Sustaining the integrity of large forested ecosystem which are controlled by multiple owners is a significant challenge to administrator of forestry programs. Of special concern is the design of administrative systems that will result in land uses and forestry practices that cumulatively will ensure the sustainability of forests at the landscape level. Based on careful reviews of literature and research focused on the experience of various agencies worldwide. Minnesota has established a legal and an administrative framework for dealing the issues.
Minnesota's landscape-level forest resource program is focused attainment of goals such as ensuring no net loss of forest land, curbing further fragmentation of forest ownership, restoring previously forested areas, protecting large riparian regions, and sustaining the diversity of biological systems. Focused on eight to large statewide eco-regions, administrative programs have been set in place to forest planning across forest ownerships, coordination of information gathering and use by owners, and the application of forest practices appropriate in a regional setting. Such is accomplished via Regional Forest Resource Committees, Regional Resource Coordinators (staff positions) and various technical, fiscal and tax incentives that foster cooperation among public and private owners of forest land. Memorandums of agreement are employed to foster coordination between government agencies.
Key words: ecosystem, landscape-level, incentives, administration.
Correspondence: Paul V. Ellefson, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, 1530 Cleveland Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
Telefax: 612-625 5212
E-mail: pellefso@mercury.forestry.umn.edu