Biological Diversity Policy

Minnesota does not have a formal biodiversity policy. However, the Department of Natural Resources has a strategic plan with the goal of maintaining, enhancing and restoring ecosystems. The goal is to be achieved through an ecosystem-based management approach. By combining the environment, economy, and community, the strategy seeks a healthy ecosystem. It is also state policy by statute that fish and wildlife are renewable natural resources to be conserved and enhanced. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 84.941) Other policies recognize the importance of the state's natural heritage, peatlands and wetlands.

Status of Biodiversity Science

Minnesota does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. Instead, the state relies on its Natutal Heritage program, GAP and other inventory systems. GAP is operated in cooperation with Michigan and Wisconsin. Other surveys include a County Biological Survey, Cooperative Stand Assessment and Forest Inventory and Assessment.

Endangered Species

Minnesota has an endangered species act that protects plants and animals. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 84.0894 et seq; Minn. R. 6134.0100 et seq.) Listing is based on scientific data, although a public review and commentary is authorized. Recovery plans are authorized but not required. Critical habitat designation and agency consultation are not required. Penalties constitute a misdemeanor and require the violator to pay restitution for replacement of the animal.

State Agency Management for Biodiversity

State-owned Lands

Some state agencies attempt to manage their lands in a biologically sustainable manner. For example, biodiversity conservation is one of the goals in the Division of Forestry's strategic plan.

Cooperative Efforts

Minnesota engages in some cooperative efforts to improve land management across ownership boundaries. An Upper Great Lakes Biodiversity Committee makes recommendations on biodiversity issues and works through other agencies to implement them. The Department of Natural Resources cooperates with the U.S. Forest Service on an Ecological Classification System to assess the ecological capabilities of different pieces of land.

State Agency Training

Minnesota has some programs of agency personnel training for biodiversity. Currently, the Department of Natural Resources holds classes on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management, and is developing a department-wide ecosystem management training program that includes biodiversity components. In addition, the Divisions of Forestry, Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Recreation have had numerous biodiversity training sessions over the past several years.

Impact Assessment

Minnesota has a "little NEPA," requiring assessment of proposed agency impacts on biological resources. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 115A.25 et seq.) The Minnesota Environmental Policy Act requires environmental impact statements for all state agency actions significantly impacting the environment.

Habitat Acquisition

Minnesota has programs designed to acquire lands important because of their wildlife habitat values. The Reinvest in Minnesota Critical Habitat Private Sector Matching Program acquires critical habitat through state and private partnerships. Since 1986, $13.4 million has been appropriated by the legislature, although there is currently an excess of $1.7 million in donations that must be matched by the program. A Wildlife Land Acquisition Account is funded by a surcharge on small game hunting licenses. The funds, approximately $1-1.2 million per year, are split between acquisition and development measures.

Private Land Conservation

Minnesota has some private land conservation programs. For example, a tax credit exempts landowners from taxation on portions of land considered to be native wetlands or prairies. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 272.02) Conservation easements are also authorized by statute. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 84C. 01-02)

Exotic Species

Minnesota has several provisions designed to control the introduction and spread of exotic species. An Access Inspection Program checks boats for exotic species as they leave infested waters, staffed by six full time employees and about 30-40 additional summer staff. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources has prepared a draft plan for all species of exotic aquatic plants or wild animals, and plans for individual species exist. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 84.968) Penalties for violations range from $50 to $1,000. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 84.9692)

Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities

Minnesota has an animal damage control program that is operated by the federal government. This program includes efforts to control timber wolf populations as covered by the 1992 Recovery Plan for the Eastern Timber Wolf. The state also has a Wildlife Damage Abatement Program to prevent damage caused by deer, bear, moose, and Canadian geese. A State Wolf-Livestock Depredation Program is designed to prevent illegal takings of eastern timber wolves by providing compensation to landowners for cattle losses.

Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity

The state has a citizen suit provision allowing any person to sue to protect the air, water, land and other natural resources of the state. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 116B.03 et seq.)

Related Issues

Minnesota has many environmental education programs and initiatives. (See Minn. Stat. Ann. 126A.01 et seq.) The state participates in Project WILD, and published a wildlife viewing guide, although it is not part of the Watchable Wildlife series.

A Minnesota State Wildflower Act protects certain wildflowers. (Minn. Stat. Ann. 17.23) Penalties for taking or destroying the wildflowers include fines of $10 to $50.

The Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991 has as its goal no net loss in the state's existing wetlands. (Minn. R. 8420.0100) The act established a wetlands banking system to restore eligible wetlands.

Minnesota does not currently have a takings law. However, five companion bills were introduced into the 1995 legislative session and carried over to the 1996 session. Compensation for reductions in value of five percent or $1,000 is authorized by the bills.

Contacts:

Department of Agriculture
90 W. Plato Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55107
612-297-2200

Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-4001
612-296-6157

State Extension Services
University of Minnesota
240 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-624-2703