Our vision
Healthy lands and waters throughout Minnesota.
About us
EWR is one of seven divisions within the Department of Natural Resources. Programs in the division are organized into four sections:
Ecosystem Management and Protection: Invasive Species, Conservation Management and Rare Resources, Nongame Wildlife, Minnesota Biological Survey, and Scientific and Natural Areas focusing on preserving Minnesota's natural heritage for scientific study and public understanding.
Conservation Assistance and Regulation: Environmental Review, Land Use, Dam Safety and Permits, Water Regulation
Inventory, Monitoring and Analysis: Hydrogeology/Groundwater, Lake Ecology, River Ecology, Water Monitoring and Surveys
Strategic Information Services: 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 values
Ecological and Water Resources staff are passionate about our state’s rich and vast natural resources. We care about resource conservation, protection and restoration, and integrating human use for recreation and the economy.
We strive to apply the following values in our day-to-day interactions and behavior:
Integrity: We value professional integrity in the decisions we make, the quality of our work, the science we use, and the public services we offer.
Respect: We respect the views, values and beliefs of each other, our partners, and the public. We respect our natural resources, the diversity and interconnectedness of those resources, and people’s use of natural resources.
Dedication: We are dedicated to the DNR’s mission and doing our part to continue the DNR’s legacy. We are dedicated to using sound science to inform our decisions.
Collaboration: We are collaborative, working with each other, our partners, and the public; committed to listening and being responsive, inclusive, open and transparent.
Adaptation: We adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, new information and varying points of view, allowing us to continually grow and improve.
Strategic Plan
2018-2028
