Every year, Climate Week aligns with National Public Lands Day, spotlighting the role of Minnesota's public lands in climate action. The state's Climate Action Framework from 2022 emphasizes this connection.
Commissioner Sarah Strommen notes, "Our lands and waters feel climate change's effects. By safeguarding and rejuvenating these areas, we maximize carbon storage and boost Minnesota's climate readiness."
Forests, grasslands, and wetlands do more than just capture carbon. They offer clean water, wildlife habitats, and economic opportunities. Minnesota pledged to restore over 6,000 acres of grasslands and wetlands for carbon storage this year. Such efforts can balance the carbon from 96,000 cars while bettering wildlife homes and water quality.
Funding for this comes from the One Minnesota Budget and Gov. Tim Walz. With $37.7 million, the goal is to enrich grasslands, expand trees, and support fish habitats.
DNR's Shannon Lotthammer says, "Preserving our natural spaces helps capture more carbon and boosts climate endurance. This funding speeds up our climate efforts on all lands."
Learn more about DNR's climate endeavors on their website or see Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sizsus
Categories: Minnesota, General