DNR IDP Coordinator
Provided coordination with partners on OHF funded acquisitions that were or plan to be transferred to, or acquired directly by the DNR, and where IDP (Initial Development Plans) have been developed and approved by both partners and DNR staff. This included 53 appropriations and approximately 100 parcels of land. Ensured funds were spent appropriately and parcels met minimum standards to support public use upon entry into the DNR Wildlife Management Area, Aquatic Management Area, Scientific Natural Area or State Forest land. Provided expenditure details, balance remaining and IDP project updates to project managers in July 2022 and January 2023.
Initial Development Plans (IDPs) are required for all fee title land acquisitions on DNR lands, regardless of whether they are being acquired by the DNR or conservation partners. The IDP purpose is to identify the funding needs and source(s) to develop a parcel of property to the minimum standards as a Wildlife Management Area or Aquatic Management Area as stated in DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife Directive #070605 - Development Standards for WMA/AMAs. Minimum development standards meet user expectations when entering newly acquired property, including boundary identification, cultural resource review and protection if needed, site cleanup, access, parking and initial habitat restoration. To meet FAW Directive 070605, all fee title acquired parcels must have an IDP approved before the parcel conveys to the DNR. The IDP form is completed by DNR staff for DNR led acquisitions and by conservation partners, with DNR input, on partner led acquisitions that will be transferred to the DNR. The IDP form is signed by the conservation partner, the Area Manager, the Assistant Regional Manager and the IDP Coordinator.
The Initial Development Plan covers administrative compliance requirements such as cultural resource reviews from the State Historic Preservation Office, Natural Heritage Database review of documented rare species and natural plant communities, engineering, public water permits, ditch and county approvals, landowner agreements, etc. Facility development needs are considered including a boundary survey, posting/fencing, DNR wood routed sign, other informational signs, access, parking lots, well sealing, structure demolition, and site cleanup. Initial habitat restoration activities may include prairie grassland, forest/wood cover, and/or wetland depending upon site needs. This may include, but is not limited to, converting cropland to prairie with seed or ecotypes native to Minnesota, removing invasive species, breaking and abandoning existing wetland tiles, all to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. The IDP serves as the restoration and management plan, as required by Minnesota Statute 97A.056, subd 13 (c) and (d) for all lands restored or acquired using Outdoor Heritage Funds.
Area Wildlife Managers, Assistant Regional Wildlife Managers, and conservation partners engage in discussions on what resources, timelines, capabilities and expertise are available in each project area. After such discussions, it may be determined a DNR IDP Use of Funds release is needed from partner OHF appropriations in order to complete the approved IDP tasks. Estimated DNR IDP funds are identified in the partner Accomplishment Plan budget on partner led acquisitions. DNR IDP funds are released to the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife and DNR staff are responsible for completing the DNR IDP tasks in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the DNR IDP Coordinator position to approve, manage, coordinate and oversee the timely and efficient spending of DNR IDP funds for both DNR led and partner led acquisitions.
$123,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an initial development plan coordinator position to coordinate, manage, and report on the initial development, restoration, and enhancement of fee title acquisitions in wildlife management areas and aquatic management areas that were acquired with money from the outdoor heritage fund.
Habitat restoration needs of any species of greatest conservation need, threatened or endangered species, and/or targeted species are identified in the "Habitat Development/Restoration" section of the IDP form. These habitats will be protected, restored and/ or enhanced in perpetuity by becoming part of the public land system.
DNR Game & Fish funds