The bill proposes an appropriation of funds for the establishment and operation of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Priority Lakes and Streams Initiative. Specifically, it allocates a specified amount of money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from a designated fund to the commissioner of natural resources. The initiative aims to protect water quality in high-quality lakes and streams within the upper Mississippi River basin by focusing on the protection, preservation, and enhancement of forests in the area, in alignment with the Minnesota forests for the future program and other existing programs.

Additionally, the bill allows the commissioner to transfer a portion of the allocated funds to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for the purpose of acquiring conservation easements as part of the initiative. Any funds transferred to the Board may be deposited into the water and soil conservation easement stewardship account, ensuring that the initiative is supported through coordinated funding efforts and existing resources.