Resources

We’re building this resource library of informational articles to help advance ecological restoration efforts in the Upper Midwest.

Mitigation Partners Inc. (MPI) works with all of its partners to create up to date, relevant information for visitors, partners and the general public interested in environmental and ecological restoration or mitigation.

The goal is to make available informational and educational information for anyone interested in the areas of expertise of MPI and its partners.

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All Blog Posts

Tory Christensen Tory Christensen

The Top Ten Peatland Plants and Animals in Northern Minnesota

Peatlands in Northern Minnesota are home to some of the most diverse and interesting ecosystems in the world. These wetland habitats have ecological importance for providing habitat to plenty of sphagnum mosses, sedges, and grasses, but also unique species of flora and fauna. From rare and endangered species to traditional knowledge and practices, peatlands play a vital role in the local environment and the preservation of biodiversity.

More than a third of Minnesota’s species of birds are said to be major users of peatland habitats, which shows the abundance in the region. With so many species to explore, it can be hard to narrow down the top ten peatland plants and animals in Northern Minnesota. However, to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these habitats, we'll take a look at these fascinating species of plants and animals that call the peatlands of Northern Minnesota home, including important species that are rare, endangered, threatened and special concern status.

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Tory Christensen Tory Christensen

Ready, Set, GO! Mitigation Banking from MBI to Credit Sales

The Midwest region of the United States is home to a diverse array of streams and rivers that serve as critical habitats for a variety of aquatic species, provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and play a vital role in the region's ecosystem. In this blog post, we will explore some typical stream restoration techniques used in the Midwest.

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Tory Christensen Tory Christensen

Is my stream eroding?

The Midwest region of the United States is home to a diverse array of streams and rivers that serve as critical habitats for a variety of aquatic species, provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and play a vital role in the region's ecosystem. In this blog post, we will explore some typical stream restoration techniques used in the Midwest.

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Tory Christensen Tory Christensen

Do I have a Wetland, Ditch or Stream on my Property?

What are you restoring for your mitigation bank project? A ditch, stream, wetland or stream and wetland complex? It matters and will affect the definition of the permanent conservation easement boundaries that will be placed over your restoration project. And each one has its own nuances and easement boundaries and regulations.

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Tory Christensen Tory Christensen

Making Small Mitigation Offset Banks Economically Feasible

The Midwest region of the United States is home to a diverse array of streams and rivers that serve as critical habitats for a variety of aquatic species, provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and play a vital role in the region's ecosystem. In this blog post, we will explore some typical stream restoration techniques used in the Midwest.

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Tory Christensen Tory Christensen

Typical Midwest Stream Restoration Techniques

The Midwest region of the United States is home to a diverse array of streams and rivers that serve as critical habitats for a variety of aquatic species, provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and play a vital role in the region's ecosystem. In this blog post, we will explore some typical stream restoration techniques used in the Midwest.

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Get to know Minnesota’s
8 Wetland Types

Taking into account the edaphic (soil-related), botanical, and hydrological variability among the types of wetlands in the United States, experts have developed a number of classification systems to categorize wetlands. One such system is Circular 39, developed in 1956 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Circular 39 defines twenty different types of wetlands found in the U.S. The first eight are inland freshwater wetland types, all of them found in Minnesota.

  • Seasonally-Flooded Basin

    Type 1: Seasonally-Flooded Basin

    Although often overlooked at first glance, the seasonally flooded basin is a vital wetland ecosystem that has unique characteristics and provides essential environmental and economic services. Read more…

  • Wet Meadow

    Type 2: Wet Meadows

    Admired for their diverse plant communities and their ability to support rare and valuable species, wet meadows are considered invaluable wetland ecosystems that provide essential environmental and economic services. Read more…

  • Shallow Marsh

    Type 3: Shallow Marshes

    Although commonplace, a shallow marsh is a highly regarded ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and provides essential services for people and ecosystems alike. Read more…

  • Deep Marsh

    Type 4: Deep Marshes

    Known as “prairie potholes” in southern Minnesota, deep marshes are water-filled basins that provide food and resting areas for migratory birds and many other wildlife species. Read more…

  • Inland Open Freshwater

    Type 5: Inland Open Freshwater

    Most often enjoyed by people for canoeing, hunting, and fishing, open freshwater wetlands are an accessible source of recreation and viewing plant and animal species. Read More…

  • Shrub Swamp

    Type 6: Shrub Swamps

    As their locations and landscape positions are similar to those occupied by wooded swamps, shrub swamps have similar soils and perform similar ecosystem services. Read More…

  • Wooded Swamp

    Type 7: Wooded Swamps

    Wooded swamps are a common feature on the Minnesota landscape throughout the state, but especially in central and northern Minnesota. They contribute vastly to the quality of life of every Minnesotan through the ecosystem services they perform, the timber they provide, their benefits to wildlife, their beauty, and the recreational opportunities they afford. Read more…

  • Bog

    Type 8: Bogs

    One of North America’s most distinctive kinds of wetlands, bogs are filled with spongy peat, acidic water, and a thick layer of sphagnum moss. They prevent downstream flooding by absorbing precipitation and provide habitat to animal species that are threatened by human encroachment. Read More…