DNR report highlights advancements in conservation, agency effectiveness

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DNR report highlights advancements in conservation, agency effectiveness
(Released December 15, 2010)


A new report just released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) profiles important on-the-ground conservation triumphs and improvements in the agency’s operational efficiency and effectiveness over the past eight years.

View Accomplishments Report: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/conservationagenda/accomplishments.html

View Conservation Agenda: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/conservationagenda/index.html

 
The Accomplishment Highlights Report shows an unparalleled achievement in land protection and access in Minnesota, according to DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. “Together with our partners, we have protected from development more than 366,000 acres of priority conservation lands, ensuring continued public access and sustainable economic uses.”

Another is advancement in connecting more people to Minnesota’s great outdoors, as evidenced by an 8 percent rise in state park visitation, and by acquisition of property for a next generation state park on Lake Vermilion. The DNR has also fostered private sector partnerships designed to introduce more people to outdoor recreation, such as the “Break a Bat, Plant a Tree” promotion with the Minnesota Twins, state parks geocaching opportunities in partnership with Best Buy, and “I Can Camp” events with Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI).

The DNR has also adapted to significant shifts in the state’s budget climate by better integrating its work, being innovative and entrepreneurial in its business, improving efficiencies in operations, and reducing staffing levels. Examples include approximately $3 million in fleet debt payment savings over the past five years, and approximately $540,000 in facility cost savings.

“We have been able to make these and many other noteworthy achievements happen by literally becoming a different agency, by doing such things as engaging more public involvement and support from the citizens of Minnesota,” Holsten said.

The release of the Accomplishment Highlights Report coincides with the rollout of the DNR’s “Strategic Conservation Agenda 2009-2013″. The Agenda addresses performance indicators and targets that the department uses to track progress toward conservation goals.