This bill introduces several modifications to the management of state lands in Minnesota, including changes to fee structures for land transfers and adjustments to state park designations. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.015, allowing the commissioner of natural resources to waive application fees for easements that benefit state land management. The bill also revises the fee requirements for land exchanges, replacing the previous determination of value fee with a comprehensive list of costs to be covered by landowners or governmental units. Additionally, it adds new parcels to Banning State Park, Father Hennepin State Park, and Lake Louise State Park, while deauthorizing Hill-Annex Mine State Park and Upper Sioux Agency State Park.

Moreover, the bill authorizes the sale and conveyance of surplus state lands bordering public waters in various counties, permitting both public and private sales, including transfers to local governments or federally recognized Indian Tribes without consideration. It specifically allows for a private sale of approximately 15.1 acres of surplus land in Roseau County to a watershed district, overriding existing statutes governing such sales. The Department of Natural Resources has determined that these lands are unnecessary for natural resource purposes, and the bill includes a repeal of certain subdivisions of Minnesota Statutes 2022 related to the deauthorized state parks, indicating a shift in focus for state park management.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 85.015, 94.343, 94.3495, 85.012