Plan the future of natural resources protection
Hennepin County is in the process of updating the Natural Resources Strategic Plan, which will define our natural resources goals and strategies for the next 10 years.
The plan guides the county’s work to improve, protect, and preserve natural resources and provides a framework for our natural resources policies, programs, and partnerships.
The updated plan will seek to better align with new county initiatives, shifting demographics, and changing landscapes. This is the first opportunity to incorporate the county’s climate and racial equity priorities into the foundation of the plan.
Learn about the plan update process and how to get involved.
Provide data on natural resources
The natural resources interactive map includes detailed natural resources information that can be used to make everyday land use decisions and help with larger planning efforts.
Protect and restore natural areas
The county enhances natural areas and improves water quality by taking an increasingly strategic approach to planning, prioritizing, and partnering on natural resources projects.
The county offers a variety of funding and expert assistance for natural resources projects, including:
Enhance the tree canopy and promote sustainable landscaping
Hennepin County foresters conduct tree plantings, grow trees in a gravel-bed nursery, and offer grants to cities, affordable housing properties, schools and nonprofit organizations to combat threats from invasive species and disease, increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy, and educate the public. Learn about the trees and forestry programs and resources.
The county also promotes the use of sustainable landscaping to protect pollinators and improve water quality.
Address invasive species
The county disperses state funding through grants and partnerships to innovative programs that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The county has also developed resources that help residents and partners understand the threat that emerald ash borer poses to our tree canopy and options for managing ash trees. Learn more about managing ash trees from the threat of emerald ash borer.
Clean up contaminated sites
Hennepin County supports the redevelopment of contaminated properties, known as brownfields, with several grant and loan programs. Learn more about site cleanup and assessment funds and assistance.
Promote stewardship of natural resources
The county provides resources and encourages residents in urban, suburban, and rural parts of the county to take actions that protect land and water.
Learn more about: