
The Minnesota Conservation Explorer is a tool to enhance the delivery of Minnesota’s Natural Heritage Data and to automate the Natural Heritage Review process. This is a tool for the public to view and create maps of Natural Heritage Data for the purpose of conservation planning. Users can also submit a proposed project and request an automated assessment of potential impacts to Minnesota’s rare features. Go to the Minnesota Conservation Explorer
Obtaining NHIS Data
The Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) is a collection of data layers that provides information on Minnesota's rare plants, animals, native plant communities, and other rare features.
Natural Heritage Screen
A Natural Heritage Screen is the process of checking for NHIS data in the vicinity of an activity/project to determine if further review is needed. The following optional checklist for recording results of an NH Screen may be useful to licensees and DNR staff conducting NH Screens.
Natural Heritage Review
The purpose of a Natural Heritage Review is 1) to determine if there is any potential for a project to impact state-listed species or other rare features, and 2) to identify measures needed to ensure that a project is complying with state laws related to state-listed species and other rare features. A Natural Heritage Review must be conducted for all projects that meet the threshold for formal environmental review. Government units may also require a Natural Heritage Review as part of their license/permit/grant applications. Regardless of whether a Natural Heritage Review is required, compliance with state law is required. It is strongly recommended that all projects undergo a Natural Heritage Review as a project proposer’s due diligence for following state law and considering impacts to Minnesota’s Natural Heritage.
- MCE – Online submission with an immediate response stating the status of your review
- NHIS Data Request Form – If unable to submit via MCE, submit via email (preferred) or mail
Exceptions
The following types of projects do not go through the regular Natural Heritage Review process:
- Communication Towers on Existing Structures – No Need to Review
- Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grants
Rare Species Survey Process
The DNR’s Rare Species Survey Process includes the following steps:
- Choosing a Surveyor
- Acquiring a Collection Permit
- Preparing a Survey Plan
- Using Survey Guidance
- Verifying Specimens
- Preparing Survey Reports
- Submitting Reports and Data
- Documenting Avoidance
Related documents are found below:
DNR List of Surveyors
- DNR Certified Listed-species Surveyors – Application Process
- DNR Certified Listed-species Surveyors – Animals
- DNR Certified Listed-species Surveyors – Plants
Rare Species Survey Guidance
- Minnesota’s State-listed Species
- DNR Rare Species Guide – includes habitat description and best time to search for each species
- MN Mussel Survey and Relocation Protocol
- Rare Plant Guidance
- Habitat Assessment Documents
Survey Plans, Survey Reports, and Avoidance Plans
Report and Data Submission
- NHIS Data Submittal – Cover Sheet
- Data Submission – Scroll down to Submitting Data for spreadsheet templates
Contact the Natural Heritage Review Team
Natural Heritage Review staff receive a high volume of emails. Please use the following email addresses to ensure that your inquiry is routed to the correct staff and addressed in a timely manner:
[email protected] – For questions regarding Natural Heritage Review, including status inquiries
[email protected] – For submitting survey reports and data
[email protected] – For submitting License Agreement Application Forms
[email protected] – For questions regarding the NHIS Rare Features Data or training materials
[email protected] – For questions or troubleshooting regarding Minnesota Conservation Explorer
If your inquiry does not fit one of the above categories, please contact the team directly:
Lisa Joyal
Endangered Species Review Coordinator
NHIS Data Distribution Coordinator
651-259-5109
[email protected]
Conducts Natural Heritage Reviews
Coordinates the review of survey reports
Coordinates License Agreements
NHIS Training Team
VACANT
NH Review Specialist
Conducts Natural Heritage Reviews
Coordinates the review of survey reports
Coordinates License Agreements
NHIS Training Team
James Drake
NH Review Specialist
651-259-5017
[email protected]
Conducts Natural Heritage Reviews
Coordinates License Agreements
Kit Elstad-Haveles
Regional SNA Management Supervisor
651-245-0569
[email protected]
NHIS Training Team
Becky Horton
Environmental Review Planner
651-259-5122
[email protected]
Coordinates the review of survey reports
Coordinates License Agreements