1.1                          A bill for an act
  1.2             relating to protection of agricultural crops; allowing 
  1.3             a pilot program for emergency deer feeding; 
  1.4             appropriating money. 
  1.5   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.6      Section 1.  [PILOT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.] 
  1.7      A two-year pilot program is established under the 
  1.8   commissioner of natural resources for emergency deer feeding in 
  1.9   three winter range deer areas of the state subject to available 
  1.10  appropriations. 
  1.11     Sec. 2.  [WINTER FEEDING ADVISORY COMMITTEES.] 
  1.12     Subdivision 1.  [ESTABLISHED.] The commissioner may 
  1.13  establish winter feeding advisory committees in areas of the 
  1.14  state where deer may need emergency feeding.  Each committee 
  1.15  shall consist of five members, who shall serve without 
  1.16  compensation, and they shall meet as often as appropriate. 
  1.17     Subd. 2.  [DUTIES.] The committees have the authority to: 
  1.18     (1) act as an independent resource in each area to give 
  1.19  advice and recommendations on the administration and appropriate 
  1.20  location of winter feeding for deer; and 
  1.21     (2) act as a liaison between the commissioner, interest 
  1.22  groups, and the public on winter feeding issues. 
  1.23     Sec. 3.  [APPROPRIATION.] 
  1.24     $100,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
  1.25  commissioner of natural resources in fiscal year 1998 for the 
  2.1   purposes of this act. 
  2.2      Sec. 4.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
  2.3      This act is effective July 1, 1997.