August's walkout by three board members exposes friction between members who favor hunting and fishing interests and those who prioritize other outdoor projects.

The recommendations call for the acquisition of almost 2,000 acres of native prairie and would pay for restoration and enhancement projects on another 7,000 acres of such lands.

Erika Rivers will take over a division with a $103 million annual budget and a staff of 1,200 full- and part-time employees.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says proposed amendments to the state constitution should need backing from 60 percent of both the Senate and the House.

The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council last week wrapped up a hard-fought round of hearings on Legacy funding by making $102 million in recommendations for the 2014 Legislature. There are three items in particular that hung on to receive funding despite staunch opposition from some of the 12 members on the citizen/legislator panel.

The Senate on Thursday rolled out its Legacy bill that spends dedicated sales tax dollars on environmental and cultural projects. The Senate’s bill is markedly different from the House companion that is expected to be debated Friday on the House floor.

Here’s a guide to key policy matters that are likely to be addressed and heavily lobbied in the 2013 legislative session.

In football, you ride in a parade to celebrate your victory. In politics, you clamber on to the flatbed of that trussed-up truck over and over again and wave to the people as part of a ritual for trying to attain victory.

Legislation that would prohibit school districts from making layoff decisions based solely on seniority cleared the House on a 70-61 vote on Thursday evening.

The fourth round of constitutionally dedicated funding for outdoors projects is under way at the state Capitol.