Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to set a state goal for restoring and permanently protecting wetlands in Minnesota. The objective is to address environmental concerns related to lost or degraded wetland areas.

Main Provisions

• Goal Setting: The bill establishes a target to restore or permanently protect at least 1 million acres of lost or significantly degraded wetlands by the year 2050.
• State Agency Duties: Agencies overseeing grant programs and other funding relevant to wetlands must consider how their decisions contribute to meeting the restoration and protection goals. Priority should be given to counties which have lost more than 50% of their prestatehood wetlands.
• Reporting Requirements: Starting January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the Board of Water and Soil Resources is tasked with reporting the progress toward the wetland restoration goal. These reports must include details on areas protected or restored, potential future projects, and barriers hindering progress.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill proposes the creation of a new law within Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103G. It emphasizes a statewide coordinated effort to enhance wetland protection, which may not have been as structured previously.

Relevant Terms

• Wetland Restoration
• Wetland Protection
• Degraded Wetlands
• State Agencies
• Grant Programs
• Prestatehood Wetlands
• Board of Water and Soil Resources