Conservation Planning

The Minnesota Conservation Explorer allows all users to access conservation planning information without having to register or log in. Users will be able to view ecologically significant areas including MBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance, DNR Native Plant Communities, DNR Old Growth Stands, and Lakes of Biological Significance. In addition, users can view spatial data associated with several DNR conservation plans such as the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan and Audubon Minnesota Important Bird Areas. Users can also create and download maps or conservation planning reports for an area of interest. 

Conservation planning reports are meant to be used as a planning tool and are not a substitute for a Natural Heritage Review. Conservation planning reports focus on ecologically significant areas and do not include information on state-listed species.

Please click on the Explore Tab above to view the conservation planning layers. The Help Tab provides instructions for navigating the tool.