This bill aims to enhance the protection of wild rice waters in Minnesota by modifying existing pesticide regulations and establishing new requirements for permits affecting these waters. Key provisions include the requirement for a "wild rice risk justification" before issuing permits for activities that may impact wild rice waters, which must detail potential risks and benefits associated with the proposed activities. Additionally, the bill prohibits the operation of watercraft in ways that threaten uncultivated wild rice beds and mandates the maintenance of maps identifying wild rice waters, which will be publicly accessible.

The bill also introduces several amendments to existing statutes, including the addition of new subdivisions that define "wild rice waters" and outline enforcement actions for violations that adversely affect these waters. It emphasizes the importance of wild rice to Indigenous cultures and local economies, and it requires state agencies to take precautions to prevent pesticide runoff into wild rice waters. Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for the development and maintenance of wild rice waters maps, ensuring that this critical resource is adequately monitored and protected.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 1.148, 18B.01, 18B.03, 18B.04, 18B.045, 18B.063, 18B.305, 86B.311