An agreement has been reached on a comprehensive environment and natural resources budget that makes significant investments in Minnesota’s environment over the next two years emphasizing tackling Minnesota’s critical environment priorities with efforts to address both Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The legislation also expands access and continues funding for state parks while increasing efforts to engage Minnesotans and encourage them to take part in the state’s great outdoors.

“The preservation of Minnesota’s beautiful environment requires active evaluation of the ways we can continue to improve our stewardship of the land,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch), a member of the Environment and Natural Resources committee. “We focused on important issues like controlling AIS and funding parks and trails, so Minnesotans can enjoy the most beautiful parts of our state for years to come.”

Specifically, the bill increases funding to combat the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species with additional investments in a new AIS detection system that will allow Minnesota to make better enforcement choices. It also addresses CWD, providing resources for surveillance, research, and preventive measures to protect Minnesota’s deer populations. Additionally, the bill provides opportunities for low-interest loans to communities to improve their wastewater infrastructure as well as a new initiative that could allow the state to generate energy from dormant landfill facilities.

Furthermore, there is continued funding to preserve and protect Minnesota’s state parks and trails. The legislation also offers Minnesota residents free admission to state parks on three additional days.

Additional provisions bring the environment and outdoors a little closer to the classroom, allowing schools to teach gun safety and provide hunting and angling training through schools’ physical education programs. There is also increased funding to support the growth of Minnesota’s high school fishing league.