MN DNR Legislative update 1-27-17

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This is the newsletter where DNR shares highlights from our interaction with Minnesota’s Legislature. There are several significant things we’d like to share with you this week.
Budget

The Governor’s budget was released on Tuesday 1/24, and to follow, DNR announced our budget initiatives in a press conference Weds 1/25 at DNR’s Central Office. Please see our press release for more information. http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2017/01/25/ ... &utm_term= At the press conference, DNR officials distributed Budget in Brief documents describing our budget items and how they maintain, restore, and enhance DNR's work for all Minnesotans. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/leg ... &utm_term=


Bonding

S.F.210, which is substantively equal to H.F.622 from the end of last session, was heard in the Senate Capital Investment Committee on Thursday 1/26, and referred on to Finance with some language changes only. This bonding bill totals approximately $1 B, while the Governor’s bonding recommendation totals approximately $1.5 B.
This week

On Monday, 1/23, DNR Parks and Trails Director Erika Rivers presented a short update on the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund to the Senate Environment Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee.

On Tuesday, 1/24, DNR Fish and Wildlife officials presented an update on Chronic Wasting Disease to the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee.

On Wednesday, 1/25, DNR Ecological and Water Resources experts presented information about Aquatic Invasive Species activities and the associated costs to the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. Also on Wednesday, The House Subcommittee on Mining, Forestry & Tourism heard an overview of the forest industry in Minnesota from several key forestry figures including Forrest Boe, DNR Forestry Director.

On Thursday, 1/26, DNR Ecological and Water Resources Director Luke Skinner and Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) presented information related to the multi-agency effort to evaluate Minnesota Assuming Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. There was lots of interest from committee members.
Next week

On Tuesday, 1/31, the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee will hear a presentation from School Trust Land Director Aaron VandeLinde. The same committee will hear from DNR about our efforts to manage our portfolio of lands using the Strategic Land Asset Management model on Wednesday 2/1.

DNR’s FY18-19 biennial budget request will receive a hearing in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee next Tuesday 1/31, and Wednesday 2/1.

We anticipate additional hearings will be scheduled for next week after you receive this message - you can go online to find an up-to-date list of posted meetings (or news about changes to previously scheduled meetings) for the House and Senate.