This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 273.13, subdivision 23, to clarify the eligibility criteria for class 2c managed forest lands classification. The amendment specifies that class 2c managed forest land must consist of no less than 20 and no more than 1,920 acres per taxpayer, and it must be managed under a forest management plan that aligns with the resource management incentive program. The classification rate for this land is set at 0.65 percent of market value. Additionally, property owners must apply to the assessor to qualify for this reduced rate, providing necessary information for verification. If the application is submitted before May 1, the property qualifies for that assessment year; otherwise, it may not qualify until the following year. The commissioner of natural resources is required to confirm the land's qualification and provide timely verification information to county assessors.

The bill also removes the previous requirement that the forest management plan must meet the standards of chapter 290C, while introducing a definition for "forest management plan" as one prepared by an approved plan writer. This change aims to streamline the process for property owners seeking to classify their land as managed forest land, thereby potentially increasing participation in sustainable forest management practices. The presence of minor, ancillary nonresidential structures will not disqualify the property from this classification, ensuring that property owners can maintain some level of development while still benefiting from the reduced tax rate.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 273.13