Purpose of the Bill

The bill establishes a "Keep it Clean" program aimed at preventing water pollution in state waters during winter activities. It specifically targets garbage and human waste left on ice surfaces by recreational users.

Main Provisions

• Program Establishment: The program is developed and administered by the Commissioner of Natural Resources in consultation with various agencies. It includes initiatives to prevent water pollution and promote cleanliness.
• Collaboration and Coordination: The program involves outreach to local government units and NGOs, facilitates participation by other state agencies, coordinates media efforts, and establishes a statewide education campaign.
• Grant Program: A grant program is established to fund local initiatives. Grants can be awarded to local governments and NGOs for projects aimed at pollution prevention.

Eligible Activities for Grants

• Sanitation Facilities: Installation and maintenance of public sanitary winterized dumping stations near lake access points.
• Waste Management: Provision of facilities and containers for transport and disposal of human and pet waste.
• Law Enforcement: Increasing enforcement of pollution-related ordinances by enhancing law enforcement patrols during winter and establishing volunteer county patrol programs.
• Education and Outreach: Promotion of local and regional Keep it Clean activities and organization of spring cleanup efforts, excluding significant event cleanups.
• Advertising and Marketing: Local advertising campaigns to educate the public about Keep it Clean initiatives and related regulations.

Significant Changes

This bill proposes new legislation to be coded in the Minnesota Statutes chapter 97C. It introduces a structured approach to tackle pollution from waste on icy surfaces, which is not specifically detailed in existing laws.

Relevant Terms

• Keep it Clean program
• Water pollution
• Garbage and human waste
• Grant program
• Sanitary dumping stations
• Law enforcement patrol
• Education and outreach activities
• Ice fishing contestants
• Public sanitation