Minnesota Wildlife Action Plan

Minnesota: Lands, Waters and Wildlife

Swan Lake/
D. Carlson

Minnesota lies at the center of North America, where the prairie, the boreal forest and the eastern deciduous forest meet. This unique confluence creates a diverse natural heritage. Minnesota is water-rich, with approximately 10 million acres of wetlands, 69,000 miles of rivers, and 12,000 lakes. Minnesota’s varied landscape and abundant natural resources provide important resource-based economies. The state's opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife-watching are world-renowned, with participation rates among the highest in the country.

Working Together for Minnesota's Wildlife

Ecological Classifications of Minnesota

Minnesota's wildlife action plan outlines priority conservation actions that the Department of Natural Resources and partners can adopt and adapt to their unique interests and capacities. The plan identifies 292 species that are in greatest need of conservation and presents profiles for 25 ecologically defined landscapes within Minnesota. Key habitats for species in greatest conservation need are identified within each of these ecological landscapes. The action plan’s approach involves a partnership of conservation organizations working together to ensure that species are sustained for future generations.

Primary Challenges to Minnesota's Wildlife

Habitat loss and degradation are the most significant problems facing wildlife in Minnesota. These habitat concerns impacts not only species in greatest conservation need, but also the economic and cultural benefits of a healthy environment, including people’s opportunity to enjoy quality outdoor experiences. A lack of knowledge about wildlife species, their habitats, and management requirements limits make informed decision-makings and recommendations for protecting and managing habitats. A lack of adequate information and education programs related to wildlife conservation reduces the opportunities for Minnesotans to appreciate, understand, and protect many little-known wildlife species.