A state Breeding Bird Atlas is a comprehensive systematic field survey of the occurrence, distribution, diversity, and breeding status of bird species within every region of a state. Atlases are mainly used to set conservation priorities, develop conservation plans, and guide habitat protection, restoration, and management efforts – in addition to being useful for recreational bird watching. Minnesota is one of only seven states in the country that has yet to complete a Breeding Bird Atlas.
Morton, Minnesota is home to many unique natural, cultural, and historic sites, including sites from the US-Dakota War and some of the oldest exposed rock, called Morton Gneiss, on the planet. The City of Morton is using this appropriation to develop a municipal site along the Minnesota River in Morton to be converted into a public canoe landing and campground and a trail connection between the Minnesota River State Water Tail and natural and cultural sites in the area including the Morton Outcrop Scientific and Natural Area.
Many of the most experienced conservation practitioners at local soil and water conservation districts throughout the state are nearing retirement, and with their departure will go much of their practical, on-the-ground knowledge, experience, and skills. Meanwhile, college students seeking to be the next generation of conservation practitioners have knowledge of emerging technologies and other innovations that can improve and contribute to current conservation efforts.
Pollinators play a key role in ecosystem function and in agriculture, including thousands of native plants and more than one hundred U.S. crops that either need or benefit from pollinators. However, pollinators are in dramatic decline in Minnesota and throughout the country. The causes of the decline are not completely understood, but identified factors include loss of nesting sites, fewer flowers, increased disease, and increased pesticide use.
Terrestrial invasive species are species that are not native to a location and that pose critical ecological and economic challenges once they become established in that location. They come in the form of plants, animals, insects, pathogens, and microbes that can cause harm to natural habitat, urban landscapes, and agricultural systems. The problems posed by terrestrial invasive species continue to grow as existing infestations expand and new exotic species arrive, many of which are poorly understood.
We propose to double the size of a natural resource management tool, the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas, by including state agency observations and specimen records from four additional museum collections.
Funding is requested to accelerate high priority research that will protect Minnesotas wetlands, forests, prairies, and agricultural resources from terrestrial invasive plants, pests, and pathogens.
This project is to focus on expanding recreational opportunities on Minnesotas State Trails through the development of new trail segments and/or the rehabilitation, improvement and enhancement of existing State Trails.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails land acquisition proposal is to acquire high priority parcels within legislatively authorized boundaries from willing sellers to protect Minnesota's environmental stewardship and enhance outdoor recreation.
MBS proposes baseline biological field surveys in three northern counties; targeted field surveys of sensitive plant species, pollinators, and plant communities; digital maps; book drafts; technical guidance; and data management.
We propose to radio-mark and monitor movements of Minnesota trumpeter swans to provide foundational information necessary for management and conservation.
The project will complete the Minnesota Spring Inventory, identifying, cataloging and assisting in the protection of important water springs threatened by overuse of groundwater, development, land-use changes, and changing climate.
Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) habitat restoration and improvements (1100+ acres), increased public involvement and strategic acquisition (500+ acres) will conserve Minnesota’s most unique and rare resources for everyone’s benefit.
Acquire high priority State Park, Recreation Area and Trail in-holding parcels from willing sellers to protect Minnesotas natural and cultural heritage, enhance outdoor recreation and promote tourism.
This project fulfills legislative direction to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota State Trails through the development of new trail segments; and the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing State Trails.
The Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) is an ongoing effort begun in 1987 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that is systematically surveying, county-by-county, the state’s natural habitats. The effort identifies significant natural areas and collects and interprets data on the status, distribution, and ecology of plants, animals, and native plant communities throughout the state. To date, surveys have been completed in 81 of Minnesota’s 87 counties and nearly 20,000 records of rare features have been recorded.
Many of the most experienced conservation practitioners at local soil and water conservation districts throughout the state are nearing retirement, and with their departure will go much of their practical, on-the-ground knowledge, experience, and skills. Meanwhile, college students seeking to be the next generation of conservation practitioners have knowledge of emerging technologies and other innovations that can improve and contribute to current conservation efforts.
This is a forest restoration project within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area to address the loss of ash trees to EAB and plant 15,000 native trees and plants.
