About us
Ecological and Water Resources is one of seven divisions within the Department of Natural Resources. Programs in the division are organized into four sections:
- Ecosystem Management and Protection: Invasive Species, Conservation Management and Rare Resources, Nongame Wildlife, Minnesota Biological Survey, and Scientific and Natural Areas focusing on preserving Minnesota's natural heritage for scientific study and public understanding.
- Conservation Assistance and Regulation: Environmental Review, Land Use, Dam Safety and Permits, Water Regulation
- Inventory, Monitoring and Analysis: Hydrogeology/Groundwater, Lake Ecology, River Ecology, Water Monitoring and Surveys
- Strategic Information Services: Business Operations, Communications and Planning, and Information Technology
Ecological and Water Resources has more than 400 staff and 38 distinct programs, creating a diverse and skilled professional workforce.
Our vision
Healthy lands and waters throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota Conservation Explorer
A dynamic new tool for submitting and delivering data on Minnesota's rare features!
Explore the Minnesota Conservation Explorer »
Strategic Plan 2018-2028
To ensure the images in the report print correctly, select "Advanced > Print as Image" from the print dialog box.
Download the plan »
Landscape resources
Information about nongame wildlife, rare resources, Scientific and Natural Areas, and ecosystem health.
Explore »
Water resources
Information about water management, data and mapping, and permitting.
Explore »