Helpful Guides

Natural Resource Guide - DNR's Natural Resources Guide is a primer on natural resource based planning. Features guidance on natural resource inventories and assessments, open space, and 20 project profiles of how Minnesota communities have collected and used natural resource information. Natural resource guide brochure and natural resource guide companion CD-rom content available online.

Using Natural Resource Information in Comprehensive Planning - A companion to the Metropolitan Council's Local Planning Handbook. Answers eight key questions about incorporating natural resources conservation in community plans for development. Features case studies and a ranking matrix.

The Economic Value of Open Space: Implications for Land Use Decisions - A new report from Embrace Open Space. Find out, in dollar terms, how much Minnesotans value proximity to open space amenities, and how local governments should take that value into account in land use decision making.

From Policy to Reality: Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development - From Minnesota Planning. Offers suggestions to local governments about actions they might take to implement sustainable development goals, including economic development, transportation, housing, and citizen participation.

Open Space Planning Packet - From the folks at NEMO (Non point Education for Municipal Officials) - A set of fact sheets and model open space regulations, plus a manual on how to conduct a natural resource inventory. Check out the plethora of other fact sheets, soapbox editorials, research reports, and much more while you are there.