Minnesota considers non-toxic shot rule amid legislative opposition

[Cara J]

In an effort to minimize lead deposits on public land, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering banning lead shot for small game on wildlife management areas in the farmland zone. The initial comment period for the proposed rule was open in fall of 2015 and was followed by a public forum March 10, 2016. However, the state’s legislature now has bills on the floor that would restrict DNR’s ability to make such a rule. Companion state House and Senate bills – HF 3209 & SF 3387 – would directly prohibit the department from enacting lead shot use rules and restrictions, and House bill HF 2589 would broadly eliminate DNR’s rulemaking authority altogether. The Minnesota DNR, during a presentation shown at the March meeting, expressed plans to defer the final decision on whether or not to proceed with the proposed rule until after the 2016 legislature has had an opportunity to discuss the matter. The Minnesota Chapter of TWS has been engaged in the discussion around secondary lead poisoning and non-toxic ammunition for several years. In 2014, the Chapter’s annual meeting included a plenary session called “Moving Beyond Lead,” which was followed by the formation of their Non-Toxic Working Group. “That [...]

 

Read more: http://wildlife.org/mn-considers-non-toxic-shot-rule-amid-legislative-opposition/