Basic History
First Europeans to reach Minnesota were the Vikings, but the French came in the mid- 17th century. Other traders, explorers, and missionaries of New France also penetrated the country. At the time the French arrived the dominant groups of Native Americans were in the east and west. Both were friendly to the French. Minnesota remained excellent country for fur trade throughout the British regime and continued so after the War of 1812, when the American Fur Company became dominant. After the war, settlement began in earnest in the region. In 1849, Minnesota became a territory, and achieved statehood in 1858.
Environmental History
Oak, maple, elm, birch, pine, ash and poplar thrive much of the state’s woodland. Common shrubs include thimbleberry, sweetfern, and varieties of honeysuckle. Three plant species were listed as threatened, including Leedy’s roseroot, prairie bush-clover, and prairie fringed orchid.
Common mammals are the opossum, little brown bat, raccoon, mink, river otter, badger, striped and spotted skunks, red fox, bobcat, beaver, porcupine, cottontail, moose, and white-tailed deer.
Among the rare species noted are the white pelican, rock vole, short-eared owl, American elk, and paddlefish. Threatened species include the bobwhite quail and piping plover, also the gray wolf, bald eagle, and Higgins’ eye pearlymussel.
Green Initiatives
Minnesota Green Communities seeks to ensure that all new affordable housing built in Minnesota is green. It is designed to foster the creation of affordable, healthier, and more energy efficient housing throughout Minnesota. The Advisory Committee is a multidisciplinary team representing expertise in green building, environmental sustainability, and health care and provides input and guidance to the initiative on ongoing program refinement and opportunities.
The Ideal System Solutions, Inc., Technology Solutions and Services, has joined the growing number of companies that promote environmentally friendly activities. It has implemented a number of internal company policies to help protect the environment. The environmental solutions include: performance assessments, infrastructure energy cost savings, energy efficiency improvement, overall environmental impact reduction, and energy management support services.
Premier printing companies, like the John Roberts, are respecting the environment with initiatives and commitment to environmental stewardship. They have sustainability and environmental policies that express their values of stewardship and responsibilities to the earth and its atmosphere.
