Before the operator may enter upon the surface of land proposed to be explored, the operator shall consult with the surface owner and person in possession of the surface, if other than the owner, and provide such persons with the opportunity to designate, in writing, preferences for the reclamation of the affected land. A copy of such preferences shall be filed by the operator with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and considered by the applicant. The owner may also specify, in writing, reasonable restrictions regarding travel areas on the property and further specify that travel under extreme moisture conditions will be avoided. A copy of such reasonable restrictions shall be filed by the operator with the department and are binding on the operator. Such consultations may be conducted prior to commencing the exploration operation or during various phases of the exploration operation.

Source: SL 1982, ch 306, § 16; SL 2021, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 21-3), § 53, eff. Apr. 19, 2021.