Shaping priorities for protecting natural resources in Hennepin County

Updating the Hennepin County Natural Resources Strategic Plan

Hennepin County is seeking input from the community as we update the Hennepin County Natural Resources Strategic Plan, which will define our natural resources goals and strategies for the next 10 years. The updated plan will seek to better align with new county initiatives, shifting demographics, and changing landscapes.

We will be seeking input from the community throughout the year-long plan development process to ensure your priorities and values are reflected.

Question Title

* 1. How have you worked with Hennepin County regarding natural resources?

I applied for a natural resources or other environmental grant from Hennepin County

I work for an organization (city, state agency, watershed organization, parks) that interacts with Hennepin County on natural resources management

I used the county's website or social media feeds for environmental information and/or action tips

I contacted county's staff for technical information and assistance regarding natural resources on my or another property

Other (please specify)

None of the above

Question Title

* 2. Please choose three values that are most important to you as you think about protecting and enhancing natural resources?

Ensuring a healthy environment for future generations

Protecting wildlife and nature

Responsibly using resources

Addressing racism and reducing disparities in environmental quality

Enjoying the recreational benefits of natural resources

Protecting human health and wellbeing

Avoiding future negative impacts to natural resources and mitigating those risks

Building stronger and more resilient communities

Maintaining and protecting diverse landscapes (e.g. farming, rural, and urban)

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. Please rank the following natural resources in order of priority for protection

Question Title

* 4. Please identify your top three concerns or emerging issues related to natural resources

Aquatic invasive species (zebra mussels, spiny water fleas)

Invasive land-based species (Buckthorn, garlic mustard, phragmites)

Destructive pests (Emerald Ash borer, jumping worms)

Climate change and its impacts on natural resources

Degraded water quality from stormwater runoff and excess nutrients

Loss of agricultural lands/rural character of the county

Loss/lack of habitat for wildlife (fish, songbirds, pollinators, deer, etc.)

Loss/lack of green spaces in urban and/or suburban area

Impacts of water pollution (salt use, pesticides, microplastics, etc.)

Loss/lack of tree canopy

Pressure on natural resources from development

Increase in flooding that damages property and natural resources

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. Fill in the blank: I care about natural resources because .......

Question Title

* 6. What else would you like to tell Hennepin County about natural resources as staff embark on updating the Natural Resources Strategic Plan?

Question Title

* 7. What public participation processes are you most likely to participate in?

	Very likely	Somewhat likely	Somewhat unlikely	Unlikely	Not sure
Online survey	Online survey Very likely	Online survey Somewhat likely	Online survey Somewhat unlikely	Online survey Unlikely	Online survey Not sure
Online video meeting with various participation options (chat, surveys, Q &A options)	Online video meeting with various participation options (chat, surveys, Q &A options) Very likely	Online video meeting with various participation options (chat, surveys, Q &A options) Somewhat likely	Online video meeting with various participation options (chat, surveys, Q &A options) Somewhat unlikely	Online video meeting with various participation options (chat, surveys, Q &A options) Unlikely	Online video meeting with various participation options (chat, surveys, Q &A options) Not sure
In person discussions with smaller groups of people (5 to 10 per group)	In person discussions with smaller groups of people (5 to 10 per group) Very likely	In person discussions with smaller groups of people (5 to 10 per group) Somewhat likely	In person discussions with smaller groups of people (5 to 10 per group) Somewhat unlikely	In person discussions with smaller groups of people (5 to 10 per group) Unlikely	In person discussions with smaller groups of people (5 to 10 per group) Not sure
In person community meetings with larger groups (20-40 people)	In person community meetings with larger groups (20-40 people) Very likely	In person community meetings with larger groups (20-40 people) Somewhat likely	In person community meetings with larger groups (20-40 people) Somewhat unlikely	In person community meetings with larger groups (20-40 people) Unlikely	In person community meetings with larger groups (20-40 people) Not sure
One-on-one phone interviews with county staff	One-on-one phone interviews with county staff Very likely	One-on-one phone interviews with county staff Somewhat likely	One-on-one phone interviews with county staff Somewhat unlikely	One-on-one phone interviews with county staff Unlikely	One-on-one phone interviews with county staff Not sure

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. How would you like to stay informed of the process?

Email updates from Hennepin County

Text message updates from Hennepin County

Articles in local newspaper or media outlets

Social media posts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

Articles in city newsletters

Updates from county commissioners or other elected officials

Updates from community or nonprofit organizations that I belong to

Other (please specify)