ORAL PRESENTATION TITLE: Partnerships for peatland restoration in Minnesota ABSTRACT: Peatland protection, restoration, and re-wetting have been identified as critically important land-based climate mitigation strategies (aka “Natural Climate Solutions”), given the disproportionate carbon stores of peatlands relative to their footprint on the landscape as well as the large contribution of drained and degraded peatlands to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both globally and in Minnesota. Peatlands and/or peat soils comprise more than 10% of Minnesota by area, and, historically, the state (across multiple agencies and authorities) has played a major role in successive eras of peatland drainage, management, conservation/protection, and wetland restoration. Most recently, under the state Climate Action Framework, state local, federal, and Tribal agencies and partners have come together to develop initiatives designed to address science, policy, financing, and capacity needs to advance peatland restoration and protection at scale within a complex social, institutional, administrative and ecological landscape. In this presentation, we will discuss the role that public and private sector partners have played in advancing this work (including financing) and share successes, challenges, and lessons learned. BIO: Maya Swope is a Climate Project Manager at The Nature Conservancy of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In their work, they focus on building partnerships for peatland restoration in Minnesota and beyond. They are part of a team working to quantify, communicate, and promote peatland restoration and protection as a natural climate solution.