Hidden beneath the surface of Minnesota’s landscape lies an essential yet often overlooked treasure — our peatlands. These vast ecosystems filter our water, shelter wildlife and hold centuries of carbon beneath their mossy surfaces. However, these ancient landscapes are facing growing threats. Drainage, development, logging, fires and drought are chipping away at them, releasing stored carbon into the air and jeopardizing our climate goals. The question is: will we act in time to protect them?

Peatlands are unique wetland ecosystems formed over thousands of years by the accumulation of partially decayed plant material. Covering just 10% of Minnesota, they store an astounding 37% of the state’s naturally held carbon, making them one of our most valuable natural assets. These ecosystems span 6 million acres across the state and store an impressive 4 billion metric tons of carbon — equivalent to 27 years of Minnesota’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. If we fail to protect them and allow continued degradation, we risk more smoke-filled air, increased flooding that threatens homes and businesses, and polluted drinking water — impacting our communities and environment for generations to come.

As a state senator, lifelong educator and descendant of the Standing Rock Lakota, I see an extraordinary opportunity before us. By prioritizing responsible stewardship of our natural resources, we can protect peatlands, create economic opportunities and invest in our children’s future while honoring our shared heritage.

Peatlands hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for many tribal nations, including my own. They provide “first foods” like wild rice and berries, medicinal plants, clean water and materials for cultural practices. For hundreds of generations, tribal communities have maintained a reciprocal relationship with peatlands, caring for these ecosystems through traditional knowledge while relying on them for their life-sustaining benefits. It is that legacy of stewardship and interdependence that should inspire our actions moving forward.

First, Minnesota’s 2.5 million acres of School Trust Lands, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, include a large portion of the state’s peatlands. These lands are required by law to generate revenue for public schools, providing a unique opportunity to support education while also protecting the environment.

By aligning the management of these lands with Minnesota’s climate goals, we can safeguard their ecological benefits while pursuing new public and private revenue streams. Rather than relying on outdated practices like clear-cut logging, we should explore innovative opportunities that recognize the benefits intact and restored peatlands provide, such as reduced risk of wildfire as well as habitat for economically and culturally important wildlife. 

The Legislature could recognize these benefits to current and future generations of Minnesotans and fund the School Trusts to maintain these “ecosystem services.” We could also explore private finance options, such as carbon and biodiversity credits, that could help corporations advance their climate and environmental goals while providing a new revenue stream for our schools. Both options could allow Minnesota to create a sustainable future for our schools and natural resources.  

Second, as the Minnesota Climate Action Framework gets updated over the course of this year, we have a critical opportunity to prioritize peatlands. While they are currently included in broader wetland strategies, a dedicated section is needed to address their unique climate and ecological importance. This initiative should focus on three goals: protecting intact peatlands through improved management and conservation easements; building resilience in remaining peatlands to counter climate stressors and hydrological changes; and restoring degraded peatlands to reduce emissions, enhance water storage and support wildlife. Because targets help drive action and track progress, the updated framework should include ambitious goals for protection and restoration. 

Minnesota’s peatlands are not just landscapes; they are life-supporting ecosystems that sustain us all. They filter water, store carbon, prevent flooding, provide habitat for wildlife and offer invaluable resources to Indigenous communities. I believe we have a unique chance to safeguard them and the time to act is now. I urge my fellow legislators, educators and all Minnesotans to come together to protect our peatlands, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier climate, better funded schools and stronger communities. 

State Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, represents District 39.

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