Forests and forestry capital projects bond issue and appropriation

This bill appropriates $18 million in bond proceeds to fund reforestation and forest management on Minnesota's state forest lands. The funds will cover purchasing native seeds and seedlings, planting, site preparation, and protecting state forests, with $8 million specifically allocated for forest stand improvement and managing pests like emerald ash borer and spruce budworm. The state will sell $18 million in bonds to finance these projects, following established bond issuance procedures under Minnesota law. The commissioner of natural resources will administer the funding and projects directly affecting state forest management operations.