Why is this important?Because 75 percent of the land area in Minnesota is privately owned, the land use decisions and actions of local governments and private landowners directly impact the state's ability to protect and conserve Minnesota's natural resources. With the state's population expected to grow by one million people over the next 20 years, much of the remaining natural resources are at risk of being converted or degraded unless we make conservation an integral element of local planning and implementation. By partnering with cities, counties, and townships and providing the information, assistance, and financial incentives they need to identify, prioritize, and protect key natural features, we can ensure clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, and the other benefits of a healthy natural environment.  Good local land use planning is a powerful tool for conserving natural resources. By strategically guiding development, communities can protect natural resources, create strong recreation systems, enhance economic opportunities, and avoid unintended consequences such as fragmented open space, degraded waters, and compromised community character. Rapid, low-density growth and development that occurred in recent decades has resulted in the loss of wetland and terrestrial habitats and large increases in impervious surface area, dramatically impacting water bodies of all types. Recognizing that land-use planning and zoning is largely a local government responsibility, along with the creation of stricter water quality standards in the near future, State and local governments must work together to plan for and integrate land and water conservation measures into future development. |
Where is DNR headingWorking with local units of government and other partners to conserve land and water is a departmental priority. This work includes providing a variety of tools to improve land use and water-use decisions in the face of development. In undeveloped areas this may mean identifying vital natural areas and connecting corridors. In more developed areas, it may mean guiding the application of stormwater management best practices, conservation developments, and local ordinances to conserve natural resources and enhance recreational and economic opportunities. Technical Assistance: DNR resources such as the Minnesota County Biological Survey, the DNR Basin Watershed dataset, Minnesota Land Cover Classification System, and Green Infrastructure mapping give communities information they need to conserve locally and regionally important natural places. DNR also supports communities by offering workshops for local governments; holding low-impact development and conservation design training sessions for developers, consulting firms, and others; guiding local ordinance development; and helping with storm water management and shoreland restoration. Financial Assistance: DNR provides funds to local governments to conserve natural resources and establish recreational opportunities. Resources include numerous grant programs such as the Metro Greenways, Natural and Scenic Area, and Local Trail Connections programs. DNR actions (a few examples)DNR will build trusting relationships with local communities, private landowners, developers, and other partners to conserve natural resources, support economic growth, and provide high-quality recreation opportunities. Here are a few examples: |
(Detailed descriptions of these and other measures are found in DNR's Strategic Conservation Agenda: Part II - Performance and Accountability Report.)
Natural Resource-Based Planning and Regulation: Number of communities with Green Infrastructure plans included in their comprehensive plans; number of communities with natural resource-based land use plans and protective ordinances; number of communities that revise their ordinances to encourage low-impact development practices that protect land and water (indicators in development)
Habitat Protection in Urban and Developing Areas: Number of habitat acres protected and restored in urban and developing areas