"ID","Title","Fiscal Year(s)","Fiscal Year Funding Amount","Legal Citation / Subdivision","Appropriation Language","Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)","Measurable Outcome(s)","Proposed Outcomes Achieved","Other Funds Leveraged","Source of Additional Funds","Direct Expenses","Administration Costs","Recipient Board Members","Number of full time equivalents funded","Recipient","Recipient Type","Body","About the Issue","Project Details","Start Date","End Date","Source","Status","Updates","Details/Reports","First Name","Last Name","Organization Name","Street Address","City","State","Zip Code","Phone","Email","Activity Type","Administered by","Media","Counties Affected","LSOHC Section","Watershed","URL","Advisory Group Members and Qualifications","Board Members and Qualifications","Conflict of Interest Contact","Conflict of Interest Disclosed"
2160,"Ballast Water Sampling Method Development and Treatment Technology",2010,300000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 06a","$300,000 is from the trust fund and $66,000 is from the Great Lakes protection account to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources to conduct monitoring for aquatic invasive species in ballast water discharges to Minnesota waters of Lake Superior and to test the effectiveness of ballast water treatment systems.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,66000,"Great Lakes Protection Account",,,,,MPCA,"State Government","Project Overview Ballast water - water carried in tanks on ships to help provide stability and aid steering - is likely the single greatest source for introduction of non-native and invasive aquatic species. Ballast water is collected in one body of water and discharged into another body of water, usually large distances apart. Options exist for treating ballast water prior to discharge in order to prevent these introductions, but they have not been tested in freshwater environments such as the Great Lakes. Through this appropriation, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Northeast Midwest Institute are cooperating to conduct monitoring for aquatic invasive species in ballast water discharge in Lake Superior, test the effectiveness of ballast water treatment options in a freshwater environment, and accelerate installation of treatment options that prove effective. Overall Project Outcome and Results Safe and effective ballast water treatment (BWT) is the best way to prevent ship-mediated introductions of invasive species in the Great Lakes. However, knowing whether a proposed BWT works in freshwater, and whether it is used properly by a ship is a difficult challenge for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and other regulators. BWTs with International Maritime Organization (IMO) approval have never been tested in natural fresh water, and there are no agreed methods for monitoring ballast discharge from ships. This project assisted the MPCA through accomplishing a) IMO-consistent freshwater validations of two promising BWTs at the Great Ships Initiative (GSI) freshwater testing facility, and 2) design, installation and demonstration of a credible and feasible ballast discharge sampling method for Great Lakes ships. The IMO-approved PureBallast system (AlfaLaval), performed well in tests overseas, but did not function effectively in the GSI test, likely due to clogging by freshwater filamentous algae (see http://www.nemw.org/GSI/GSI-LB-F-A-2.pdf). This outcome informs MPCA that IMO-approval does not by itself assure freshwater effectiveness. The other BWT tested, a lye-based system aimed at US lakers, performed better (see http://www.nemw.org/GSI/GSI-LB-F-A-3.pdf), warranting refinement and shipboard testing. The project's ship sampling system proved a) applicable to the Great Lakes fleet, as demonstrated by project installation plans for 10 ships; b) cost-effective, as demonstrated by installations on 5 ships; and c) feasible, as demonstrated by sampling exercises on 2 ships. A detailed guidebook (see http://www.nemw.org/GSI/ballastDischargeMonitoringGuidebook.pdf) equips MPCA with the project method. All sample ports are permanent installations. The remaining four installations and seven tests will take place in 2012 using Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration funds. GSI will collect and analyze data on live organisms in ballast water discharge sampled in 2011 and 2012, and will post outcomes on the GSI website (http://www.greatshipsinitiative.org) and forward them to the MPCA. Project Results Use and Dissemination Final reports on ballast treatment tests performed pursuant to this grant, and the guidebook developed for ship discharge sampling, have been posted on the GSI public website (www.greatshipsinitiative.org). The project forwarded final reports on ballast treatment performance tests to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Science Advisory Board which reported to the USEPA and the USCG on availability of ballast treatment technology in 2011. NEMWI presented the sampling method developed through this project to an international gathering of ballast discharge researchers and regulators (Global R&D Forum and Exhibition on Ballast Water Management in a session on ballast treatment testing and compliance monitoring in Istanbul Turkey in the fall of 2011), and will submit the guidebook as a manuscript for the conference proceedings. Project Publications: Final Report of the Land-Based, Freshwater Testing of the AlfaWall AB PureBallast Ballast Water Treatment System (PDF - 1.8 MB) Final Report of the Land-Based, Freshwater Testing of the Lye (NaOH) Ballast Water Treatment System (PDF - 2 MB) A Ballast Discharge Monitoring System for Great Lakes Relevant Ships: A Guidebook for Researchers, Ship Owners, and Agency Officials (PDF - 1.5 MB) ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Rebecca,Walter,"Minnesota Pollution Control Agency","520 Lafayette Rd N","St. Paul",MN,55155,651-757-2807,rebecca.walter@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Pollution Control Agency",,"Cook, Lake, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/ballast-water-sampling-method-development-and-treatment-technology,,,,
2161,"Emergency Delivery System Development for Disinfecting Ballast Water",2010,125000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 06b","$125,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency for an agreement with the United States Geologic Survey to test the viability of treating ballast water through tank access ports or air vents as a means to prevent the spread of invasive species.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,USGS,"Federal Government","Ballast water - water carried in tanks on ships to help provide stability and aid steering - is likely the single greatest source for introduction of non-native and invasive aquatic species. Ballast water is collected in one body of water and discharged into another body of water, usually large distances apart. At least one new invasive species is found in the Great Lakes every year, with Lake Superior being particularly at risk. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey will test methods of decontaminating ballast water on board a working ship with an emphasis on techniques that can be used in emergencies such as a grounded ship. Overall Project Outcome and Results This project was part of Phase III of an overall effort to produce an Emergency Response Guide to Handling Ballast Water to Control Non-Indigenous Species. Phase I ($25,000) was funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and resulted in a study plan entitled ""Mixing Biocides into Ships' Ballast Water: Efficiency of Novel Methods."" Phase II ($185,000) was funded by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust and studied in-line injection, bulk dye dosing, perforated hose dosing, and passive mixing methods, such as ship's motion. Similar to Phase II, this effort (Phase III) prepared ballast tank mixing and sampling equipment, field work on a working ship to trial promising ballast mixing methods, and analysis/report. The active methods being studied in Phase III are venturi eductors and air lifts. The outcome will be the incorporation of these methods (if determined to be effective and practical) into a best practices guide for treating the ballast water of ships either: Arriving in port with high risk ballast water, Leaving a port that contains ballast known to be high risk for the destination port, or Grounded and laden with high risk, untreated ballast water. Project Results Use and Dissemination Preliminary information from Result 1 and Result 2 activities were shared at the May 18, 2010 Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative meeting in Montreal, QC and at the June 1, 2010 Lake Superior Binational Program - Invasive Species Workshop in Duluth, MN. The final project results consisting of two reports entitled ""Emergency Response Guidance for Handling Ballast Water to Control Aquatic Invasive Species"" and ""Mixing Biocides into Ship's Ballast Water-Great Lakes Bulk Carrier Field Trials"" are posted on the National Park Service web site at http://www.nps.gov/isro/naturescience/handling-ballast-water-to-control-non-indigenous-species.htm. Project Publication: Emergency Response Guidance for Handling Ballast Water to Control Aquatic Invasive Species (PDF - 2.2 MB) Mixing Biocides into Ship's Ballast Water: Great Lakes Bulk Carrier Field Trials (PDF - 3.5 MB) ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Scott,Smith,"US Geological Survey","6505 - 65th Street NE",Seattle,WA,98115,206-427-8374,sssmith@usgs.gov,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Research","Minnesota Pollution Control Agency",,"Cook, Lake, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/emergency-delivery-system-development-disinfecting-ballast-water,,,,
2166,"Energy Efficient Cities",2010,2000000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 07c","$2,000,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of commerce for an agreement with the Center for Energy and Environment for demonstration of innovative residential energy efficiency delivery and financing strategies, training, installation, evaluation, and recommendations for a utility residential energy conservation program.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"Center for Energy and Environment","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Increasing energy conservation and efficiency in residences can play a significant role in Minnesota's goals for energy savings and carbon emissions reductions. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, is using this appropriation to develop and implement innovative residential energy efficiency programs. Programs will be demonstrated in eight cities: Apple Valley, Austin, Duluth, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Rochester, and St. Paul. Homeowners in these cities will have the opportunity to be trained in low-cost energy conservation strategies and selected homeowners will qualify for customized energy action plans, in-home visits by technicians, and assistance with major upgrades, such as insulation and replacement of heating and air conditioning systems. Additionally the project will provide training for people to work as residential energy efficiency improvement contractors resulting in the creation of new entry level jobs. CEE hopes to significantly reduce energy use in at least 6000 homes by the conclusion of the project and to develop programs that will ultimately benefit many more. Overall Project Outcome and Results The Energy Efficient Cities project was developed to demonstrate innovative residential energy efficiency program delivery to reduce energy use and environmental impact in at least 6,000 homes through a community-wide partnership approach. With strong and crucial support from local gas and electric utilities, city-specific programs were developed in a total of 8 cities: Apple Valley, Austin, Duluth, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Rochester, and St. Paul. While each city developed a customized approach, each program was designed to provide a ""one-stop shop"" comprehensive whole-house approach that makes taking energy efficiency actions as easy as possible for the homeowner, while maximizing participation and energy savings opportunities. This comprehensive approach involved the following components shared by each program: Community-based marketing strategies to recruit participants to workshops and for training participants to take low-cost energy actions; Home energy visits that include installation of low-cost materials and identify other energy-saving opportunities; Energy usage feedback reports to encourage individual energy-saving actions; Follow-up assistance, including providing cost-share, for completion of major efficiency upgrades including insulation, air sealing and major mechanicals replacement; and Training and quality control for insulation and air sealing contractors.   The project exceeded its original goals for participation, with 8,243 people attending workshops, 6,922 of those households completing a home energy visit, and 1,474 homes completing major energy efficiency upgrades. Over 36 contractors were trained in high performance installation techniques for insulation and air sealing jobs. The upgrades completed under this program generated $4.8 million in work for Minnesota's insulation and heating contractors. The total energy savings from measures installed in these homes will result in an estimated $13.8 million dollars in energy savings for the homeowners over the life of the measures. The programs will be continued in at least 5 of the participating cities. Project Results Use and Dissemination Dissemination of information to homeowners was an integral part of the program. Our outreach activities for the program reached tens of thousands of Minnesotans, resulting in over 7,500 households attending a workshop that was produced by the project. The workshops educated people on basic energy conservation concepts and strategies, such as how a home loses energy, low-cost or no-cost methods for reducing energy, and what the process is for doing major energy efficiency upgrades in your home. The ""Home Energy Resource Minnesota"" website was also designed for education and outreach on energy efficiency issues. In addition, each city program had an on-line presence for dissemination of information about the program. In addition to outreach targeted to homeowners as part of program activities, efforts were made to communicate to utilities, cities and other potential program sponsors of energy efficiency programs the Energy Efficient Cities program results, and increase uptake of similar residential programs. A presentation was given in August 2010 at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) Summer Study on Buildings in Pacific Grove, California. Based on interest at that conference, another webinar presentation on the program was given as part of a series sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and attended by over 500 participants. A second webinar presentation was conducted for a national network of local government officials organized by the Institute for Sustainable Communities. A presentation was also conducted for the Clean Energy Teams (CERTs) conference in February 2011. Both Minneapolis's and St. Paul's programs were featured in a national study of retrofit programs by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab entitled ""Driving Demand for Home Energy Improvements."" As a result of the initial program success, programs in Minneapolis, Duluth, Owatonna, Rochester and Austin will continue beyond the grant period, funded by utilities and other sources. Finally, a report was completed to document the project and communicate lessons learned to utilities and other potential program sponsors. The report will be disseminated to Minnesota utilities, and presentations will be scheduled with interested parties. A presentation has been scheduled for October in Owatonna for the Midwest chapter of the Association of Energy Service Professionals. Project Publication: Energy Efficient Cities: Using a Community-Based Approach to Achieve Greater Results in Comprehensive, Whole-House Energy-Efficiency Programs ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Carl,Nelson,"Center for Energy and Environment","212 N Third Ave, Ste 560",Minneapolis,MN,55436,612-335-5871,cnelson@mncee.org,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Digitization/Online Information Access, Monitoring, Planning, Technical Assistance","Minnesota Department of Commerce",,"Dakota, Hennepin, Mower, Olmsted, Ramsey, Steele",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/energy-efficient-cities,,,,
2136,"MeCC V - Restore & Enhance Significant Watershed Habitat (2.3)",2010,90000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04f2.3","$3,375,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the fifth appropriation for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $2,185,000 is for Department of Natural Resources agency programs and $1,190,000 is for agreements as follows: $380,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $90,000 with Friends of the Mississippi River; $155,000 with Great River Greening; $250,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $225,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $90,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for the purposes of planning, restoring, and protecting important natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through grants, contracted services, technical assistance, conservation easements, and fee title acquisition. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work program. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. To the maximum extent practical, consistent with contractual easement or fee acquisition obligations, the recipients shall utilize staff resources to identify future projects and shall maximize the implementation of biodiverse, quality restoration projects in the project proposal into the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,80000,,,,,,"Friends of the Mississippi River","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Project Outcome and Results The Twin Cities contains significant habitat areas. There is a concerted effort to protect, improve and link these areas. FMR's goal with this project was to partner with landowners to restore and enhance habitat at a number of these areas. During this phase of the MeCC project, FMR conducted activities at 9 distinct sites resulting in the restoration of a total of 287 acres, including 179 acres using Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund funds and 108 acres using leveraged funds. A management plan exists for each site, which served as guide for the restoration and enhancement activities. These sites included: Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area: Spot treated weeds on a 17-acre restored prairie and conducted exotic brush control on 28 acres of woodland. Conducted follow up buckthorn control on 3-acres of woodland. Sand Coulee Prairie. Conducted prescribed burns, mowing, and spot-spraying on 83- acres. Volunteers assisted in collecting seeds and removing weeds. Rosemount Wildlife Preserve. Conducted a prescribed burn on 16 acres of woodland. Wilmar. Mowed a 25-acre prairie restoration & treated exotic invasive plans in a 15-acre woodland. Mississippi River Gorge. Volunteers installed native tree and shrubs on 2-acre and installed prairie plants to enhance a 4-acre prairie restoration within Crosby Park. Volunteers also hand weeded the site. At the Riverside Park in Minneapolis, volunteers installed native plants within 4-acre of woodland. Hastings Riverflats Park. Applied basal bark treatment to buckthorn on 27 acres of floodplain forest. Gores Pool Wildlife Management Area and Aquatic Management Area. Exotic brush was removed and sprouts treated on 67 acres of woodland. Native grass seed was broadcasted over this woodland. Prairie restoration activities took place on a 4-acre old field. A 4-acre reed canary grassland was treated as part of a re-forestation effort. Ravenna Block Greenway-Dakota County. Buckthorn was removed from 12 acres of woodland, while a prescribed burn was conducted and native prairie seed was broadcasted on a 24-acre grassland. Emrick. 22 acres of a former farm field were seeded to prairie, followed by a mowing. Nine acres of exotic dominated woodland were removed and chipped for biofuels. Project Results Use and Dissemination FMR organizes many tours and stewardship events at the sites where we conduct restoration activities. We share information about this project with the participants of these events. FMR also occasionally publishes articles in its paper and electronic newsletters regarding restoration projects that it is involved in. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Tom,Lewanski,"Friends of the Mississippi River","360 N Robert St, Ste 400","St. Paul",MN,55101,"651-222-2193 x1",tlewanski@fmr.org,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-v-restore-enhance-significant-watershed-habitat-23,,,,
2139,"MeCC V - Restore & Enhance Significant Habitat (2.5)",2010,155000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04f2.5","$3,375,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the fifth appropriation for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $2,185,000 is for Department of Natural Resources agency programs and $1,190,000 is for agreements as follows: $380,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $90,000 with Friends of the Mississippi River; $155,000 with Great River Greening; $250,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $225,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $90,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for the purposes of planning, restoring, and protecting important natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through grants, contracted services, technical assistance, conservation easements, and fee title acquisition. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work program. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. To the maximum extent practical, consistent with contractual easement or fee acquisition obligations, the recipients shall utilize staff resources to identify future projects and shall maximize the implementation of biodiverse, quality restoration projects in the project proposal into the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,300000,,,,,,"Great River Greening","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Project Outcome and Results Great River Greening, along with our volunteers and partners, restored and enhanced a total of 204 acres of habitat with Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars, exceeding our goal of 155 acres, and an additional 140 acres with over $153,000 in leveraged non-state funds. Habitats included prairie, savanna, and forest, including nine native plant communities with biodiversity of statewide significance (as rated by Minnesota County Biological Survey), and habitat for 18 documented rare plant species (1 invertebrate, 2 bird, and 15 plant species). Restorations/enhancements also occurred at sites in priority watersheds rich with rare terrestrial and aquatic rare species, including the St. Croix, Mississippi, and Minnesota; as well as Valley Creek and Eagle Creek trout stream watersheds. A total of 15 different sites were restored/enhanced. Enhancement of native plant communities with existing significant biodiversity occurred at: Arcola Mills Historic Foundation (Stillwater); St Croix Valley Early Detection/Rapid Response Garlic Mustard (Taylors Falls and Marine locations); Spring Lake Regional Park (Scott Co); Spring Lake Park Reserve (Dakota Co); Hidden Valley Park (Savage); Snail Lake Regional Park (Shoreview); St. Croix Savanna SNA (Bayport); Lost Valley Prairie SNA (Denmark Township); and Pond Dakota Mission (Bloomington).   Restoration/enhancement of habitats in important and strategic locations were: prairie/savanna establishment at Pilot Knob Hill (Mendota Heights), located in an area identified by DNR as a top-tier township for habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need; a large prairie/savanna restoration/enhancement at Belwin Conservancy's Lake Edith site (Afton), in the Valley Creek watershed; early detection and control of garlic mustard at a Valley Creek watershed location; prairie restoration/enhancement at Central Corridor (Woodbury and Cottage Grove), historically connected to Lost Valley Prairie SNA; savanna maintenance at Eagle Creek AMA (Savage), a metro trout stream;/li>; floodplain forest enhancement at Heritage Village Park (Inver Grove Heights) to expand on existing significant floodplain forest on the banks of the Mississippi River; and a prairie reconstruction burn at OH Anderson Elementary (Mahtomedi), habitat that is also used extensively in classroom studies. Volunteers contributed over 2500 hours to these habitat projects. Project Results Use and Dissemination In January, 2010, Great River Greening included a feature article on the ENRTF, LCCMR, and the Metro Conservation Corridors program and projects in our e-postcard, circulation 3200. A write up on the Metro Conservation Corridors program with features of select projects was included in our Spring 2011 Newsletter, and an article featuring the Pond Dakota Mission restoration was featured in our Fall 2010 newsletter. These are available for continued viewing at http://www.greatrivergreening.org/news.asp. In addition, project descriptions are included in our volunteer recruitment efforts to all the volunteers in our database. In addition, Greening is in active partnership with landowners and other land managers, resulting in a dynamic and timely exchange of information and results. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Wiley,Buck,"Great River Greening","35 W Water St, Ste 201","St. Paul",MN,55107,651-665-9500,wbuck@greatrivergreening.org,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-v-restore-enhance-significant-habitat-25,,,,
2142,"MeCC V - Metro SNA Acquisition, Restoration & Enhancement (2.7/3.6)",2010,410000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04f2.7/3.6","$3,375,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the fifth appropriation for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $2,185,000 is for Department of Natural Resources agency programs and $1,190,000 is for agreements as follows: $380,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $90,000 with Friends of the Mississippi River; $155,000 with Great River Greening; $250,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $225,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $90,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for the purposes of planning, restoring, and protecting important natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through grants, contracted services, technical assistance, conservation easements, and fee title acquisition. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work program. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. To the maximum extent practical, consistent with contractual easement or fee acquisition obligations, the recipients shall utilize staff resources to identify future projects and shall maximize the implementation of biodiverse, quality restoration projects in the project proposal into the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government","Project Outcome and Results Nearly 150 acres of high quality native habitat threatened by urban development was acquired and added to two metro Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs). First, 80 acres were acquired (36.7 acres pro-rated to this appropriation) and added to the Hastings Sand Coulee SNA. The addition contains native oak savanna and prairie and increases this SNA to 267 acres. Thus, more than half of this largest remaining prairie complex in Dakota County is protected for its 13 resident rare species (including 3 snake and 2 butterfly species) and for public use, including hiking and nature observation. Second, about 70 acres - including public fishing frontage on the Credit River - was acquired (6.2 acres pro-rated to this appropriation) and added to the Savage Fen SNA in Scott County. These sites offer urban residents close-to-home nature-based recreation, including a new archery hunting opportunity on 300 acres at Savage Fen SNA. SNA restoration and enhancement activities were completed on 187 acres at 13 SNAs in 7 counties in the greater metropolitan area. For example, a 55-acre prairie was reconstructed (restored) at Lost Valley Prairie SNA with the help of volunteers and a Sentence-to-Serve crew using seed collected on site by hand and mechanically harvested by the SNA crew. Almost 100 acres was prescribed burned at 5 SNAs. About 34 acres received invasive species control actions, including work by Conservation Corps Minnesota. These activities result in better habitat for the SNAs' rare features and improved quality for users of SNAs. Project Results Use and Dissemination Information about Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) sites, including those SNAs with new acquisition, restoration, enhancement and development activities through this appropriation, is available on the DNR website (www.mndnr.gov/snas). DNR-sponsored volunteer events, such as those involved in the Lost Valley Prairie, are regularly posted at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering/sna/index. Both of the acquisition projects received publicity in local newspapers and in partner organization newsletters. Specifically, Savage Fen SNA acquisition was publicized in the Shakopee Valley News and in the Trust for Public Land's electronic newsletter and electronic invite. The Hastings Sand Coulee SNA acquisition was referenced in articles in the Hastings Gazette and the Friends of the Mississippi River website. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,"Peggy ",Booth,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25","St. Paul",MN,55155,651-259-5088,peggy.booth@state.mn.us,"Capital Development/Rehabilitation, Land Acquisition, Planning, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-v-metro-sna-acquisition-restoration-enhancement-2736,,,,
2145,"MeCC V - Protect Significant Habitat by Acquiring Conservation Easements (3.2)",2010,250000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04f3.2",,"Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Project Outcome and Results During the fifth phase of the Metro Corridors project, the Minnesota Land Trust continued to work with landowners throughout the greater metropolitan area to permanently protect lands that are key components of Minnesota's remaining natural areas in the region. Eight perpetual conservation easements were completed that collectively protect 765 acres of land and more than 13,000 feet of shoreline. Three easements were purchased, and the remaining five easements were donated. While two of the purchased easements used both 2009 and 2010 ENRTF funding, we are reporting the accomplishments as part of our 2009 report. We will not report these acres in future 2010 reports to avoid double-counting. All eight projects represent unique opportunities to protect high quality natural habitat, riparian areas, and to build upon prior land protection work by the Land Trust at several priority sites. The specific project sites of the conservation easements include: 45 acres, including 1,095 feet of shoreline, along Deer Lake in Anoka County (purchased using both ML 2009 and ML 2010 ENRTF appropriations); 148 acres, including 2,527 feet of shoreline, along Elk River in Sherburne County (donated); 44 acres, including 3,065 feet of shoreline, on Kingswood Pond in Hennepin County (purchased using both ML 2009 and ML 2010 ENRTF appropriations); 157 acres near Hardwood Creek in Washington County (donated); 5 acres in Scandia in Washington County (donated); 126 acres near the headwaters of Valley Creek in Washington County (donated); 39 acres adjacent to Wild River State Park in Chisago County (purchased using ML 2009 ENRTF appropriation only); 201 acres near Baypoint Park in Goodhue County (donated). Additionally, the Land Trust prepared baseline property reports for each easement, detailing the condition of the property for future monitoring and enforcement. To fund this required perpetual obligation, the Land Trust dedicated ENRTF and other funds to its segregated Stewardship and Enforcement Fund for all completed projects. We estimated the anticipated annual expenses of each project and the investment needed to generate annual income sufficient to cover these expenses in perpetuity - all in accordance with our internal policies and procedures as approved by LCCMR. We will report to LCCMR annually on the status of the Stewardship and Enforcement Fund and the easements acquired with funds from this grant. Values are known for only five of the eight easements acquired, and this value totals $854,500, with a known donated value of $413,500. The cost to the State of Minnesota to complete these projects was just over $326 per acre. Cumulatively, across phases I-V of the Metro Corridors program, the Land Trust has protected 3,298 acres of critical habitat and more than 75,000 feet of shoreline, at a cost to the State of $520 per acre. The Minnesota Land Trust's work on this project continues to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of working with conservation easements to protect natural and scenic resources within developed and developing areas, as the cost to the State was well below the cost to purchase land in the Twin Cities region. This grant continued to generate interest among landowners, and therefore, ongoing funding will be important to sustained success. Additionally, our experiences during this phase of the grant continue to indicate that funds to purchase easements, as opposed to obtaining donated easements, will be necessary in the future as work becomes more targeted, selective, and focused on building complexes of protected land. Project Results Use and Dissemination The Minnesota Land Trust disseminated information about the specific land protection projects completed under this grant though our newsletter, email updates, web site, and press releases. The Land Trust also shared information about conservation easements generally and our experience with our partner organizations, other easement holders, local communities, as well as policy makers including members of the LCCMR and L-SOHC. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Sarah,Strommen,"Minnesota Land Trust","2356 University Ave W, Ste 240","St. Paul",MN,55114,651-647-9590,sstrommen@mnland.org,"Land Acquisition, Monitoring, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-v-protect-significant-habitat-acquiring-conservation-easements-32,,,,
10003467,"Metropolitan Regional Park System Acquisition",2010,1290000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04c","$1,290,000 is from the trust fund to the Metropolitan Council for subgrants for the acquisition of lands within the approved park unit boundaries of the metropolitan regional park system. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures. A list of proposed fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. This appropriation must be matched by at least 40 percent of nonstate money and must be committed by December 31, 2009, or the appropriation cancels. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program. ","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"". ","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"". ",,4888000,,,,,,"Metropolitan Council","State Government","The Twin Cities area is host to a nationally renowned system of regional parks that provides numerous outdoor recreational opportunities for the public while preserving green space for wildlife habitat. The Metropolitan Council is using this appropriation to partially finance the acquisition of approximately 195 acres to be added to existing metropolitan regional parks, with priority given to lands with shoreland, lands that provide important natural resource connections, and lands containing unique natural resources. For more information, visit http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/all_projects/2009_projects.html. ",,"Work Plan ",2009-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Arne,Stefferud,"Metropolitan Council","390 N Robert St","St. Paul",MN,55101,651-602-1360,arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us,Grants/Contracts,"Metropolitan Council",,"Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metropolitan-regional-park-system-acquisition,,,,
2151,"Minnesota Farm Bill Assistance Project",2010,1000000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i","$1,000,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide funding for technical staff to assist in the implementation provisions of conservation programs including the federal farm bill conservation programs. Documentation must be provided on the number of landowner contacts, program participation, federal dollars leveraged, quantifiable criteria, and measurement of the improvements to water quality and habitat.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,67500,,,,,,BWSR,"State Government","Enrollment of private lands in conservation programs can provide important natural resource and other public benefits by taking the lands out of production so that they can provide various wildlife and ecological benefits. This appropriation is enabling Minnesota's Board of Soil and Water Resources to provide grants to local soil and water conservation districts for employment of technical staff to assist private landowners in implementing conservation programs. This effort is expected to assist with the enrollment, retention, and management of 50,000 private acres of grasslands and wetlands in conservation programs, particularly in areas expected to lose enrollments in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Overall Project Outcome and Results A joint effort of MN Board of Water and Soil Resources, MN Dept. of Natural Resources, MN Pheasants Forever, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the focus was acceleration of technical assistance to private landowners for enrollment in federal USDA conservation programs as they relate to grassland and wetland resources. This effort provided 16 full time equivalents at the field level with a goal to establish or restore 50,000 ac. of grassland and wetlands during the 2 year period ending June 1, 2011. This goal was exceeded with a total enrollment of 69,081 acres resulting in $79,000,000 of USDA program payments coming to MN landowners for implementing conservation practices on their land. Efforts of this project will continue for at least another 2 years under new funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and partner agency contributions. Project Results Use and Dissemination Overall project results and its impact can be found in the Minnesota Conservation Lands Summary table found at http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/easements/COENROL_083111.pdf. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Tabor,Hoek,"Board of Water and Soil Resources","520 Lafayette Rd N","St. Paul",MN,55155,507-537-7260,tabor.hoek@state.mn.us,"Grants/Contracts, Technical Assistance","Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources",,"Becker, Big Stone, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Cottonwood",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-farm-bill-assistance-project,,,,
2097,"Minnesota County Biological Survey",2010,2100000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 03a","$2,100,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for continuation of the Minnesota county biological survey to provide a foundation for conserving biological diversity by systematically collecting, interpreting, and delivering data on plant and animal distribution and ecology, native plant communities, and functional landscapes.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,750000,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government","The Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) is an ongoing effort begun in 1987 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that is systematically surveying, county-by-county, the state's natural habitats. The effort identifies significant natural areas and collects and interprets data on the status, distribution, and ecology of plants, animals, and native plant communities throughout the state. Through 2009 surveys have been completed in 74 of Minnesota's 87 counties and have added nearly 17,000 new records of rare features to the DNR's information systems. MCBS data is used by all levels of government in natural resource planning and use decisions, including prioritization of protection of park lands and scientific and natural areas. This appropriation will permit continuation of the survey in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties and begin surveys in Clearwater and Beltrami counties. Additionally two books will be published: a guide to Minnesota's native reptiles and amphibians and a guide to the wildlife of the Red River Valley and nearby aspen parklands. Overall Project Outcome and Results Since 1987 the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) has systematically collected, interpreted and delivered baseline data on the distribution and ecology of plants, animals, native plant communities, and functional landscapes in 81 of 87 counties. MCBS has added 19,089 new records to the Rare Features Database and contributed 4,544 of the 9,634 total database records to the Releve (vegetation sampling) Database. Rare aquatic plant and vegetation surveys were completed for 1,764 lakes. Statewide 9,713 MCBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance and 58,957 polygons of native plant communities are now publically available on DNR's Data Deli. During this project period, northeastern surveys documented features within large functional landscapes of fire-dependent forests, cliff and talus complexes, and undeveloped lakes. Surveys began in a portion of the northern patterned peatlands, one of the state's largest (about 2.5 million acres) and most inaccessible ecological systems. Surveys included successful collaboration with Red Lake Reservation DNR managers and University of Minnesota researchers. New range distributional data were recorded for Braun's holly fern (Polystichum braunii), Laurentian tiger beetle (Cicindela denikei), Black-throated Blue Warblers (Setophaga caerulescens) and three species of mosses. MCBS data on the locations of native prairie were a centerpiece of a plan: Minnesota prairie conservation plan 2010: a habitat plan for native prairie, grassland, and wetlands in the Prairie Region of western Minnesota. See also: Minnesota's Remaining Native Prairie 100 Years After the Public Land Survey. MCBS provided data and interpretation to inform management and monitoring activities in the Manitou and Sand Lake Seven Beavers Collaboratives- two large multi-jurisdictional landscapes. DNR's Forest Certification implementation used a MCBS data access tool to assist in evaluation of data related to High Conservation Value Forests. Maps of the Minnesota locations of 242 breeding birds based on observations by MCBS are on the web: Bird Distribution Maps. Project Results Use and Dissemination Data delivery includes delivery of information to local units of government, presentations and field trips, publications and web products. Several examples of recipients of data during this period include: St Louis County, Becker County, State Parks, northeast Landscape Collaboratives, Potlatch, Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Voyageurs National Park, Heron Lake Watershed District, and private landowners near the Chandler, MN Chanarambie Creek Prairies. See Final Report for additional information. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Carmen,Converse,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5083",carmen.converse@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Inventory, Mapping","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Beltrami, Clearwater, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, St. Louis",,"Lake Superior - South",http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-county-biological-survey,,,,
2105,"Restorable Wetlands Inventory",2010,300000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 03e","$300,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited, Inc., to complete the inventory, mapping, and digitizing of drained restorable wetlands in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,56000,,,,,,"Ducks Unlimited, Inc.","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Minnesota's wetlands provide crucial habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, assist in flood control, and help maintain water quality. However, the state has lost half the wetlands that existed before European settlement and these drained wetlands have not been mapped as part of the National Wetlands Inventory. This appropriation is enabling efforts by Ducks Unlimited to provide a complement to the National Wetlands Inventory by identifying and mapping drained wetlands that have the potential to be restored to provide their various benefits once again. This data will be used to prioritize wetland restoration in the Red River Valley and the Prairie-Hardwood region of South-Central Minnesota. Mapping is taking place in 170 townships in Clay, Mahnomen, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Norman, Renville, Sibley, Wilkin, and Wright counties. Overall Project Outcome and Results The Restorable Wetlands Inventory (RWI) is a complement to the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) completed in late-1980s by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. An administrative decision was made developing the original NWI not to map wetland basins in Minnesota identified as completely drained. The number and acreage of completely drained wetlands that were not mapped by the NWI process is significant. In Pope County alone, 25,000 acres of completely drained wetland acres were missed in the NWI mapping process - nearly 19% of the total wetland resources in that county. The RWI project identifies and digitizes the completely-drained depressional wetlands that were not mapped by the NWI process. Restorable wetlands mapping is based upon protocols established for NWI allowing seamless integration of the two datasets. The 2009 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriation provided the last project funding needed to complete, remaining RWI mapping for the glaciated, tallgrass prairie region of Minnesota - an additional 6,120 square miles. The mapping occurred in approximately 178 townships in Clay, Mahnomen, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Norman, Renville, Sibley, Wilkin, and Wright Counties. In the Red River Valley Complex, over 132,000 individual restorable wetland basins were identified and mapped. In the Prairie-Hardwood Complex, almost 131,000 individual restorable wetland basins were identified and mapped. As in previous phase of the mapping project, partners included the LCCMR, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The photo-interpretation and digitization work was contracted to the GIS Lab at South Dakota State University. The attached ""Restorable Wetlands Inventory: Final Status Map"" displays the counties and townships that were completed under the M.L. 2008, M.L. 2009, and prior appropriations. Data will be distributed on the web via the Minnesota GIS Data Deli (http://deli.dnr.state.mn.us) and the Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (http://www.ducks.org) websites. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Darin,Blunck,"Ducks Unlimited Inc.","2525 River Rd",Bismarck,ND,58503,701-355-3500,dblunck@ducks.org,"Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Clay, Mahnomen, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Norman",,"Bois de Sioux River",http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/restorable-wetlands-inventory,,,,
2101,"Soil Survey",2010,400000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 03c","$400,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to accelerate the county soil survey mapping and Web-based data delivery. This appropriation represents a continuing effort to complete the mapping. The soil surveys must be done on a cost-share basis with local and federal funds.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,4193600,,,,,,BWSR,"State Government","The Minnesota Soil Survey is an ongoing effort by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that is systematically collecting and mapping data pertaining to soil types and other soil properties in each county of the state. Soils data is used by governments, farmers, and other businesses for a number of purposes from protection and restoration of soil, water, wetlands, and habitats to agricultural soil management to building construction. This appropriation will accelerate the mapping and digitization of soil surveys for Crow Wing, Pine, Koochiching, Lake, Cook, and Saint Louis counties. Overall Project Outcome and Results Accurate soils information is essential for evaluating the potential for land to support development, crop and forest production, and for identifying the most suitable locations for conservation practices and other land uses. Readily accessible local soil information is critical to informing conservation decisions and provides a foundation for sustainable land use planning. The soil survey is the mechanism for how this basic natural resource information is made available to land use authorities and landowners to make the best land use decisions. In the ongoing, multi-year project to map, classify, interpret, and Web-publish an inventory of the soils of Minnesota, this two-year phase of the project focused on accelerating the completion of a Statewide soil survey, increase soil mapping in targeted areas, and enhancing soils data through increased sample collection, availability and interpretation. Specifically: 330,000 acres mapped in Crow Wing County; 32,000 acres mapped in Pine County; 85,000 acres mapped in Koochiching County; 80,000 acres mapped in the Crane Lake subset of St. Louis County; 219,000 acres mapped in Lake County; 114,000 acres mapped in Cook County; Data from 1,000 soil samples (some dating back to the 1970's) were interpreted for the first time and incorporated into Soil Surveys for many Minnesota counties; Land use effects on soil carbon were determined on 122 sites in 14 counties throughout the State; this data can be used to develop soil carbon management guidance.   The soil survey project was extremely successful and many of the mapping goals were exceeded. Mapping surpassed initial acreage goals in both Crow Wing, Lake, Cook and Pine Counties, and the soil surveys for Koochiching and St. Louis Counties were completed 1 year ahead of schedule. A report detailing the results of re-analysis of lab samples from the 1970's highlighting land use impacts on soil carbon is available below and on BWSR's State Soil Office website. Project Results Use and Dissemination The Soil Survey project funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is highlighted as a BWSR feature project on the Agency's home page. All the data, mapping information, and interpretations are available on the Web Soil Survey as a user-friendly, GIS-based application. Web Soil Survey provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world.   Project Publication: Historical C Project Report on land use impacts on soil carbon ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,"Greg ",Larson,"Board of Water and Soil Resources","520 Lafayette Rd N","St. Paul",MN,55155,651-297-7029,greg.a.larson@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping","Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources",,"Cook, Crow Wing, Isanti, Koochiching, Lake, Pine",,"Cottonwood River",http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/soil-survey,,,,
2102,"Springshed Mapping for Trout Stream Management (U of MN)",2010,250000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 03d1","$500,000 is from the trust fund to continue to identify and delineate supply areas and springsheds for springs serving as coldwater sources for trout streams and to assess the impacts from development and water appropriations. Of this appropriation, $250,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and $250,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"University of Minnesota","Public College/University","Native trout require clean, cold water that usually originates from springs, but the springs feeding the 173 designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota are under increasing pressure from current and expected changes in land use. This joint effort by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working to identify and map the springs and the areas that feed water to these springs and to learn how these waters might be affected by development and water use. Overall Project Outcome and Results Native trout require clean, cold water that usually originates from springs, but the springs feeding the 173 designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota are under increasing pressure from current and expected changes in land use. This joint effort by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources continued an ongoing effort begun in 2007 that is working to identify and map the springs and the areas that feed water to these springs and to learn how these waters might be affected by development and water use. Springshed delineation provides critical information for the protection and management of the springs that form the coldwater streams of southeast Minnesota. Our primary tool is fluorescent dye tracing. During the two-year period of Phase II, the U of M in collaboration with the DNR conducted 26 traces in Fillmore, Houston, Winona and Wabasha counties that mapped over 12,000 acres. Each individual trace typically has involved two or more different tracers with up to five different tracers employed in one trace. These traces are expanding the tools available for the springshed mapping, while defining new springsheds and refining the boundaries of known springsheds. These traces have been conducted in the Galena, Prairie du Chien and St. Lawrence springshed areas. Additionally, data monitoring equipment was also added as an additional component in this phase. The availability of new, high resolution LiDAR data also provided an important new tool that is being utilized to locate sinkholes, sinking streams, and spring as part of the springshed mapping effort. We coordinated our efforts with other LCCMR funded programs in SE Minnesota and with ongoing resource management efforts by the DNR, MPCA and Agriculture Department State agencies. Six of the dye traces were done in coordination with local governmental staff in order to support the Root River pilot project of the Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) in Minnesota. We are working with the MPCA's TMDL efforts in SE Minnesota. Project Results Use and Dissemination The dissemination of the results of this project proceeded at several levels. We provided interim results to local landowners and to local, county, regional, and state agency staff and resource managers. MPCA staff, for example, routinely contact us with questions about karst features in SE Minn. We worked synergistically with other LCCMR funded research projects and with a range of resource management efforts. The generation and dissemination of the maps and written reports was part student educational projects - including local high school students, university students, interns, graduate student theses, post Doctoral researchers, and various colleagues. We lead and participated in fieldtrips sponsored by LCCMR, the MGWA, and other groups focused on protecting SE MN trout streams and water resources. We worked collaboratively with MPCA, DNR, Department of Agriculture and other agencies to expand and complement the LCCMR funded work. A dozen reports on the interim results of this project were presented at state and national scientific meetings. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Calvin,"Alexander, Jr.","U of MN","450 McNamara Alumni Ctr, 200 Oak St SE",Minneapolis,MN,55455,612-624-3517,alexa001@umn.edu,"Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping, Monitoring","University of Minnesota ",,"Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Ramsey, Scott, Wabasha, Washington, Winona",,"Clearwater River",http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/springshed-mapping-trout-stream-management-u-mn,,,,
2103,"Springshed Mapping for Trout Stream Management (MN DNR)",2010,250000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 03d2","$500,000 is from the trust fund to continue to identify and delineate supply areas and springsheds for springs serving as coldwater sources for trout streams and to assess the impacts from development and water appropriations. Of this appropriation, $250,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and $250,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government","Native trout require clean, cold water that usually originates from springs, but the springs feeding the 173 designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota are under increasing pressure from current and expected changes in land use. This joint effort by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working to identify and map the springs and the areas that feed water to these springs and to learn how these waters might be affected by development and water use. Overall Project Outcome and Results Springshed delineation provides critical information for the protection and management of the springs that form the coldwater streams of southeast Minnesota. Our primary tool is fluorescent dye tracing. During the two-year period of Phase II, DNR (in cooperation with the U of M) conducted 26 traces in Fillmore, Houston, Winona and Wabasha counties that mapped over 12,000 acres. The Fillmore County traces were in the Galena Formation. We discovered three previously unmapped springsheds and expanded the boundaries of five known springsheds. The expanded boundary springsheds were in the Watson Creek and South Fork Root watersheds, target areas for the local, state and federal Root River Initiative. The new springsheds are in the Crystal Creek watershed. These traces enhanced MDA watershed research and education efforts. The traces in Houston, Winona and Wabasha were in the St. Lawrence Formation. This work expanded the geographic range of St. Lawrence traces and demonstrated that conduit flow in the St. Lawrence (a confining unit in the state well code) is a regional phenomenon. Four new springsheds were located in the St. Lawrence. Two of the traces in Houston County were run from streams that do not disappear into the St. Lawrence but flow continually across it. Both of those traces were detected at springs and one was detected in a private well. This indicates that St. Lawrence groundwater across southeast Minnesota could be impacted by the surface water quality of streams crossing the formation in shallow conditions. Solinst level-temperature-conductivity loggers were purchased in the second year of the project. The data from them has shown that Prairie du Chien formation springs can be monitored for minor temperature fluctuations. Detecting these fluctuations has allowed us to conclude that the monitored springs are affected by snowmelt runoff. This information will be used for spring assessment protocol development. Project Results Use and Dissemination The project manager has spoken about the project and its results to local, state and federal officials, citizen groups, anglers, local, state and federal agency staff, and met one-on-one with numerous landowners. Project results are part of the base data for Root River Initiative watershed management efforts in the Watson Creek and Rush Pine watersheds. MPCA staff are using the maps as part of their nitrate-TMDL development. MDA staff are using the springshed maps to modify their watershed research in the Crystal Creek watershed. The project was featured on MPR when a reporter accompanied the project manager on a spring snowmelt runoff dye trace near Canton, MN. Two traces were conducted in cooperation with the earth science class at Fillmore Central High School in Harmony. The students assisted with dye input and sampling. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,"Jeff ",Green,"MN DNR","2300 Silver Creek Rd NE",Rochester,MN,55906,507-206-2853,jeff.green@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Inventory, Mapping, Monitoring","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Ramsey, Scott, Wabasha, Washington, Winona",,"Buffalo River",http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/springshed-mapping-trout-stream-management-mn-dnr,,,,
2155,"Vulnerability of Fish Populations in Lakes to Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants",2010,297000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 05b","$297,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geologic Survey and St. Cloud State University to develop quantitative data on juvenile and adult fish vulnerability to endocrine-active emerging contaminants found in Minnesota lakes. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,33000,,,,,,USGS,"State Government","Endocrine disrupting contaminants are chemicals that may interfere with natural hormones in humans and wildlife and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects. These chemicals occur in a variety of everyday products, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, detergents, flame retardants, cosmetics, and pesticides. As these chemicals get discharged into the environment, humans and wildlife are exposed. The U.S. Geological Survey and St. Cloud State University are using this appropriation to study the occurrence of these chemicals in Minnesota's lakes and the degree to which they pose a threat to fish, such as affecting their ability to develop and reproduce. Overall Project Outcome and Results Effects of endocrine active compound (EAC) exposure to fish have been assessed predominantly at the molecular to organismal level, leaving questions regarding implications for population sustainability. One EAC, 17 beta-estradiol (E2), is frequently detected in aquatic environments because it is a hormone produced by vertebrates. This study assessed developmental and reproductive effects of E2 exposure on fathead minnows and bluegill sunfish. Continuous, six week exposures were conducted in outdoor tanks to simulate natural lake environments. First generation (F0) fathead minnows and bluegill sunfish were exposed during sexual maturity. Second generation (F1) fathead minnows were exposed during early development, sexual maturity, or both stages. Multiple biomarkers were measured to assess the effects of E2 exposure on fecundity, fish health, and development. Differences in the timing of egg production for both species indicate differences in lifetime fecundity between unexposed and exposed females. Exposure to E2 resulted in lower relative health and reduced expression masculine secondary sexual characteristic expression in F0 fathead minnows. Similar results were not observed in F1 fathead minnows. First generation bluegill sunfish males exposed to E2 had significantly smaller testes compared to controls. Supplemental, laboratory exposures were conducted on a separate fathead minnows cohort to assess reproduction and larval ability to escape a predator threat. Predation tests suggest E2 exposure of the current generation has the greatest effect on larval survival. Larval fathead minnows exposure to E2 in the F2 generation had longer escape responses and lower survival rates when compared to controls. Females exposed to E2 tended to lag behind controls in terms of larvae production after an initial period of similar activity. Results from this study suggest that exposure to E2 (in the absence of other estrogenic compounds) at environmentally relevant concentrations has subtle reproductive and developmental effects on fathead minnows and bluegill sunfish and implications for long-term survival in a predator-rich environment. Project Results Use and Dissemination Results from this study feed into an ongoing study assessing septic system discharge to lakes and effects on bluegill fitness (Assessing Septic System Discharge to Lakes, funded by Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund in 2010). A manuscript was submitted to the Journal of the American Water Resources Association for inclusion in a special issue on contaminants of emerging concern (originally submitted in February 2013, revised copy submitted in July 2013). A copy of the revised manuscript is included as an attachment to this final report. Results from portions of this study have been included in two graduate student theses at St. Cloud State University under the supervision of Co-PI, Heiko Schoenfuss. Results have been presented at the following scientific conferences: March 2012 - Midwest Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Minneapolis, MN) June 2012 - American Water Resources Association specialty conference on contaminants of emerging concern (Denver, CO) October 2012 - Minnesota Water Resources Conference (Minneapolis, MN) This study was discussed in conjunction with similar work in a MPR story that aired on February 20, 2013. Project Publications: Fathead Minnow and Bluegill Sunfish Life-Stage Responses to 17 Beta-Estradiol Exposure in Outdoor Mesocosms (PDF - .2 MB) Master's Thesis: Effect Differences of Estrogenic Exposure Between an Endangered Species and Two Model Species and Across Life Stages (PDF - 2.1 MB) ",,"FINAL REPORT ",2009-07-01,2013-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Richard,Kiesling,"U.S. Geological Survey","2280 Woodale Dr","Mounds View",MN,55112,763-783-3131,kiesling@usgs.gov,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,Ramsey,,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/vulnerability-fish-populations-lakes-endocrine-disrupting-contaminants,,,,