About Us
Ecological and Water Resources is one of seven divisions within the Department of Natural Resources. Programs in the division are organized into four sections:
- Ecosystem Management and Protection: Scientific and Natural Areas, Invasive Species, Wetland, Forest and Prairie Systems, Nongame Wildlife, Rare Resources, Native Plant Ecology, Biological Surveys and Monitoring, and Natural Heritage Information Systems
- Conservation Assistance and Regulation: Water Regulation, Land Use and Floodplain Management, Environmental Review, and Dam Safety
- Inventory, Monitoring and Analysis: Water Monitoring and Research, Stream Habitats, Clean Water Coordination and Collaboration, and Climatology
- Strategic Information Systems: Business Operations, Communications and Planning, and Information Technology
Ecological and Water Resources has more than 400 staff and 38 distinct programs, creating a diverse and skilled professional workforce.
Our Vision
Healthy lands and waters throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota Conservation Explorer
A dynamic new tool for submtting and delivering data on Minnesota's rare features!
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Strategic Plan 2018-2028
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Landscape resources
Information about nongame wildlife, rare resources, Scientific and Natural Areas, and ecosystem health.
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Water resources
Information about water management, data and mapping, and permitting.
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