Protect And Restore The Forests Of Minnesota

 

This bill proposes a target of converting 75% of Minnesota’s forested, privately owned land to state forest to reduce

logging and pollution, increase oxygen production, reduce the effects of climate change, and to preserve the historic

forests of Minnesota. It also establishes a funding source for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to

achieve the goal. The DNR will create and manage those state forests to ensure that they are safe, cared for, and

protected. The DNR will also oversee the reforestation of land within state forest boundaries to preserve the health,

growth, and climate of the forested land. All visitors of said state forests are subjected to the regulations provided

by the Minnesota DNR.

 

This is necessary because as the effects of climate change worsen more trees will slowly be dying due to rising global

temperatures unless we as humans do something to counteract it. Converting 75% of Minnesota’s forested areas to state

forests not only will clear the air in and around Minnesota but also will reduce the amounts of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere and lower temperatures in the protected areas. This will also prevent the over-cutting of trees, which

decimates the ecosystem and pollutes the surrounding areas due to heavy machinery being located near those forest

habitats. Proper forest management will reduce invasive species and promote healthier flora and fauna.

 

State Forest: State Forests are protected reserves that provide recreational opportunities such as hunting and fishing,

conserve habitat for native wildlife and greenery, and protect water quality.

Reforestation: Reforestation is the process of replanting trees in an area where there once were trees to boost health

and climate impact of forests.

Invasive Species: Non-native organism that spreads fast and aggressively that causes severe damage to the environment.

 

Forest preservation and restoration fund: A new Minnesota DNR fund that uses 4% of the general fund, and 3% of both the

Natural Resources and Game and Fish funds, as well as 10% of the existing forest fund which adds to a total of a little

over $60,000,000.

 

Illegal Logging Penalty: Fine of $35,000 dollars first offense, $50,000 dollars and 1 year in prison second offense and

up.

 

Uncooperation of DNR Forest Laws: $400 fine first offense, $600 second offense, and $750 dollars for third offense and

beyond.

 

The bill is effective 270 days after final enactment.