Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Notice of Non-Discrimination and Complaint/Request Procedures

Under federal law, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to ensuring that no person will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, or age in any federally funded DNR program or activity and that no person will be discriminated against on the basis of sex in any federally funded DNR education program or activity. The DNR also prohibits discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities in all of its programs, services, and activities and will make reasonable modifications to ensure equal opportunity for access and participation.

Under state law, the DNR prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation or status with regard to public assistance in any DNR public service.

Statutory Authorities

Federal

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
  • Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

State

  • The Minnesota Human Rights Act

Complaint/Request Procedures

Any person who believes they have been discriminated against DNR public services based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identify, or status with regard to public assistance is encouraged to submit a complaint to the Minnesota DNR within one year of the alleged discrimination. An internal investigation or other form of dispute resolution will be used to provide a prompt and fair resolution.

Complaints shall be a written or electronic statement signed by the complainant or the complainant’s representative.

Where to submit a discrimination complaint

  • Online: Online Compliant Form (encouraged)
  •  
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: Attn: Yumi Finney, civil rights coordinator
    • DNR, Office of Access and Inclusion
    • 500 Lafayette Road
    • St. Paul, MN 55155-4049
    •  
  • Phone: 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, the DNR Call Center, and request a DNR ADA Title II Coordinator.
     

If the complaint is against a DNR Conservation Officer, follow the below complaint process.

  • Complete and sign the Complaint of Officer Misconduct Form (PDF).
  •  
  • Mail the completed and signed Complaint of Officer Misconduct form to:
    • DNR, Division of Law Enforcement
    • 500 Lafayette Road, Box 47
    • St. Paul, MN 55155-4047

To request alternative formats of the fillable ADA Accommodation Request Form Title II such as large print, Braille, or audio recording, or language assistance due to limited English proficiency, email [email protected] or 651-259-5016.

A fillable ADA Accommodation Request Form Title II is available for use when you chose to file a complaint by email or mail.

Persons with disabilities may submit a reasonable accommodation/modification request to access DNR facilities or participate in DNR Programs, services, and activities. To help us understand your needs, fill out the ADA Accommodation Request Form Title II and send it by mail or email to:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4049 

Although persons are encouraged to file complaints with the DNR before seeking resolution elsewhere, complaints may be submitted, as applicable, to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or activity in a Local Human Rights Commission may be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights within one year of the alleged discrimination and should be sent to:

Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Freeman Building
625 Robert Street North
Saint Paul MN 55155
Email:  [email protected]

Complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability under federal law may be submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior within 180 days of the alleged discrimination and should be sent to:

Chief, Public Civil Rights
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C. Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20240

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