We have a responsibility to adapt to climate change. We manage the impacts of climate change and protect Minnesota's natural resources, ensuring outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations.
We take seriously our contributions to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. We are investing in renewable energy, continuing our good stewardship of public lands, and limiting or offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
DNR is using these strategies to both prepare for climate change and reduce our carbon footprint. Here are some examples of our strategies in action:
Ecosystems and water
Climate conversations on Lake Superior’s coast
Duluth, MN
The Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Program helps communities across the region become better informed about the shifting climate, its impacts, and opportunities for adaptation. Photo credit: Tansey Smith, 1854 Treaty AuthorityThe problem:
Climate shifts are projected to cause large-scale effects in northern Minnesota, including changes to its iconic North Woods. Other impacts to the region include precipitation changes and subsequent impacts to municipal infrastructure, water quality and quantity, increased numbers of invasive species, safety and potential tourism consequences from changes in Lake Superior water temperature and wind speeds, and potential impacts to local food production and harvesting. Many municipalities throughout the region have limited capacity and resources available for adapting to these changes.
What DNR is doing:
The DNR’s Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Program, led by Julie McDonnell, in collaboration with Minnesota Sea Grant and the 1854 Treaty Authority is bringing together local and state administrators, resource professionals, and university researchers from Minnesota’s North Shore region to share information about the changing climate, impacts and adaptation. Since July 2015, more than 25 presenters have covered topics including local climate observations and trends; observed and potential changes in Lake Superior water temperatures, food web, and ice cover; regional natural resources; regional food security; public health; and stormwater management.
Participation in the program is increasing. By exploring the latest data, identifying information gaps, and sharing ideas on adaptation strategies, the program helps communities across the region become better informed about the shifting climate, its impacts, and opportunities for adaptation.
Protecting climate resilient natural heritage sites
Central and southeastern Minnesota
Wykoff Balsam Fir SNA displays far above average metrics of climate resilience. This SNA displays some of the most southern examples of colder climate plant species, in part due to the cold microclimates provided by the globally-imperiled algific talus communities that occurs on site. These communities act as natural air conditioners that can keep hyper local temperatures at 40-60 F through even the hottest days of summer.The problem:
Changing temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the habitats of Minnesota’s native plant and wildlife species. If climate-resilient landscapes aren’t protected, we can expect many sensitive species, or at least certain populations, to disappear.
What DNR is doing:
The Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) program strategically preserves and protects Minnesota’s natural heritage lands. Each site under consideration for SNA designation is evaluated to determine what rare species may exist, if high-quality habitats are present, and how it fits into the broader network of publicly owned lands.
The SNA program has begun to assess the climate resilience of sites in central and southeastern Minnesota as well, using The Nature Conservancy's "Resilient Sites for Terrestrial Conservation in the Great Lakes and Tallgrass Prairie Region" report for guidance. Natural habitats that are more connected to other natural habitats and have greater topographic variability should provide species more opportunities to adapt and persist as the climate changes around them. The DNR is exploring the augmentation of statewide SNA evaluation criteria to ensure climate-resilient sites are prioritized over those that are not climate-resilient, all else being equal.
By focusing our limited funding dollars on acquiring more climate-resilient sites, the SNA program is maximizing the benefits provided by habitat protection now and into the future.
Terrestrial invasive species and climate change
Statewide
Tree of heaven is a terrestrial invasive species poised to spread as the climate warms. DNR provided input on Minnesota Department of Agriculture policy through participation on their Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, recommending that tree of heaven plants be restricted from sale in Minnesota. Photo credit: David Hanson, Minnesota Department of TransportationThe problem:
Due to climate change, invasive species that previously couldn’t survive in Minnesota may survive and thrive in the future. Established invasive species may expand their ranges or have amplified impacts. Current management techniques may become less effective with longer growing seasons.
What DNR is doing
The DNR is proactively managing invasive species and enacting policies to minimize impacts on Minnesota ecosystems in the face of climate change.
One strategy involves regulations on emerging invasive species that are not currently widespread across Minnesota. The DNR provided input on Minnesota Department of Agriculture policy through participation on its Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, recommending that invasive tree of heaven and porcelain berry plants be restricted from sale in Minnesota. By preventing additional sales, there will be fewer plants planted throughout the state and poised to spread as the climate warms. Another strategy is early detection and rapid response. Invasive vines, such as Round leaf bittersweet, are predicted to do well under increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. The DNR actively controls Round leaf bittersweet while populations are small, potentially reducing the negative impacts of this invasive plant in the future.
These examples demonstrate that the DNR has opportunities to adapt our policies and actions to minimize impacts of invasive species due to climate change.
Minnesota's ecological monitoring network
DNR’s Minnesota Biological Survey established a statewide network of permanent ecological monitoring sites across Minnesota. The results will help to aid decision-making by natural resource managers, conservation organizations, land owners, and others.The problem:
The long-term impacts of climate change on Minnesota’s prairies, forests, and wetlands are uncertain. In order to effectively manage these habitats in the future, it is vital to assess and monitor how they change over time.
What DNR is doing
Minnesota’s prairies, forests and wetlands provide essential services to its residents, including recreational opportunities, timber production, habitat for wildlife and pollinators, flood protection, and water filtration. To ensure Minnesota’s prairies, forests, and wetlands are effectively managed to minimize the negative impacts of stressors like climate change, it is important to assess and monitor these habitats for change over time.
The DNR’s Minnesota Biological Survey is establishing a statewide network of permanent ecological monitoring sites across Minnesota. The first phase of the project, funded by a three-year Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund grant from June 2016 through June 2019, is developing the monitoring network design and sampling methods, and collecting and testing field data on over 100 sites.
This monitoring project was carefully designed to provide objective data on long-term changes in habitat. The results will aid decision-making by natural resource managers, conservation organizations, landowners, and others.
Forestry, fish, and wildlife
Restoring conifers at historic Pine Island site
Pine Island, MN
Photo: Amanda KueperThe problem:
Climate adaptation strategies for forests can take many shapes. While some focus on transitioning a forested site to a new type of forest that will be better adapted to future climate conditions, others focus on retaining high-quality sites for historically present ecosystems, a strategy called resistance.
Pine Island is a 630-acre site within the Chengwatana State Forest. As the name suggests, the area had historically been dominated by red, white, and jack pine. The site has some of the most southerly natural origin jack pine in the state and was the birthplace of the pine harvest industry in Minnesota. Former Sandstone Area Forestry Supervisor, Jeremy Fauskee, has found a hillside along the St. Croix River where the bank was cut away so that oxen could haul logs into the river for transporting south. However, in the absence of natural fire, the fire-dependent ecosystem has slowly become more dominated by aspen and other hardwood tree species that are out-competing the pine.
What DNR is doing
To restore this historically conifer-dominated site, DNR is using timber harvest paired with mechanical and chemical treatment, prescribed fire, and tree-planting to discourage aspen and promote pine regeneration. Following harvest and treatment of hardwood-dominated areas, red pine seedlings will be planted and jack and white pine will naturally seed in from nearby areas. In a few decades, these planted areas will be ready for DNR to introduce prescribed fire to help the pine trees outcompete the hardwoods. In spots that already have pine, prescribed fire will be used to remove hardwoods from the understory. Pine Island is a convenient and safe location to use prescribed fire as a tool because it is well-isolated within the Chengwatana State Forest.
By using a variety of silviculture techniques, this climate adaptation resistance strategy will help create a healthy pine forest, buffering it against climate change impacts and competition from other species, both now and into the future.
Floodplain forest restoration on the Mississippi River
Reno, MN
Extended periods of sediment-bearing inundation are damaging floodplain forest ecosystems along the Mississippi River.The problem:
More intense flooding near the Mississippi River is increasing rates of tributary erosion, which leads to increased sedimentation in Mississippi River backwaters. In addition, longer periods of floodplain inundation are damaging floodplain forest ecosystems along the Mississippi River.
What DNR is doing
To combat the accumulation of eroded sediment in the backwaters of the Mississippi River, the DNR and partners are initiating a project to dredge 15 acres of backwater in the Mississippi River’s Upper Pool 9. This will improve fish habitat in these waters. Further, the dredged material will be used bury 20 acres of reed canary grass, an invasive species that competes with tree regeneration in floodplain forest ecosystems. The added sediment will raise the elevation of the area, which will aide in the restoration of a diverse floodplain forest ecosystem. The DNR has completed initial planning and sediment testing for the project and is developing construction plans.
This project is funded by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment through the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Audubon Society are providing technical assistance and ongoing maintenance for this project.
Adapting a Big Woods Forest to Wetter Conditions
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
The wettest decade on record has led to persistent water-logged conditions in portions of Nerstrand-Bigwoods State ParkThe problem:
Rainfall in southern Minnesota is becoming heavier and more frequent, and 2010-2019 was Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park’s wettest decade on record. Flat, poorly drained areas of the park have become water-logged, and approximately 12% of the park has experienced rapid forest decline and death. Only green ash seems resilient to the wetter conditions and is regenerating in the understory, but remains threatened by nearby emerald ash borer outbreaks.
What DNR is doing
A diverse team of DNR staff – including climatologists, foresters, resource specialists, hydrologists, and park managers – have banded together to study the rapid change taking place in Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, along with assistance from partners at the University of Minnesota and U.S. Forest Service. The team has been monitoring the site, collecting data, and evaluating management options.
One strategy the DNR is testing at the park is planting smalls plots of tree species that are not generally found in upland Big Woods forests, but that may have a better chance of surviving wetter conditions. Staff have planted several small plots in the flood-damaged areas with silver maple, hackberry, swamp white oak, cottonwood, and disease-resistant elm. The plots will be monitored for five years.
This type of climate adaptation strategy is sometimes known as “transition,” because it involves actively facilitating a change in the ecosystem to new species mixes that may better tolerate the future climate.
Ruffed grouse protection
Moose Willow WMA/Hill River State Forest
Ruffed grouse rely on thermal cover to stay warm in the winter. Photo credit: Beau LiddelThe problem:
Warmer winters mean decreasing snowpack, which can leave ground-dwelling birds like ruffed grouse (that burrow in the snow for warmth) with limited thermal cover in the coldest months.
What DNR is doing:
Minnesota’s state wildlife management areas (WMA) provide important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for Minnesotans. DNR wildlife biologist Derek Frost and forester Matt Huseby led a project in the Moose Willow WMA and Hill River State Forest to provide more winter cover for ruffed grouse and other wildlife that generally depend on thick snow to stay warm and hide from predators in the winter.
In May 2018, a mix of 20,000 balsam fir and white spruce seedlings were planted in small, half-acre patches across a 400-acre area that recently had been logged to salvage wood from the great number of trees knocked down during a large storm. The young conifers will provide protection for grouse and increase the tree diversity of the aspen-dominated forest.
The project was funded by the Ruffed Grouse Society with a grant from Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Management plan for Frazee-Vergas School Forest
Frazee, MN
Small shelters create a great working area for student groups. Frazee-Vergas School Forest, Frazee. Photo credit: Kylee BergerThe problem:
Higher temperatures threaten Minnesota’s cold-hearty forests in a variety of ways, from added heat stress on trees to increasing populations of forest pests that attack stressed trees. Increased precipitation also is leading to more flooding around the state.
What DNR is doing
School forests provide living classrooms where students can learn about forests and forest management. At the Frazee-Vergas School Forest, students also are learning about how climate change impacts forests and how forests can adapt to those impacts. DNR forester Kylee Berger worked with the Frazee-Vergas school to develop a forest management plan focused on increasing diversity at all levels within the forest – creating variety in tree age, size, species, and even genetics. Diverse forests are more resilient to change and more likely to survive and thrive.
Further, the plan provides direction on how to protect the school forest’s wetland. Healthy wetlands help control flooding and provide important wildlife habitat. Other adaptation strategies in the plan include thinning young stands of trees to reduce competition and reducing risk of tree diseases through active monitoring and management.
In addition to creating a resilient forest, the school forest’s management plan helps educate faculty, students, and local community members about climate change impacts and adaptation opportunities.
Protecting cisco in Tulaby Lake
Tulaby Lake, Mahnomen County
Native prairie planting next to Tulaby lake.The problem:
Cisco (also called “tullibee” or “whitefish”) are an important prey species for loons and many popular species of game fish in Minnesota, such as walleye. However, they are sensitive to even small changes in their environment. The combination of warming lake temperatures from climate change and nutrient runoff from surrounding lands jeopardizes the health of Minnesota’s cisco populations – as well as the walleye and other fish that depend on them.
What DNR is doing
Many private landowners are doing their part to protect cisco lakes by planting or maintaining native vegetation along the shore to help reduce soil and nutrient runoff. As an example, one family with land in Mahnomen County along Tulaby Lake have done some reforestation on their property, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the air as the young trees grow.
The DNR is working with landowners who own forestland in cisco lake watersheds by offering to prepare forest stewardship plans at a reduced price and provide cost-share funds for restoration projects along the shore and in surrounding forestlands. The Tulaby Lake family qualified for one of the low-cost stewardship plans, which provides them further direction on how to sustainably manage their forestland near the lake.
As Minnesota’s cold-water lake fish like cisco face increasing pressure from rising temperatures, actions that keep lakes clean and reduce stress on fish populations are more important than ever.
Planting resilient forests in southeast Minnesota
Lewiston Area, Fremont Township, Winona
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest - located in southeast MinnesotaThe problem:
Warming temperatures threaten Minnesota’s cold-hardy forests in a variety of ways, from added heat stress on trees to increasing populations of forest pests that attack stressed trees. Different tree species are expected to adapt to climate change with varying rates of success.
What DNR is doing
As the DNR plans for timber harvests, the agency considers future forest conditions. This includes reforesting harvested areas with tree species predicted to adapt to warmer conditions.
In an oak woodland on state forest land in southeast Minnesota’s “Driftless Area” that is nearing its harvest age, DNR forester Kevin O’Brien has written a forest management plan to plant swamp white oak, shagbark hickory, and bur oak in the understory of the woodland. These tree species are projected to increase under future climate conditions in southeast Minnesota, according to modeling performed by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. That means they are expected to survive better than some of the other tree species native to the area. Planting the trees before the woodland is harvested will give them a head start so they are ready to grow once the canopy is open and they have access to sunlight.
In addition to helping create a climate-resilient forest, these native trees provide a needed food source of nuts and acorns for wildlife.
Increasing diversity in black ash forests
Koochiching County, MN
Emerald ash borer (EAB) emerging through its D-shaped exit hole. EAB is an invasive insect that is slowly making inroads in our state and wiping out ash treesThe problem:
Warming temperatures threaten Minnesota’s cold-hardy forests in a variety of ways, from added heat stress on trees to increasing populations of forest pests that attack stressed trees. Northern Minnesota is home to vast stretches of swampy black ash forest that are at great risk from emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that is slowly making inroads in our state and wiping out ash trees.
What DNR is doing
One way of protecting ash-dominated forests in Minnesota is to diversify them with other tree species, so if the ash die there are other trees left to take their place. On state forest land in Koochiching County, DNR forester Lars Helleloid wrote a forest management plan to plant 800 bur oaks, 800 silver maples, 500 black spruces and 500 genetically-improved white spruce seedlings over a nine-acre site where ash trees recently had been harvested. DNR foresters will monitor the success of the planting in future years and potentially take further management action to reduce competition so the young planted trees can better grow.
The DNR plans to do similar trial plantings like this one elsewhere in the state in an ongoing effort to better prepare ash forests for future change.
Kettle Lake ash reforestation: tree planting in advance of emerald ash borer
Cromwell, MN
A crew plants various species of tree seedlings to diversify a black ash-dominated forest that is at risk of emerald ash borer invasion. Photo credit: Paul DubuqueThe problem:
Northern Minnesota is home to vast stretches of swampy black ash forest that are at great risk from emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that is slowly making inroads in our state. It’s been found in southeastern Minnesota, the Twin Cities and Duluth. Warming winters and fewer days of extreme cold provide conditions that allow the insect to thrive and reproduce, likely eventually killing most ash trees in the state. In the black ash swamps of northern Minnesota, this could greatly affect the region’s hydrology.
What DNR is doing
Diversifying ash stands may be the best way to keep trees on the landscape, should most of the state’s ash succumb to emerald ash borer. In 2017, DNR forester Wes Habedank wrote a forest management plan for a 23-acre area of state forest dominated by ash trees. The site was harvested, leaving behind clumps of hardwood trees and scattered conifer trees to provide a non-ash seed source for the future forest. Following the harvest, 12 native tree species were planted across the site including red maple, white spruce, black spruce, tamarack, balsam fir, paper birch, bur oak, quaking aspen, hackberry, silver maple, swamp white oak and cottonwood. Some of these species are common in southern Minnesota and may be better adapted to handle a warmer future climate. In cooperation with University of Minnesota researchers, the DNR will monitor the site to see which species do best.
The forest near the Kettle Lake Wildlife Management Area is unique in that it represents a variety of ash-dominated forest ecosystems and can be accessed easily by road. This case study provides an opportunity to showcase a climate adaptation demonstration trial for foresters and other natural resource managers.
Operations and infrastructure
Seeking Higher Ground from Bigger Floods
Minnesota has successfully implemented building standards that have reduced the impact of catastrophic floods on vulnerable communities.The problem:
Due to increased precipitation and heavy rain events in Minnesota, flood events are increasing in frequency and intensity, with flood levels commonly exceeding the 100-year flood elevation mark, a threat to buildings in floodplains.
What DNR is doing
The DNR is responsible for creating and overseeing the regulations that guide building and construction standards in floodplains and shoreland areas. The state’s guidelines go above and beyond those required at the federal level. Most notably, statewide rules require all homes to be built so their lowest floor is at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation. Coupled with a proactive flood hazard mitigation program, the state has been successful at implementing these standards to promote safe and sustainable development practices. Despite a number of significant flood events lately, Minnesota has experienced relatively small impacts.
Further, the DNR oversees the rules that serve as the zoning standards adopted by local governments. The DNR also aggressively pursues better floodplain mapping so we can accurately identify flood risks throughout the state. Good data not only benefits prospective developers, but also helps roadway engineers design bridges and culverts in a way that accommodates flood flows. The DNR provides guidance materials and conducts trainings to ensure local communities have the tools and knowledge they need to safely guide development in the floodplain and ensure our buildings are resilient to a changing climate.
It is important to remember that while we can map a floodplain based on best available hydrologic data, floods know no boundaries. Flooding happens outside of rivers, streams and lakes. Flooding is commonly seen in very localized areas due to inadequate stormwater capacity or poor grading. Purchasing a flood insurance policy is the best tool to protect your property and possessions from this risk, and discounted policies are available outside of the higher risk zones.
Minnesota has successfully implemented building standards that have reduced the impact of catastrophic floods on vulnerable communitiesThe problem:
Due to increased precipitation and heavy rain events in Minnesota, flood events are increasing in frequency and intensity, with flood levels commonly exceeding the 100-year flood elevation mark, a threat to buildings in floodplains.
What DNR is doing
The DNR is responsible for creating and overseeing the regulations that guide building and construction standards in floodplains and shoreland areas. The state’s guidelines go above and beyond those required at the federal level. Most notably, statewide rules require all homes to be built so their lowest floor is at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation. Coupled with a proactive flood hazard mitigation program, the state has been successful at implementing these standards to promote safe and sustainable development practices. Despite a number of significant flood events lately, Minnesota has experienced relatively small impacts.
Further, the DNR oversees the rules that serve as the zoning standards adopted by local governments. The DNR also aggressively pursues better floodplain mapping so we can accurately identify flood risks throughout the state. Good data not only benefits prospective developers, but also helps roadway engineers design bridges and culverts in a way that accommodates flood flows. The DNR provides guidance materials and conducts trainings to ensure local communities have the tools and knowledge they need to safely guide development in the floodplain and ensure our buildings are resilient to a changing climate.
It is important to remember that while we can map a floodplain based on best available hydrologic data, floods know no boundaries. Flooding happens outside of rivers, streams and lakes. Flooding is commonly seen in very localized areas due to inadequate stormwater capacity or poor grading. Purchasing a flood insurance policy is the best tool to protect your property and possessions from this risk, and discounted policies are available outside of the higher risk zones.
Improved fleet efficiency
Whenever possible, DNR purchases vehicles that are more fuel efficient than the units that they are replacing. Photo credit: Aaron CisewskiThe problem:
Greenhouse gas emissions generated from vehicle usage contribute to global warming, fueling climate changes that impact our natural resources.
What DNR is doing
The DNR is improving the fuel efficiency of its fleet to reduce the amount of fossil fuel consumed and emissions produced. Since 2008, DNR annual fleet fossil fuel use decreased by over 260,000 gallons. The DNR is achieving these reductions through multiple pathways. First, whenever possible, the agency purchases vehicles that are more fuel efficient than the units they are replacing. For example, the DNR enrolled over 125 hybrid or electric cars into its fleet and the average miles per gallon of its sedans increased from 28.6 MPG (fiscal year 2014) to 36.1 MPG (fiscal year 2024). Second, the DNR is increasing the amount of alternate fuels such as E-85, B20 bio-diesel, and propane purchased. Many of the DNR’s vehicles, including pickup trucks (which make up a large portion the fleet), can be run on such fuel.The DNR owns and manages its own fleet. We have the opportunity and responsibility to maintain a fleet of the most fuel-efficient equipment possible while also achieving our important natural resources work.Designing resilient watercourse infrastructure at road intersections
Instead of the traditional design that confines all flow to a main culvert or bridge, DNR’s site design guidance and tools allows runoff to flow naturally during a flood. Photo credit: Kevin ZytkoviczThe problem:
More intense precipitation events cause increased flooding and road washouts in floodplains across Minnesota.
What DNR is doing
The DNR provides technical support for local infrastructure projects at road-waterway intersections. Instead of the traditional design that confines all flow to a main culvert or bridge, DNR site design guidance and tools allow runoff to flow naturally during a flood. This approach maintains floodplain and channel connectivity by distributing the high flows and energy across the floodplain. This means the infrastructure is designed to work with the natural system and allow for stable waterways long-term.
To date, the DNR has provided technical assessments at 17 sites using this approach. In addition, five road projects have been implemented. DNR staff monitor the project sites to determine if these projects are helping enhance natural ecological processes and watershed resilience.
Geomorphic Approach to Infrastructure Design at Road/River Intersections »
Renewable energy installations
Camden State Park Solar Array.The problem:
Greenhouse gas emissions released from burning fossil fuels for energy contribute to global warming, fueling climate changes that impact our natural resources.
What DNR is doing:
Renewable energy installations including photovoltaic (solar) arrays, and solar thermal are increasingly common at Minnesota state parks and DNR office buildings. Since 2009, the DNR has installed over 40 renewable systems at 35 locations across Minnesota. These systems generate over 591,000 kilowatt hours of electrical power annually, helping the DNR meet state and agency-specific goals to reduce fossil fuel energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Parks and recreation
Adapting a Big Woods Forest to Wetter Conditions
- The wettest decade on record has led to persistent water-logged conditions in portions of Nerstrand-Bigwoods State Park
The problem:
Rainfall in southern Minnesota is becoming heavier and more frequent, and 2010-2019 was Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park’s wettest decade on record. Flat, poorly drained areas of the park have become water-logged, and approximately 12% of the park has experienced rapid forest decline and death. Only green ash seems resilient to the wetter conditions and is regenerating in the understory, but remains threatened by nearby emerald ash borer outbreaks.
What DNR is doing
A diverse team of DNR staff – including climatologists, foresters, resource specialists, hydrologists, and park managers – have banded together to study the rapid change taking place in Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, along with assistance from partners at the University of Minnesota and U.S. Forest Service. The team has been monitoring the site, collecting data, and evaluating management options.
One strategy the DNR is testing at the park is planting smalls plots of tree species that are not generally found in upland Big Woods forests, but that may have a better chance of surviving wetter conditions. Staff have planted several small plots in the flood-damaged areas with silver maple, hackberry, swamp white oak, cottonwood, and disease-resistant elm. The plots will be monitored for five years.
This type of climate adaptation strategy is sometimes known as “transition,” because it involves actively facilitating a change in the ecosystem to new species mixes that may better tolerate the future climate.
Managing invasive plants in state park floodplains and terrace forests
Southeastern Minnesota blufflands
Garlic mustard infestations can get their start when flood waters redistribute their seeds in floodplain areas. Photo credit: Laura Van RiperThe problem:
Increased heavy precipitation and "mega-rain" events are causing frequent re-infestations of invasive plant species in floodplains and terrace forests. This makes it difficult to maintain high-quality native plant communities in these areas and detracts from resource management needs elsewhere.
What DNR is doing
Climate change is fundamentally affecting how the DNR manages resources within state parks. Prior to 2010, invasive garlic mustard patches at Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota were controlled and shrinking, requiring about 150 hours of crew time annually. This changed after large flood events impacted the park in 2007, 2010 and 2017. Approximately three years of intensive effort is required to re-survey and treat floodplain areas following each large flood. It became untenable for the DNR to continue this level of management effort here and at other state parks in southeastern Minnesota.
As a result, the DNR shifted its approach to managing garlic mustard, focusing available time and funding on areas that are not experiencing repeated flood events, or floodplains with other important resource values such as protected species.
Restoring Mound Creek
Blue Mounds State Park
View of the Lower Mound Creek dam after the June 2014 flood event. The historic basin completely drained and formed an incised creek channel. Photo credit: Molly Tranel NelsonThe problem:
Infrastructure damage in flood-prone areas is on the rise due to increasingly common heavy rainfall events. In 2014 a "mega-rain" event hit southwestern Minnesota. It caused a failure in the historic dam and resulted in the draining of the Lower Mound Lake impoundment.
What DNR is doing:
In response to the damage within Blue Mounds State Park, the DNR conducted an extensive review to determine whether to remove the remnants of the dam and restore a portion of Mound Creek or to repair the dam and allow the impoundment to refill.
The dam and lake were on the National Register of Historic Places. However, water quality in the lake impoundment was poor due to high nitrate levels and E. coli contamination. Further, the creek had occurrences of the federally endangered Topeka shiner as well as state listed species (plains topminnow and pond mussel). The DNR received guidance and input from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State Historic Preservation Office, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. In the end, it was determined the best path forward was to restore the stream corridor to provide habitat for the federal and state listed species and help the park adapt to future extreme precipitation events.