Local planning related links: environment

• Air and Waste Management Association This nonprofit professional organization provides training, information and networking opportunities to environmental professionals around the world.

• American Rivers This organization protects and restores America's river systems and fosters river stewardship ethics. 

• Audobon Society The society works to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. 

• Bridges Environmental Search The site offers access to environmental and natural resources data and information in Minnesota.

• Center for Watershed Protection The center works with local, state and federal governmental agencies, environmental consulting firms, watershed organizations and the general public to provide objective and scientifically sound information on effective techniques to protect and restore urban watersheds.

• Conservation Fund This organization is involved in reducing sprawl and revitalizing communities. 

• Environmental Organization Web Directory This is a large environmental search engine.

• Environmental Protection Agency This federal agency works to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment upon which life depends. 

• Environmental Quality Board Based at Minnesota Planning, the board develops policy, creates long-range plans and reviews proposed projects that would significantly influence Minnesota's environment. 

• Environmental Working Group The group provides information and policy analysis about environmental protection to the general public, environmental organizations and other public interest groups, journalists and policy-makers.

• Global Environmental Options A gateway to on-line green resources.

• Great Lakes Information Network This partnership's site offers information relating to the Great Lakes region. 

• Izaak Walton League This group is dedicated to protecting the nation's soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife.

• Izaak Walton League (Minnesota chapter) The Minnesota chapter of the league works to conserve, maintain, protect and restore soils, forests, water and other natural resources. 

• Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources The commission makes funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for projects that help maintain and enhance Minnesota's natural resources.

• Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts This group provides educational opportunities, information and training for watershed district managers and staff. 

• Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources This state agency is dedicated to helping local governments manage natural resources by providing technical, financial and administrative assistance.

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This state agency manages Minnesota's natural resources, including water, parks and recreation, forestry and wildlife.

• Minnesota Lakes Association This nonprofit organization tackles such issues as property taxes, water quality, pollution, exotic species and lake rules and regulations. 

• Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance This office helps make Minnesota environmentally healthy and economically strong through efficient resource use and responsible management of waste.

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency The agency has a variety of programs designed to help protect the environment and monitor environmental quality in Minnesota.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, this agency houses the National Weather Service and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

• National Wildlife Federation This is the nation's largest conservation group dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment.  

• Natural Resource Conservation Service Part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this agency provides leadership to help people conserve, improve and sustain natural resources and environment.

• Natural Resources Defense Council The council uses law, science and member support to protect wildlife and the environment.

• Northeast Midwest Institute This nonprofit center engages in research and education to promote the region's economic development and enhance the quality of its environmental and human resources.

• Sierra Club The web site of the national environmental group has information about sprawl, forestry and other issues. 

• Sierra Club (Northstar chapter) This is the Minnesota chapter of the largest grassroots environmental organization in the United States.

• Southwest Minnesota Site for Scientific Studies This site has links to information about groundwater, wastewater, wellhead protection, agriculture and planning. 

• Sustainable Minnesota Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a coalition working to improve Minnesota's quality of life, environment and economy by promoting energy efficiency and the sound use of renewable energy. 

• Terms of the environment The Environmental Protection Agency manages this search engine and dictionary of environmental terms.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Part of the Department of the Interior, this agency protects ecosystems, endangered species, fisheries, migratory birds, refuges and wetlands. 

• Water Online This site has information about water and
  wastewater, including resource management; supply, treatment and distribution of drinking water; and the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater.

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources This agency manages Wisconsin's natural resources, including water, parks and recreation, forestry and wildlife.