Public issues research

The DNR is working to ensure citizens a stronger voice in natural resource decision making. Systematic approaches being developed to better understand and evaluate changing public expectations for Minnesota's natural resource heritage.

Glacial Lake Agassiz Citizen Forums Project: The DNR, in partnership with The Harwood Group, has created a series of focus groups and community forums in the Glacial Lake Agassiz region. The purpose is to help natural resource decision makers better understand citizen perceptions and attitudes towards land and water stewardship issues. The Forums project envisions an ongoing, informal network of citizens and organizations, who meet to share ideas and insights and to act on ecosystem management issues. Start/Finish Dates: Initiated 1995; project is ongoing. Project Contact, Peter Buesseler, DNR Prairie Biologist, 1221 East Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 (218) 308-2626

Citizen Surveys: A long-term effort to better understand citizens' priorities and expectations for ecosystem management. A major goal is to develop effective techniques for involving the public in ecosystem management. Recent efforts include a DNR/USFWS partnership to conduct citizen surveys. The survey will be used to inform comprehensive watershed management projects in DNR Region 5 (Wells Creek and Blufflands). DNR is also funding University of Minnesota research on developing techniques for effective gathering of citizen input. Start/Finish Dates: Project is ongoing. Project Contact. Tim Kelly, DNR Office of Planning, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4010 (651) 259-5540.

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