Environment and Energy

DNR Acquisition of Land for Mill Towns Trail Announced

by Senator Kevin Dahle
July 21, 2016October 13, 2016

Senator Kevin Dahle (DFL-Northfield) has been working on options to expand the regional Mill Towns Trail for several years, working on bonding bills and local coordination to finance the corridor. Earlier today, the Minnesota DNR announced that it has acquired almost six miles of right-of-way in Rice County that will be used for the development of the trail. The purchase from Canadian Pacific is an uncommon opportunity to buy and develop a large section at once.

Environment and Energy bills that did not pass

by Senate DFL Media
May 24, 2016August 24, 2016

DNR policy bill provisions The DNR policy bill contains a number of provisions that were vetted earlier in the session, including an exception to allow commercial garbage haulers to transport aquatic plants without a permit; a pilot study on zebra… Read More »Environment and Energy bills that did not pass

Wastewater regulation certainty

by Senate DFL Media
May 24, 2016August 24, 2016

Minnesota communities hoping to replace obsolete wastewater systems have found added security in a bill passed by the legislature this year. Cities that plan to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities to meet water quality standards will be given the assurance that… Read More »Wastewater regulation certainty

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations (LCCMR)

by Senate DFL Media
May 24, 2016August 24, 2016

This year’s Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) appropriations include $37.9 million from the Environmental Trust Fund, which is funded by proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery. Projects in the bill are wide-ranging, including initiatives protecting pollinators, restoring elk… Read More »Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations (LCCMR)

Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations

by Senate DFL Media
May 24, 2016August 24, 2016

This year, $111.8 million was recommended for appropriation from the Outdoor Heritage Fund to be spent on 40 projects recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. After a thorough evaluation process in 2015, project categories broke down as follows: Prairies… Read More »Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations

Omnibus Lands Bill

by Senate DFL Media
May 24, 2016August 24, 2016

The legislature passed a non-controversial package of provisions related to the sale and exchange of state land. Legislative approval is needed for certain land management transactions that help the DNR meet its conservation goals, and the DNR comes to the… Read More »Omnibus Lands Bill