Bill > HF1012

This bill addresses off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on public lands in Minnesota by establishing new environmental protections and regulatory requirements. The bill requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to consider decommissioning OHV roads or trails if presented with substantial environmental evidence, and sets specific criteria for when such a petition can be filed, including minimum numbers of signatures from local residents or government entities. The legislation introduces new restrictions on where unpaved OHV trails can be located, such as prohibiting trails within 200 feet of waters supporting aquatic life or 150 feet from waters without aquatic life, and excluding trails on tribal lands or lands with noxious weed infestations without proper approvals. Additionally, the bill mandates that an environmental assessment worksheet must be prepared for OHV trail construction or expansion (with minor exceptions), requires advanced notice and consultation with local governments during trail planning, and directs the commissioner to update rules to implement these new requirements. The bill also includes a legislative finding that OHV regulations should be consistently managed statewide and appropriates funds to support implementation of these new regulations, with most provisions becoming effective in August 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1012&ssn=0&y=2025