DNR lands bill forthcoming

The House Game, Fish and Forestry Division began the process of cobbling together the Department of Natural Resources’ annual “lands bill.”

HF3032, sponsored by Division Chairman Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake), would allow the department to purchase and sell various land parcels located around the state. These sales and purchases would otherwise be restricted by statute.

The division laid the bill over for further consideration after incorporating into it a number of smaller bills authorizing land transfers in Beltrami, Dakota, Itasca, Marshall, Otter Tail, St. Louis and Washington counties.

A companion bill, SF2985, sponsored by Sen. Dan Skogen (DFL-Hewitt), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.