Purpose

• To provide funding for a bear population study in the area described by the 1854 treaty, carried out by the 1854 Treaty Authority.

Main Provisions

• An appropriation of 500,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources for a grant to the 1854 Treaty Authority to study bear populations in the ceded area described in the September 30, 1854 treaty between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the U.S. government.
• By December 31, 2026, the 1854 Treaty Authority must submit the study results to the chairs and ranking minority members of the Senate and House committees with primary jurisdiction over environment policy.
• The study must include:
  • an assessment of current bear populations in the area,
  • factors likely affecting those populations,
  • and an estimate of future population trends.

Funding and Timeline

• Source: general fund.
• Amount: 500,000.
• Fiscal year: 2026.
• Reporting deadline: December 31, 2026.

Reporting and Oversight

• The results must be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the Senate and House committees with primary jurisdiction over environment policy.

Signficant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a new appropriation dedicated to funding a bear population study in the specified ceded area; does not describe broader statutory changes beyond establishing this funding and reporting requirement.

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Relevant Terms - bear populations - ceded area - September 30, 1854 treaty - Lake Superior Chippewa - United States government - 1854 Treaty Authority - general fund - commissioner of natural resources - appropriation - grant - fiscal year 2026 - December 31, 2026 - environment policy - chairs - ranking minority members - Senate - House of Representatives - population assessment - population trends - bear population study