Published at: 2025
This factsheet outlines the ecological and climate importance of Minnesota’s peatlands, which store billions of tons of carbon and cover more than 10% of the state. It explains how intact peatlands reduce greenhouse gas emissions, regulate water flow, improve water quality, and provide critical wildlife habitat. The document also describes threats from drainage, mining, and land conversion, and identifies opportunities for peatland protection and restoration as a core component of Minnesota’s climate mitigation and resilience strategies.