New Report Shows How Minnesota Peatlands Can Help Fight Climate Change

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – A new scientific report by The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota (TNC) presents an analysis of Minnesota’s peatlands and a collaborative approach to protecting and restoring peatlands as a method to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Minnesota is home to 6 million acres of peatlands, more than any other state in the contiguous U.S. These unique, waterlogged ecosystems are made up of partially decayed plant materials—effectively trapping carbon underground. Although they cover only 3% of the Earth’s surface, they store around 30% of all the carbon on land.

“Peatlands act like a sponge, both for water and carbon, making them incredible natural climate solutions,” says Maya Swope, climate project manager for TNC in Minnesota. Beyond their carbon benefits, peatlands support plant biodiversity, provide wildlife habitat, offer flood protection and ensure access to fresh water for people and nature.

However, up to one-sixth of Minnesota’s peatlands were ditched and drained for agriculture, forestry and other land uses in the early 20^th century. Even ditches that are no longer actively used to support agriculture or forestry continue to degrade these wetlands by draining water and releasing stored carbon. According to the report, ditched and drained peatlands are causing significant climate impacts.

“Drained peatlands are a major source of carbon emissions, both globally and in Minnesota," says Kristen Blann, freshwater ecologist at TNC. “A recent study by our research partners estimated that previously ditched peatlands alone are contributing about 38,000 metric tons of carbon emissions per year.”

But greater protection and restoration could maximize these landscapes’ ability to reduce emissions and store carbon. The report compiles existing research and new scientific analysis to quantify the potential benefits of restoration. It estimates that restoring and re-wetting farmed and partially-drained peatlands could mitigate more than 1 million metric tons of carbon per year—equivalent to removing 233,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road each year. 

A summary of comprehensive peatlands mapping in the playbook shows that the bulk of partially-drained peatlands identified as candidates for restoration are on public lands, while most of the fully-drained peat areas are privately owned. The approach to peatland restoration must be collaborative and bring the perspectives of all landowners and other interested parties to the table. 

This report is a first step to bring practitioners, agencies and organizations together to work on a shared peatlands conservation strategy in Minnesota and continue to refine the science. It recommends a three-pronged approach to protecting peatlands for the greatest climate and nature benefits:

1. Protect carbon stocks in existing intact peatlands.
2. Re-wet partially drained peatlands to avoid additional carbon loss and restore carbon stocks.
3. Restore fully drained peatlands based on the potential for multiple benefits.

“We hope that a better understanding of peatland ecosystems and their climate benefits will enable organizations, agencies and communities to better manage and restore these special places,” says Swope.

View the full Playbook for Minnesota Peatlands or an executive summary.