Minn. Stat. § 97C.02: ACQUIRING CRITICAL AQUATIC HABITAT.

The commissioner shall acquire lands that are critical for fish and other aquatic life and that meet criteria described for aquatic management areas in section 86A.05, subdivision 14. The lands that are acquired may be developed to manage lakes, rivers, streams, and adjacent wetlands and lands for aquatic life, water quality, intrinsic biological value, public fishing, and other compatible outdoor recreational uses. The land may be acquired by gift, lease, easement, or purchase. The commissioner shall designate land acquired under this subdivision as aquatic management areas for the purposes of the outdoor recreation system.