This legislative bill, S.F. No. 979, proposes changes to how calcareous fens, a type of wetland, are managed and protected in Minnesota. Key elements of the bill include:

1. Definition and Management Plan Requirements: The bill mandates the Minnesota Commissioner of Natural Resources to officially define what constitutes a calcareous fen. Additionally, it outlines that these fens cannot be altered by filling, draining, or degrading unless under a management plan approved by the Commissioner or in specific allowed circumstances.

2. Permit and Reporting Requirements: If an activity might affect a calcareous fen, the Commissioner must provide the applicant with a detailed report about the specific fen, outlining its ecological benefits and the potential adverse effects if the activity were to proceed.

3. Rulemaking for Calcareous Fens: The Commissioner is required to adopt rules that define a calcareous fen, which will help in consistent application and enforcement of the law.

4. Ecological Benefits Report: By December 1, 2025, the Commissioner must submit a detailed report outlining the ecological benefits of calcareous fens, provide a rationale for the proposed definition, and summarize permit denials related to these fens over the past ten years to relevant legislative committees.

The bill aims to ensure that calcareous fens are adequately protected due to their environmental importance, while also providing a framework for permissible activities under regulated conditions.