House backs $191 million Legacy package supporting wildlife, wetlands and woods

Trout, prairie chickens, carp barriers, even Olympic gymnast Suni Lee get a mention in the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Lands bill.

HF2627/SF1943* includes a $191 million appropriation from the Outdoor Heritage Fund for a variety of wildlife habitat, wetland restoration and watershed protection projects as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which administers the fund and provides annual recommendations on its use.

The fund’s purpose is to “restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota's wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife”

Passed 107-27, as amended, by the House Sunday, it awaits Senate concurrence.

Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL-Brooklyn Center), who co-chairs the House Legacy Finance Committee, said there were hiccups along the way, but the bill includes something everyone should be proud to vote for.

“This bill reflects Minnesota values,” Vang said in a statement. “Whether you live in Greater Minnesota, the suburbs, or the metro, every Minnesotan deserves access to clean water, healthy wildlife habitat, and outdoor spaces that future generations can enjoy.”

Among its appropriations are:

• $82.4 million for habitat protection and restoration;
• $36.9 million for forests with $25 million to acquire priority forest lands in St. Louis County;
• $36.4 million for prairies; and
• $33.2 million for wetlands, including $6 million in an agreement with Ducks Unlimited for waterfowl habitat.

Also included are DNR provisions that would add parcels to Frontenac State Park and Greater River Bluffs State Park and provide legislative authorization for select land sales.

New appropriations in the bill are limited to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, but the bill would extend the availability of some parks and trail funds and provide some updates on approved projects, such as a planned statue of Suni Lee in St. Paul.

[MORE: View the spreadsheet]

Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project

Funding for a Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project was a reason cited when the Legacy bill stalled April 15 in the House Legacy Finance Committee. The project is connected to a lawsuit filed by nearby landowners who are concerned it could flood their farms.  

The bill would provide about $3.6 million for Phase 3 of the project but states the money could not be spent before Jan. 1, 2027, or if the project is halted by a court order.

Policy changes
Policy provisions would modify the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, including having the chair serve two years instead of one. The bill would also extend the availability of several previous appropriations.

It would also set an eight-year term limit for public members of the Outdoor Heritage Council and allow the council to interview executive director candidates in a closed session.

Outdoor Heritage Fund
The Outdoor Heritage Fund receives 33% of the proceeds arising from a 2008 constitutional amendment passed by voters that raised the state sales tax by 0.375%. The Legacy Amendment also allocates 33% of revenue raised to the Clean Water Fund; 19.75% to the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund; and 14.25% for the Parks and Trails Fund.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Board of Water and Soil Resources manage grants that go to various governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of the Mississippi River, the Red Lake Watershed District and the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society.