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Within the resources below, we've highlighted a few good places for you to start at the top of each section. Also check out our campaign downloads page—with desktop wallpaper of local open spaces, ads you can use in a newsletter, and banners you can add to your homepage.

For citizen activists

For government and other decision-makers

For landowners

Note: PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.



For citizen activists


THE LAST 6%: TREASURING OUR OPEN SPACES

A production of TPT and Embrace Open Space, this half-hour program reminds Minnesotans that all our assets aren't in the bank.

Website: Watch the program online!


EMBRACE OPEN SPACE CAMPAIGN KIT

Tools, information, and encouragement to help you spread the word about the value of open space. Section 5 of the kit, Web Resources, is represented by this entire page. (All photos protected by copyright; no use without permission.)

1. Getting Started (PDF, 240KB)
2. Talk Value (PDF, 149KB)
3. Take A Stand (PDF, 335KB)
4. Pick Up A Pen (PDF, 228KB)

CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO ENDANGERED GREEN SPACES

Describes the value of parks and natural areas, identifies several endangered green spaces, and suggests ways to save open space.

Website: Sierra Club North Star Chapter


CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO LOCAL LAND USE: HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE AS A LOCAL LAND USE ADVOCATE

A great place to start, the guide was produced by the North Star Sierra Club.

Website: North Star Sierra Club


Building Green Infrastructure
Land conservation as a watershed protection strategy.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Community Redesign Handbook: Integrating Land Use, Transportation, and Natural Resources
Featuring case studies that the Design Center for American Urban Landscape has undertaken with Twin City communities.

Website: Design Center for American Urban Landscape


Community Gardens
Learn how to find, start, and protect the Twin Cities community gardens.

Website: Sustainable Resources Center


Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space
Communities around the U.S. are learning that open space conservation is an investment with important economic benefits.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Financial Assistance Directory
Summary information on DNR's financial assistance programs, including programs for cities, counties, nonprofits, schools, individuals, and others.

Website: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


Greenprint for Growth
Land conservation, viewed as a smart growth strategy.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Guide to Using Natural Resource Information in Local Decision Making
By identifying and protecting natural resources at the beginning of the planning process, communities can determine where development is most appropriate.

Website: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


In Your Backyard
Practical tips for natural resources stewardship around your home, neighborhood, and property.

Website: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


Metro Wildlife Corridors Project
Ensuring that people and nature in the Twin Cities Area can grow together for generations to come.

Website: Minnesota DNR


Natural Areas: A Vital Community Asset
Basic ecology and land use philosophy, local planning for natural area protection, and more.

Website: Greatplains.org


Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Homepage
From the University of Minnesota Extension Service, a website dedicated to protecting public health and the environment through proper wastewater and septic system management.

Website: U of M Extension Service


Parks for People
A park within reach of every home.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Places We Protect in Minnesota
Together with members and conservation partners, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 400,000 acres of critical natural lands in Minnesota.

Website: The Nature Conservancy


Planting Prairie Gardens
How to establish a prairie garden in Minnesota.

Website: UMN Extension


Toolkit: How to Host a Legislative Candidate Forum
The logistics that go into hosting a candidate forum are best handled by multiple people, sharing tasks. This toolkit outlines how your organization can do it this year.

PDF: A Guide to Holding a Candidate Forum


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For government / decision-makers


THE LAST 6%: TREASURING OUR OPEN SPACES

A production of TPT and Embrace Open Space, this half-hour program reminds Minnesotans that all our assets aren't in the bank.

Website: Watch the program online!


NATURAL AREAS: A VITAL COMMUNITY ASSET

Basic ecology and land use philosophy, local planning for natural area protection, and more.

Website: Greatplains.org


LAND PROTECTION TOOLBOX FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ($17.55)

128-page handbook with a guide for effective tools in land protection; includes draft ordinances.

Website: 1000 Friends of Minnesota


ZONING TOOLS

Pros and cons for 7 tools in zoning, a key element in strategies to guide community growth and protect critical resources.

PDF: 1000 Friends of Minnesota


Brownfields to Parks
Reuse of brownfields can restore vitality and economic growth to older neighborhoods while relieving sprawl on the urban fringe.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Conservation Design Portfolio
Explores use of conservation design and planning strategies in conservation efforts.

Website: Minnesota Land Trust


Conservation Finance: Creating Public Funding
Information on TPL's Conservation Finance Program, with links to press releases for other resources.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Danger Signs: Potential Problems with a Comprehensive Plan
Twelve things to watch out for when reviewing a comprehensive plan.

PDF: 1000 Friends of Minnesota


Financial Assistance Directory
Summary information on DNR's financial assistance programs, including programs for cities, counties, nonprofits, schools, individuals, and others.

Website: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


Greenprint for Growth
Land conservation, viewed as a smart growth strategy.

Website: Trust for Public Land


Issues to Consider When Reviewing Development Proposals
A list of things to think about for those interested in having a say about proposed development in their communities.

PDF: 1000 Friends of Minnesota


Land Use Planning Factsheets
From 1000 Friends of Minnesota

PDF: How to Organize Around a Land Use Issue

PDF: How to Hold Effective Citizen Organizing Meetings

PDF: Smart Growth Community Planning

PDF: Danger Signs: Potential Problems with a Comprehensive Plan

PDF: Environmental Assessment Worksheet/Impact Statement


Local Planning Assistance
A directory of MN Planning's services and upcoming events, including free audio conferences.

Website: Minnesota Planning


Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Homepage
From the University of Minnesota Extension Service, a website dedicated to protecting public health and the environment through proper wastewater and septic system management.

Website: U of M Extension Service


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For landowners


THE LAST 6%: TREASURING OUR OPEN SPACES

A production of TPT and Embrace Open Space, this half-hour program reminds Minnesotans that all our assets aren't in the bank.

Website: Watch the program online!


BEYOND THE SUBURBS: A LANDOWNER'S GUIDE TO CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

Good source for for exurban landowners interested in managing their land for conservation/habitat purposes.

PDF: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


PROTECTION OPTIONS HANDBOOK FOR MINNESOTA LANDOWNERS

A handbook for planning land preservation that clarifies options and resources for landowners.

Website: MN Land Trust/Trust for Public Land, MN DNR


LAND CONSERVATION FACTSHEETS

From 1000 Friends of Minnesota.

Website: Land Protection Toolbox

Website: Donated Conservation Easements and Tax Benefits

Website: Purchase of Development Rights

Website: Transfer of Development Rights

Website: Land Acquisition


Conservation Options for Landowners and Communities
Greatplains.org's list of resources covering native prairie and waterfowl management, land retirement and protection, and wetlands.

Website: Greatplains.org


Financial Aid to Private Landowners
Cost-share, loan, grant, easement/land retirement, and land donation programs to acquire, manage, conserve, and protect natural resources in Minnesota.

Website: UMN Extension Service


Financial Assistance Directory
Summary information on DNR's financial assistance programs, including programs for cities, counties, nonprofits, schools, individuals, and others.

Website: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Homepage
From the University of Minnesota Extension Service, a website dedicated to protecting public health and the environment through proper wastewater and septic system management.

Website: U of M Extension Service


Planting Prairie Gardens
How to establish a prairie garden in Minnesota.

Website: UMN Extension


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Embrace Open Space is a joint effort among Twin Cities organizations concerned about protecting open spaces in our region. Our primary goal is to mobilize Twin Citians to become more vocal in public decision-making about land use and land protection in this region. Please contact us at:
Embrace Open Space, 710 South Second Street, #400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 |
info@embraceopenspace.org

© 2005 Embrace Open Space, All rights reserved. Web policies.
If you use a link on this website which connects to another organization's website, please note that Embrace Open Space is not responsible for the content of that site, nor does the link imply any endorsement of the outside site's operator or the site's content. Use of all links to outside sites is at the user's sole risk.