This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require extensions for certain timber permits and modifies the process for issuing and managing these permits. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that mandates the commissioner of natural resources to grant a one-year extension for eligible timber permits upon written request from the permit holder, provided the request is made before the permit expires. An "eligible permit" is defined as any unexpired timber permit issued before March 1, 2026, as long as the permit holder is not delinquent or involved in active willful trespass with the state.

Additionally, the bill includes amendments to existing statutes regarding the sale and management of timber permits. It specifies that if timber removal requires frozen ground access, the permit must have a minimum term of four years, concluding on May 31 of the fifth year. The bill also updates the requirements for the sale list and notice, including an assessment of whether frozen ground access is necessary for the timber being sold. These changes aim to streamline the permitting process and ensure that timber removal can be conducted effectively under appropriate conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 90.101, 90.151