The bill S.F. No. 1247 aims to protect wild rice waters in Minnesota. It includes several key provisions:

1. Definition and Recognition: Wild rice, a fundamental element of Minnesota's ecology and an important part of Native American heritage, is acknowledged as the state grain. It plays a crucial role in local economies and environmental health.

2. Pesticide Regulations: There are stricter controls on pesticide use, specifically how they might affect wild rice waters. This includes requiring studies to assess the impact of pesticides on these waters and developing best practices to prevent pesticide-related damage.

3. Permitting and Activities in Wild Rice Waters: New permits or activities that could potentially affect wild rice waters cannot be approved without a "wild rice risk justification." This document must analyze the risks and justify the activities in detail, showing how they are outweighed by the benefits.

4. Protection from Watercraft: The bill restricts the operation of watercraft in areas with wild rice beds, either by prohibiting motor-powered boats or limiting their speed to prevent damage to these habitats.

5. Mapping and Public Access to Information: It ensures that maps showing wild rice water locations are kept up-to-date and accessible to the public, enhancing transparency and informed community involvement.

6. Education and Training: There are provisions for ongoing education and training about pesticide use and its impacts, ensuring that those using pesticides are well-informed about how to minimize environmental harm.

7. Financial Appropriation: Funds are allocated to support the development and maintenance of necessary maps and other resources to implement these protections effectively.

Overall, this bill seeks to strengthen the protection of wild rice waters in Minnesota through stricter regulation, better informed public and private actions, and heightened awareness and education around pesticide use and environmental impact.