Status & outcomes

The Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) has enhanced our knowledge of the distribution and status of the state's flora, fauna, and native plant communities. To date MBS has:

• completed survey work in 81 of Minnesota's 87 counties, with surveys underway in 6 other counties


• added over 15,000 new records of rare plants and animals to Biotics in the DNR's Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS)


• added over 8,800 vegetation plots to the Relevé Database in the NHIS
• recorded 20 native plant species and 3 native amphibians (40Kb) not previously documented in Minnesota


• conducted aquatic plant surveys in over 1,500 lakes


• produced printed and digital maps of native plant communities and rare species for 38 counties, and digital maps for an additional 18 counties and 3 Ecological subsections.


• mapped Minnesota's remaining native prairie statewide (1mb) (version with highlighted prairie landscapes [1mb])


• Mapped prairie data was incorporated in Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan (7.5mb)