Trend:
Landscape Changes From Growth And Development
Minnesota is projected to grow by more than 1 million people in the next 20 years. With population growth and associated development come increasing demands on natural systems—our lakes and rivers, forests and grasslands, wetlands and shorelands. These landscapes are integral to our quality of life. They support a diversity of fish and wildlife habitats and ecosystems that form a foundation for agriculture, timber production, mineral extraction, human health, and recreation. They provide a spectrum of ecosystem services, including water purification, erosion control, and carbon sequestration.
Where and how we grow and develop influences the state's water and land health. Conservation-based approaches are imperative for creating sustainable developments that protect, restore, and enhance the natural environment - the foundation for long-term economic benefits and quality of life.
Growth
Population growth in Minnesota is expected to continue to concentrate in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the corridor between Rochester and Saint Cloud.
Development
Traditional development approach vs. low impact conservation development approach
Click image to enlarge.
The landscape is changing in cities, suburbs, and towns. New development patterns are altering land use and impacting land and water conditions. For instance, as lakeshore develops, shorelines may lose their ability to support fish, wildlife, and clean water—the very resources that attracted people to them in the first place.
Development for urban and other uses can harm land and water health. However, many communities are choosing to foster low-impact, conservation-minded development that enhances land and water health and recreational and economic opportunities.
Agriculture
In the 1940s farmland provided diverse habitat for wildlife. By the 1980s, many acres had been converted to habitat-poor corn and soybeans.
In recent years, 1.8 million acres of Minnesota farmland have been enrolled in federal and state land conservation programs, benefiting wildlife and improving water quality. However, in 2008 farm crop prices increased dramatically and more than 60,000 acres were withdrawn from the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Sustainable agriculture trends are encouraging. Organic agriculture is the fastest growing agricultural sector, and the demand for locally produced food is increasing. Minnesota now has more than 400 certified organic farms contributing to land and water health.
Invasive species
Emerald ash borer
David Cappaert, Michigan State University
Invasive species harm Minnesota's environment and economy and threaten human health. With increasing population and development, proactive conservation strategies are needed to minimize harm caused by the spread of invasive species such as emerald ash borer and Eurasian watermilfoil.