Mandate That All Plants Installed in Outdoor Public Spaces Are Classified as Native to Minnesota

 

This bill aims to mandate that in all outdoor public spaces, only plants native to Minnesota are newly installed.

 

In Minnesota, there are a wide variety of outdoor public places that are decorated with plants for visual appeal. In

many parks and green spaces, cities tend to decorate with more visually appealing plants including petunias, hydrangeas,

and other annuals. This bill aims to encourage cities in Minnesota to adopt more environmentally-friendly operatives

that can help a variety of other useful creatures, namely pollinators. It is vital to note that in Minnesota, only 1% of

all original tallgrass prairie remains. With actions such those outlined in this bill, habitat restoration in prairies

and forests, operatives can become a reality. The actions of this bill would be carried out by the Minnesota Department

of Natural Resources.

 

1. “Outdoor public space” shall be defined as any park or greenspace that is maintained by the city or township that is

available to all people.

2. “Native plant” shall be defined as any plant that is found in Minnesota and has not been introduced in any record of

history.

 

 

All funding for this bill will be derived from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The estimated cost for

each city is not substantial, and will not exceed more than $1,000 per city park or greenspace.

 

For the first two months that the city is not in compliance with this regulation, there will be a $25,000 fine to the

city or township. After these two months, the fine will increase to $100,000 per month until the city or township

complies.

 

This regulation will be effective beginning on January 1, 2027, to allow for the notification of the cities and

townships in Minnesota.