Rare plants, animals, and natural features

"Extinction of species, the silent crisis of our time, diminishes our world. . . . and a commitment to the preservation of species diversity is fundamental to an optimistic view of the future of our own species."
-Harrison Tordoff, from the Foreword to Minnesota's Endangered Flora and Fauna.

Ecological Resources works to ensure the survival of our rare and endangered species in all our landscapes and habitats through a variety of programs, publications, and other resources.

Programs

Environmental Review Program


Minnesota Biological Survey


Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program


Scientific & Natural Areas Program


Nongame Wildlife Program

Publications

Leedy's Roseroot, A Cliffside Glacial Relict This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (434kb)


Living in the Landscape: Leaving Boundaries Behind (video)


Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily, An Endangered Minnesota Wildflower This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (1.9mb)


Minnesota's St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain: a Guide to Native Habitats


Natural Community and Rare Species County Maps for 23 counties


Prairie Bush Clover, A Threatened Midwestern Prairie Plant This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (225kb)


Scientific and Natural Areas publications


Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, A Threatened Midwestern Prairie Plant This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (1.6mb)

Other Resources

Rare and endangered Q&A


Rare Species Guide


Forest Bird Diversity Initiative, a joint effort of the DNR and Natural Resources Research Institute (University of Minnesota, Duluth).


Minnesota Statewide Mussel Survey


Minnesota's Statutes and Rules covering Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species:

  1. Minnesota Statute 84.0895 Protection of Threatened and Endangered Species
  2. Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6134 List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species
  3. Minnesota Rules, Parts 6212.1800 to 6212.2300 Rules that regulate treatment of species designated as endangered and threatened

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Region 3 Endangered Species Information


East-central Minnesota species lists (Great River Greening) This link leads to an external site.

Rare plants, animals, and natural features questions & answers

What are calcareous fens and what's special about them?

Calcareous fens are rare peat wetlands characterized by cold inflowing groundwater containing dissolved calcium and magnesium, creating ecological conditions favorable to supporting certain very rare plants. Calcareous fens are found on slopes, such as at the base of river bluffs.

Fens have special protection under the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act. The DNR maintains an official list of known calcareous fens This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it., including their general location. For more information, check out the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Plan This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.. The Guide to Scientific and Natural Areas lists several sites maintained by the SNA program with calcareous fens.

How do I get access to Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) data?

You can find information on obtaining NHIS data on the NHIS webpage or by calling (651) 259-5123.

I need a permit to take endangered species, how do I get it?

Minnesota's endangered species law (MS 84.0895) and associated rules (6212.1800 through 6212.2300 [find these rules at the Office of the Revisor of Statutes]) covers the taking (including killing, capturing, collecting and /or possessing) of endangered or threatened species. The law also regulates importation, transportation and sale.

A permit for activities covered by the law can be requested by sending a letter to the address below. The letter should describe the justification, how many individuals will be taken, and from where. Most permits are requested for research projects. If this is the case, a research proposal documenting objectives and methods and a resume for the person who will be doing the research must also be submitted.

More information is available in the Endangered Species Permits fact sheet.

 

For more information on endangered species permitting contact:

Minnesota Endangered Species Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155
tel. (651) 259-5073