off-highway vehicle use under certain circumstances

Related bill: HF1012

AI Generated Summary

The legislative bill S.F. No. 1245 aims to manage and regulate the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) such as snowmobiles and other motorized recreational vehicles on public lands in Minnesota. Key elements of the bill include:

Limiting OHV Use: It restricts the use of OHVs to specifically designated and posted roads and trails on state lands managed by the commissioner of natural resources and on county-administered forest lands. The bill also sets certain conditions which must be met for a trail to be included in the designated areas, such as approvals from Tribal governments if the trail affects Tribal Lands or Ceded Territories, avoiding trails close to sensitive aquatic habitats, and ensuring no designated trail crosses land with problematic weed infestations.
Environmental Considerations: Before the construction or expansion of OHV trails, an environmental assessment worksheet is required to gauge potential impacts on the environment.
Decommissioning Trails: If significant environmental effects are demonstrated, the bill mandates that the commissioner of natural resources must consider decommissioning the road or trail. This decision can be driven by petitions from local residents or governments.
Seasonal and Area Restrictions: It details restrictions during the firearms deer hunting season and designates certain areas where OHVs may not be used unless mapped and authorized after official departmental mappings are completed.
Rulemaking and Exemptions: Specific provisions and decisions regarding OHV trails can be made through written orders by the commissioner, which are exempt from the usual rulemaking processes.

This proposal seeks to balance recreational use of OHVs with environmental preservation and residents' concerns, ensuring more structured and careful use of Minnesota's natural resources.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies new conditions under which a road or trail designated for off-highway vehicle use may be decommissioned.",
        "Requires environmental assessment worksheets for the construction or expansion of off-highway vehicle trails."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies regulations concerning the use of off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles on state public lands under section 84.777.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts seasonal restrictions and operational conditions for off-highway vehicles on state lands."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.777"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for defining 'motor vehicles' in relation to unpaved trails in section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.002 subdivision 18"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for regulations concerning noxious weeds in relation to trail restrictions in section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "18.76 to 18.91"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for defining 'state forest lands' in relation to off-highway vehicle operations in section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "89.001 subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for management responsibilities of state forest lands in section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "282.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced to note exceptions regarding the use of off-highway vehicles for designated trails in section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "84.787 to 84.804"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced for provisions related to the use of off-highway vehicles on state public lands in section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "84.92 to 84.928"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced regarding rulemaking exemptions for orders by the commissioner under section 84.777.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.386"
  }
]