[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6627505,"mediaKeyId","2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82","parentId",2723711,"title","Contested bill would tighten planning, mapping and tribal consultation for off‑highway vehicle trails (HF 1012); committee hears split testimony","audioSeconds",300,"startMs",3943000,"endMs",4243000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82&start=3943&end=4243","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82/thumbnail_3943000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6627505/Minnesota/Contested-bill-would-tighten-planning-mapping-and-tribal-consultation-for-offhighway-vehicle-trails-HF-1012-committee-hears-split-testimony","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627505-0a187ad6410d3f8c58ef0fbab01c3d01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122479&Signature=oKbAlqYc~g0J0eDg0OzLhZ2DalbOma0749F1x8XJ0UC2m18pBJy1Z8N3Jv7NQI9BJ07boDD27HTHeeAx3xWbjCdn-0eTCVLsErz5CJx0HsbaL3k8UmVGOkrIn6lVlb8Ri2157XrIZYy1pahKLBPjp1N7qD0w9Wso5HyZULKS3hDflfttx7rqPQ4A1OmLLe0~9~NIfc4Kcl~abwGZQEsl2qtkIRIJpuc6pz6zrln9l6HoS~odwDC2ARLxTCbLo5vxrB5y0bjuC3KIDmy7M3JUYcAXBreMs3tGk7SSDajkgZQPLTnwmjGDb0FfbX4q3D0ZcGP9b8GlzxMBkXI70f-xlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-03-21T00:18:24.523Z","article","Vice Chair Representative Purcell presented House File 1012, with an offered A‑1 amendment adopted in committee, to unify and update state policy on off‑highway vehicle (OHV) and all‑terrain vehicle (ATV) trail planning. Purcell said the measure is intended to put DNR guidance into statute and increase early local engagement in trail planning; the amendment removed language that would have required decommissioning unsustainable trails.

Testimony split sharply. Tribal nations and tribal natural‑resource officials urged stronger protections and consultation requirements for trails that cross tribal lands or ceded territories. Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, said the bill “poses reasonable measures” to protect wetlands, wild rice and other sensitive areas and urged formal tribal consultation.

Conservation and science voices, including the Minnesota Public Lands Coalition, retired DNR staff and wildlife managers, supported the bill’s goals to minimize impacts on sensitive habitats and shorelines. Testimony cited DNR planning guidance (2006–07) and a DNR capital needs backlog for trail and road maintenance. Supporters argued statutory minimums for review and mapping would increase transparency and prevent new, illegally created trails from becoming de facto open corridors.

Opponents included ATV clubs, regional trail boards and several county commissioners who said the bill would impose excessive buffers, slow trail development, and harm rural tourism economies that rely on riders. Ron Potter, president of ATV Minnesota, and multiple northern‑Minnesota county commissioners argued current DNR classification, permitting and an established seven‑step process for trail development already provide oversight. Several county witnesses said the bill would duplicate or supersede effective local processes and threaten jobs tied to outdoor tourism.

State agency witnesses raised implementation concerns. The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) said mandated rulemaking would be complex and that the authors’ amendment extending rulemaking timelines corrected an earlier, short deadline. The Department of Natural Resources described its existing seven‑step trail review process, forest classification system (closed, limited and managed) and tribal consultation work; DNR warned statutory changes may have unintended consequences for managed forests north of Highway 2.

Representative Purcell closed by saying the intent is to align practice with DNR guidance and asked stakeholders to continue the conversation; Purcell renewed a motion to lay HF 1012 over for possible inclusion, and the motion prevailed by voice vote. Committee members acknowledged the bill lacked bipartisan support as written and signaled further negotiation would be needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25","oneSentenceSummary","Vice Chair Representative Purcell presented House File 1012 with an author’s amendment, seeking statutory standards for OHV/ATV trail planning, mapping and early local engagement; testimony split broadly between conservation groups and tribal representatives supporting the measure and ATV clubs, county officials and businesses opposing parts of it.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627510,"Lawmaker seeks pilot to convert lawns to food gardens; bill modeled on Lawns to Legumes",161,3720000,3881000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82&start=3720&end=3881","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82/thumbnail_3720000.jpg","/articles/6627510/Minnesota/Lawmaker-seeks-pilot-to-convert-lawns-to-food-gardens-bill-modeled-on-Lawns-to-Legumes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627510-a6d12f602d3de84402e44e3065754894/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122479&Signature=oyeSAhYd32E0UK0~BE0hcqNy7bOYjbuQBcDZXdNLnmxs7C0ZQezFPuLd4BZDaYn42AITSHAr5ZibtTsEFGrEToArvLpRvneEHtfP2zZCe79DjZRE2163UZdjax3enhDmz4tdGiZO6w2qkITCFaXILqLfNBibDc0JVYYPpSSXIDPBM3CE8oU3S1KG43J11wgscXoFGGX~6OAN5YB3Br5-4fzzo2DJsRBF2s-eA5MGq0JyHpNaM-Dr5PP8lpifgcb3Z~S7HK6y5U6TvcjLQzRxUljqIRSuWTFU6RzIiyGIuodBuU1BQrAZL06-UgwBEMPusLk1fuwo8Y~ATu4SokFjwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Hansen introduced House File 1611, a pilot program modeled on Lawns to Legumes that would provide technical assistance and modest cost‑share payments to help residents convert turf to food gardens and edible landscapes. The bill would authorize the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to manage the pilot and allow agreements with local governments, Master Gardener programs and nonprofits.

Jeanette Dean of the Sierra Club testified in support and framed the pilot as a way to increase local food resilience and encourage diets lower in resource‑intensive foods. Hansen said the pilot should help Minnesotans “teach people to garden” and rebuild skills similar to wartime victory gardens. Committee members asked about how success would be measured and what reporting and documentation BWSR would collect.

Hansen and members discussed delivery mechanisms and why BWSR would be the administering body. Mosher and Fish (BWSR) context in other hearings on related programs was referenced: BWSR already runs the Lawns to Legumes individual‑grant and coaching delivery infrastructure, and Hansen argued that that capacity makes BWSR a logical administrator. Representative Schultz asked about reporting and measurement; Hansen said the program would include receipts, cost‑share reporting and follow‑up similar to Lawns to Legumes.

The bill drew generally supportive comments on resiliency grounds from members but also questions about competing fiscal priorities. Representative Hansen renewed the motion to lay HF 1611 over for possible inclusion; the committee laid the bill over by voice vote without adopting an appropriation.","Representative Hansen presented House File 1611 to pilot a ‘Lawns to Lunch’ program, directing BWSR to provide technical assistance and small cost‑share incentives for residential food gardens; committee heard support and questions about measurement and delivery.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627516,"Committee hears wide support for continuing Lawns to Legumes pollinator grant program (HF 1843)",1680,1328000,3008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82&start=1328&end=3008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82/thumbnail_1328000.jpg","/articles/6627516/Minnesota/Committee-hears-wide-support-for-continuing-Lawns-to-Legumes-pollinator-grant-program-HF-1843","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627516-79b9dcec307ce991299cb78183208430/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122479&Signature=LV~S9NK66Yt5XeUp54zycBnGjTT~X4kuMjF6tVahgCSSx2yQeNb74-1TpZwYnX2o-dN07PRwqrAofI6-NwPkQYWUppi5RIL8VYYWIjniCA5oe-1YA09w90fQDOwAonteYOlYPWRLXfa2G-PK98XohdUpMLNrjjDkJgeGhfm8UdaVh77bz-VABgX3RQL5gDoNf9bflS8MEHPB7vpGGnQMZHckMibPiUV-2Dw3BqLmST92YCRaoGEzlta6jUw446YWJBcjwvs3gAizGMEp2x0-NNxOu~pj9rtH5nL3nAFWZQSRaooadozBs38zVH13JsZL88MxJGm0UU4y7QmlivzKjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Rehm introduced House File 1843 seeking funding to continue and expand the Lawns to Legumes pollinator habitat program. She told the committee more than 41,000 applications have been received and projects have been funded in all 87 counties. “We have a number of testifiers today who want to speak in support of it,” she said.

A steady stream of witnesses testified in favor. Laura Schall of Metro Blooms described the program’s mix of $400 individual reimbursement grants, coaching, workshops and helplines and said the program reaches beyond direct grantees: “600,000 people have visited program web pages over the last five years.” Kendra Sommerfeld, a natural‑resources practitioner, said the program helps people make neighborhood‑scale changes and fosters environmental education. Rachel Farrell, a coach and past grant recipient, said the grant made it easier for residents to start projects and then expand them.

James Wolfen of Twin City Seed Company described a major increase in demand for pollinator seed and plants since the program began; he said state awards have triggered nearly one‑for‑one additional private spending on projects and cited figures that for every dollar of state grant money, residents spent about $0.86 of their own funds. Jeanette Dean of the Sierra Club and Rosemary Malfi of the Xerces Society emphasized the program’s conservation value for pollinators, including the rusty patched bumblebee.

Committee members questioned fiscal details and distribution of awards. Representative Heintzeman asked about per‑acre costs and the program’s overall expense: staff and witnesses discussed a requested appropriation of $1.5 million and earlier appropriations and special revenue set‑asides. Representative Schultz asked why some districts showed many applicants but few awards; Andrea Fish of the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) said early rounds prioritized areas for the rusty patched bumblebee and BWSR is working to distribute future funds more evenly.

Representative Rehm closed by noting the program’s education, individual support and pollinator‑corridor components and renewed her motion to lay HF 1843 over for possible inclusion; the committee laid the bill over by voice vote. The committee did not adopt an appropriation on the record in this hearing.","Supporters from nonprofits, growers and residents urged the Environment Finance and Policy Committee to continue funding Lawns to Legumes; Representative Rehm moved House File 1843 to be laid over for possible inclusion after testimony on program reach and demand.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627519,"Minnesota Zoo asks Legislature for $3.5 million per year to reach 50/50 public‑private funding",1221,65000,1286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82&start=65&end=1286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723711-f659e7c16b6e791393ddff299a222f82/thumbnail_65000.jpg","/articles/6627519/Minnesota/Minnesota-Zoo-asks-Legislature-for-35-million-per-year-to-reach-5050-publicprivate-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627519-45fb9a44a51a6467860a5d680460eb3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122479&Signature=kjNp-xeH18RLnC9Bk4UAz14MbFMrRHNNjgwAEZzEXhGko35EiTe6yTXR0JeS6cz4cdMO8v2e5Evj2snCbklmGij9AzAUtHHunDuKVvBbjkyoZKXDIvixjw~YH77aIaFKflYUJoFDl8UFr8n3DxRzHNdqrgbX56sUsIZbot-hb0pdwi3C1NLot9GzBs-Eqh31~s5ffAHsj1G5S9a00xZ4O-5zUa4~I1uO0NnsweX5bI0iRjGlD4cobqrOUMm2CDkMRWLrUPsE4H3EBYmp8E1O8nx5-ECRiFNEBwqJ~J1P4tzrg7t2BUmT58T4En~rRno1WW1JAT~BabvndDD-JSUaUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Nolan Bierman introduced House File 2034 and asked the committee to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill. He said the zoo’s request is for $3,500,000 per year to move the Minnesota Zoo toward a “fifty‑fifty public‑private partnership.”

John Frawley, director of the Minnesota Zoo, and Abigail Mosher, chief operating officer, described the zoo as a 500‑acre state agency operating like “a small city,” open year‑round and reaching more than 1.5 million visitors annually. Mosher said the zoo currently receives about 37 percent of its funding from the state and must earn the remaining 63 percent. “We are the fifth largest zoo in the country,” she said, noting the campus is roughly 500 acres and many structures are about 50 years old.

Mosher and Frawley told the committee the governor’s budget recommendation — about $1,038,000 for the biennium — is far short of what the zoo says is needed to maintain current services. Frawley said the recommended level would force the zoo to consider staffing reductions, higher admission and program fees, reduced hours and cuts to access programs that serve low‑income Minnesotans. “The proposed fundings fall short of covering our existing institutional expenses,” Mosher said.

Testimony described a mix of operating pressures: rising workforce costs, aging infrastructure and expanding regulatory requirements. Frawley said the zoo logged more than 3,000 work orders last year and cited compliance obligations from USDA, OSHA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FDA and EPA. Representative Schultz asked whether the zoo’s recent treetop trail contributed to higher attendance; Frawley said it has been a significant draw.

Supporters who testified included Jeanette Dean of the Sierra Club’s North Star Chapter, citing the zoo’s role in conservation and education; and zoo staff who brought ambassador animals to the committee hearing and described outreach programming to schools, hospitals and communities across all 87 counties.

Representative Bierman closed by renewing his motion to lay House File 2034 over for possible inclusion; the chair announced the motion prevailed by voice vote and the bill was laid over. The committee did not adopt specific funding in the hearing and gave no final substantive action beyond laying the bill over.

Ending: The committee took no final funding action on House File 2034; the measure was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill and may return for additional hearings or fiscal work later in the session.","Minnesota Zoo officials and Representative Nolan Bierman asked the House Environment Finance and Policy Committee to lay over House File 2034, requesting $3.5 million per year in state support for fiscal 2026–27 to move toward a sustainable 50/50 public‑private funding model.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Contested bill would tighten planning, mapping and tribal consultation for off‑highway vehicle trails (HF 1012); committee hears split testimony

Lawmaker seeks pilot to convert lawns to food gardens; bill modeled on Lawns to Legumes

Committee hears wide support for continuing Lawns to Legumes pollinator grant program (HF 1843)

Minnesota Zoo asks Legislature for $3.5 million per year to reach 50/50 public‑private funding