What It Would Take
Over the past three posts, we’ve looked at natural areas from three perspectives.
We began with priorities. While the Park Board speaks clearly about climate and stewardship, less than one percent of its workforce is dedicated to natural areas.
We then looked at how environmental work is defined and communicated. The term “environmental stewardship” encompasses many important functions but only a small portion of that work is focused on ecological restoration.
And finally, we looked at the condition of the land itself. The Park Board’s own assessment shows that 759 of 1,168 acres of upland and woodland natural areas are rated “D”, heavily degraded and in need of significant restoration.
Taken together, these point to a single conclusion. The system is not currently structured to care for natural areas at the scale that is needed.
A Measured Step Forward
The question, then, is not whether more can be done. It is what would be a reasonable place to begin.
The Minneapolis Natural Areas Alliance has proposed a simple, measurable step:
That at least 1% of Park Board staff be dedicated to natural areas.
In practical terms, that would mean 6 to 7 full-time staff. Today, that number is approximately 3, with a proposal to increase to 5. Even with that increase, natural areas would still fall short of a 1% threshold. Reaching it would require only one or two additional positions.
Why Staffing Matters
Natural areas do not maintain themselves. They require ongoing, hands-on care—removing invasive species, supporting regeneration, rebuilding native plant communities, and monitoring change over time.
This is work that depends on people. Volunteers play an essential role in this effort, contributing thousands of hours each year. Their work is visible across the system.
But volunteer effort is not a substitute for a fully supported program. It is most effective when it is guided, coordinated, and sustained by dedicated staff.
Aligning Values and Action
The Park Board has already articulated its values.
It has committed to climate action. It has committed to stewarding natural resources. The opportunity now is to align those values with how the system is staffed. A 1% commitment would not solve every challenge. But it would represent a meaningful step toward addressing a clear and measurable gap.
Looking Ahead
Natural areas are not a peripheral part of the park system.
They are foundational to its ecological health and to the long-term resilience of the city. Caring for them requires more than intention. It requires structure, capacity, and sustained attention.
The path forward does not need to be complicated. It begins with recognizing the gap and taking a step to close it.
Priorities become visible over time. This is an opportunity to make them visible now.