Effective plant selection, establishment and management plays an essential role in the success of conservation projects. BWSR's Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines and related technical documents have been developed to help ensure project success.

BWSR has developed and refined these guidelines, beginning in 2010, to assist resource professionals and landowners across Minnesota in meeting state vegetation policies and standards and to guide the successful planting and management of restoration and other conservation projects. The Guidelines are also designed to:

purple wildflowers in wet meadow

  • Develop consistency among state programs;
  • Avoid the use or introduction of invasive species; and
  • Ensure that plantings function at a high level and meet project goals.

These guidelines apply to all BWSR programs that have vegetation restoration components, as well as other state programs that have adopted or reference the guidelines. The 2025 update of the Guidelines includes specifications for maximum source distances for native seed and plants. Planting of state noxious weeds is prohibited. Other topics include recommended planting dates, diversity levels, and planting guidance by project type.

The Guidelines are updated periodically as new research and field experience become available. A web-based format allows for easier use and updating: each section or project type factsheet can be individually downloaded and saved or printed. 

The Guidelines were reviewed in 2024 by an advisory team of conservation partners (see Vision for Native Vegetation and Biodiversity) and by grants and program staff to ensure consistency with BWSR grant, easement and wetlands program policies and guidance. Comments and suggestions have been incorporated into the chapters and factsheets in the drop-downs below. Individual project type factsheets will also be updated periodically as new information becomes available. Further comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Section 1: Purpose and Applicability

Summarizes the applicability of the guidelines to BWSR programs and to related state and federal standards, the benefits of native vegetation. and guiding principles for restoring resilient landscapes.

Section 1: Purpose and Applicability (pdf)

Section 2: General Planning Considerations

Considerations for seed and plant source, diversity levels, cultivar use, protecting plant communities, preventing the introduction of invasive species and planting and management strategies for climate change.  

Section 2: General Planning Considerations (pdf)

Section 3: Project Site Preparation, Planting and Maintenance

Key considerations for each phase of the vegetation establishment process.

Section 3: Project Site Preparation, Planting and Maintenance (pdf)

Section 4: Standards and Guidance by Project Type

Factsheets summarizing plant selection, planting and management considerations for different project types.

Agricultural Conservation Practices (pdf)

Agricultural Forestry Practices (pdf)

Forest Establishment and Management Practices (pdf)

Lakeshores (pdf)

Native Prairie Reconstruction (pdf)

Remnant Prairie and Savanna Restoration (pdf)

Pollinator Habitat (pdf)

Raingardens, Biofiltration and Vegetated Swales (pdf)

Ravine Stabilization (pdf)

River and Stream Bank Stabilization (pdf)

Roadside Habitat (pdf)

Stormwater Ponds (pdf)

Temporary Cover for Restoration (pdf)

Urban Forest Establishment and Management Practices (pdf)

Wetland Restoration for Conservation Programs (pdf)

Wetland Restoration for Mitigation (pdf)

Section 5: Appendices

Appendix A: Preventing Palmer Amaranth and Other Noxious Weeds in Conservation Plantings

Appendix B: Definitions

Appendix C: Literature Cited

 

Contact

Dan Shaw
Senior Ecologist/Vegetation Specialist