A new report, released July 8 by the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, offers a plan for Minnesota's environment and natural resources. The Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan charts long-term strategies for addressing critical issues and trends impacting Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

Funded by Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the report is a public/private effort led by the Institute on the Environment. The LCCMR requested the creation of the SCPP after requests from the Legislature and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Final recommendations propose potential policy and actions in five categories:

* Integrated Planning for goals such as water protection and mercury contamination reduction; and investing in the tools needed to support land use and conservation decisions.

* Critical Land Protection, which includes guidance on identifying, prioritizing and protecting critical land and aquatic habitat, forest land and shorelands.

* Land and Water Restoration, which includes guidance on restoring habitat, wetlands and watersheds; reducing streambank and soil erosion; and improving our understanding of groundwater resources.

* Sustainable Practices, which includes guidance on renewable energy sources, practices and adoption strategies; expanding the involvement of individuals and communities in energy conservation and carbon reduction efforts; and the expansion of sustainable forestry.

* Economic Incentives for Sustainability, which includes guidance on developing and providing incentives for investment in and adoption of renewable energy practices.

For more information and to view or download a copy of the SCPP, visit http://www.lccmr.leg.mn or http://www.mnconservationplan.net.