Prairies and associated wetlands play an important role in supporting populations of fish, wildlife and native plants. Prairie habitats once covered one-third of Minnesota but presently less than two percent remains. Although conventional agricultural uses will continue to dominate the Prairie Region of Minnesota, protecting remaining native prairie and associated habitats, reconstructing additional grasslands, expanding perennial crops, and increasing the implementation of conservation practices will make these agricultural areas more sustainable and wildlife "friendly". The Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan provides a twenty-five year strategy for accelerating conservation in strategic locations such as large areas of prairie, grassland, and associated habitats.
BWSR's Role
BWSR supports prairie restoration through easement programs on private lands, such as the Reinvest in Minnesota and Wetland Banking programs, as well as the Clean Water Fund grant programs.
Grant Programs
Conservation Programs
Regulatory Programs