Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1983

Introduced
2/20/23  

Caption

Water and soil conservation provisions modifications

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly impact Minnesota's approach to conserving water and soil resources. By modifying statutes related to conservation easements and stewardship accounts, the bill ensures that funds allocated for conservation efforts are used efficiently and effectively. Local governments will benefit from clearer guidelines, which will facilitate their ability to implement conservation programs and initiatives. This will also streamline the approval process for applications seeking financial assistance for conservation projects.

Summary

SF1983 aims to modify existing provisions for water and soil conservation in Minnesota. It introduces new guidelines for enhancing native vegetation and establishes a framework for cost-sharing between the state and local districts for conservation practices. The bill emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, Tribal nations, and academic institutions, to ensure effective management of water and soil resources. By fostering partnerships, the legislation intends to improve public awareness and involvement in managing local water and soil issues.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on conservation and collaboration, some critics may argue that the parameters set for cost-sharing and financial assistance could prove to be insufficient or overly bureaucratic for local districts, possibly stifling smaller initiatives. Furthermore, the requirement for local governments to adhere to new standardized specifications for conservation practices could spark debate about the balance between state-level oversight and local autonomy. These points are likely to be focal in discussions surrounding the bill as stakeholders assess its implications for community-driven efforts.

Companion Bills

MN HF1828

Similar To Water and soil conservation provisions modified.

Previously Filed As

MN HF1828

Water and soil conservation provisions modified.

MN HF3550

Watersheds, soil and water conservation districts, and wetland management provisions modified; wetland banking program and conservation easement programs modified; riparian protection and water quality jurisdiction clarified; provisions extended to apportion drainage repair costs; beaver damage control grants eliminated; Board of Water and Soil Resources authority and duties modified; and rulemaking required.

MN SF3559

Environment and natural resources provisions modifications and appropriation

MN SF3135

Board of Water and Soil Resources powers and duties modification

MN HF4114

Conservation easement programs provisions modified.

MN SF3867

Administrative penalty order authority modification for enforcing public water and drainage ditch buffer requirements

MN SF5298

Clean water fund prior appropriations modification

MN SF3580

Anoka Count Soil and Water Conservation District natural resource stewardship area establishment authorization and tax levy authority provision

MN HF3073

Board of Water and Soil Resources powers and duties modified.

MN SB1701

SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DIST

Similar Bills

MN HF1828

Water and soil conservation provisions modified.

MN SF2438

Omnibus Environment and Climate appropriations

MN HF2310

Environment, natural resources, climate, and energy finance and policy bill.

MN SF1682

Omnibus Legacy appropriations

MN HF1999

Legacy finance and policy bill.

MN SF442

Environment and natural resources trust fund appropriations; reporting and capital construction requirements modification; prior appropriations modifications

MN SF2865

Omnibus Legacy appropriations

MN HF4114

Conservation easement programs provisions modified.