News Release

Inflation Reduction Act funds restoration of critical habitats in Minute Man National Historical Park

NPS

News Release Date: March 15, 2024

Contact: Jennifer Pierce, 978-505-4197

CONCORD, Mass.– Minute Man National Historical Park (Minute Man) has received approximately $410,000 of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. These funds will be used to restore and protect the park’s critical habitats through the Resilient Forest Initiative and projects to restore and conserve grassland habitats.

At Minute Man, forests are crucial to the health of ecosystems and surrounding local communities. However, forest health monitoring in eastern national parks has shown that park forests are rapidly changing. They do not have enough tree regeneration in the form of seedlings and saplings to replace canopy trees as they fall or die. Inflation Reduction Act funds support the Resilient Forest Initiative through restoration efforts to sustain native forests at 18 other Northeast national parks as well for future generations.

Grasslands are also crucial habitats that support a diverse array of flora and fauna, playing a fundamental role in maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. Unfortunately, due to various factors including habitat fragmentation and invasive species, many grassland areas are under threat worldwide. Minute Man is part of a regional, landscape-scale initiative supported by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to restore and protect this critical habitat in parks across the eastern United States.

“National Parks are often places of refuge for visitors seeking a reflective place to enjoy and immerse themselves in nature,” said Superintendent Simone Monteleone. “Improving forest and grassland health is essential to protecting these places and promoting health and wellness both for wildlife and the people that visit these habitats.”

By restoring and conserving forest and grassland habitats, Minute Man is not only safeguarding critical ecosystems but also promoting health and well-being in communities by providing enhanced recreation opportunities. These projects will directly enhance the ecological value, ecosystem functioning and climate resilience at the park as part of a network of improved parks throughout the eastern United States.