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State Representative David Dill
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-2190
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Press/News Releases
MOLPUS LANDS STATUS QUO FOR NOW
Minnesota State Representative David Dill and Minnesota State Senator Tom Bakk have reached a tentative agreement with Molpus Timber Management, Minnesota’s largest private landowner that will provide for public access to Molpus land for the duration of 2012 and continuing through the close of the 2013 legislative session.
Craig Halla, Molpus Minnesota Property Manager, recently met with Senator Bakk and Representative Dill to discuss issues that affect Molpus’ ability to own and operate their land holdings in Minnesota. These issues include: tax reform to lower the cost of ownership and operation of forest lands, including a 2010 law that placed a “cap” on the payments made to large land owners enrolled in the Sustainable Forest Imitative Act (SFIA) at $100,000, as well as investigate the removal of the acreage restriction of the 2c property tax classification. Additionally attempts will be made to secure funding from the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council and legislature to purchase a Conservation Easement on lands owned by Molpus and not already under easement to assure future public access.
Bakk and Dill told Halla that although they cannot assure Molpus of any result or outcome legislatively, that they work tirelessly towards the needs of Molpus and the people of the Northeast and Minnesota. The legislative efforts would begin on the first day of the legislative session in 2013 and beyond. Dill and Bakk stated “we will work to pass legislation that will effectuate our mutual goals, one of which is to assure continued public access to Molpus lands by working on both sides of the political aisle, with the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council and the Governor’s office”.
Because of the legislators’ strong commitment to Molpus, the company has announced that they will continue allowing public access on their lands for 2012 and through the end of the 2013 legislative session.
Dill stated, “That public access to private lands is a preeminent issue for all in the state”. Bakk added, “Minnesota’s’ outdoor heritage is a cornerstone of the Minnesota lifestyle”. He intends to “do everything possible to assure that future generations enjoy the great outdoors”. Dill thanked Molpus for their understanding of the need for public access on vast tracts of land and to work toward a long term solution.
Bakk and Dill acknowledged to Halla and Molpus that their agreement is a short-term interim solution and that long-term solutions must be implemented to assure public access in the future. Dill said, “Molpus is a private landowner, just like the rest of us that own homes, farms, businesses and recreational land. They can manage their land and close it to public access if they so desire, just like us”.
Questions or comments may be directed to State Senator Tom Bakk at (651) 296-8881 or State Representative David Dill at (800) 339-0466.
News Items
- NEWS RELEASE: Dill agrees with cancellation of moose hunting season - (Posted: Feb 12 2013 3:41PM)
- Budget Forecast: Good news for this year, bad for the coming two Fiscal crisis in Washington creates uncertainty and concerns - (Posted: Dec 7 2012 12:00AM)
- MOLPUS LANDS STATUS QUO FOR NOW - (Posted: 2012-10-18 00:00:00)
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