Ecological Classification

Minnesota has four biomes or provinces: Coniferous Forest, Tallgrass Aspen Parkland, Deciduous Forest, and Prairie Grassland. These biomes are further divided into sections and subsections based upon elevation, soils, climate, trees species, and other characteristics. Learn more about the Ecological Classification System from the DNR.

RPBCWD lies within the Big Woods Subsection of the Deciduous Forest. Before European settlement, dominant habitat types in this subsection were oak woodland and maple-basswood forest. Prairies and wetlands were also common in our area. Today, only a tiny percentage of these native habitats remain.

Land Affects Water

Changes in the landscape from natural vegetation to developed spaces such as roads, parking lots, buildings, and turfgrass have consequences beyond a change in appearance. Where rainwater once soaked into a woodland or prairie with little runoff,  it is now more likely to fall on an impervious surface and run off into the nearest body of water. With this change, less groundwater recharge occurs and more pollution is carried into our streams and lakes.

Studies show that areas with as little as 10% impervious surface had detrimental ecological impacs. The figure below from the Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook shows the relationship between impervious cover and surfact runoff.

RPBCWD is committed to protecting and restoring our water resources. This means implementing projects directly in our lakes and creeks as well as on upland areas within their watersheds. Through our Ecosystem Health Action Plan, we've identified strategies to address ecosytem disfunction resulting from changes in the landscape.

Join us by learning more about native plants, natural habitats, and their benefits. We also offer a Stewardship Grant Program that assists property owners interested in restoring their land. 

Check out the image gallery below to see landscape changes in the District. 

Historic vegetation (pre-European settlement)

Land use today (2020)

DOWNLOAD THE FILES IN THE IMAGE GALLERY