Image: A river surrounded by trees and grass.

Climate smart natural land

GOAL 1: MANAGE FORESTS AND URBAN TREE CANOPIES

Plant, seed and maintain tree species and vegetation projected to do well under changing conditions.
Plant a variety of trees to expand urban tree canopy cover in underrecognized and vulnerable communities experiencing the urban heat island effect. Prioritize areas with minimal tree canopy cover.
Track and measure changes in tree canopy coverage.
Help residents manage emerald ash borer and other emerging plant pests and diseases, particularly in underrepresented and climate vulnerable communities.

Protect mature trees. Help underrecognized and climate-vulnerable communities advocate for policies that protect urban tree canopy.
Plant and maintain climate-adaptive trees species for Ramsey County.
Partner to produce trees for planting in Ramsey County, for production and to support tree planting efforts, including enhancing production of climate-adapted species.
Inform residents and landowners about climate-adapted tree species.

GOAL 2: PROTECT, RESTORE, AND MANAGE PEATLANDS, WETLANDS, AND WATERSHEDS

GOAL 3: USE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT ENHANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE.

Work with local governments to develop regional and local land conservation plans. Identify priority locations for protection, restoration and greater natural corridor connectivity.
Use locally appropriate seed and plant mixes and alternative forest management practices. Connect with underrecognized communities to balance the various needs of residents in public open spaces.
Identify, remove and dispose of trees at risk of spreading disease or invasive pests.
Promote the right to exist and value of wildlife and plants by:
Planting trees and vegetation that provide food or shelter to wildlife.

Protecting wildlife habitat through community education.
Teach residents and businesses how to increase climate resilience on their property and in their neighborhoods. Share information with residents about how many small-scale projects build meaningful climate benefits.
Improve parks, community gardens and green spaces in underrepresented and climate-vulnerable communities.
Manage invasive species.
Use climate resilient landscaping practices at county-owned buildings.

Cross-plan connections

Connections to Clean Transportation: Multi-modal transportation users rely on tree canopy for comfort during extreme heat.

Connections to Thriving Communities: Increases in tree canopy improves resilience to extreme heat. Improved soil improves flooding resilience.

Connections to Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings: Climate-smart design and construction practices include storm water and sustainable land management practices.

Connections to Healthy Lives: Access to public green space can improve physical and mental health.

Connections to Clean Economy: Career pathways into alternative land management and sustainable agriculture are needed to support the health of natural lands.

Climate smart natural land

GOAL 1: MANAGE FORESTS AND URBAN TREE CANOPIES GOAL 1: MANAGE FORESTS AND URBAN TREE CANOPIES

GOAL 2: PROTECT, RESTORE, AND MANAGE PEATLANDS, WETLANDS, AND WATERSHEDS GOAL 2: PROTECT, RESTORE, AND MANAGE PEATLANDS, WETLANDS, AND WATERSHEDS

GOAL 3: USE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT ENHANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE. GOAL 3: USE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT ENHANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE.

Cross-plan connections

GOAL 1: MANAGE FORESTS AND URBAN TREE CANOPIES

GOAL 2: PROTECT, RESTORE, AND MANAGE PEATLANDS, WETLANDS, AND WATERSHEDS

GOAL 3: USE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THAT ENHANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE.