Read what notable Minnesotans have to say about The Nature Conservancy:

Robyn Thorson, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region

"The great natural resource heritage of Minnesota has been championed by The Nature Conservancy for half a century. From Glacial Ridge to the Northern Tallgrass Prairie, from river blufflands to northern forests, your organization’s ‘Conservation by Design’ has distinguished The Nature Conservancy as a leader in ensuring long-term biodiversity, while respecting a broad range of stakeholders. For your dedication, strategic landscape planning, and creative partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders, the Fish and Wildlife Service is honored to be a partner with the Conservancy in Minnesota. We look forward to the next 50 years of working together."

 

Bernadine Joselyn, The Blandin Foundation

"I believe in the mission of The Nature Conservancy because it recognizes the role and responsibility of people in natural systems."

 

Mark Holsten, Commissioner, The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

"Today's conservation challenges require us to harness the energy of partnerships on a scale that changes the landscape. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has always considered The Nature Conservancy a key strategic partner, and our combined efforts have led to the protection of some of the state's most important natural lands—in fact, a number of our partnerships have been truly historic.

"The Conservancy and MN DNR worked to build the Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership. This public-private partnership recently completed a 51,000-acre working forest conservation easement in northern Minnesota. The acreage provides a vital link to two state-administered forests, creating a conservation area approaching 500,000 acres that will guarantee public recreational access, a sustainable supply of timber and protection of wildlife and. ecological values. MN DNR is also partnering with the Conservancy in the Tallgrass Aspen Parkland to implement one of the largest prairie and wetland conservation efforts in the country.

"The Conservancy's unique ability to identify priority conservation opportunities and to negotiate complex transactions has played a critical role in expanding the conservation value of our state lands. Without this organization, protecting Minnesota's natural heritage would be a very difficult and challenging task indeed."

 

Tim McGraw, Northwest Airlines Safety and Environmental Program Director

"Congratulations to the Minnesota Chapter on 50 years of conservation success. One of the reasons we chose to partner with The Nature Conservancy is their strong presence and record of success here in our hub market. We look forward to working together on projects in Minnesota and across the world."

 

Alice Hanley, Refuge Manager, Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR

“The Nature Conservancy was instrumental in land acquisition efforts for the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and they are a valuable partner in this effort.”

 

Jim Leach, Refuge Supervisor, Fort Snelling

“Conservation today is best implemented in partnership with others. The Nature Conservancy understands this and works tirelessly to find common ground between diverse partners focused on the conservation of priority habitat for multiple species. We are proud to be affiliated with this extraordinary conservation organization.”

Read more from other notable Minnesotans! 

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Brian Winter/TNC (Susie Island Preserve in Lake Superior); Photo © Jim Brandenburg (prairie chicken).