Conservation Priority Mapping: Area managers in DNR's southern region created an interactive map integrating the conservation priorities for fish and wildlife habitat, waters, forest resources, rare species, and recreation. Higher priority areas will guide conservation assistance aimed at producing the greatest conservation returns.
Brushland Conservation Management: 
Guided by
a wildlife assessment in the transition and forested
regions of central and northern Minnesota,
we help private landowners manage priority
brushlands with prescribed burns and other tools.
This increases the habitat value of brushlands for
sharp-tailed grouse and other species that have
declined with the loss of grassland and brushland.
Shoreland Habitat Restoration: We provide assistance to private landowners to restore degraded shorelands. On one property on Long Lake in Otter Tail County, DNR cost-share funds and technical assistance allowed the landowner to transform a degraded shoreline that sent sediments and nutrients to the lake. The restored shoreline has a diverse mix of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers that reduce runoff and provide excellent fish and wildlife habitat. We are now providing block grants to lake associations, conservation organizations, and local governments to orchestrate similar shoreland restoration projects.