Minnesota Land management resources

Browse some of our preferred resources for land conservation and management.
Documents Wildlife Forestry Soil Invasive Species
Documents

  • With the SFIA private landowners receive direct incentive payments in exchange for refraining from development for a set number of years.

    Department of Revenue Site

    Watch the video below for a step by step guide through the SFIA application process.

    How to complete SFIA application.

    The covenant is a condition of the SFIA in which a private landowner agrees not to develop their land for a period of eight years.
    8-year covenant

    The covenant is a condition of the SFIA in which a private landowner agrees not to develop their land for a period of twenty years.
    20-year covenant

    The covenant is a condition of the SFIA in which a private landowner agrees not to develop their land for a period of fifty years.
    50- year covenant

    Review the application for enrollment in the Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act. Northland Habitat offers guidance and handles the paperwork for our clients.
    SFIA application

  • Landowners who follow a managed forestland plan qualify for reduced taxes as long as they adhere to the set plan. Visit the links below for more information.

    How to complete the 2c application

    Department of Revenue Site

    2C Fact Sheet

    2C Application

  • Learn more about the statewide network of DNR and private foresters helping private landowners optimize their woodlands.
    DNR General Information

    The Minnesota DNR offers a $300 cost-share program to landowners to go towards forest stewardship activities.
    $300 Cost Share Reimbursement
    Cost Share Projects

    Get expert guidance regarding when to intervene in the natural processes of your land to help it thrive for years to come.
    General Landowner Information

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife

  • National Deer Association
    The NDA is the country's leading organization for wildlife and habitat management of game animals.
    Deer Conservation Site
  • Ruffed Grouse Society
    The Rugged Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society focus on conservation to improve woodland health.
    RGS | AWS
  • National Wild Turkey Federation
    The National Wild Turkey Federation is dedicated to the conservation of wild turkey and the preservation of hunting culture.
    NWTF
  • Pheasants Forever
    Pheasants Forever works to conserve pheasants and quail with habitat improvement, education, and conservation advocacy work.
    Pheasants Forever Site
  • Ducks Unlimited
    Ducks Unlimited is the world leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation efforts, with over 15 million acres of wetland conserved.
    Ducks Unlimited Site
  • The Wildlife Society
    The Wildlife Society works worldwide for sustainable ecosystems supporting healthy wildlife populations.
    The Wildlife Society Site
  • Minnesota DNR- Private Land
    Over 75 percent of Minnesota is private land. Learn how to be a responsible steward of our state's wilderness.
    Department of Natural Resources
  • U.S Fish & Wildlife Service
    Discover programs created by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife department to help private landowners restore and enhance wildlife habitat.
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Site

Forestry

  • U of M Exstension Service
    The University of Minnesota offers its research and knowledge to private landowners to improve habitat on private land.
    University of Minnesota Outreach
  • Woodland Stewardship: A Practical Guide
    The University of Minnesota has a guide for private landowners interested in becoming stewards of Minnesota's natural resources.
    Woodland Stewardship 3rd Edition PDF
  • Minnesota Forestry Association
    The MFA works with forest-owning families to educate and support the conservation and stewardship of Minnesota's wilderness.
    MFA Site
  • Society of American Foresters
    Explore the industry standards of forestry, which combine expert guidance fueled by science and discover the benefits of SAF membership.
    SAF Site
  • Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
    Learn about BWSR's role in forest land conservation and Minnesota programs for landscape stewardship.
    Forest Land Stewardship
  • Soil and Water Conservation Districts
    Use this alphabetical listing of Minnesota's soil and water districts to get local information about conservation and resource management.
    Soil and Water Conservation Districts
  • U.S. Forest Service Private Land Resources
    Your role as a private landowner is essential for the safe stewardship of U.S. wilderness. Find support programs from the USFS.
    U.S. Forest Service Website
  • Minnesota Plant Field Guide
    Use this illustrated field guide to identify the plants on your land and understand their role in the ecology of your property.
    MDNR Plant Field Guide PDF
  • Plant Identification Downloadable App
    A joint venture between National Geographic and the California Academy of Scientists, iNaturalist lets you record and share the ecology of your property.
    iNaturalist Website
  • Solar Energy & Photosynthesis
    Learn how your forest and plants make the world go round through the suns energy.
    LGCY POWER
  • Tree ID Across the US
    Specifics of Tree ID, fruit bearing trees, deciduous vs. coniferous, USDA hardiness map, and more!
    Click Here

Soil

  • Soil Management and Health Resources
    Access resources from the University of Minnesota for soil testing and maintaining soil productivity.
    University of Minnesota Soil Programs
  • Soil Testing Request Sheet
    Submit a soil sample to the University of Minnesota to get high-quality testing with easy-access PDF results.
    University of Minnesota Soil Testing
  • USDA Soil Survey Map
    Use this USDA-generated interactive map to find Areas of Interest, Soil Maps, and even download soil data for your area.
    Web Soil Survey
  • Soil and Water Conservation Districts
    Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts comprehensive list of SWCDs.
    See the List

Invasive Species

  • Invasive Species Buckhorn Management
    Get buckhorn management strategies from the Minnesota DNR, including landowner resources and proper disposal methods.
    Department of Natural Resources Site
  • Invasive Species Non-Native Bush Honeysuckle
    Identify non-native bush honeysuckle plants on your property and learn how to dispose of them, plus native replacements for the plant.
    Department of Natural Resources Site
  • Invasive Species Garlic Mustard
    Learn about the threat garlic mustard poses to native plants as well as how to dispose of it on your property.
    Department of Natural Resources Site
  • Invasive Species Reed Canary
    Learn how reed canary is destructive to Minnesota's wetlands, report its presence on your property and find resources for its management.
    Department of Natural Resources Site
  • List of Minnesota Invasive Terrestial Plants
    Invasive species pose a severe threat to the health and longevity of Minnesota ecosystems. See a complete list and strategies for their elimination.
    Department of Natural Resources Site
  • ID Guide
    A field guide to terrestrial invasive plants in Wisconsin
    View the Guide

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