FY2019 Final Appropriation Language and Accomplishment Plans

Subd. 2. Prairies

2(a) DNR WMA and SNA Acquisition - Phase X
$2,786,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire in fee and restore lands for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, and to acquire lands in fee for scientific and natural areas under Minnesota satutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(b) Accelerating the Wildlife Management Area Program - Phase X (FINAL)
$5,740,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire in fee and restore lands for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(c) MN Prairie Recovery Project - Phase VIII (FINAL)
$2,001,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Nature Conservancy to acquire lands in fee and to restore and enhance native prairies, grasslands, wetlands, and savannas. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. Annual income statements and balance sheets for income and expenses from land acquired with this appropriation must be submitted to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council no later than 180 days after The Nature Conservancys fiscal year closes. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan, and the acquisitions must be consistent with the priorities identified in Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

2(d) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge - Phase IX
$1,893,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to acquire lands in fee or permanent conservation easements and to restore lands in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat Preservation Area in western Minnesota for addition to the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan, and the acquisitions must be consistent with the priorities in Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

2(e) Cannon River Watershed Habitat Complex - Phase VIII
$1,345,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Trust for Public Land, in cooperation with Great River Greening, to acquire lands in fee in the Cannon River watershed for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8; to acquire lands in fee for scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5; to acquire lands in fee for state forests under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 7; and to restore lands in the Cannon River watershed. Of this amount, $945,000 is to The Trust for Public Land and $400,000 is to Great River Greening. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions and restorations must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(f) Accelerated Native Prairie Bank Protection - Phase VII (FINAL)
$1,490,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire permanent conservation easements to protect and restore native prairie according to Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan. Of this amount, up to $176,000 is for establishing monitoring and enforcement funds as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.

2(g) RIM Buffers for Wildlife and Water - Phase VIII
$5,000,000 the second year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire permanent conservation easements and restore habitat under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515, to protect, restore, and enhance habitat by expanding the riparian buffer program under the clean water fund for at least equal wildlife benefits from buffers on private land. Of this amount, up to $745,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.

2(h) Prairie Chicken Habitat Partnership of the Southern Red River Valley - Phase IV
$1,162,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever, in cooperation with the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society, to acquire lands in fee and restore and enhance lands in the southern Red River valley for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, or to be designated and managed as waterfowl production areas in Minnesota in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(i) Martin County DNR WMA Acquisition - Phase 2
$2,447,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Fox Lake Conservation League Inc., in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited and The Conservation Fund, to acquire lands in fee and restore and enhance strategic prairie grassland, wetland, and other wildlife habitat in Martin County for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. Of this amount, $1,978,000 is to Fox Lake Conservation League Inc., $400,000 is to Ducks Unlimited, and $69,000 is to The Conservation Fund. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(j) Protect and Restore MN IBAs within the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands - Phase 2
$829,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire conservation easements and enhance wildlife habitat in important bird areas identified in Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan. Of this amount, $209,000 is to Audubon Minnesota and $620,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $120,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for establishing monitoring and enforcement funds as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of permanent conservation easements and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(k) Grassland Conservation Partnership - Phase III
$1,468,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Conservation Fund, in cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to acquire permanent conservation easements and to restore and enhance high-priority grassland, prairie, and wetland habitats. Of this amount, $69,000 is to The Conservation Fund and $1,399,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $72,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Subject to evaluation criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 6136.0900, priority must be given to acquiring lands that are eligible for the native prairie bank under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, or lands adjacent to protected native prairie. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan, and the acquisitions must be consistent with the priorities in Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.

2(l) Accelerating the USFWS Habitat Conservation Easement Program - Phase I
$2,960,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited, in cooperation with Pheasants Forever and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to acquire permanent conservation working land easements and to restore wetlands and prairie grasslands. Of this amount, $2,000,000 is to Ducks Unlimited and $960,000 is to Pheasants Forever. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(m) DNR Grassland Enhancement - Ph X (FINAL)
$4,007,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to accelerate restoration and enhancement of prairies, grasslands, and savannas in wildlife management areas, in scientific and natural areas, on lands in the native prairie bank, in bluff prairies on state forest land in southeastern Minnesota, and in waterfowl production areas and refuge lands of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2(n) Enhanced Public Land - Grasslands - Phase III (FINAL)
$2,160,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to enhance and restore grassland and wetland habitat on public lands. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

Subd. 3. Forests

3(a) Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape ACUB Protection Program - Phase VII (FINAL)
$1,229,000 the second year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, in cooperation with the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District and The Conservation Fund, to acquire permanent conservation easements and restore forest wildlife habitat within the boundaries of the Minnesota National Guard Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape and Army Compatible Use Buffer. Of this amount, $39,000 is to the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District, $207,000 is to The Conservation Fund, and $983,000 is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Up to $45,500 to the Board of Water and Soil Resources is to establish a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.

3(b) Southeast Minnesota Protection and Restoration - Phase 6
$2,142,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire lands in fee for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8; to acquire lands in fee for scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5; to acquire lands in fee for state forests under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 7; to acquire permanent conservation easements; and to restore and enhance prairies, grasslands, forests, and savannas. Of this amount, $742,000 is to The Nature Conservancy, $700,000 is to The Trust for Public Land, and $700,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $120,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is to establish a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. Annual income statements and balance sheets for income and expenses from land acquired with this appropriation must be submitted to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council no later than 180 days after The Nature Conservancys fiscal year closes. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

3(c) Minnesota Forests for the Future - Phase VI (FINAL)
$1,473,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire lands in fee and to acquire easements for forest, wetland, and shoreline habitat through working forest permanent conservation easements under the Minnesota forests for the future program according to Minnesota Statutes, section 84.66. A conservation easement acquired with money appropriated under this paragraph must comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 13. The accomplishment plan must include an easement monitoring and enforcement plan. Of this amount, up to $25,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.

3(d) State Forest Acquisition, Richard J. Dorer Memorial Forest - Phase V (FINAL)
$1,255,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire in fee and enhance lands for wildlife habitat in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 7. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

3(e) Critical Shoreland Habitat Program - Phase V (FINAL)
$1,094,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to acquire permanent conservation easements along rivers and lakes in the northern forest region. Of this amount, up to $120,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

3(f) Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative - Phase III (FINAL)
$1,938,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association to restore and enhance public forest lands in the northern forest region for moose habitat. A list of proposed land restoration and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

Subd. 4. Wetlands

4(a) Accelerating the Waterfowl Production Area Program - Phase X
$5,061,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire lands in fee and to restore and enhance wetlands and grasslands to be designated and managed as waterfowl production areas in Minnesota, in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

4(b) Shallow Lake & Wetland Protection & Restoration Program - Phase VII
$4,770,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to acquire lands in fee and to restore and enhance prairie lands, wetlands, and land buffering shallow lakes for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

4(c) RIM Wetlands - Phase IX (FINAL)
$10,000,000 the second year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire permanent conservation easements and to restore wetlands and native grassland habitat under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515. Of this amount, up to $292,500 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.

4(d) Wetland Habitat Protection and Restoration Program - Phase 3
$1,786,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to acquire permanent conservation easements and to restore and enhance prairie, wetland, and other habitat in high-priority wetland habitat complexes in the prairie and forest/prairie transition regions. Of this amount, up to $240,000 is to establish a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed conservation easement acquisitions and restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

4(e) Shallow Lakes and Wetland Enhancement - Phase 10
$2,759,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat statewide. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

4(f) Living Shallow Lake Enhancement & Wetland Restoration Initiative - Phase VII
$3,740,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to restore and enhance shallow lakes and wetlands on public lands and wetlands under permanent conservation easement for wildlife management. A list of proposed shallow lake enhancements and wetland restorations must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

Subd. 5. Habitat

5(a) Metro Big Rivers - Phase 8
$2,630,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire lands in fee and permanent conservation easements and to restore and enhance natural systems associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix Rivers in the metropolitan area. Of this amount, $500,000 is to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust Inc., $300,000 is to Friends of the Mississippi River, $700,000 is to Great River Greening, and $1,130,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $120,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is to establish a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions and permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(b) Mississippi Headwaters Habitat Corridor Project - Phase IV
$2,073,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire lands in fee and restore wildlife habitat in the Mississippi headwaters. Of this amount, $73,000 is to the Mississippi Headwaters Board and $2,000,000 is to The Trust for Public Land. $925,000 the second year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire lands in permanent conservation easements and to restore wildlife habitat, of which up to $65,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed acquisitions must be included as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(c) Fisheries Habitat Protection on Strategic North Central Minnesota Lakes - Phase IV
$2,801,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire lands in fee and permanent conservation easements to sustain healthy fish habitat on coldwater lakes in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard Counties. Of this amount, $1,005,000 is to the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation and $1,796,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $120,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(d) DNR Trout Stream Conservation Easements (FINAL)
$642,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire land in permanent conservation easements to protect trout stream aquatic habitat. Up to $52,500 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(e) Metro Wildlife Management Areas
$1,174,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Conservation Fund to acquire lands in fee in the metro area planning region for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(f) Dakota County Habitat Protection/Restoration - Phase VI
$2,288,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dakota County to acquire permanent conservation easements and lands in fee and to restore and enhance riparian and other habitats in Dakota County. A list of proposed land acquisitions and restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(g) Hennepin County Habitat Conservation Program - Phase 1 (FINAL)
$1,514,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Hennepin County, in cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to acquire permanent conservation easements and to restore and enhance habitats in Hennepin County. Of this amount, $194,000 is to Hennepin County and $1,320,000 is to Minnesota Land Trust. Up to $192,000 to Minnesota Land Trust is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed permanent conservation easements and restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(h) Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration - Phase 10 (FINAL)
$2,291,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited to acquire permanent conservation stream easements using the payment method prescribed in Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0272, subdivision 2, and to restore and enhance habitat for trout and other species in and along coldwater rivers, lakes, and streams in Minnesota. Up to $20,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions and restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(i) Lower Mississippi River Habitat Partnership (Phase IV)-Upper Pool 9 Backwater Enhancement and Floodplain Forest Restoration
$1,555,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to restore and enhance aquatic and forest habitats in the lower Mississippi River watershed, upper Pool 9 backwater. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(j) St. Louis River Restoration Initiative - Ph. V
$2,013,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to restore aquatic habitats in the St. Louis River estuary. Of this appropriation, up to $1,350,000 is for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust. A list of proposed restorations must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(k) Knife River Habitat Rehabilitation-Phase III (FINAL)
$927,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Zeitgeist, in cooperation with the Lake Superior Steelhead Association, to enhance trout habitat in the Knife River watershed. A list of proposed enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(l) Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase VII (FINAL)
$1,421,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District to acquire lands in fee and to restore and enhance aquatic habitat in the Shell Rock River watershed. A list of proposed acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(m) Lake George Dam and Rum River Erosion (FINAL)
$539,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Anoka County to enhance aquatic habitat in and adjacent to Lake George in Anoka County and to restore and enhance aquatic habitat on the Rum River. A list of proposed habitat enhancements and restorations must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(n) Buffalo River Watershed Stream Habitat Program - Phase 1
$1,195,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District to restore and enhance aquatic and upland habitat associated with the south branch of the Buffalo River and Whisky Creek in the Buffalo River watershed. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(o) Two Rivers Fish Passage Restoration and Habitat Enhancement (FINAL)
$2,000,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Hallock to restore and enhance fish passage and habitat in the South Branch Two Rivers. A list of proposed restorations must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(p) Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Habitat Restoration - Phase I (FINAL)
$567,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to restore and enhance fish habitat in the Six Mile Creek - Halsted Bay subwatershed. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(q) DNR Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement (FINAL)
$2,834,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to restore and enhance aquatic habitat in degraded streams and aquatic management areas and to facilitate fish passage. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

5(r) Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program - Phase 10: Statewide and Metro Habitat (FINAL)
$11,589,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for a program to provide competitive matching grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, state, and national organizations for enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests, wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. Of this amount, up to $2,567,000 is for grants in the seven-county metropolitan area and cities with a population of 50,000 or greater. Grants must not be made for activities required to fulfill the duties of owners of lands subject to conservation easements. Grants must not be made from the appropriation in this paragraph for projects that have a total project cost exceeding $575,000. Of the total appropriation, $536,000 may be spent for personnel costs and other direct and necessary administrative costs. Grantees may acquire land or interests in land. Easements must be permanent. Grants may not be used to establish easement stewardship accounts. Land acquired in fee must be open to hunting and fishing during the open season unless otherwise provided by law. The program must require a match of at least ten percent from nonstate sources for all grants. The match may be cash or in-kind resources. For grant applications of $25,000 or less, the commissioner must provide a separate, simplified application process. Subject to Minnesota statutes, the commissioner of natural resources must, when evaluating projects of equal value, give priority to organizations that have a history of receiving, or a charter to receive, private contributions for local conservation or habitat projects. If acquiring land in fee or a conservation easement, priority must be given to projects associated with or within one mile of existing wildlife management areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; or aquatic management areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02. All restoration or enhancement projects must be on land permanently protected by a permanent covenant ensuring perpetual maintenance and protection of restored and enhanced habitat, by a conservation easement or by public ownership, or in public waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority must be given to restoration and enhancement projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies to grants awarded under this paragraph. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2022. No less than five percent of the amount of each grant must be held back from reimbursement until the grant recipient has completed a grant accomplishment report by the deadline and in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The commissioner must provide notice of the grant program in the summary of game and fish law prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.051, subdivision 2.

Subd. 6. Administration

6(a) Contract Management
$210,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for contract management duties assigned in this section. The commissioner must provide an accomplishment plan in the form specified by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council on expending this appropriation. The accomplishment plan must include a copy of the grant contract template and reimbursement manual. No money may be expended before the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council approves the accomplishment plan.

6(b) Technical Evaluation Panel
$150,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for a technical evaluation panel to conduct up to 25 restoration and enhancement evaluations under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 10.

6(c) DNR High Priority Transactions
$50,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to provide land-acquisition pretransaction services including but not limited to appraisals, surveys, or title research for acquisition proposals being considered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. A list of activities must be included in the final accomplishment plan.