Rep. Jim Newberger’s bill to control future DNR management of the Sand Dunes State Forest is advancing in the Minnesota Legislature.

 

The bill was added to the omnibus policy bill in the Senate, led by Sen. Mathews of Princeton, and is now included in the House omnibus bill. Passed in committee, it is now headed to the House floor, Newberger reported. Included in the bill is language protecting easement rights for Orrock Twp. to 233rd Avenue.

 

The House and Senate bills, a little different, will be reconciled in conference committee into one bill, then it will be offered to the assembly for a final vote.

 

That vote approved, it would head to Gov. Dayton’s desk for signature.

 

Newberger authored the bill in February after it became apparent to him the DNR officials were not advancing a Sand Dunes State Forest plan that met with local approval.

 

Key provisions of the bill are: 1) The DNR must not convert additional land after timber harvesting to oak savanna;

 

2) It requires that all prairie seeds be planted from native species, so as to eliminate the potential for invasives;

 

3) The DNR must develop and submit a forest management plan for the Sand Dunes, to be approved by the county board and to the Legislature;

 

4) Notification for prescribed burns must be 40 days in advance, with a published notice in the newspaper, notification of the county and township in writing and to residents within a quarter mile of the burns;

 

5) The bill also provides for DNR turnover of easements to any portions of 233rd Avenue not presently in the hands of Orrock Twp.

 

The information on the Newberger legislation was shared by Supervisors Bryan Adams and Bob Hassett with the Orrock Twp. Board at their Wednesday meeting.