This bill addresses the management and environmental impact of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on state lands in Minnesota. It requires the commissioner of natural resources to consider decommissioning roads or trails designated for OHV use if there is substantial evidence of significant environmental effects, supported by petitions from local residents or governments. The bill also mandates that an environmental assessment worksheet be prepared for the construction or expansion of OHV trails, with specific exceptions, and establishes new planning requirements for state or grant-in-aid trails, including consultation with local authorities.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify the use of OHVs on state and county-administered lands, prohibiting their use in certain environmentally sensitive areas, such as near public waters and on lands infested with noxious weeds. It repeals outdated provisions and introduces new definitions and regulations to ensure consistent management of OHV trails statewide. The bill includes an appropriation for implementation and sets effective dates for various provisions, emphasizing the need for environmental protection while accommodating recreational use.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 84.777