Bill > SF1247

This bill aims to protect wild rice waters in Minnesota by modifying several existing laws to enhance environmental safeguards and recognize the cultural and ecological importance of wild rice (also known as manoomin). The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting wild rice, requiring state agencies to prepare a "wild rice risk justification" before issuing permits for activities that might impact wild rice waters. It mandates the Department of Natural Resources to maintain and publish maps of wild rice waters, and updates various statutes to include specific protections for these areas. Key provisions include prohibiting watercraft operations that could damage wild rice beds, expanding pesticide management plans to explicitly consider wild rice waters, and incorporating input from Minnesota Tribal governments in decision-making processes. The bill also formally recognizes wild rice as culturally significant, highlighting its importance to Indigenous communities, its role in supporting local economies and ecosystems, and its value as a natural, nutrient-rich food source. Additionally, the legislation requires educational programs about pesticides to include specific information about protecting wild rice waters and mandates that state agencies use integrated pest management techniques that minimize potential harm to these sensitive environments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1247&ssn=0&y=2025