Omnibus lands bill becomes law

The Department of Natural Resources and counties received authorization to modify or exchange a number of land parcels around the state.

Sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) and Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul), the new law modifies certain provisions applying to leases of tax-forfeited land, authorizes a land exchange between the Minnesota National Guard and the City of Rosemount, and authorizes acquisition and divestment of public land, including the sale of specific parcels in Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Itasca, Pine, St. Louis and Sherburne counties.

Under the new law, application fees may be waived by the Department of Natural Resources in some cases when issuing or releasing an easement. The legislation also clarifies that the Department of Natural Resources can lease land for recreational trails or facilities for a term of 30 years.

A county may lease tax-forfeited land for up to 25 years rather than 10 under previous law. The consideration amount for a lease is increased from $12,000 to $50,000. Counties may also lease tax-forfeited land for conservation easements.

The sale of tax-forfeited leased lakeshore lots in St. Louis County is allowed in a provision retroactive to April 28, 2022.

HF50*/SF75/CH9

HF0050* / SF0075 / CH9