In Minnesota, the Partners Program has focused on restoring specific types of habitats. The main emphasis of the program has been wetland restoration and more recently, upland/prairie restoration or establishment. The Partners Program has also become increasingly involved in restoring in-stream aquatic habitat as well as streambank vegetation through the use of bioengineering techniques.

In Minnesota, the Service is partnering with a number of entities to help restore and establish important fish habitat and stabilize streambanks on the Rock River for the federally endangered Topeka shiner. Work is ongoing as more private landowners become interested in restoring that type of wetland habitat on their land.

Native grasslands or prairies provide important habitat for many species of wildlife. The vast grasslands of long ago spread from the northwestern to the southeastern tip of the State of Minnesota and consisted of a variety of plant communities. The diversity of plant species provided sources of food, cover and breeding habitat for migratory songbirds and waterfowl. It was also home for large mammals such as bison and elk. In Minnesota, through the Partners Program, over 14,000 acres of upland prairie habitat have been restored on private property.

The Partners Program in Minnesota is carried out through the cooperation of private landowners who voluntarily offer drained wetlands and degraded uplands for restoration. Assistance is offered either in the form of informal advice on design and location of potential restoration projects, or design and funding of restoration projects through a voluntary Wildlife Management Agreement with the landowner. With this voluntary arrangement, habitats are restored at little or no cost for participating landowners who agree to protect their restored wetlands for a minimum of 10 years, and their restored uplands for a minimum of 20 years. Most habitat restoration projects are accomplished through a partnership not only with the individual landowner, but also with other contributing partners. This helps defray costs for all involved, establishes the most cost-effective conservation practice, and provides high quality habitat. This cooperative effort helps all partners achieve mutual conservation objectives.

Typically, the “dirt work” is accomplished using either Service personnel and equipment, if the project is located near a refuge or Wetland Management District, or a private contractor is hired through the Partners Program to complete the project as designed by Service personnel.

Contact Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Minnesota

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of LandCAN.
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Minnesota is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• Department of Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Contact Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Minnesota

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
434 Great Oak Drive
St. Cloud, Minnesota  56301
Phone: 320-253-4682
Toll Free: 800-814-6290
Fax: 320 253-0710
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Service Area

Statewide Program in:

• Minnesota

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