DNR lands bill would add 58 acres to Carley State Park; counties seek private sale of tax‑forfeited parcels

Senator Hao Chao introduced the Department of Natural Resources’ 2025 lands bill (Senate File 16 35) to the committee on March 13. The bill, amended in committee, contains four sections: a state park boundary change to add about 58 acres to Carley State Park and three county requests to sell tax‑forfeited parcels by private sale.

Laurie Klein, attorney for DNR’s Division of Lands and Minerals, summarized the bill. She said section 1 adds roughly 58 acres to Carley State Park to facilitate a planned donation; the parcel includes the north branch of the Whitewater River, restored prairie and partial forest cover. Under Minnesota statute 85.012 (statutory authority referenced in testimony), the commissioner can acquire lands for park purposes if they lie within park boundaries. Sections 2–4 authorize Aitkin County and St. Louis County to sell specified tax‑forfeited parcels; DNR reviewed those county requests and reported no departmental concerns.

Landowners Mike and Jeanette Morath were present and described the donation intent. Mike Morath said the added acreage will help create a wildlife corridor and noted the park’s notable spring wildflowers. Jeanette Morath confirmed the parcel is intended to be donated under their estate plan and that the boundary change is a procedural step required so DNR can accept the land.

Committee members did not raise substantive objections; Senator Hao Chao noted the bill is noncontroversial and includes additional parcels suggested by other members. The lands bill as amended was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus lands package.

Ending: The committee recorded the lands bill for possible inclusion in omnibus legislation; no formal opposition was raised in committee.