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Committee backs creation of sustainable‑foraging task force; bill sent to State & Local Government
Summary
Senate File 1464, as amended, will create a legislative task force to study foraging and return recommendations on sustainable access to public lands. Sponsors said the measure responds to stakeholder requests for a structured, science‑informed public process before any regulatory changes.
Senate File 1464, which proposes a Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force, was amended and recommended to the State & Local Government Committee by the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee on March 13.
Sponsor Senator Pah said the A6 amendment moves the task force under the Legislative Coordinating Commission, sets a 17‑member membership that includes tribal and indigenous representation, researchers and practitioners, and advances the task force’s reporting deadline to Feb. 6, 2026. The amendment also added a temporary moratorium on DNR rulemaking on foraging until the task force completes its work.
Witnesses from multiple organizations urged a deliberate, inclusive process. Peter Marcinaco of the Minnesota Mycological Society called for “a science‑based approach to foraging policy” and emphasized cultural and immigrant community practices. Sean Sherman of NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems) described indigenous knowledge and the cultural value of plant use. Tara Erickson, who helped organize stakeholder advocacy, said groups sought a seat at the table after hearing about possible DNR limits and that they wanted data‑driven rules rather than ad hoc measures.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Meyer, representing DNR, told the committee there is currently no active rulemaking on foraging on the department docket and that the department’s intent is to promote sustainable, educational foraging while protecting park and state‑land resources. Meyer said different units of state land have different purposes under the Outdoor Recreation Act and that some units (for example, scientific and natural areas) have existing restrictions.
Supporters said the task force would bring together traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and stakeholder perspectives to recommend whether and how to accommodate personal, educational and limited commercial foraging while ensuring sustainability and protecting public‑land values. Opponents and some skeptical senators raised concerns about new permitting, possible costs and the creation of additional state entities; supporters emphasized that task‑force recommendations would come back to the legislature for any policy decisions.
The committee adopted the A6 amendment and approved referral by voice vote. The bill as amended will move to the State & Local Government Committee for further work.
