Video & Transcript Research : 'conservation lands'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
  • They love to have land to to drink.
  • , efforts that protect, conserve, efforts that protect, conserve, preserve,<00:05:13.759> and<
  • acquisitions, restorations, or conservation easements.
  • dollars for our public lands. dollars for our public lands.
Bills: HF3426, HF3428
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources, February 10, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, the subleasing of state lands.
  • Lands and Investments. Lands and Investments.
  • It's one thing if you have a parcel of state trust land that's adjacent to your private land.
  • It's one thing if you have a parcel of state trust land that's adjacent to your private land.
  • that surround private lands that surround that particular piece of land.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources, February 10, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • fire breaks on national forest lands fire breaks on national forest lands that<00:08:47.680>
  • and investment of the private land or state trust lands and even federal lands with the participation
  • <00:14:16.639> and private land or state trust lands and private land or state trust lands
  • > the even federal lands with the even federal lands with the participation<00:14:19.120> of
  • > literally<00:18:24.559> at conservation districts are literally at conservation districts
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that unit may include federal lands, private lands, state trust lands.
  • trust lands, private lands, uh state trust lands<00:47:17.520> by<00:47:17.839> being<
  • Well, that's all the land on the land.
  • . lands. lands.
  • Um land, what about uh reservation land?
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I think on the water conservancy districts, it's all the lands that are within its boundaries would
  • the Wyoming Federal Lands report. the Wyoming Federal Lands report.
  • <00:43:18.240> report, Um this Wyoming Federal Lands report, Um this Wyoming Federal Lands
  • I'm also here representing Nature Conservancy. I'm on the Wyoming Board of Nature Conservancy.
  • Um we started Nature Conservancy.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, the lands bill.
  • Each year, the DNR proposes a land bill.
  • The lands bill may include amendments to state statutes that affect the administration of state land
  • or DNR land transactions.
  • It may include changes to state park or state forest Authorization to sell certain lands, and the lands
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • attorney for the DNR division of lands attorney for the DNR division of lands and<01:01:02.359><
  • land transactions.
  • and the lands bill is also typically amended to include tax-forfeited land sales proposed by counties
  • land transactions.
  • I think maybe we could get those folks up to the desk. of the land the land owners have of the land the
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/13/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • lands in the state.
  • lands in the state.
  • lands in the state.
  • We need to strike the land department and put in conservation district board. Pretty simple fix.
  • district board it said state land department so that caused some confusion we need to strike the land
Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard House Bill 2024, which would expand the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s water supply development definition to include snowpack augmentation and related planning and facility work. Supporters argued cloud seeding and drone-based silver iodide deployment could increase snowpack and water supply at relatively low cost, while opponents raised concerns about weather modification, uncertainty in the science, and possible environmental or health effects. After debate, the committee approved HB 2024 on a 6-4 vote, with some members expressing reservations and requesting more information before floor consideration. The committee next considered House Bill 2053, which would direct the Arizona Department of Water Resources to update stormwater recharge mapping statewide and provide $100,000 for the work. The sponsor and ADWR said the bill would expand on prior state-land mapping and help identify recharge opportunities on private land; ADWR was neutral and said it could do the technical mapping but could not make legal determinations about appropriable surface water rights. Salt River Project opposed the bill’s language on surface-water rights, arguing that determinations about unappropriated water belong to the courts and that site-specific recharge projects could affect downstream rights. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2053 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Chelsea McGuire of WIFA then gave a broad presentation on the agency’s revolving funds, conservation grants, and long-term augmentation efforts, describing past investments, current grant awards, and seven potential augmentation projects under development. She said WIFA’s current budget ask was essentially for no additional cuts, while members asked about costs, project qualifications, and public-private structure. The committee then took up House Bill 2097, which would impose a six acre-feet-per-acre groundwater pumping cap in irrigation non-expansion areas, add reporting and well-measurement requirements, and set a $150 penalty for violations. ADWR said the bill could require additional staffing and that the cap and substitution provisions had technical concerns; environmental groups argued the cap was too high and could still encourage overpumping, while supporters said it would finally place a limit on INA pumping. HB 2097 passed 6-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which would appropriate $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund; the sponsor described it as a contingency for ongoing Colorado River negotiations, and the committee moved the bill forward after brief discussion.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, recommend amending page two, line seven as follows: 'January 1, 2026,' excluding lands owned by or
  • And then also amending page eight, line five, county of Maui as of January 1, 2026, excluding lands owned
  • > seven as follows, "January 1, 2026 seven as follows, "January 1, 2026 excluding<00:05:03.480> lands
  • owned<00:05:04.080> by<00:05:04.320> or<00:05:04.440> under excluding lands
  • owned by or under excluding lands owned by or under control<00:05:04.960> of<00:05:05.000>
Bills: HB2592
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on several decision-making agendas and first considered HB 1696, which would lower the minimum age for commercial driving in-state from 19 to 18 and adjust qualifying criteria. The committee agreed to accept amendments, including changes suggested by the Operating Engineers Union, and voted unanimously to pass the bill with amendments. HB 2333, which would authorize airport special districts and increase penalties for certain aeronautics violations, was deferred after concerns were raised about treatment of people outside airport security perimeters. On the next agenda, the committee passed HB 1710 with technical amendments only. That bill would allow the State Historic Preservation Division to conduct phase reviews of certain private-property projects and revise concurrence deadlines. HB 1737, clarifying allowable agricultural district uses related to farm dwellings and farm employee housing, also passed with technical amendments only. HB 1823, dealing with coastal zone management and excluding certain state- or county-funded infrastructure projects in Lahaina from the definition of development, passed with amendments from the Attorney General’s office. The committee then took up HB 1897, an alternative dispute resolution measure for condominium-related disputes, including facilitated mediation, evaluative mediation, and binding arbitration. Despite noting broad opposition and a reservation from Senator Buenaventura, the committee adopted the measure and moved it forward as is. Finally, HB 2576, which streamlines background check requirements for health care facilities and workers, passed with amendments reflecting input from OHA, HAH, and DOH. The meeting concluded with notice of a later joint agenda and adjournment.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WLA-AEN Public Hearing 02-11-2026

Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • with state lands. with state lands.
  • It could be on private lands. like this. It could be on private lands.
  • areas that are not just pasture lands. areas that are not just pasture lands.
  • It's the lands that are in lands.
  • these lands are idle now. these lands are idle now.
Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • worst soil health of any land use studied, even conventional crop lands.
  • So the science is clear that, with the right conservation practices and good land management, we can
  • the worst soil health of any land use study, any land use studied, even conventional other conventional
  • crop lands. when extreme rainfall hits land that has been blighted by drought.
  • SB 2756 HD1 relating to conservation enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources and support
Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're convening our Committee on Water and Land. This is the Committee on Water and Land.
  • uh that are deals with particular lands uh that are state<01:28:57.040> lands.
  • that because Monaka is in a conservation that because Monaka is in a conservation uh<01:37:49.360
  • <01:42:27.280> back, keep saying just give the land back, keep saying just give the land back
  • properties but for large land properties but for large land transactions<02:14:42.239> and
Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 26, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • ; it's just institutional land.
  • ; it's just institutional land.
  • So you said that this land was institutional land.
  • So, that's separate from the institutional lands."
  • And so this land will be good for us.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 19, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe State Lands Office is here. They want to come forward and talk about this one.
  • Staca Barry, Office of State Lands and Investments.
  • As you mentioned, this addresses subleasing issues on state lands.
  • lands? lands? >> Go<00:04:39.600> ahead.
  • Further questions for the State Lands representative? >> Mr.
Bills: HJ0002, SF0118, SF0016