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.
Enrollment of private lands in conservation programs can provide important natural resource and other public benefits by taking the lands out of production so that they can provide various wildlife and ecological benefits. This appropriation is enabling Minnesota's Board of Soil and Water Resources to provide grants to local soil and water conservation districts for employment of technical staff to assist private landowners in implementing conservation programs.
The laws governing the drainage of Minnesota wetlands and other areas have been largely unchanged for more than a century. However, many other laws protecting public waters and wetlands and governing water use have been enacted as concerns about water quality and land use increase. Often these laws conflict. The Smith Partners Law Firm is analyzing the legal and policy issues surrounding Minnesota's drainage laws in order to make recommendations to the legislature on updating the laws to reflect the realities of the 21st century.
The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) requests $7 million to fund up to 20 new, high-priority applied TIS research projects to improve Minnesota's natural and agricultural resources.
We will investigate the potential of natural microbes indigenous to Minnesota to biodegrade conventional plastics in the environment as a means for cleaning contaminated soils and waters across the state.
This project proposes to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota State Trails through the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing state trails and replacement or repair of existing state trail bridges.
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.
10,000 diverse and underserved Minnesota youth (grades 6-12) participate in place-based, STEM environmental education to explore and preserve local ecosystems and waterways through the Minnesota Freshwater Quest online program.
Sustain, enhance public land forest recreation and management access supported by a system of hunter walking trails through the improvement of trail infrastructure needs (gate, signs, parking lots, maps, etc.)
The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) requests $5 million to fund up to 15 new, high-priority applied TIS research projects to improve Minnesota's natural and agricultural resources.
Acquire top priority in-holdings within legislatively established boundaries of Minnesota?s 75 State Parks and State Recreation Areas and 26 State Trails from willing sellers.
This project proposes to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota State Trails through the rehabilitation or replacement of existing state trail bridges.
Provide information on Minnesota's biodiversity by collecting and interpreting data and delivering results that support conservation actions by natural resource managers, decision-makers, and scientists.
15,000 diverse and underserved Minnesota youth (grades 6-12) participate in place-based, STEM environmental education to explore and preserve local ecosystems and waterways through the Minnesota Freshwater Quest online program.
Minnesota Green Schoolyards pilot project will assess, promote, and demonstrate how schoolyards can improve water, air, and habitat quality; foster next generation stewards, while improving health, education, and community outcomes.
Nature for New Minnesotans introduces English language learners to Minnesota's great outdoors using materials from Minnesota Master Naturalist and implemented in partnership with English learning programs that serve immigrants.
This project proposes to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota State Trails through the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing state trails and replacement or repair of existing state trail bridges.
We propose to expand the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas, an online natural resource management tool, to include 2.5 million records by integrating expert observations and specimen records from multiple organizations
The MITPPC requests $6.23 million to fund up to 18 new research projects to protect Minnesota's natural and agricultural resources from terretrial invasive species.
Establish a volunteer corps to survey, monitor and bank seed for rare plant populations around the state, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiencies of conservation efforts of multiple stakeholders across Minnesota.
This project proposes to maintain and expand recreational opportunities in Minnesota State Parks, State Recreation Area, and State Trails through the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing facilities and amenities by repair.
This project proposes to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota State Trails through the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing state trails and replacement or repair of existing state trail bridges.
