The DNR works to foster understanding of the interdependence of ecosystems with social and economic systems through participating in sustainability forums that convene citizens, agencies, and other organizations around critical resource issues.
Minnesota Forest Resources Council: Created by the Sustainable Forest Resources Act of 1995, the Minnesota Forest Resources Council serves as a forum to discuss forest management issues and provide sound forest management recommendations to the governor and to federal, state, county, and local governments. The Council's 13 governor-appointed members represent a broad array of organizations holding commercial, recreational, scientific, and conservation interests in Minnesota's forests. This diverse membership helps ensure that the Council's policies and practices will result in long-term sustainable management and use of Minnesota's forest resources. The Council meets on the third Thursday of every month at various locations around the state. Start/ Finish Dates: Initiated 1995; ongoing. Project Contact: Michael Kilgore, 2003 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108 651-603-0108
Great Plains Initiative: The Great Plains Initiative (GPI) seeks to provide a foundation for cross-jurisdictional and cross-disciplinary cooperation and coordination for ecosystem management among federal, provincial, state, tribal, local agencies, agricultural and environmental organizations of the Great Plains, including U.S. states, Canadian provinces and northern Mexican states within the Great Plains. Start/Finish Dates: Began in 1994 and is ongoing. Project Contact: Peter Buesseler, DNR Prairie Biologist, 1221 East Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-308-2626