Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways

Minnesota's state trails, water trails, and water access sites provide recreational opportunities for Minnesota residents and visitors throughout the seasons.

These guidelines are designed to assist resource managers in conducting management activities that enhance the quality of natural plant communities, wildlife habitat, regional landscape integrity and visual quality, particularly as related to planning, development, and maintenance of trails, water trails, and water access sites.

Guidelines

Download the chapters of the Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways manual. These guidelines were updated in 2004.

• Chapter 1 - A Mandate for Sustainable Resource Management  (818Kb)
• Chapter 2 - Prairie and Savanna Communities  (1.5Mb)
• Chapter 3 - Woodland and Forest Communities  (1.4Mb)
• Chapter 4 - Riparian Environments  (609Kb)
• Chapter 5 - Controlling Exotic Species (link to MN invasive non-native plants id)  (443Kb)
• Chapter 6 - Planting and Pruning of Woody Plants  (458Kb)
• Glossary  (300Kb)
• Invasive species guide
• Native plant suppliers and landscapers in Minnesota