ABSTRACT
The state of Minnesota’s unique geography featuring transition zones between three major ecosystems (prairie, northern deciduous and boreal forests) places it on the frontline of moving climate zones. Land conservation organizations such as the Minnesota Land Trust (Land Trust) are well positioned to deploy Natural Climate Solutions strategies that allow natural systems to both adapt to climate change and continue to provide important ecosystem services such as flood protection and clean water while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Private landowners who own 76% of Minnesota’s landscape and more than 60% of the United States play a critical role by voluntarily protecting or restoring their properties. This chapter presents four case studies showcasing how a land trust and its conservation partners work together to plan and implement Natural Climate Solution strategies on a landscape level in partnership with private landowners. The case studies highlight private land protection strategies that work to keep cold water cold and water on the land and showcase restoration efforts in response to climate impacts on critical habitat. To implement Natural Climate Solutions, building relationships and trust matter. Combined, these individual actions and web of relationships support the long game of landscape-level conservation and the relentless incrementalism that is required to improve climate resiliency across the landscape.
