The Minnesota National Guard has been the recipient of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards over multiple years in multiple categories for outstanding achievements and innovative environmental practices. The Minnesota National Guard has two directorates administering environmental programs in compliance and conservation.

Camp Ripley is one of seven Sentinel Landscapes in the U.S., working in partnership with the Departments of Agriculture, Defense and Interior to deliver conservation practices to local landowners. The Minnesota National Guard also has cooperative agreements with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources to offer conservation easements and the Conservation Fund to complete land acquisitions within the Army Compatible Use Buffer.