Citizens with a strong interest in the state’s native prairies, forests and wetlands and the wildlife in them are invited to apply by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 for a key advisory board.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking people to fill four vacancies on the Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage. Appointees will be responsible for advising the DNR on issues related to sustaining the state’s natural heritage and biological diversity.

Since 1966, the committee has made recommendations and given support to state scientific and natural areas, in which native plant communities and rare wildlife species are protected. The committee also now advises other programs within the department’s Ecological and Water Resources Division including nongame wildlife, Minnesota Biological Survey, prairie protection, rare resources, wetland monitoring, and terrestrial invasive species.

This appointed Committee makes recommendations to these Minnesota Department of Natural Resources programs:

• Scientific and Natural Areas
• Prairie Protection
• Terrestrial Invasive Species
• Nongame Wildlife
• Minnesota Biological Survey
• Natural Heritage and Rare Resources
• Wetland Planning, Monitoring and Mapping
• State Wildlife Action Plan
• Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species

Any Minnesota resident with interest or expertise in sustaining our state’s natural heritage may apply online until 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at mndnr.gov/cac. Applicants should have knowledge, demonstrated dedication or experience related to natural area systems, conservation biology, ecology, geology, environmental education, natural resource management, protection of Minnesota’s rare species, or marketing, communication or promotions focused on natural resources.

Members are expected to participate in five, four to five hour long meetings per year plus one, one to two day field trip. Members may also choose to participate in subcommittees or other meeting preparation. The DNR commissioner will appoint committee members for terms of up to five years starting in January.

Interested applicants can learn more by visiting the Committee’s website at mndnr.gov/cac.