Shoreland Stewardship
DNR educates communities about the benefits of healthy shorelines for clean water, including providing hands-on help with shoreline restoration projects. Learn more »
Lidar
With Clean Water Legacy Funds, DNR is creating detailed, statewide elevation models that help pinpoint projects that maximize clean water benefits. Learn more »
Stream Geomorphology
Scientists measure excess dirt in streams, including accelerated erosion from stream banks due to increased runoff from the land. This information will help managers select the best locations for watershed restoration projects. Learn more »
County Geologic Atlases
DNR scientists collect groundwater samples for a Todd County Geologic Atlas. The Atlas will contain detailed information about aquifer age and depth that helps planners ensure communities have enough clean water for the future. Learn more »
MN Forests for the Future / Upper Mississippi Project
The Upper Mississippi Forest Project is the largest conservation project ever undertaken by the state of Minnesota. It protects more than 187,876 acres of Northwoods forests, wetlands and shoreline in the Grand Rapids area North-central Minnesota. Learn more »
Accelerated Aquatic Habitat Program
Worker helps to prepare shoreland restoration site on Keller Lake (Ramsey County), one of the DNR Aquatic Habitat program components funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Learn more »
Accelerated Aquatic Habitat Program
A shoreland restoration site on Keller Lake (Ramsey County), after site preparation and seeding. The spring of 2011 will show the first growth on this restoration. Learn more »
Outdoor Heritage Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
The Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society was one of 35 grant recipients in FY 2010. It received a grant to enhance brushland habitat on the Roseau Wildlife Management Area in Roseau County. Learn more »
Renewal and Rehabilitation of State Trail Bridges
The majority of the 300 some State Trail bridges are former railroad structures. One-third of these are over 100 years old. This project is completing the inspection of 20 bridges and the repair or replacement of 5 bridges during the FY10/11 biennium. Learn more »
Conservation Corps Minnesota
DNR's Parks and Trails Division uses Conservation Corps of Minnesota services for restoration, maintenance, and other activities that supplement the ability to reach Legacy Amendment goals. Learn more »
Education and Interpretive Services
DNR is creating innovative programs to attract new audiences to state parks and trails. Skill-building programs, such as "I Can Camp!", provide a trial opportunity by eliminating the barriers of needing to have pre-existing knowledge or gear for the activity. Learn more »
Education and Interpretive Services
DNR is improving state park signs to help visitors navigate state parks and learn about natural and cultural history at their leisure. Quality interpretive signs are an effective way to reach a wide variety of visitors without hosting a formal interpretive program. Learn more »
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Minnesota agencies released their first collaborative report in February 2012 to help Minnesotans clarify connections between Clean Water Funds invested, actions taken and outcomes achieved in FY2010-2011. Eighteen measures in the report provide a snapshot of how Clean Water Fund dollars are being spent and what progress has been made. The measures are organized into three sections: investment, surface water quality, and drinking water protection. Each measure has detailed status ranking and trend information.
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Building a Conservation Legacy
In 2008, Minnesota's voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment) to the Minnesota Constitution to:
- protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat;
- protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater and protect drinking water sources;
- support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance; and
- support arts, arts education, and arts access and preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.
State agencies, local governmental units, non-profit organizations, and others can apply to receive Legacy Funds for projects that support the intentions of the Legacy Amendment. Ultimately, the State Legislature decides how and where these funds should be spent.
Legacy Funds Working for Minnesota Citizens
Because of the agency's broad conservation mission, DNR receives many Legacy funds, particularly those focused on habitat, parks and trails, and clean water. The funds are intended to support programs and projects that go beyond the results achieved by other state funds, to build a long-term conservation legacy for the citizens of Minnesota.
Sometimes DNR staff work directly to implement Legacy-funded projects. DNR also administers Legacy-funded grants to our wide range of partners. Together we are committed to achieving significant conservation results for Minnesota Citizens.
Learn more about the four Legacy funds:
The following links direct you to information on the Minnesota's Legacy website.
DNR contacts:
