Vision for Native Vegetation and Biodiversity

Native vegetation in Minnesota provides a wide range of benefits to ecosystems, wildlife, human populations, and the economy. However, native plant diversity is declining across Minnesota, threatening ecosystems and human food systems. These declines are due to a combination of factors, including development, climate change, invasive species, pollutants, excess nutrients, and changes in land management practices. 

In the spring of 2023, state legislation directed the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to “work with state and federal agencies, Tribal Nations, academic institutions, local governments, and stakeholders to foster mutual understanding and provide recommendations for establishing and enhancing native vegetation in order to provide benefits for water quality, soil conservation, energy conservation and climate adaptation, resiliency and mitigation."

BWSR convened an advisory team of around 100 conservation partners from other agencies,  restoration organizations and seed suppliers (etc.).  The group met twice in 20024 and a separate policy subcommittee met several times to refine recommendations. To ensure a thoughtful planning process the advisory team developed the following seven goals:

1. Build collaboration and mutual understanding between conservation partners about the protection, establishment, and management of native vegetation and associated biodiversity.
2. Incorporate perspectives from tribal nations and other groups whose perspectives may not have been part of past discussions.
3. Recognize the diversity of views about the establishment and management of biodiverse landscapes across Minnesota, while emphasizing topics where there is common agreement.
4. identify specific barriers to restoration projects statewide and developing strategies to address those barriers.
5. Develop recommendations that will lead to landscape benefits for water quality, soil conservation, habitat enhancement, energy conservation, and climate adaptation, resiliency, and mitigation.  
6. Support decision making by local teams of experts related to native vegetation establishment and management.
7. Create a foundation for inclusive and ongoing discussions about native vegetation policy, protection, establishment and management.

The first draft of a report has been developed which will be used facilitate further discussions with tribal government and other conservation partners:  Native Vegetation Advisory Team Draft Report

The first draft of action steps based on the report has also been developed.

If you have comments or questions about the report or action steps please contact Dan Shaw at dan.shaw@state.mn.us

The following list of ten high priority topics represent key components of the advisory team’s vision:

1. Build Capacity for Addressing Ecological Ecosystem Threats:  
2. Build and Maintain Biodiversity Across Landscapes 
3. Make Landscape Connections
4. Restore Multiple Landscape Benefits
5. Increase Seed and Plant Production and Collection
6. Continue Discussions about Appropriate Seed and Plant Sources
7. Build Reciprocal Relationships with Tribal Communities
8. Restore Key Landscape Processes
9. Pursue Innovative Restoration and Rewilding Strategies
10. Expand Outreach and Equity Efforts

Related Tools and Programs:

BWSR’s Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines

Pollinator and Biodiversity toolbox 

What’s Working for Conservation

Habitat Friendly Utilities Program

Lawns to Legumes

HELP (Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program)

Habitat Friendly Solar