This bill aims to enhance the protection of Minnesota's natural resources by regulating the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public lands. It introduces new legislative findings that emphasize the need to safeguard vital natural resources and habitats from the impacts of OHV use. The bill mandates the completion of an environmental assessment worksheet for the construction or expansion of OHV trails, except for minor rerouting, to ensure transparency regarding potential environmental impacts. Additionally, it amends existing statutes to clarify the restrictions on OHV use in state forests and establishes specific criteria for designated trails, including prohibitions near sensitive areas such as outstanding resource value waters and lands with noxious weeds.

The bill also includes provisions for rulemaking by the commissioner of natural resources and the Environmental Quality Board to align state rules with the new regulations. It repeals certain existing statutes and rules that may conflict with the new provisions, ensuring a streamlined approach to OHV management. The effective dates for various sections of the bill are specified, with some provisions taking effect immediately upon enactment and others set for future dates. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance recreational use of OHVs with the imperative of environmental conservation in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 84.777, 84.926