This bill aims to enhance the management and restoration of moose populations in Minnesota by designating the 1854 Ceded Territory as the Core Moose Range. It establishes a Moose Co-Stewardship Committee, which will include representatives from various stakeholders, including the Department of Natural Resources, Tribal authorities, conservation organizations, and the timber industry. The committee is tasked with developing a management plan for the Core Moose Range, coordinating habitat restoration, reviewing population data, and ensuring that decisions are informed by both scientific and Indigenous knowledge.

Additionally, the bill creates a moose restoration and research account funded by revenues from moose licenses, auctions, and lotteries, which will be used for research, habitat enhancement, and committee expenses. The commissioner of natural resources is required to submit an annual report detailing moose population trends, habitat restoration outcomes, economic impacts, and co-stewardship activities. A one-time transfer of funds from the general fund to the moose habitat restoration and research account is also included to support these initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 97B.505