The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to Minnesota’s natural heritage, aquatic invasive species, outdoor recreation, and Lake Superior Coastal Program. Interested people can learn more or apply on the Engage with DNR website.

The Minnesota DNR strives for each committee membership to include a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives, locations and lived experiences so that we can benefit from the breadth of knowledge and insight that such diversity brings, and so that our advisory committees are reflective of all Minnesotans.

Natural Heritage Advisory Committee

The Natural Heritage Advisory Committee advises the Minnesota DNR on issues relating to sustaining the state’s natural heritage, biological diversity and ecosystem services. NHAC members make recommendations to help protect high quality prairies, forests, wetlands and other native habitats, and the diversity of plants and animals they support.

New member appointments with three-year terms will begin in January 2024 and extend through December 2026. Minnesota residents with interest or expertise in sustaining our state’s natural heritage can apply online until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Interested applicants can learn more by visiting the committee webpage of the DNR website.

Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee

Aquatic invasive species present one of the state’s most pressing natural resource issues. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, invasive carp, starry stonewort and other invasive plants and animals is of critical environmental, recreational and economic importance. Minnesotans interested in serving on the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee may apply online until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.  

The Minnesota DNR established the advisory committee in 2013 to help guide the agency’s AIS prevention and management activities. The committee comprises 15 members who serve three-year terms. Members provide advice and diverse perspectives on programmatic direction, emerging research needs, communications, and funding strategies. Interested applicants can learn more by visiting the committee webpage of the DNR website.

Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee

People with enthusiasm for Minnesota parks and trails can help guide efforts to provide welcoming, engaging, accessible, rewarding and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences for everyone. The partner agencies of the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee include the Metropolitan Council, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The mission of the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee is to “champion the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan by providing recommendations to enhance promotion, coordination, and accountability throughout implementation of the plan.”

Terms are two years, with the option of being re-appointed for a maximum of three terms. The committee meets every two months at park and trail facilities around the state, with an online meeting option. Meetings typically include tours of state and regional parks and trails and provide members with the opportunities to experience the impact of projects and programs supported by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.

Online applications opens in a new browser tab will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. More details are available on the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee website opens in a new browser tab.

Governor’s Council on Minnesota’s Coastal Program

The Governor’s Council on Minnesota’s Coastal Program advises the Minnesota DNR on matters related to Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program. The Governor’s Council helps the program to support and empower leaders and professionals in managing and conserving the state’s coastal communities and coastal spaces. Much of the emphasis is on reviewing and recommending grant projects. With the council’s help, the Coastal Program has awarded more than $14 million in funding to more than 700 projects since 1999.

The council has 15 open seats. Minnesotans living in Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties or on the Fond du Lac or Grand Portage Reservations are encouraged to apply. Those interested can apply online by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 through the Office of the Secretary of State opens in a new browser tab for consideration by the Governor this year. Details are available on the council webpage of the Minnesota DNR website.