The EQB values public engagement and is dedicated to providing greater access to conversations regarding the future of our environment. While our board meetings are always a great opportunity to provide feedback and inform the board on decision-making, we encourage you to also provide your feedback on our projects and reports and connect with us at public events. Below, you'll find an updated list on the current engagement opportunities, how you can join the conversation, and upcoming events where you can meet staff and learn more about our work.
For information on Tribal Coordination and Consultation, please visit our Tribal relations page.
The Great Minnsect Show
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: University of Minnesota, St. Paul Student Center
Come by and say hello at this free, family-friendly event! What to expect:
- Live insects!
- Insect games!
- Insect food!
- Insect crafts!
- Interactions with entomologists from academia, industry, government, and non-profits!
For more information, please visit the University of Minnesota webpage.
Environmental Review 101: Minnesota Conservation Explorer & Natural Heritage Review
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (previously scheduled for March 31)
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Join EQB staff and Jim Drake, Natural Heritage Review Specialist at the Department of Natural Resources for a webinar on using the Minnesota Conservation Explorer (MCE) to address EAW Question 14. This session will cover the data available in the MCE, its use in conservation planning and environmental review, and step-by-step guidance for requesting natural heritage review documentation.
Register via Teams
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Environmental Review Continuous Improvement: Submit your ideas
The Minnesota Environmental Review Program was created over 50 years ago to provide usable information to communities, decision makers, and project proposers for a wide variety of projects. Every four years, we seek feedback from everyone —members of the public, petitioners, responsible governmental units, Tribes, environmental groups, etc.— for how to make environmental review more effective.
Your ideas can be submitted now through May 1st, 2026, by noon on our Granicus Engagement HQ website. You might have to create a username to access the system, but your feedback can be anonymous.
For more information, please visit our Continuous improvement webpage or contact Kayla Walsh at kayla.walsh@state.mn.us.
Monthly Board meetings
We provide an opportunity for public comments at every monthly board meeting. We encourage you to share your ideas, experiences, or positions on agenda items that can help inform the board in their decision-making.
Tips for providing comments:
- Ensure that your comments are relevant and specific to the topic you are addressing.
- Say what you want the board to know or consider in moving forward with a piece of work.
- Identify a specific action that you want the Board to take.
If you have a question for the board or EQB staff at a meeting, it will be noted by staff who will get back to you at a later time. This ensures that we have enough time for all commenters to provide input to the board and that your questions can be fully considered.
For questions or issues providing comments during our board meetings, please reach out to Hazel Houle or Priscilla Villa-Watt.