Land acquisitions

Information about how and why the DNR buys land

Overview

In collaboration with conservation partners and local governments, DNR acquires land to protect critical wildlife habitat and other natural resources. Strategic land acquisitions also help provide a variety of recreational, economical, and environmental opportunities for the state.

How land acquisition works

Why do we buy land?

We purchase land and interests in land to provide a variety of recreational and natural resource opportunities at locations including:

• State Parks and Recreation Areas

• State Trails

• State Forests

• Public Water Access Sites

• Scientific and Natural Areas

• Wildlife Management Areas

• Trout Stream easement areas

• Public Water Access Sites

• Native Prairie Bank easement areas

How we buy land?

Overall, the DNR takes these steps to buy land from a willing seller. The process and timeline can vary depending on due diligence requirements including surveys, title searches or more complex environmental considerations.

Here are the steps to buying land:

• Assign an acquisition project manager

• Gather property information

• Appraise land

• Make an offer

• Obtain title opinion

• Resolve title issues as needed

• Schedule closing

Compared with residential real estate, land transactions take longer to complete. A dedicated project manager works with a seller throughout the transaction, guiding them through the appraisal process, handling offers, and resolving any title issues or concerns, all the way through closing. If you move forward with the DNR, your project manager will provide more detail.

Does the DNR accept donations of land?

In some cases, we accept donations of land. There may be tax benefits if you make a donation of land to the DNR.

We can also partner on acquisitions with organizations such as local units of government, sporting clubs, conservation organizations, non-profit organizations and land trusts.

How do we determine land value?

We are required to hire an appraiser to determine the market value of your property. Some conservation easement valuations are determined by a formula.

You may hire an appraiser to provide an independent opinion of the value of your property.

If an offer is made to you, there is no obligation to accept it.

What are the benefits of selling?

• We pay most of the closing costs

• Your land will be available for public use

• You will create a family legacy

• Your land is preserved for future generations

• Minnesotans will have new outdoor recreational opportunities

How do we determine what lands to acquire?

The DNR makes acquisition decisions using department-wide SLAM acquisition goals and divisional and programmatic goals for Forestry, Parks and Trails, Fish and Wildlife, Ecological and Water Resources.

The DNR's land acquisition goals are to:

• Increase close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities

• Protect significant natural resources like native prairies or forestlands

• Restore and improve access to state water resources, including trout streams, lakes and rivers

• Protect lands that help mitigate and adapt to climate change

• Consolidate land ownership to create easier-to-manage public lands and larger blocks of habitat

• Expand access to existing public lands