Purpose

Provide funding 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.

Main Provisions

• Funding and source: 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.
• Objective: Conduct a study of bear populations in the specified ceded area.
• Study scope: Include an assessment of current bear populations, identify factors likely affecting those populations, and provide an estimate of future population trends.
• Deliverables and reporting: By December 31, 2026, the 1854 Treaty Authority must submit the study results to the chairs and ranking minority members of the Minnesota Senate and House committees with primary jurisdiction over environment policy.

Timing and Oversight

• Deadline: Results due by December 31, 2026.
• Beneficiary: The 1854 Treaty Authority receives the grant to perform the study.

Significance and Changes to Law

• This measure creates an appropriation to fund a bear population study rather than making changes to existing law. It does not alter statutory provisions beyond authorizing funding for the study and the associated reporting.

Additional Context

• Geographic focus: Bears within the ceded area described by the 1854 treaty between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the U.S. government.

Relevant Terms bear populations ceded area 1854 Treaty Authority September 30, 1854 treaty Lake Superior Chippewa United States government general fund appropriation grant department of natural resources environment policy chairs ranking minority members senate house future population trends assessment factors likely affecting populations reporting deadline December 31, 2026