"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"
9801,"Accelerating the Wildlife Management Area Program , Phase 4",2013,3300000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(f)","$3,300,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pheasants Forever to acquire land in fee for wildlife management area purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.",,"Protect in fee 73 acres of wetlands and 565 acres of prairies",,534100,"Pheasants Forever private funding and Federal monies",3300000,,,.09,"Pheasants Forever","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The program accelerated the protection of 550 acres of prairie grassland, wetland, and other wildlife habitat as State Wildlife Management Areas open to public hunting. However, over the course of the appropriation, we acquired seven parcels for a total of 638 acres which exceeded our total acre goal of 550 acres by 88 acres.  Breaking down acres by ecological section we exceed our 440 acre goal for the prairie region by 171 acres.  We have a balance of $62,300 that will be returned to the Fund despite exceeding our acre goals and demonstrating the high level of efficiency Pheasants Forever operates at.  In total, we under spent on our budget, over delivered on acre goals, and over delivered on match leverage received while using less personnel costs than proposed.One tract of significance worth mentioning is Mel Roehrl WMA which was one of the largest permanent protection projects in this proposal at 110 acres.  The Mel Roehrl WMA Addition builds on the existing 197 acre Mel Roehl WMA.  Within three miles of this tract there are four WPAs totaling 491 acres, two SNAs totaling 226 acres and one 197 acre WMA.  In addition there are numerous perpetual FWS conservation easements in this area.  This habitat complex is a mere 22 miles from Alexandria in western Stearns County, has outstanding grassland, wetland and winter habitat and is located in an area of the county with large numbers of existing CRP tracts. Opportunities for public hunting and trapping is very high. This area is a notable pheasant and deer hunting area of the county.  This tract, like many of the other tracts purchased in this proposal, are within identified priority areas by MN DNR, USFWS, and other partners.  Some of the factors we use to prioritize acquisitions are Grassland Bird Conservation Areas, Fish and Wildlife habitat rankings (e.g. HAPET scores, duck nesting pair density), and stateside plans (e.g. Pheasant Action Plan, Wildlife Action Plan).  In addition we use site specific factors such as rare species, native prairie, and restoration potential to decide which tracts will best benefit fish, game, and wildlife.",,"Final Report: http://www.lsohc.leg.mn/FY2013/accomp_plan/2f.pdf Working in close collaboration with partners, Pheasants Forever acquired 638 acres of strategic habitat that builds onto existing protected lands and/or develops corridors for wildlife. All lands acquired have been enrolled into the state Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Program and will be protected and managed in perpetuity by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. We have worked together with federal, state and local partners when acquiring the seven parcels which will now be celebrated as new WMAs. These new additions to existing WMAs not only provides access and recreational opportunities for all Minnesotans, but helps reduce erosion, improve water filtration, and provide quality habitat for many of Minnesota's non-game species. The offers to the landowner were based on fair market values and appraisals. The acquired parcels addressed a backlog of willing sellers that now are helping slow the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat in Minnesota. Parcels were identified jointly with the MN DNR, ranked, and prioritized on habitat goals and feasibility. Pheasants Forever's methods are formed around the principle of accelerating the Wildlife Production Area program in MN by targeting only the best available habitat with willing sellers. We utilize local partner expertise to focus on building a system of interconnected wildlife complexes that create habitat mosaics. We also utilize the latest geospatial layers to help determine factors such as: habitat restoration potential, landscape scale significance, presence of rare features and native habitat, and how these acquisitions fit into other priorities for our partners such as the MN prairie Conservation Plan, the Pheasant Action Plan, or the State Wildlife Action Plan to name a few. All parcels acquired have been restored and/or enhanced to as a high quality as practicable. All agricultural row crops on these parcels have been restored to native grassland/wetland complexes. The grasslands were restored using a broadcast or drill seeded method with a diverse mix of native grasses and forb species. Wetlands were restored using a combination of tile breaking, sediment removal, dike construction, and water control structures. Scattered invasive tree removal and prescribed fire were used where appropriate to enhance existing grassland habitat after protection.",2012-07-01,2014-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Eran,Sandquist,"Pheasants Forever","410 Lincoln Avenue South","South Haven",MN,55382,320-236-7755,esandquist@pheasantsforever.org,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cottonwood, Kandiyohi, Le Sueur, McLeod, Renville, Stearns, Yellow Medicine","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area, Prairie Region",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/accelerating-wildlife-management-area-program-phase-4,,,,
9803,"Accelerated Prairie Restoration and Enhancement on DNR Lands, Phase 4",2013,4300000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(h)","$4,300,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to accelerate the restoration and enhancement of wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, and land under native prairie bank easements. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.",,"Restored 123 acres and enhanced 59,373 acres of prairie ",,,"n/a ",4282900,105100,,14,DNR,"State Government","The table below provides a short summary of the acres and sites accomplished. We enhanced or restored 59,495 acres in 458 separate habitat projects.Project Type # Sites # AcresFencing for conserv grazing 6 721grassland conversion 33 1,124Invasive Species Control 43 1,599mowing 3 104Prescribed burn 214 48,368Restoration 13 123Woody Removal 146 7,457",,"In the table above, grassland conversion is generally converting old brome or early low diversity CRP-like plantings (grass only) to a diverse native grass and forb mix. These projects are good examples of the benefits of OHF. Low diversity grasslands provide some habitat for wildlife. These funds allow us to enhance and improve these habitats, going above and beyond what we could do without these funds. By far our most effective management tool is prescribed fire and we were able to burn over 48,000 acres, just over 75 square miles, with these funds.Our acre estimate is probably a low number, especially for woody removal. Trees in grasslands affect both the immediate area as well as the surrounding area. Generally we remove trees to increase nest success in the surrounding areas. While we may only record one acre of tree removal, we’re enhancing nest success for an entire WMA.This was the fourth appropriation for the DNR's programmatic Grassland Enhancement efforts. The primary focus for the Wildlife Section of this appropriation was the use of two Roving Crews, in Region One (located in Polk County) and Region 3 (located in Dakota County). Roving Crews are self-contained habitat enhancement programs. One hundred percent of their time is dedicated to habitat enhancement. In addition, we worked with local contractors to do additional habitat work on WMAs and SNAs.Division of Ecological and Water Resource staff funded on this appropriation did a variety of tasks, including writing contracts for woody removal projects and prescribed burns, firebreak installation, prescribed burn planning and execution, prairie reconstruction, and smaller invasive removal projects. CCM crews were contracted for many projects to add additional abilities. Specifically noteworthy, southern region EWR hires a CCM crew for several weeks in the spring each year to build support into the DNR burn crew (there would not be enough staff for a crew without CCM).In addition to these data, we also provide the following narratives showing the outputs and outcomes of several of the projects on the parcel list.The Cuka WMA project involved the removal of scattered invasive volunteer trees from 130 acres of native and restored prairie. A DNR survey on June 11, 2013 revealed the presence of at least 508 individual clusters of Small White Lady Slipper orchids. The orchid is abundant on Cuka WMA and this tree removal was management that is a direct positive for the preservation of this species. The removal of predator perches and den trees was one objective that appears to have been successfully met based upon the pheasant production that has been observed on this unit in recent years. One hunter has harvested a 2 bird limit on every pheasant opener for the last four years.A large portion of Benson WMA was already a quality restored grassland and wetland complex when acquired, but had thousands of trees covering the WMA. Without treatment, the site would have soon lost its open nature and grassland wildlife. The site includes a very high quality remnant prairie that we use to harvest local ecotype seed for nearby WMA restorations.Two Rivers Aspen Parkland SNA is a 1400 acre high quality brush prairie that was being invaded by aspen. This transition can be devastating to many wildlife species, particularly sharp tailed grouse as they tend to abandon these areas once they transition. After the prescribed burn and woody removal projects, there was a significant increase in sharp tailed grouse observations.Sweetwater WMA has two tracts totaling 430 acres. These tracts are part of a contiguous complex of public lands, including roughly 1,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas and 500 acres of WMA in the heart of Lac qui Parle County – an area with a rich history of waterfowl and upland bird hunting. The tree removal work on Sweetwater WMA compliments ongoing habitat acquisitions, restorations and enhancements being done in this area through partnerships among USFWS, MNDNR, TNC, PF and DU.Cooperative Farming Agreement fields totaling nineteen acres on four WMAs in the south Metro were retired. The fields were planted to a diverse mix native grasses and forbs. This will benefit pollinators as well as providing additional nesting cover. These WMAs are relatively close to the Metro Area, proving both wildlife habitat as well as hunting and other recreational opportunities for Twin Cities residents.Because this is a programmatic appropriation, it’s difficult to assign a dollar amount to a specific project. Because of this and the large number of projects, we simply assigned dollars to projects proportional to acres completed in that project. In the same way, we proportionally assigned dollars to personnel based on FTEs.",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Greg,Hoch,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","St Paul",MN,55155,651-259-5230,greg.hoch@state.mn.us,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa, Clay, Douglas, Fillmore, Goodhue, Grant, Houston, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Meeker, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, Pope, Redwood, Roseau, Statewide, Stearns, Stevens, Traverse, Washington, Winona, Yellow Medicine","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area, Prairie Region, Southeast Forest",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/accelerated-prairie-restoration-and-enhancement-dnr-lands-phase-4,,,,
9804,"Anoka Sand Plain Habitat Restoration and Enhancement , Phase 2",2013,1050000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(i)","$1,050,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to restore and enhance habitat on public lands in the Anoka Sand Plain and along the Rum River as follows: $558,750 to Great River Greening; $99,400 to the Anoka Conservation District; and $391,850 to the National Wild Turkey Federation. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.","Enhance 139 acres of wetlands, 1,150 acres of prairies and 577 acres of forest ",,,208800,"Morrison County, Great River Greening and National Wild Turkey Federation ",1050000,,,.66,"Great River Greening, Anoka Conservation District and National Wild Turkey Federation","Non-Profit Business/Entity","With funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and other leveraged sources, the Anoka Sand Plain Partnership restored/enhanced 1,866 acres of priority wildlife habitat within the Anoka Sand Plain and in the Rum River watershed in east-central Minnesota. ",,"The participating members of the Anoka Sand Plain Partnership, Anoka Conservation District (ACD), Great River Greening (GRG), and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), harnessed the expertise, resources, and connections of a broad community of committed conservation stakeholders to significantly elevate restoration and enhancement of oak savannas (Minnesota’s most critically imperiled habitat), prairies, oak woodlands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands on public lands across the Anoka Sand Plain ecological region of east-central Minnesota.The Anoka Sand Plain Partnership exceeded output targets, restoring/enhancing 1,866 acres of critical habitat on public lands in the project area. This exceeded output target of 1,355 acres restored/enhanced by 511 acres or 138%.Acres R/E by habitat type: • 139 acres of wetland habitat • 1,150 acres of prairie/oak savanna habitat • 577 acres of forest habitatAcres R/E by restoration activity: • 2,431 acres of woody invasive species management • 292 acres of prescribed burning • 4 acres of prairie seeding • 139 acres of wetland restoration • 19 acres of riverbank restoration Note: acres by activity may be greater than output acres/project footprint when multiple restoration activities were performed on the same acre (such as invasive species removal and prescribed burning).R/E work was completed across 11 public lands (see a full summary detailed in the final parcel list) including the following:1. Allemansrätt Wilderness Park (Chisago County, GRG): Forest enhancement occurred on 40 acres of high diversity forest, through two stage invasive shrub control. Funds were used for subcontracted work, while ENRTF and local match were used for volunteer engagement and habitat enhancement of adjacent acres. 2. Anoka Nature Preserve (Anoka County, ACD): Habitat enhancement occurred on 148 acres of Anoka Nature Preserve through herbicide application of common buckthorn, prickly ash, and tartarian honeysuckle; prescribed burning of treated acres; and planting of native bare root trees and shrubs. Monitoring and chemical and mechanical control of invasive woody species continued after initial treatment, including mowing, stump spraying, and spot basal bark spraying to further reduce invasive regrowth and encourage desirable species. 3. Belle Prairie County Park (Morrison County, GRG): A total of 35 acres of oak savanna/woodland habitat was enhanced through sustained removal of woody invasive species including removal, stump treatment, and a prescribed burn; and a 4 acre old field was seeded into prairie.4. Carlos Avery WMA (Anoka County, GRG): A total of 339 acres of high quality (MCBS) forest were enhanced with invasive woody removal, primarily invasive shrubs and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), with multiple treatments using subcontracted work and Greening crews. 5. Ereaux WMA (Morrison County, NWTF): A total of 288 oak woodland acres were enhanced by woody invasive species management through cutting, herbicide stump treatment, and burning of debris piles. Emergent invasive sprouts were later spot sprayed with herbicide. A portion of the site was also burned.6. McDougall WMA (Morrison County, NWTF): A total 111 acres of Mississippi River high quality floodplain and terrace forest were treated for invasive buckthorn. 7. Rice Lake SNA (Sherburne County, GRG): A total of 23 acres of high quality oak savanna enhancement was completed with the removal of invasive shrubs using a two stage treatment of winter forestry mowing, followed by spring prescribed burning. 8. Rum River Wild Rice (Isanti County, GRG): This project included successful aerial spray of overabundant water lily and invasive cattail on Marget and Krone Lakes, two historic wild rice shallow lakes, to release viable wild rice seed bed and improve the success of supplemental seeding. This project also included wild rice seeding in Rum River backwaters, oxbows, and main channel. This project enhanced a total of 139 wetland acres. 9. Sartell WMA (Benton County, NWTF): A total of 170 oak woodland acres were enhanced through woody invasive species removal of buckthorn, honeysuckle, and overabundant red cedar, through cutting, herbicide stump treatment, and burning of debris piles. Emergent invasive sprouts were later spot sprayed with herbicide. A portion of the site was also burned. 10. Sherburne NWR (Sherburne County, GRG): A total of 519 acres of oak savanna enhancement work was completed as part of the large-scale restoration of refuge lands. Enhancement consisted of woody invasive species control and other activities, through both subcontract work and USFWS in-kind match.11. Twin Lakes SNA (Isanti County, GRG): A total of 47 acres of forest were enhanced through the removal and treatment of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and other invasive species. In addition, a forest gap of 3 acres of old field was planted with oak seedlings grown from acorns collected on site.",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Wayne,Ostlie,"Great River Greening","35 West Water Street, Suite 201","St. Paul",MN,55082,"(651) 894-3870",wbuck@greatrivergreening.org,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/anoka-sand-plain-habitat-restoration-and-enhancement-phase-2,,,,
9822,"Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement , Phase 4",2013,2120000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 5(e)","$2,120,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited to restore and enhance coldwater fish lake, river, and stream habitats in Minnesota. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.",,"Enhanced 347 acres of habitats ",,,"n/a ",2080000,,,.70,"MN Trout Unlimited","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Minnesota Trout Unlimited enhanced in-stream and riparian fish and wildlife habitat in and along coldwater streams and lakes located on public lands and Aquatic Management Areas.  We originally proposed 11 projects, yet completed 13 projects. Contracting efficiencies and leveraging of other funding allowed us to add three more habitat enhancement projects in northeast Minnesota and to lengthen others.  One small budget project was dropped when a partner changed the scope from 144 acres to less than 15 and proposed costs outweighed the potential benefit. Despite dropping that project we finished with 89% of the proposed acres being achieved (347 acres completed versus 388 acres proposed).",,"The projects completed with Fy2013 funding used methods similar to those used on projects completed by MNTU chapters in the past several years and also incorporated new research to improve project designs and fish and wildlife benefits. The specific fish habitat enhancement methods used on each stream varied depending upon the distinct natural resource characteristics of each watershed and ecological region, the limiting factors identified for each stream, and the variations in the type and magnitude of poor land uses practices within each watershed. MNTU tailored each project accordingly, using the best available science, in close consultation with resource professionals within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (“MNDNR”). Purposes: Each project was designed and completed using techniques selected to accomplish one or more of the following purposes: (a) reduce stream bank erosion and associated sedimentation downstream; (b) reconnect streams to their floodplains to reduce negative resource impacts from severe flooding; (c) increase natural reproduction of trout and other aquatic organisms; (d) maintain or increase adult trout abundance; (e) increase habitat and biodiversity for both invertebrates and other non-game species; (f) be long lasting with minimal maintenance required; (g) improve angler access and participation; (h) improve lake productivity for trout species; and (i) protect productive trout waters from undesirable invasive species. Habitat enhancement methods: Methods used on each project included one or more of the following techniques: (1) sloping back stream banks to both remove accumulated sediments eroded from uplands areas and better reconnect the stream to its floodplain; (2) removing undesirable woody vegetation (invasive box elder, buckthorn, etc.) from riparian corridors to enable removal of accumulated sediments, reduce competition with desirable plant and grass species, and allow beneficial energy inputs (sunlight) to reach the streams; (3) stabilizing eroding stream banks using vegetation and/or rock; (4) selectively installing overhead and other in-stream cover for trout; (5) installing soil erosion prevention measures; (6) mulching and seeding exposed stream banks (including with native prairie plant species where appropriate and feasible); (7) improving or maintaining stream access roads and stream crossings to reduce erosion; (8) fencing grassy riparian corridors, including in such a way as to facilitate managed grazing, in order to prevent damage from over grazing; (9) placing large logs in northern forested streams to restore cover logs removed a half century or more ago; and (10) in northern forested watersheds with little cold groundwater, planting desirable trees in riparian areas to provide shade for the stream channel and help cool the water. Agricultural area example: Many streams in the agricultural areas of southern and central Minnesota have been negatively impacted by many decades of poor land management practices. The projects in southeast Minnesota used the following approach to address this: Erosion has led to wider, shallower and warmer streams, as well as excessive streamside sediments which regularly erode, covering food production and trout reproduction areas. In many cases shallow rooted invasive trees have taken over the riparian corridors, out competing native vegetation which better secures soils, and reducing energy inputs to the stream ecosystem. To remedy this, a typical enhancement project will involve several steps. First, invasive trees are removed from the riparian zone and steep, eroding banks are graded by machinery to remove excess sediments deposited here from upland areas. Importantly, this reconnects the stream to its floodplain. Since many of these agricultural watersheds still experience periodic severe flooding, select portions of the stream banks are then reinforced with indigenous rock. In lower gradient watersheds, or watersheds where flows are more stable, little or no rock is used. After enhancement work is completed the streams flow faster and become deeper, keeping them cooler and providing natural overhead cover through depth and the scouring of sediments deposited by decades of erosion. Second, overhead cover habitat is created. Bank degradation and the removal of native prairie have dramatically decreased protective overhead cover in the riparian zone. Two methods are used to remedy this situation: increasing the stream’s depth, which alone provides natural cover to trout, and installing overhead cover structures in select stream banks. Wooden structures are often installed into banks in hydraulically suitable locations and reinforced with rock as a way to restore or recreate the undercut banks which had existed before settlement and agricultural land use altered the more stable flows which had gradually created and maintained them. Finally, vegetation is reestablished in the re-graded riparian corridor to further stabilize banks and act as buffer strips to improve water quality. Depending upon the specific site conditions, landowner cooperation, and agricultural use, native prairie grasses may be planted along the stream corridors, although often mixed with fast sprouting annual grains to anchor soils the first year. Taken together, these actions directly enhance physical habitat, and typically increase overall trout abundance, population structure, the number of larger trout, and levels of successful natural reproduction. In addition to the benefits to anglers of increased trout habitat and trout abundance, project benefits extending well downstream include reduced erosion and sedimentation, cooler water temperatures, improved water quality and numerous benefits to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife populations. ",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,John,Lenczewski,"Minnesota Trout Unlimited","P.O. Box 845",Chanhassen,MN,55346,"(612) 670-1629",jlenczewski@comcast.net,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, Fillmore, Goodhue, Lake, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona","Northern Forest, Southeast Forest",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/coldwater-fish-habitat-enhancement-phase-4,,,,
9826,"Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, Phase 4",2013,4990000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 5(i)","$4,990,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for a program to provide competitive, matching grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, state, and national organizations for enhancing, restoring, or protecting forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. Grants shall not be made for activities required to fulfill the duties of owners of lands subject to conservation easements. Grants shall not be made from = appropriations in this paragraph for projects that have a total project cost exceeding $575,000. $366,000 of this appropriation may be spent for personnel costs and other direct and necessary administrative costs. Grantees may acquire land or interests in land. Easements must be permanent. Land acquired in fee must be open to hunting and fishing during the open season unless otherwise provided by state law. The program shall require a match of at least ten percent from nonstate sources for all grants. The match may be cash or in-kind resources. For grant applications of $25,000 or less, the commissioner shall provide a separate, simplified application process. Subject to Minnesota Statutes, the commissioner of natural resources shall, when evaluating projects of equal value, give priority to organizations that have a history of receiving or charter to receive private contributions for local conservation or habitat projects. If acquiring land or a conservation easement, priority shall be given to projects associated with existing wildlife management areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8; scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5; and aquatic management areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02. All restoration or enhancement projects must be on land permanently protected by a conservation easement or public ownership or in public waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Priority shall be given to restoration and enhancement projects on public lands. Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 13, applies to grants awarded under this paragraph. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2016. No less than five percent of the amount of each grant must be held back from reimbursement until the grant recipient has completed a grant accomplishment report by the deadline and in the form prescribed by and satisfactory to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The commissioner shall provide notice of the grant program in the game and fish law summaries that are prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.051, subdivision 2.",,"Restored 4,933 acres, Protected 665 Acres, and Enhanced 44,797 acres for a total of 50,395 acres.",,915500,"Grantee match",4571600,6000,,3,DNR,"State Government","The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Department of Natural Resources, provided 56 competitive matching grants to non-profit organizations and governments, appropriating all the available ML12 funds.",,"The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program (CPL) is managed by the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide competitive matching grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, state, and national non-profit organizations, including governments. Grant activities include the enhancement, restoration, or protection of forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. A 10% match from non-state sources is required for all grants. CPL Program Staff solicited applications and worked with applicants to submit applications, oversaw the grant selection process, prepared and executed grant documents, reviewed expenditure documentation, made reimbursement payments, monitored grant work, assisted recipients with closing out their agreements, and prepared reports as required by LSOHC. Applicants describe the location of the work (county and ecological subsection), activity type, and habitat in their application. They also describe how their actions will benefit habitat and fish, game and wildlife. For acquisition projects, applicants describe their parcel selection process. Funds for projects under this appropriation were available until June 30, 2016. In administering this program, the DNR complied with the Department of Administration - Office of Grants Management policies. Stakeholders were involved in this proposal as applicants or reviewers (if no conflict of interest exists). There is no known stakeholder opposition to this program. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was posted on the CPL website in August, 2012. This document contained grant program information, application requirements and scoring criteria, grant reporting requirements, and state agency contacts. A list of ECP Projects and criteria for each was developed by conservation biologists so grant applicants could easily apply and receive funding for commonly-accepted restoration and enhancement conservation projects. The RFP and grant agreements incorporated appropriate principles and criteria from LSOHC’s FY13 Call for Funding Requests and associated legislation. Simplified application processes were in place for applicants requesting up to $25,000 or ECP grants. Grants were selected for funding once in the full for the Traditional cycle, and ECP applications were approved continuously throughout the year by CPL staff. CPL staff reviewed applications to make sure they were complete and met grant program requirements. Technical Review Committee(s), selected by the Commissioner of Natural Resources, reviewed and scored applications based on established criteria. These committees included representatives from DNR, BWSR, the University of MN, state universities or private colleges, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and other appropriate members from government, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. A final ranking committee made up of the Directors of the DNR Divisions of Fish and Wildlife, Ecological Resources/Waters, and Forestry considered TRC, Division and Regional DNR comments, and recommended projects and funding levels to the Commissioner of Natural Resources. The Commissioner made the final decisions on all projects funded and funding levels. Efforts were made to evenly distribute the selected grants by geographic location and activity. CPL staff worked with grantees to ensure financial reviews, grant agreements, and any other necessary paperwork was completed. Grantees submitted annual accomplishment reports, accounting for the use of grant and match funds, and outcomes in measures of wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat restored, enhanced, and protected. The report also included an evaluation of these results. A final report was required by all grantees. CPL staff submitted accomplishment reports to LSOHC. Accomplishment information was also posted on the CPL website. Grant administration costs were billed using actual costs. These costs included salary and fringe for grants staff, direct support services, travel, supplies, and expense. An internal Service Level Agreement (SLA) was developed with DNR’s Management Information Systems to update and manage the online grant application system. (This budget item is included in the Contracts line in the attached Budget Table.) Applicants were required to budget for DNR Land Acquisition costs that are necessary to support the land acquisition process for parcels to be conveyed to the DNR. The Division of Fish and Wildlife staff provided ongoing technical guidance. This technical guidance helped applicants prepare grant proposals, and helped grantees meet requirements for working on state lands. Additional technical guidance was provided for land acquisitions, program planning and management, accounting and grantee payment. Grantees were paid on a reimbursement or “for services rendered” basis. Grantees must provide proof that the work was completed or a purchase made in order to receive payment. Grantees were required to provide a 10% match from nonstate sources. All match was verified before final grant payment were made.",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Jessica,Lee,DNR,"500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55155-4020,651-259-5233,jessica.lee@state.mn.us,Grants/Contracts,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Becker, Brown, Carlton, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Douglas, Faribault, Goodhue, Grant, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kittson, Lake, Lincoln, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Nobles, Otter Tail, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Renville, Rock, Sherburne, St. Louis, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Wilkin","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area, Northern Forest, Prairie Region, Southeast Forest",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/conservation-partners-legacy-grant-program-phase-4,,,,
2906,"County Geologic Atlases for Sustainable Water Management - Part B",2012,300000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03b2","$900,000 the first year and $900,000 the second year are from the trust fund to accelerate the production of county geologic atlases to provide information essential to sustainable management of ground water resources by defining aquifer boundaries and the connection of aquifers to the land surface and surface water resources. Of this appropriation, $600,000 each year is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Geologic Survey and $300,000 each year is to the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,300000,,,3.06,"MN DNR","State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Minnesota County Geologic Atlas program is an ongoing effort begun in 1982 that is being conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Geological Survey and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program collects information on the geology of Minnesota to create maps and reports depicting the characteristics and pollution sensitivity of Minnesota's ground-water resources and their interaction with surface waters. The information from County Geologic Atlases is used in planning and environmental protection efforts at all levels of government, by businesses, and by homeowners to ensure sound and sustainable planning, management, and protection of water resources used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and more. This appropriation will:Support completion of geologic atlases for Carlton, McLeod, Carver, Benton, and Chisago counties.Support ongoing work on geologic atlases for Anoka, Blue Earth, Clay, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley, and Wright counties;Initiate geologic atlases for three or more additional counties;Make collected data available in a digital format.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jan,Falteisek,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5665",jan.falteisek@state.mn.us,"Technical Assistance, Mapping, Inventory, Digitization/Online Information Access, Analysis/Interpretation","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Blue Earth, Clay, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/county-geologic-atlases-sustainable-water-management-part-b,,,,
2906,"County Geologic Atlases for Sustainable Water Management - Part B",2013,300000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03b2","$900,000 the first year and $900,000 the second year are from the trust fund to accelerate the production of county geologic atlases to provide information essential to sustainable management of ground water resources by defining aquifer boundaries and the connection of aquifers to the land surface and surface water resources. Of this appropriation, $600,000 each year is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Geologic Survey and $300,000 each year is to the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,300000,,,3.05,"MN DNR","State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Minnesota County Geologic Atlas program is an ongoing effort begun in 1982 that is being conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Geological Survey and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program collects information on the geology of Minnesota to create maps and reports depicting the characteristics and pollution sensitivity of Minnesota's ground-water resources and their interaction with surface waters. The information from County Geologic Atlases is used in planning and environmental protection efforts at all levels of government, by businesses, and by homeowners to ensure sound and sustainable planning, management, and protection of water resources used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and more. This appropriation will:Support completion of geologic atlases for Carlton, McLeod, Carver, Benton, and Chisago counties.Support ongoing work on geologic atlases for Anoka, Blue Earth, Clay, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley, and Wright counties;Initiate geologic atlases for three or more additional counties;Make collected data available in a digital format.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jan,Falteisek,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5665",jan.falteisek@state.mn.us,"Technical Assistance, Mapping, Inventory, Digitization/Online Information Access, Analysis/Interpretation","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Blue Earth, Clay, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/county-geologic-atlases-sustainable-water-management-part-b,,,,
9818,"DNR Aquatic Habitat Program, Phase 4",2013,3480000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 5(a)","$3,480,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire interests in land in fee or permanent conservation easements for aquatic management areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 14, and 97C.02, and to restore and enhance aquatic habitat. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan. The accomplishment plan must include an easement stewardship plan. Up to $25,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund and a description of annual monitoring and enforcement activities.",,"Restored 66 acres, protected in fee 58 acres and protected in easement 93 acres of habitat ",,2736400,"Mix of cash and in-kind time from Olmsted County, City of Orononco, and Dam Safety bonding money contributed towards the Zumbro River project, Landowner donation, RIM, Game and Fish Fund, and Fish and Wildlife Acquisition Account. ",3480000,,,1,DNR,"State Government","We used a programmatic approach to achieve prioritized aquatic habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement for lakes, trout streams, and rivers across all LSOHC planning regions of Minnesota.",,"This appropriation funded a mixture of restoration, enhancement, and protection of aquatic habitat by the DNR. We were successful in completing our proposed projects, and in meeting may of the goals included in our accomplishment plan. The different projects accomplished from this appropriation are summarized below.Habitat protection was accomplished using a mixture of fee title and easement acquisition. For easements we purchased 11 parcels on trout streams located on either the North Shore or in southeast Minnesota. Easements will protect 5.3 miles of stream and 94 acres of habitat. Fee title acquisition protected 5 parcels of lakeshore, including one parcel that was purchased with funds from both ML2011 and ML2012 funding. Acreage and shoreline feet protected have been pro-rated between appropriations based in their respective contribution to the purchase price. A total of 2.6 miles of shoreline and 58 acres of habitat are protected by these parcels. The amount of habitat protected in easement and fee title falls short of our proposed outcomes for this appropriation. Because land values vary across the state it is difficult to anticipate how much habitat can be protected for a given amount of money. It is also hard to anticipate the amount of landowner donation we will receive. We were successful in leveraging an additional $1.3 million toward protection work from a mixture of sources, including landowner donation.The Mille Lacs Lake shoreland enhancement involved the removal of breakwall from a former marina that is now a DNR Aquatic Management Area. Breakwall was removed along 455 feet of shore and returned to a natural shoreline, with native riparian vegetation planted in all areas. This habitat will benefit fish species using the nearshore area of the lake as well as other wildlife such as birds, reptiles and amphibians that use a mixture of nearshore and riparian habitat.The Kingsbury Creek stream restoration project removed masonry walls that had been built along the banks through that reach and were limiting habitat. The project also included constructed a new stream channel through a reach that had previously been impounded by a dam. The stream channel was resized to appropriate dimensions, and habitat structures such as toe wood, rootwads, and cross vanes were installed. The project will benefit resident brook trout as well as steelhead that spawn and rear juveniles in Kingsbury Creek.A fish passage project at Shell Lake converted a dam into an arch-rapids, allowing fish to migrate in and out of the lake freely. Fish passage is especially important at Shell Lake, which is subject to occasional partial winter-kills. Recolonization from the Shell River will help the lake to recover from these events. This project was added to our original accomplishment plan and completed using surplus funds realized due to cost savings from other projects.A second stream habitat enhancement project was done using surplus funds. This one was located on the Pomme de Terre River, where a riffle and adjoining streambank was enhanced to provide better habitat in a former reservoir where the dam had been removed several years previous.Backwater habitat on the Mississippi River within Weaver Bottoms was enhanced to create critical backwater habitat that had been lost due to decades of sedimentation. The deepwater habitat is critical for many fish species such as bluegill and black crappie that over-winter there. The nine acres of newly enhanced habitat has shown high use by Mississippi River fish, and anglers have taken notice and are using the area as well.This appropriation funded a portion (along with the DNR's ML2013 Aquatic Habitat) of the restoration of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River through a former impoundment known as Lake Shady. The dam had washed out in a 2011 flood, leaving behind an eroding mud flat that threatened to harm downstream reaches as it eroded, and contained poor habitat in the channels that had cut through the mud. The former dam site's grade was stabilized by creating a rapids of stable rock material, and within the former reservoir new stream channels with appropriate dimensions were constructed. Habitat in the new channels was restored to include woody material as well as rocky riffles. Re-vegetation of the surrounding reservoir sediments with native plant species will provide quality riparian and upland habitat as well. The project was completed in partnership with Olmsted County ($125,736), the city of Oronco ($83,824) and DNR Dam Safety bonding funds ($1,000,000) all contributing funding. An additional $236,540 of in-kind staff time was contributed by Olmsted County. In addition to the 147 acres of habitat restored, the project opened up access to 119 miles of stream.Stream habitat work for this appropriation and other LSOH-funded projects from other appropriations was aided by funding for a stream restoration coordinator and intern. These positions aided in survey work, design, permitting, contracting, and coordination with project partners on these complex projects. The coordinator also worked on assessing other potential projects for future LSOHC proposals.",2012-07-01,2014-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Brian,Nerbonne,"Mn Dept of Natural Resources","1601 Minnesota Drive",Brainerd,MN,56401,651-259-5205,brian.nerbonne@state.mn.us,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Blue Earth, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Fillmore, Hubbard, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Le Sueur, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Redwood, Renville, Rice, St. Louis, Stearns, Wabasha, Washington","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area, Northern Forest, Prairie Region, Southeast Forest",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/dnr-aquatic-habitat-program-phase-4,,,,
18346,"East Circle Drive Path",2013,250000,"M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 3 Sec. 3(c) (1) & M.S. 85.535","$7331000 the first year and $7686000 the second year are for grants under Minnesota Statutes section 85.535 to acquire develop improve and restore parks and trails of regional or statewide significance outside of the metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 473.121 subdivision 2.",,,,,,,,,,"City Of Rochester",,"to construct a multi-use path forming a continuous, regional path between Viola Road Trail and Towne Club Road Trail, with interconnection to Quarry Hill Nature Center and future connection to Chester Regional Trail",,,2013-01-06,2015-06-30,"Parks & Trails Fund",Completed,,,Traci,Vibo,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","500 Lafayette Road","Saint Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5619",traci.vibo@state.mn.us,Grants/Contracts,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,Olmsted,,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/east-circle-drive-path,,,,
2908,"Golden Eagle Survey",2012,30000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03e","$30,000 the first year and $30,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the National Eagle Center to increase the understanding of golden eagles in Minnesota through surveys and education. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,30000,,,0.67,"National Eagle Center","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Not previously thought to be regular inhabitants of Minnesota, in recent years there have been reports of golden eagle sightings in most counties of the state, while recent surveys suggest there is now a regular wintering population in the blufflands of southeast Minnesota. This appropriation is being used to better understand the numbers, distribution, migration routes, and habitat needs of golden eagles in Minnesota. This information will inform natural resource management decisions and be used to educate landowners and the general public about golden eagles in the state. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS The Golden Eagle Survey Project represents groundbreaking research on a bird that was previously not thought to be a regular inhabitant of Minnesota. Through field observations and telemetry, the Golden Eagle Survey Project is expanding the understanding of population, distribution, habitats, habitat use, migration routes, breeding areas, and management needs of the population of golden eagles that winter in Minnesota. Annual surveys coordinated by the Golden Eagle Survey Project have documented a regular migratory population using the bluffland subsection of the Paleozoic Plateau in southeast Minnesota in winter. During annual winter surveys in 2012-2014, an average of 36 golden eagles have been observed in Minnesota's blufflands. Using satellite telemetry to track golden eagles, the Project is expanding the world's knowledge of the range, location of breeding territories, and migration routes of this previously unstudied population. One golden eagle, #46, was released in January 2011 with a GPS satellite-linked transmitter. The Project tracked #46 for more than 950 days, from his release in Wabasha County and his migrations to Nunavut, Canada and back to wintering range in southeast Minnesota. Data collected on golden eagle habitat use, preferred prey, and range will be used to ensure appropriate management and conservation action to protect critical wintering habitat for golden eagles in Minnesota. Thousands of people have learned about the presence of golden eagles in Minnesota through the Golden Eagle Survey Project's outreach to landowners, wildlife managers and the general public. In programs at the National Eagle Center and throughout the state, the Golden Eagle Project increased awareness and understanding of golden eagles as regular winter inhabitants of the blufflands region. The Project's outreach to conservation professionals and the general public continues to broaden awareness of this unique species in Minnesota. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION< Golden Eagle Survey Project data are publicly available on the National Eagle Center's website. Since January, 2012, the National Eagle Center's website has seen nearly 30,000 unique visits to the Golden Eagle Survey Project information pages. Here visitors learn about the presence of golden eagles in Minnesota, view data and project maps, and learn how they can get involved in efforts to understand and conserve golden eagles in Minnesota. In addition, updates on golden eagle tracking are posted on social media outlets, reaching an audience of more than 10,000 followers. Detailed data from field observations, Annual Wintering Golden Eagle Surveys, and telemetry are made available to researchers and others upon request. Thus far, we have shared this data with at least one utility seeking information on golden eagle migration and habitat use in siting transmission lines. The Golden Eagle Survey Project has been regularly featured in regional news media throughout the Project's duration. An attached list highlights some of the regional news stories about the Golden Eagle Survey Project. Links to the story are provided where available. In 2013, the Golden Eagle Project shared in the US Forest Service's Wings Across America award for work as part of the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group. In January 2014, Minnesota DNR's monthly magazine Conservation Volunteer featured a cover story about the Golden Eagle Survey Project's work and golden eagles in Minnesota.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Scott,Mehus,"National Eagle Center","50 Pembroke Ave",Wabasha,MN,55981,"(651) 565-4989",jeff@nationaleaglecenter.org,"Digitization/Online Information Access, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Inventory, Mapping, Monitoring","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dakota, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/golden-eagle-survey,,,,
2908,"Golden Eagle Survey",2013,30000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03e","$30,000 the first year and $30,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the National Eagle Center to increase the understanding of golden eagles in Minnesota through surveys and education. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,30000,,,0.67,"National Eagle Center","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Not previously thought to be regular inhabitants of Minnesota, in recent years there have been reports of golden eagle sightings in most counties of the state, while recent surveys suggest there is now a regular wintering population in the blufflands of southeast Minnesota. This appropriation is being used to better understand the numbers, distribution, migration routes, and habitat needs of golden eagles in Minnesota. This information will inform natural resource management decisions and be used to educate landowners and the general public about golden eagles in the state. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS The Golden Eagle Survey Project represents groundbreaking research on a bird that was previously not thought to be a regular inhabitant of Minnesota. Through field observations and telemetry, the Golden Eagle Survey Project is expanding the understanding of population, distribution, habitats, habitat use, migration routes, breeding areas, and management needs of the population of golden eagles that winter in Minnesota. Annual surveys coordinated by the Golden Eagle Survey Project have documented a regular migratory population using the bluffland subsection of the Paleozoic Plateau in southeast Minnesota in winter. During annual winter surveys in 2012-2014, an average of 36 golden eagles have been observed in Minnesota's blufflands. Using satellite telemetry to track golden eagles, the Project is expanding the world's knowledge of the range, location of breeding territories, and migration routes of this previously unstudied population. One golden eagle, #46, was released in January 2011 with a GPS satellite-linked transmitter. The Project tracked #46 for more than 950 days, from his release in Wabasha County and his migrations to Nunavut, Canada and back to wintering range in southeast Minnesota. Data collected on golden eagle habitat use, preferred prey, and range will be used to ensure appropriate management and conservation action to protect critical wintering habitat for golden eagles in Minnesota. Thousands of people have learned about the presence of golden eagles in Minnesota through the Golden Eagle Survey Project's outreach to landowners, wildlife managers and the general public. In programs at the National Eagle Center and throughout the state, the Golden Eagle Project increased awareness and understanding of golden eagles as regular winter inhabitants of the blufflands region. The Project's outreach to conservation professionals and the general public continues to broaden awareness of this unique species in Minnesota. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION< Golden Eagle Survey Project data are publicly available on the National Eagle Center's website. Since January, 2012, the National Eagle Center's website has seen nearly 30,000 unique visits to the Golden Eagle Survey Project information pages. Here visitors learn about the presence of golden eagles in Minnesota, view data and project maps, and learn how they can get involved in efforts to understand and conserve golden eagles in Minnesota. In addition, updates on golden eagle tracking are posted on social media outlets, reaching an audience of more than 10,000 followers. Detailed data from field observations, Annual Wintering Golden Eagle Surveys, and telemetry are made available to researchers and others upon request. Thus far, we have shared this data with at least one utility seeking information on golden eagle migration and habitat use in siting transmission lines. The Golden Eagle Survey Project has been regularly featured in regional news media throughout the Project's duration. An attached list highlights some of the regional news stories about the Golden Eagle Survey Project. Links to the story are provided where available. In 2013, the Golden Eagle Project shared in the US Forest Service's Wings Across America award for work as part of the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group. In January 2014, Minnesota DNR's monthly magazine Conservation Volunteer featured a cover story about the Golden Eagle Survey Project's work and golden eagles in Minnesota.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Scott,Mehus,"National Eagle Center","50 Pembroke Ave",Wabasha,MN,55981,"(651) 565-4989",jeff@nationaleaglecenter.org,"Digitization/Online Information Access, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Inventory, Mapping, Monitoring","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dakota, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/golden-eagle-survey,,,,
9802,"Green Corridor Legacy Program, Phase 4",2013,1730000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(g)","$1,730,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Redwood Area Development Corporation to acquire land in fee for wildlife management area purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8, and for aquatic management areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.05, subdivision 5.1 14, and 97C.02. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.",,"Restored 100 acres and protected in fee 270 acres of prairie ",,,"n/a ",1564300,,,,"Redwood Area Development Corporation","Non-Profit Business/Entity","This program helped to create a legacy of habitat connectivity, public access, and economic vitality based on increased outdoor recreational opportunities in the mid-Minnesota River Watershed.  ",,"Final Report: This program acquired two properties at total of 227 acres in our planned area corridor that meets the above mentioned concepts and activities that produced multiple conservation benefits. 1) The Delhi WMA project acquired 67 acres. This property expands an existing Wildlife Management Area in Redwood County. 2) Lamberton WMA 6 is a 160 acre site.The Green Corridor received amazing support from our willing landowners. We also received strong support from the DNR area wildlife manager and the regional DNR office in the planning/evaluation of potential sites. We had the support of local units of government and several local wildlife conservation groups.",2012-07-01,2014-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Pat,Dingles,"Redwood Area Development Corporation","200 S. Mill St., PO Box 481","Redwood Falls",MN,56283,"(320) 493-4695",pat@radc.org,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Brown, Cottonwood, Murray, Redwood, Renville, Yellow Medicine","Prairie Region",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/green-corridor-legacy-program-phase-4,,,,
2942,"HCP VII - Shoreland Protection Program (3a)",2012,225000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04j3a","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,225,000 is for agreements as follows: $637,000 the first year and $638,000 the second year with Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; $38,000 the first year and $37,000 the second year with Friends of Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District; $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second year with Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; $225,000 the first year and $225,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; $242,000 the first year and $243,000 the second year with Pheasants Forever, Inc.; and $245,000 the first year and $245,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land to plan, restore, and acquire fragmented landscape corridors that connect areas of quality habitat to sustain fish, wildlife, and plants. The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, is an authorized cooperating partner in the appropriation. Expenditures are limited to the project corridor areas as defined in the work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum habitat and facility management standards, as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of habitable 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. An entity who acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,225000,,,2.31,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","With this appropriation, the Minnesota Land Trust plans to protect approximately 500 acres of critical shoreline habitat along Minnesota's lakes, wetlands, rivers, and streams by securing permanent conservation easements and dedicating funds for their perpetual monitoring, management, and enforcement. Lands being considered for permanent protection in this round of funding are located in Becker, Beltrami, Blue Earth, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Le Sueur, Otter Tail, Pope, and Wabasha counties.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTSIn the seventh phase of our Shorelands Protection project, the Minnesota Land Trust continued to work with landowners to secure permanent conservation easements on quality habitat along or containing critical riparian lands. We initiated or continued contact with more than 30 landowners and completed eight conservation easements. Collectively, these easements preserve approximately 700 acres of land - exceeding our original goal of 400 to 600 acres - and protect nearly 34,172 linear feet of fragile shoreline. Highlights from the eight completed projects include:One donated easement over 30 acres in Kandiyohi County that protected over 2,600 feet of natural shoreline along the Middle Fork of the Crow River.A complex of five easements surrounding five lakes in Becker County that protected approximately 474 acres and over 3 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Four of the five easements were donated to the Land Trust.One donated easement in Otter Tail County that protected 48 acres and over 2,900 feet of shoreline along Blanche Lake, immediately adjacent to Glendalough State Park.Another donated easement that protected 145 acres of forest and wetlands in Beltrami County and preserved almost two miles of shoreline along Black Lake and Three Island Lake.Overall, this phase of the grant program protected 269 acres of forest, 183 acres of wetlands, and over 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline.All eight projects met the following selection criteria:Habitat: quality and quantity of existing habitat on site; protects riparian areas and buffers water resourcesContext: proximity and relationship to other protected landsOpportunity: cost-benefit ratio: landowners willingness and readiness to participate nowOther Benefits: meeting multiple objectives, including visual and physical access, forestry goals, water quality, etc.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 funds to its segregated Stewardship and Enforcement Fund for several completed projects. For these 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. All but one of the eight easements completed under this grant were entirely donated. The value is known for only two of the donated easements, which together total $204,000 in appraised donated value under this grant. The Land Trust purchased one of the Fischer Lakes easements for the appraised value of $170,000. The cost to the State of Minnesota to complete the eight projects completed under this phase of the grant was just under $600 per acre. Cumulatively, across all phases of the HCP program, the Land Trust has completed 89 conservation easements, protecting 8,245 acres of critical habitat and more than 258,000 feet of shoreline, at a cost to the State of approximately $320 per acre. The Land Trust's work on this project continues to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of working with conservation easements to protect natural and scenic resources along Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, as the cost to the State was well below the cost to purchase land along our increasingly threatened shorelines. 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 indicate that funds to purchase 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 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 LSOHC.",,"Final Report",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"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","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Beltrami, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Hubbard, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Meeker, Otter Tail, Pope, Rice, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Todd, Waseca, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/hcp-vii-shoreland-protection-program-3a,,,,
2942,"HCP VII - Shoreland Protection Program (3a)",2013,225000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04j3a","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,225,000 is for agreements as follows: $637,000 the first year and $638,000 the second year with Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; $38,000 the first year and $37,000 the second year with Friends of Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District; $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second year with Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; $225,000 the first year and $225,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; $242,000 the first year and $243,000 the second year with Pheasants Forever, Inc.; and $245,000 the first year and $245,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land to plan, restore, and acquire fragmented landscape corridors that connect areas of quality habitat to sustain fish, wildlife, and plants. The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, is an authorized cooperating partner in the appropriation. Expenditures are limited to the project corridor areas as defined in the work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum habitat and facility management standards, as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of habitable 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. An entity who acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,225000,,,2.31,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","With this appropriation, the Minnesota Land Trust plans to protect approximately 500 acres of critical shoreline habitat along Minnesota's lakes, wetlands, rivers, and streams by securing permanent conservation easements and dedicating funds for their perpetual monitoring, management, and enforcement. Lands being considered for permanent protection in this round of funding are located in Becker, Beltrami, Blue Earth, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Le Sueur, Otter Tail, Pope, and Wabasha counties.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTSIn the seventh phase of our Shorelands Protection project, the Minnesota Land Trust continued to work with landowners to secure permanent conservation easements on quality habitat along or containing critical riparian lands. We initiated or continued contact with more than 30 landowners and completed eight conservation easements. Collectively, these easements preserve approximately 700 acres of land - exceeding our original goal of 400 to 600 acres - and protect nearly 34,172 linear feet of fragile shoreline. Highlights from the eight completed projects include:One donated easement over 30 acres in Kandiyohi County that protected over 2,600 feet of natural shoreline along the Middle Fork of the Crow River.A complex of five easements surrounding five lakes in Becker County that protected approximately 474 acres and over 3 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Four of the five easements were donated to the Land Trust.One donated easement in Otter Tail County that protected 48 acres and over 2,900 feet of shoreline along Blanche Lake, immediately adjacent to Glendalough State Park.Another donated easement that protected 145 acres of forest and wetlands in Beltrami County and preserved almost two miles of shoreline along Black Lake and Three Island Lake.Overall, this phase of the grant program protected 269 acres of forest, 183 acres of wetlands, and over 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline.All eight projects met the following selection criteria:Habitat: quality and quantity of existing habitat on site; protects riparian areas and buffers water resourcesContext: proximity and relationship to other protected landsOpportunity: cost-benefit ratio: landowners willingness and readiness to participate nowOther Benefits: meeting multiple objectives, including visual and physical access, forestry goals, water quality, etc.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 funds to its segregated Stewardship and Enforcement Fund for several completed projects. For these 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. All but one of the eight easements completed under this grant were entirely donated. The value is known for only two of the donated easements, which together total $204,000 in appraised donated value under this grant. The Land Trust purchased one of the Fischer Lakes easements for the appraised value of $170,000. The cost to the State of Minnesota to complete the eight projects completed under this phase of the grant was just under $600 per acre. Cumulatively, across all phases of the HCP program, the Land Trust has completed 89 conservation easements, protecting 8,245 acres of critical habitat and more than 258,000 feet of shoreline, at a cost to the State of approximately $320 per acre. The Land Trust's work on this project continues to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of working with conservation easements to protect natural and scenic resources along Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and streams, as the cost to the State was well below the cost to purchase land along our increasingly threatened shorelines. 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 indicate that funds to purchase 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 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 LSOHC.",,"Final Report",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"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","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Beltrami, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Hubbard, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Meeker, Otter Tail, Pope, Rice, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Todd, Waseca, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/hcp-vii-shoreland-protection-program-3a,,,,
9815,"Living Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Initiative, Phase 2",2013,4490000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 4(d)","$4,490,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to assess, restore, and enhance shallow lakes and wetlands, including technical assistance, survey, design, and engineering to develop new enhancement and restoration projects for future implementation. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.",,"Restored 150 acres and Enhanced 2,936 acres of wetlands",,839300,"Ducks Unlimited private funds and federal funds",4490000,24000,,2.3,"Ducks Unlimited","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Phase 2 of Ducks Unlimited's ongoing engineering program restored and enhanced shallow lakes and wetlands by installing water level control structures to improve aquatic plant abundance and water clarity in partnership with the Minnesota DNR and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Ducks Unlimited engineered and completed 20 projects, including 3 wetland restorations and 17 shallow lake enhancements.  In all, this work restored 150 wetland acres and enhanced 2,936 shallow lake acres for a total of 3,086 wetland acres completed, surpassing our goals and spending all the state funds appropriated while providing $839,300 in non-state funding as leverage, well-beyond our proposal.",,"This grant was Phase 2 of Ducks Unlimited's ongoing engineering program restored and enhanced shallow lakes and wetlands by installing water level control structures to improve aquatic plant abundance and water clarity in partnership with the Minnesota DNR and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Ducks Unlimited engineered and successfully completed 20 wetland projects through this appropriation, including 3 wetland restorations and 17 shallow lake enhancements.  In all, this work restored 150 wetland acres and enhanced 2,936 shallow lake acres for a total of 3,086 wetland acres completed, surpassing our goals and spending all the state funds appropriated while providing $839,300 in non-state funding as leverage, well-beyond the goals in our proposal and accomplishment plan.Minnesota has lost approximately 90% of our prairie wetlands, and many wetlands in other ecoregions of the state, to drainage. The shallow lakes and large marshes that remain now serve as the core of Minnesota’s remaining waterfowl habitat complexes, and are often those basins that were too deep to drain. These remaining wetlands now receive excessive water and nutrient runoff from a highly altered and intensively drained landscape, and are easily accessed by invasive fish such as common carp. As a result, many basins are now turbid and degraded due to high, stable water levels that allow carp and other invasive fish to proliferate and aquatic ecology to stagnate. The results is a lack of aquatic plants and invertebrates required to sustain migrating and breeding waterfowl, especially those species that rely on aquatic foods exclusively such as diving ducks.As a result, ducks migrating through Minnesota on their way north to breed in spring find sparse aquatic food resources, much to their detriment further north, and also again in the fall when their passage through Minnesota appears briefer each year. Those waterfowl that remain here to breed find poor brood-rearing habitat, as shallow lakes and marshes have a paucity of high quality wetland habitat with abundant aquatic plants and invertebrate food resources on which young ducks rely. These factors have contributed to a decline in Minnesota’s diverse waterfowl resources and, unfortunately, a decline in Minnesota’s rich waterfowling traditions.To remedy this situation, Ducks Unlimited’s “Living Lakes Initiative” assists the Minnesota DNR, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other conservation partners to enhance and restore Minnesota’s shallow lakes and wetlands. This grant supported Phase 2 of Ducks Unlimited's biological and engineering work to design and construct water control structures and fish barriers. DU biologists worked closely with Minnesota DNR Shallow Lakes Program biologists to assess wetland conditions and identify possible management solutions. DU biologists and engineers surveyed, designed, and constructed the water control infrastructure necessary for state and federal agency staff to actively manage water levels. Funding in this request also supported ongoing shallow lake technical assistance from DU biologists and engineers to assess, survey, and design future projects for implementation under future OHF appropriations.Most enhancement work occured in the Prairie Region by design, as that is where waterfowl are in most need of habitat improvements.  Structures are used by agency managers to simulate natural temporary drought cycles in shallow lakes and wetlands that rejuvenate the aquatic ecological process that produces abundant aquatic plants and invertebrates. These structures last for 30 or more years and are generally use by agency staff every 5-7 years to conduct periodic temporary draw-downs that are key to enhancing and maintaining highly productive wetlands. Importantly, DU also restored smaller wetlands on public and other protected land near shallow lakes. Shallow lakes were selected for enhancement by DNR and FWS managers, and generally enjoy strong support from the public for improvement. The Minnesota DNR holds public meetings to share information on the current condition and management plan for shallow lakes designated for wildlife management purposes.PlanningEvery statewide conservation plan recognizes the need for improving and protecting Minnesota’s shallow lakes and associated wetlands for optimal wildlife habitat. The Minnesota DNR’s Duck Recovery Plan is the most specific, calling for the active management of 1,800 shallow lakes and adding 64,000 restored wetlands to Minnesota’s landscape. DU’s Living Lakes Initiative supports this plan through a goal of improving 300 Minnesota shallow lakes in 10 years. Shallow lakes and wetlands are identified as critical habitat for several “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” listed in Minnesota’s “Tomorrow’s Habitat for the Wild & Rare: An Action Plan for Minnesota Wildlife”, including lesser scaup, northern pintail, and trumpeter swan.Importantly, Ducks Unlimited’s Living Lakes Initiative directly address Minnesota’s Statewide Conservation & Preservation Plan Habitat Recommendations #4 and #5 on pages 78 and 80, respectively, which calls for the restoration and protection of shallow lakes (page 78) and the restoration of land, wetlands, and watersheds (page 80). This program addresses the LSOHC priorities of wetland and shallow lake restoration and enhancement in the Prairie and Forest-Prairie Transition sections. Finally, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan’s Prairie Pothole Joint Venture prioritizes the restoration and management of wetlands and shallow lakes through goals and objectives for improved brood-rearing and migration habitat for ducks. Many of the shallow lakes and wetlands prioritized for enhancement by DU are located within wetland habitat complexes identified by the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Strategic Habitat Conservation model and are high priority basins for both Service and Minnesota DNR field managers. DU shallow lake and wetland enhancement work is performed in close coordination and collaboration with either the Minnesota DNR or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and these agencies assume all future management and operation responsibilities for water control structures designed and installed by DU.",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Jon,Schneider,"Ducks Unlimited","311 East Lake Geneva Road",Alexandria,MN,56308,"(320) 762-9916",jschneider@ducks.org,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Cottonwood, Freeborn, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Murray, Otter Tail, Sibley, Stearns, Wadena, Wright","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area, Northern Forest, Prairie Region",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/living-shallow-lakes-and-wetlands-initiative-phase-2,,,,
2928,"MeCC VI - Coord., Mapping & Outreach & Mapping & Database Work (1.1/1.2)",2012,20000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i1.1/1.2","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,20000,,,0.29,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The Minnesota Land Trust provides coordination, mapping, and data management for the Metropolitan Conservation Corridors partnership. Funds are being used to coordinate the partnership, guide strategic outreach and implementation efforts, manage project data, and provide reporting and mapping of accomplishments.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Sarah,Strommen,"Minnesota Land Trust","2356 University Ave W, Ste 240","St Paul",MN,55114,"(651) 647-9590",sstrommen@mnland.org,"Digitization/Online Information Access, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Mapping, Planning","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-vi-coord-mapping-outreach-mapping-database-work-1112,,,,
2928,"MeCC VI - Coord., Mapping & Outreach & Mapping & Database Work (1.1/1.2)",2013,20000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i1.1/1.2","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,20000,,,0.29,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The Minnesota Land Trust provides coordination, mapping, and data management for the Metropolitan Conservation Corridors partnership. Funds are being used to coordinate the partnership, guide strategic outreach and implementation efforts, manage project data, and provide reporting and mapping of accomplishments.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Sarah,Strommen,"Minnesota Land Trust","2356 University Ave W, Ste 240","St Paul",MN,55114,"(651) 647-9590",sstrommen@mnland.org,"Digitization/Online Information Access, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Mapping, Planning","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-vi-coord-mapping-outreach-mapping-database-work-1112,,,,
2930,"MeCC VI - Restoring Our Lands and Waters (2.3)",2012,200000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i2.3","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,120000,,200000,,,3.54,"Great River Greening","Non-Profit Business/Entity","These funds will enable Great River Greening to restore approximately 121 acres of permanently protected forests, savanna, prairie, and wetland habitat and 0.18 miles of shoreland habitat while engaging hundreds of volunteers in the stewardship of the Metropolitan area's remaining natural areas. Specific activities include invasive species control, seeding/planting, prescribed burning, and other associated activities.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,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, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-vi-restoring-our-lands-and-waters-23,,,,
2930,"MeCC VI - Restoring Our Lands and Waters (2.3)",2013,200000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i2.3","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,200000,,,3.54,"Great River Greening","Non-Profit Business/Entity","These funds will enable Great River Greening to restore approximately 121 acres of permanently protected forests, savanna, prairie, and wetland habitat and 0.18 miles of shoreland habitat while engaging hundreds of volunteers in the stewardship of the Metropolitan area's remaining natural areas. Specific activities include invasive species control, seeding/planting, prescribed burning, and other associated activities.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,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, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-vi-restoring-our-lands-and-waters-23,,,,
2933,"MeCC VI - TPL’s Critical Land Protection Program (3.1)",2012,250000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i3.1","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,250000,,,1.9,"The Trust for Public Land","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The Trust for Public Land is using this appropriation to purchase approximately 30 acres of land and 0.3 miles of shoreline with high ecological value and then convey the land to state or local governments for long-term stewardship and protection. Lands being considered for permanent protection in this round of funding include areas around the Rum River and Rice Creek in Anoka County, Lindstrom Natural Area in Chisago County, Savage Fen Scientific and Natural Area and Pike Lake in Scott County, and St. Croix/Fraconia-Scandia Scientific and Natural Area in Washington County.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Robert,McGillivray,"The Trust for Public Land","2610 University Ave W, Ste 300","St Paul",MN,55114,"(651) 999-5307",rjm@tpl.org,"Land Acquisition","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-vi-tpl-s-critical-land-protection-program-31,,,,
2933,"MeCC VI - TPL’s Critical Land Protection Program (3.1)",2013,250000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i3.1","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,250000,,,1.9,"The Trust for Public Land","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The Trust for Public Land is using this appropriation to purchase approximately 30 acres of land and 0.3 miles of shoreline with high ecological value and then convey the land to state or local governments for long-term stewardship and protection. Lands being considered for permanent protection in this round of funding include areas around the Rum River and Rice Creek in Anoka County, Lindstrom Natural Area in Chisago County, Savage Fen Scientific and Natural Area and Pike Lake in Scott County, and St. Croix/Fraconia-Scandia Scientific and Natural Area in Washington County.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Robert,McGillivray,"The Trust for Public Land","2610 University Ave W, Ste 300","St Paul",MN,55114,"(651) 999-5307",rjm@tpl.org,"Land Acquisition","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-vi-tpl-s-critical-land-protection-program-31,,,,
2934,"MeCC VI - Protect Significant Habitat by Acquiring Cons. Easements (3.2)",2012,200000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i3.2","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,200000,,,2.09,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","With this appropriation, the Minnesota Land Trust plans to protect 150 acres of high quality forest, prairie, or wetland habitat by securing permanent conservation easements and dedicating funds for their perpetual monitoring, management, and enforcement. Lands being considered for permanent protection in this round of funding are located in Anoka, Carver, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Washington, and Wright counties.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Sarah,Strommen,"Minnesota Land Trust","2356 University Ave W, Ste 240","St Paul",MN,55114,"(651) 647-9590",sstrommen@mnland.org,"Land Acquisition, Monitoring","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-vi-protect-significant-habitat-acquiring-cons-easements-32,,,,
2934,"MeCC VI - Protect Significant Habitat by Acquiring Cons. Easements (3.2)",2013,200000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i3.2","$1,737,000 the first year and $1,738,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $3,175,000 is for the agreements as follows: $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year with Friends of the Mississippi River; $517,000 the first year and $518,000 the second year with Dakota County; $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year with Great River Greening; $220,000 the first year and $220,000 the second year with Minnesota Land Trust; $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year with The Trust for Public Land for planning, restoring, and protecting priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through 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 habitable 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. An entity that acquires a conservation easement with appropriations from the trust fund must have a long-term stewardship plan for the easement and a fund established for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. Money appropriated from the trust fund for easement acquisition may be used to establish a monitoring, management, and enforcement fund as approved in the work program. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring, management, and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,200000,,,2.09,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","With this appropriation, the Minnesota Land Trust plans to protect 150 acres of high quality forest, prairie, or wetland habitat by securing permanent conservation easements and dedicating funds for their perpetual monitoring, management, and enforcement. Lands being considered for permanent protection in this round of funding are located in Anoka, Carver, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Washington, and Wright counties.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Sarah,Strommen,"Minnesota Land Trust","2356 University Ave W, Ste 240","St Paul",MN,55114,"(651) 647-9590",sstrommen@mnland.org,"Land Acquisition, Monitoring","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-vi-protect-significant-habitat-acquiring-cons-easements-32,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2021,,N/A,,"This appropriation has now ended. Remaining funds were cancelled due to the May 2020 projected budget shortfall.",,,,,,,,,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2020,,N/A,,"In FY20 the DNR proposes to drill two additional wells monitoring deep bedrock aquifers install two additional data loggers for continuous groundwater level monitoring. DNR will continue to review and publish annual continuous records for the groundwater level monitoring wells in the metro area. DNR will continue to work with SWCD’s in the 11 County Metro Area to aid in our enhanced groundwater monitoring efforts. Plans also include website upgrades to provide data to the website directly from the new hydrologic database. ","In FY20 the DNR acquired 3 shallow aquifer wells from the USGS. Three new data loggers were installed for continuous groundwater level monitoring. DNR reviewed and published continuous water level records for monitoring wells in the metro area. All SWCD’s in the 11 County Metro Area participated in the enhanced groundwater monitoring efforts and uploaded data into the new DNR/PCA cooperative water quantity data management system. The website was upgraded to connect with the new hydrologic database. ",,,,174357,,,2,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2019,,N/A,,"In FY19 the DNR proposes to drill two additional wells in the deep aquifers and install five additional data loggers for continuous groundwater level monitoring. The DNR will continue to refine and expand the groundwater animations to visualize the continuously changing groundwater levels providing a better understanding of water use and aquifer responses in the 11-County Metro Area. DNR will continue to review and publish the annual continuous records for the groundwater level monitoring wells in the metro area.","In FY19 the DNR installed 2 deep aquifer bedrock wells. Thirteen new data loggers were installed for continuous groundwater level monitoring. DNR reviewed and published continuous water level records for monitoring wells in the metro area. All SWCD’s in the 11 County Metro Area participated in the enhanced groundwater monitoring efforts and uploaded data into the new DNR/PCA cooperative water quantity data management system.",,,,252276,74014,,2.4,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2018,,N/A,,"In FY18 DNR proposes to drill five additional wells in the shallow aquifers and install five additional data loggers for continuous groundwater level monitoring. The DNR will continue to refine and expand the groundwater animations to visualize the continuously changing groundwater levels and provide a better understanding of water use and aquifer responses in the 11 County Metro Area. All SWCDs in the 11 County Area will participate in the pilot monitoring partnership in FY18 and a new data system will come on line.","In FY18 the DNR reviewed and published continuous water level records for monitoring wells in the metro area. DNR also developed a metro area water level animation to show monthly changes from 2012-2017. All SWCDs in the 11 County Area participate in the enhanced groundwater monitoring efforts and upload the data into the new DNR/PCA cooperative water quantity data management system. No wells were added to the network in the metro area in FY18 due to limited availability of public property in priority areas.",,,,257210,,,2.7,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2017,,N/A,,"In FY17 the DNR will continue enhancing the processing and accessibility of groundwater network data. Enhancements will include streamlining the gathering storage and online accessibility of data for required groundwater monitoring permits in the 11-county metro and outstate areas with high groundwater appropriation volumes. Additional wells will fill some of the few remaining gaps in the metro groundwater monitoring network and a large effort will begin to transfer data into a new system better equipped to handle these large data sets.","In FY17 DNR installed 15 wells in the metro area including 12 to measure water levels in the deeper aquifers. Twenty new data loggers were installed to continuously measure groundwater levels bringing the total number of instrumented wells in the 11 county area to 216. Our local partner pilot program now includes 10 of the 11 metro county Soil and Water Conservations Districts (SWCD). These partnering SWCDs assist the state in measuring and downloading data in many of the wells in the metro area. The DNR compiled 134 continuous records of groundwater levels and developed a process to show animated changing groundwater levels in the area. The current animation shows monthly changes from 2012-2016. Work began to migrate all groundwater related data to a new data management system.",,,,544050,,,2.9,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2016,,N/A,,"In FY16 the DNR will continue to refine processes and compile continuous records for wells with data loggers. We will replace older model monitoring equipment with state of the art continuous monitoring equipment install additional wells and expand automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data gathering with metro communities focusing on the northeast metro. SCADA information is continuous groundwater use and water level data from a community’s production and monitoring wells managed by a computerized control system. SCADA systems are water supply management systems already in place in most communities. The fact that the DNR can now get this data automatically means that we get better reporting of community water use we can use existing data networks which saves the state money on monitoring costs and that we better understand groundwater use from multiple communities in localized areas.","In FY16 all continuous monitoring equipment was upgraded at existing locations and an additional 132 wells were instrumented with new equipment. Upgrades to the data importing system allowed a more consistent and streamlined process for data entry and storage. The data processing upgrades now allow public access to raw data gathered from the field within two days of data downloads. One additional SCADA system was added to the metro monitoring system. This further enhances the reporting of community water use and reduces monitoring costs through the use of existing community groundwater monitoring.",,,,250690,10793,,2.7,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2015,,N/A,,"In FY15 DNR hydrologists will continue to grow the 11-county monitoring well network by installing 21 monitoring wells 16 of which will be deep wells in bedrock. Additional data analysis will result in better information about aquifer characteristics and trends to be used in groundwater management decisions. The DNR also proposes to add an additional municipality into the automated groundwater data collection project.","In FY15 the DNR installed equipment at White Bear Lake to provide real time water level rain fall and ground water levels from five groundwater observation wells surrounding the lake. These data will provide the public with up to date water level information and improve the understanding of surface and groundwater interactions in the Northeast Metro. We also installed 27 deep aquifer wells instrumented 59 monitoring wells with continuous water level monitoring equipment and compiled 118 annual records for groundwater level monitoring. These records improve understanding about groundwater levels interaction between aquifers and how aquifer levels respond to groundwater use in the 11 County Metro Area – information that is essential for providing sustainable water supplies for people and ecosystems.",,,,410268,,,2.5,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2014,,N/A,,"In FY14 DNR scientists will continue to grow the 11-county monitoring well network by installing 15 monitoring wells 7 of which will be deep wells in bedrock. Additional data analysis will result in better information about aquifer characteristics and trends to be used in groundwater management decisions. The DNR also proposes to further identify the flow patterns and aquifer characteristics within the 11 County Metro through water chemistry sampling and hydraulic testing a subset of the monitoring wells.","In FY14 DNR scientists installed 15 aquifer monitoring wells including 10 in deep bedrock aquifers. Through the well installation process scientists were able to gather valuable information about the bedrock geology and aquifers in the Twin Cities Metro Area. DNR scientists also equipped these 15 new wells with continuous data loggers to collect groundwater level data. Scientist compiled and completed continuous water level records for 36 wells with continuous data loggers. These wells and data provide information about regionally important aquifers that will improve future management decisions. In FY 14 scientists completed the migration of groundwater data into a state cooperative water data system. The pilot project to test the collection of real-time automated municipal groundwater data continued adding an additional municipality (water level and pumping data from 21 municipal wells used in the community). The public display of these data is under development. When established this public display of groundwater level information will help state scientists and communities better understand local and regional water use and manage future needs.",,,,246082,15045,,2.5,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2013,,N/A,,"In FY13 DNR scientists will continue to grow the 11-county monitoring well network by installing 20 monitoring wells 10 of which will be deep wells in bedrock. Additional data analysis will result in better information about aquifer characteristics and trends to be used in groundwater management decisions.","In FY13 DNR scientists installed 15 aquifer monitoring wells including 4 in deep bedrock aquifers. A change in the field manager for this project resulted in a decrease in well installation from the FY13 target. Through the well installation process scientists were able to gather valuable information about the bedrock geology and aquifers in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Staff also equipped 25 new and existing wells with continuous data loggers to collect groundwater level data. These wells and data provide information about regionally important aquifers that will improve future management decisions. In FY 13 work continued on the migration of groundwater data into a state cooperative water data system. The pilot project to test the collection of real-time automated municipal groundwater data was completed with one municipality (water level and pumping data from 9 municipal wells) and initiated with a second municipality. The public display of these data is under development. When established this public display of groundwater level information will help state scientists and communities better understand local and regional water use and manage future needs.",,,,516651,74970,,2.3,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2012,1000000,"M.L. 2011 First Special Session Chp. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(i)","$1000000 the first year is for implementation of the metropolitan groundwater monitoring and protection activities under Minnesota Laws 2010 chapter 361 article 2 section 4 subdivision 2.","In FY12 DNR scientists will continue establishing a network of monitoring wells in the 11-county metropolitan area to provide information about aquifer characteristics and trends. Staff will install 20 new wells and equip 40 new and existing wells with continuous data loggers to collect groundwater level data. DNR will also grow our ability to evaluate changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells by installing deep aquifer monitoring wells in the Mt. Simon Aquifer when opportunities arise. The goal for this work is one well per year. Another goal for this program is to complete development of and implement a new automated data management system that will provide better data management and integrate groundwater and surface water data. ","In FY12 DNR scientists installed 28 aquifer monitoring wells including 14 in deep aquifers (installed in bedrock). Through the well installation process scientists were able to gather more and better valuable information about bedrock geology in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Staff equipped 146 new and existing wells with continuous data loggers to collect groundwater level data. These wells and data loggers provide information about aquifers stressed from pumping providing managers with better information for management decisions. Work began on the migration of data from observations wells (groundwater data) into the surface water data system in order to integrate these two important data sets. A pilot project is underway to test real time automated data collection storage and public display of groundwater data.",,,,570997,142026,,2.5,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
3613,"Metro Area Groundwater Monitoring",2011,4000000,"M.L. 2010 Ch. 361 Art. 2 Sec. 4","The $5000000 appropriated in Laws 2009 chapter 172 article 2 section 4 paragraph (m) for activities relating to groundwater protection or prevention of groundwater degradation is canceled and $4000000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2011 to the commissioner of natural resources for the following purposes: (1) establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11-county metropolitan area that monitors non-stressed systems to provide information on aquifer characteristics and natural water level trends; and (2) develop an automated data system to capture groundwater level and water use data to enhance the evaluation of water resource changes in aquifer systems that are stressed by pumping of existing wells. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until spent. The base funding for this program in fiscal year 2012 is $1000000 and $0 in fiscal year 2013.","In FY11 DNR scientists will establish a network of monitoring wells in the 11-county metropolitan area to provide information about aquifer characteristics and trends. Staff will equip 70 new and existing wells with continuous data loggers to collect groundwater level data. DNR will also grow our ability to evaluate changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells by installing deep aquifer monitoring wells in the Mt. Simon Aquifer when opportunities arise. The goal for this work is one well per year. Another goal for this program is setting up a new automated data management system that will provide better data management and integrate groundwater and surface water data.","In FY11 DNR scientists installed 14 new monitoring wells in the 11-county metropolitan area and equipped 70 new and existing wells with continuous data loggers to collect groundwater level data. The DNR installed 3 deep aquifer monitoring wells in the Mt. Simon Aquifer. The DNR began work on moving observation well database to a new data system and acquired a new data system to provide store and process groundwater data for use by state and local agencies. This is a cooperative effort between MPCA and the DNR. Initiated pilot project with the Cities of New Brighton Lakeville and Lakeland to develop a mechanism to collect automated water use and ground water level data to provide better water use and availability information for local communities and state needs. ",,,,488836,32400,,,,,"This project will establish a groundwater monitoring network in the 11 county metropolitan area. The network will provide information about aquifer characteristics and natural water trends by monitoring healthy aquifers (non-stressed systems). The project will also develop an automated system that captures groundwater level and water use data. This system will enhance evaluation of changes in aquifers that are stressed by pumping from existing wells.","Many Twin Cities communities rely heavily on groundwater from aquifers for drinking water supplies and other domestic and industrial uses. Some aquifers are showing signs of stress; water use is exceeding aquifer recharge. Monitoring wells are the only way to get the information needed to understand the effect of pumping and land use changes so that these aquifers can be managed sustainably into the future. ",,2010-07-01,2020-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Joy,Loughry,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","325 Randolph Ave, Suite 500","Saint Paul",MN,55102,"(651) 539-2109",joy.loughry@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-area-groundwater-monitoring,,,,
9819,"Metro Big Rivers Habitat Phase 3",2013,3680000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 5(b)","$3,680,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire interests in land in fee or permanent conservation easements and to restore and enhance natural systems associated with the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix Rivers as follows: $1,000,000 to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; $375,000 to the Friends of the Mississippi; $375,000 to Great River Greening; $930,000 to The Minnesota Land Trust; and $1,000,000 to The Trust for Public Land. A list of proposed = acquisitions, restorations, and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan. The accomplishment plan must include an easement stewardship plan. Up to $51,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. An annual financial report is required for any monitoring and enforcement fund established, including expenditures from the fund and a description of annual monitoring and enforcement activities.",,"Restored 8 acres of prairie, protected in fee 67 acres, and enhanced 495 acres. ",,27500,"City of Fridley, Maplewood, and Mahtomedi ",1353100,,,1.48,"MN Valley NWR Trust, Friends of Mississippi River, Great River Greening, MN Land Trust, Trust for Pulbic Land","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Metro Big Rivers Phase 3 protected 67 acres of significant habitat along more than 1 mile of the Mississippi River, restored 8 acres of prairie and enhanced 495 acres of priority habitat (47 wetland acres, 50 prairie acres and 398 forest acres) in the Metropolitan Urbanizing Area.",,"Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) completed restoration and enhancement activities on 314 acres, exceeding its original 166 grant acres. FMR restored 8 acres of prairie and enhanced 30 acres prairie, 47 acres of wetland and 237 acres of forest on three sites in Dakota County and one in Washington County, as follows:• Gores Pool Wildlife Management Area (Freitag Tract) -- Gores Pool WMA is a 6,449-ac complex of floodplain forest, marshland and backwater along the Mississippi River and Vermillion River Bottoms in Dakota County. Most of the area is designated as outstanding biodiversity significance and constitutes one of the largest expanses of floodplain native plant communities in southeast Minnesota. It is also one of the top four sites in the state for rare forest birds. The 300 acre Freitag Tract was purchased in 2008 by the DNR in partnership with Dakota County and the City of Hastings. With this Phase 3 grant, FMR continued its activities at the WMA in partnership with the DNR, enhancing 47 acres of wet meadow, 125 acres of forest, and 5 acres of prairie. Methods included cutting and treating invasive woody and herbaceous species, prescribed burning, installing cottonwood livestakes, and planting native shrubs.• Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) - This SNA is identified as significant by the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Area Program and the County Biological Survey. In addition to containing an intermittent stream that flows to the Vermillion River, this site contains rare dry prairie and associated oak woodland. Fourteen rare species have been documented at this SNA. FMR’s work with Phase 3 restored 8 acres of prairie, enhanced 23 acres of prairie by removing woody species and conducting prescribed burns and enhanced 51 acres of oak woodland by controlling exotic invasive species and conducting prescribed burns.• Hastings Scientific and Natural Area -- This 69-acre SNA, designated in the 1970s, is situated along the Mississippi – Vermillion River floodplain and blufflands in Hastings, Dakota County. It contains wetland, maple-basswood forest and floodplain forest. FMR developed a Natural Resource Management Plan for this SNA in 2011 in partnership with the DNR. With Phase 3 funds, FMR conducted exotic invasive woody plant control on 35 acres of forest by cutting and stump-treating. These activities improved the habitat for the both rare species and all the plant and animal members of these forest communities.• Camel’s Hump / Gateway North Open Space Area -- This 34-acre site sits on a high ancient river terrace of sandstone and limestone within Cottage Grove (Washington County). The natural communities located on this site include oak forest, bedrock bluff prairie and lowland hardwood forest. Through this Phase 3 grant, FMR prepared a Natural Resource Management Plan, then conduct woody plant removal and a prescribed burn on approximately 2-acres of prairie and exotic plant control on approximately 26 acres of forest by cutting and treating woody plants and prescribed burns. Seed collected from the prairie on-site was used to enhance other areas on-site.Great River Greening (GRG) also exceeded its original grant acres. GRG conducted enhancement activities on 179 acres (141 acres were originally proposed), as follows:• Katherine Abbott Park: 6 acres prairie enhancement, and16 acres forest enhancement. Work included: removal of invasive common and glossy buckthorn, honeysuckle, black locust and Siberian elm; woody encroachment removal from the native prairie; and reed canary grass control in the wet prairie area. The enhancement at Katherine Abbott is continuing with Trust Fund support and City support. This site now hosts remnant prairie, oak savanna, enhanced forest habitat, and enhanced wetland habitats. Acreage and habitat goals were met; with City funds, summer and fall 2017 burns are being developed for the oak woodland communities to control buckthorn and promote the remnant understory. • Fish Creek Open Space: 75 acres of dry-mesic prairie oak savannah were enhanced. Work included woody invasive removal, tree planting, and prairie seeding. Oak savanna was restored using an oak grove design, and the timing of seeding was selected carefully to encourage forb establishment for better pollinator habitat and floristic diversity, as well as a robust prairie grass component. The establishment has included mowing to promote prairie perennials over weedy annuals and biennials, and spot treatment (pulling, spraying) of more problematic non-native invasive species. Restorations involved Greening’s Summer Youth Job Corps (a partnership with Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, providing hands-on natural resource experience to underserved youth), students and faculty, volunteer citizens, contractors, and Greening staff. Fish Creek now hosts prairie habitat, oak savanna habitat, and enhanced forest habitat. This location in the Mississippi flyway is proving to continue to leverage volunteer services for enhancement and maintenance, and is also a pollinator citizen science project location with Trust Fund support. Acreage goals were met and maintenance program is robust and underway.• Springbrook Nature Center: 82 acres enhanced (66 acres proposed), 70 acres of forest and 12 acres of prairie, through woody invasive removal and treatment and several rounds of prescribed burns. Work was conducted by Greening’s Summer Youth Job Corps (see Fish Creek description), citizen volunteers, contractors, and Greening staff.With this grant, the Trust for Public Land (TPL) acquired 66 acres of a larger 335 acre acquisition of significant habitat in Elk River (Sherburne County) with over a mile of Mississippi River shoreline at the confluence of the Elk River and Mississippi Rivers. The full 335 acres were acquired with the balance of TPL’s Phase 2 grant and $610,000 of this Phase 3 grant. The land provides habitat for a variety of species and the shoreline affords access to an excellent smallmouth bass fishery. The property was conveyed to the City of Elk River to be managed in a manner similar to a state Wildlife Management Area. Public hunting and fishing will be allowed according to DNR guidelines. Restoration and enhancement of the habitat on this property is being completed under Metro Big Rivers Phase 5 by Friends of the Mississippi River.",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Deborah,Loon,"MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.","3815 East American Boulevard",Bloomington,MN,55425,612-801-1935,dloon@mnvalleytrust.org,"Land Acquisition, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sibley, Washington, Wright","Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/metro-big-rivers-habitat-phase-3,,,,
3615,"Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project (LiDAR)",2014,,"M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(h)","$1350000 the first year and $1350000 the second year are to acquire and distribute high-resolution digital elevation data using light detection and ranging to aid with impaired waters modeling and TMDL implementation under Minnesota Statutes chapter 114D. The money shall be used to collect data for areas of the state that have not acquired such data prior to January 1 2007 or to complete acquisition and distribution of the data for those areas of the state that have not previously received state funds for acquiring and distributing the data. The distribution of data acquired under this paragraph must be conducted under the auspices of the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office which shall receive up to 2.5 percent of the appropriation in this paragraph to support coordination of data acquisition and distribution. Mapping and data set distribution under this paragraph must be completed within three years of funds availability. The commissioner shall utilize department staff whenever possible. The commissioner may contract for services only if the services cannot otherwise be provided by the department.","In FY14 the DNR will publish and promote MnTOPO a web-based application that will provide access to LiDAR data to a wide audience including the general public and water management professionals. MnTOPO has data viewing and printing capabilities as well as data access and download. Data access and download volumes will be readily available as measures of the value of this information. The DNR will develop and publish an Elevation Data Governance Plan and coordinate elevation data standards maintenance and development of products based on LiDAR data. This will ensure long term management of elevation data and the MnTOPO portal. It will also ensure that the needs of the water management officials who rely on this data to formulate their management strategies are met.","MnTOPO a web site built to make the LiDAR data collected as part of this project easily accessible was completed on time and under budget. Upon its release MnTOPO proved to be an instant success with users viewing and downloading elevation data for a wide variety of water resource management purposes. The two foot contours have been the most popular product of the MnTOPO web application. The total volume of data users downloaded using MnTOPO in its first six months of operation is more than that of the total collection. Due to changes in staff’s managerial responsibilities associated with Minnesota’s LiDAR data an Elevation Data Governance Plan was not completed. The DNR did coordinate the development of elevation data standards with the MN LiDAR Research and Education Committee as these two interests work collaboratively to guide long-term management of Minnesota’s elevation data and the MnTOPO application. ",,,,71313,,,0.0,,,"This project will create a high accuracy elevation dataset - critical for effectively planning and implementing water quality projects - for the state of Minnesota using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and geospatial mapping technologies. Although some areas of the state have been mapped previously, many counties remain unmapped or have insufficient or inadequate data. This multi-year project, to be completed in 2012, is a collaborative effort of Minnesota's Digital Elevation Committee and partners with county surveyors to ensure accuracy with ground-truthing. The first year (FY 2010) focuses on Southwest Minnesota. The arrowhead, Twin Cities metro, and central lakes regions will be completed in 2011 and 2012.","Accurate topographic information will greatly enhance the ability of decision makers and resource managers to understand how water interacts with the landscape and will provide the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defendable resource management strategies. Completion of a statewide elevation dataset will reduce cost and increase effectiveness of clean water projects. The data have myriad additional uses; for example, collecting elevation data over the life of a mining project will allow the state to more accurately document mineral extraction, potentially increasing royalty income from mineral leases.",,2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Tim,Loesch,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul, MN",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5475",tim.loesch@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping, Planning, Analysis/Interpretation, Modeling, Research, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Lake, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-elevation-mapping-project-lidar-0,,,,
3615,"Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project (LiDAR)",2013,1350000,"M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(h)","$1350000 the first year and $1350000 the second year are to acquire and distribute high-resolution digital elevation data using light detection and ranging to aid with impaired waters modeling and TMDL implementation under Minnesota Statutes chapter 114D. The money shall be used to collect data for areas of the state that have not acquired such data prior to January 1 2007 or to complete acquisition and distribution of the data for those areas of the state that have not previously received state funds for acquiring and distributing the data. The distribution of data acquired under this paragraph must be conducted under the auspices of the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office which shall receive up to 2.5 percent of the appropriation in this paragraph to support coordination of data acquisition and distribution. Mapping and data set distribution under this paragraph must be completed within three years of funds availability. The commissioner shall utilize department staff whenever possible. The commissioner may contract for services only if the services cannot otherwise be provided by the department.","In FY13 DNR will complete publishing and distribution of 21 326 square miles of data from the Arrowhead and Metro project areas plus Blue Earth County. Data for the Red River basin (19 counties covering 22 700 square miles) will be reformatted published and distributed. DNR will acquire publish and distribute new LiDAR data over 3 078 square miles in St. Louis and Carlton Counties to update data following a major flood event that resulted in landscape changes making current data invalid. DNR will also develop a web-based map application that presents elevation data that can be viewed on standard computers or mobile devices (without the need for Geographic Information System software).","In FY13 DNR achieved complete coverage of high accuracy elevation for the state of Minnesota. DNR completed the acquisition quality assurance publication and distribution of LiDAR data and associated products for the Arrowhead region Metro region Central Lakes region Blue Earth County and the Duluth area update. Data for counties in the Red River Basin were reformatted to meet state standards incorporated into data holdings. In total more than 52 000 square miles of data was made published and made available to be used for a variety of clean water projects. Significant progress was made on the design and application development for the LiDAR Web Viewer during FY13; however the application was deemed by the project team to be not ready for general release.",,,,666608,,,0.0,,,"This project will create a high accuracy elevation dataset - critical for effectively planning and implementing water quality projects - for the state of Minnesota using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and geospatial mapping technologies. Although some areas of the state have been mapped previously, many counties remain unmapped or have insufficient or inadequate data. This multi-year project, to be completed in 2012, is a collaborative effort of Minnesota's Digital Elevation Committee and partners with county surveyors to ensure accuracy with ground-truthing. The first year (FY 2010) focuses on Southwest Minnesota. The arrowhead, Twin Cities metro, and central lakes regions will be completed in 2011 and 2012.","Accurate topographic information will greatly enhance the ability of decision makers and resource managers to understand how water interacts with the landscape and will provide the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defendable resource management strategies. Completion of a statewide elevation dataset will reduce cost and increase effectiveness of clean water projects. The data have myriad additional uses; for example, collecting elevation data over the life of a mining project will allow the state to more accurately document mineral extraction, potentially increasing royalty income from mineral leases.",,2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Tim,Loesch,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul, MN",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5475",tim.loesch@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping, Planning, Analysis/Interpretation, Modeling, Research, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Lake, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-elevation-mapping-project-lidar-0,,,,
3615,"Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project (LiDAR)",2012,1350000,"M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(h)","$1350000 the first year and $1350000 the second year are to acquire and distribute high-resolution digital elevation data using light detection and ranging to aid with impaired waters modeling and TMDL implementation under Minnesota Statutes chapter 114D. The money shall be used to collect data for areas of the state that have not acquired such data prior to January 1 2007 or to complete acquisition and distribution of the data for those areas of the state that have not previously received state funds for acquiring and distributing the data. The distribution of data acquired under this paragraph must be conducted under the auspices of the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office which shall receive up to 2.5 percent of the appropriation in this paragraph to support coordination of data acquisition and distribution. Mapping and data set distribution under this paragraph must be completed within three years of funds availability. The commissioner shall utilize department staff whenever possible. The commissioner may contract for services only if the services cannot otherwise be provided by the department.","In FY12 DNR will acquire LiDAR data over 15 483 square miles covering all or parts of 14 counties in the Central Lakes and Metro project areas.","In FY12 DNR completed publishing and distribution of LiDAR for the Counties that make up the Minnesota River Basin. In addition DNR also published and distributed LiDAR data over 19 411 square miles covering all or parts of 18 counties in the Arrowhead and Metro project areas. DNR acquired LiDAR data over 16 333 square miles covering all or parts of Aitkin Blue Earth Carver Cass Dakota Goodhue Hennepin Hubbard Itasca Koochiching Ramsey Scott Todd Washington and Wadena Counties.",,,,1625273,,,0.0,,,"This project will create a high accuracy elevation dataset - critical for effectively planning and implementing water quality projects - for the state of Minnesota using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and geospatial mapping technologies. Although some areas of the state have been mapped previously, many counties remain unmapped or have insufficient or inadequate data. This multi-year project, to be completed in 2012, is a collaborative effort of Minnesota's Digital Elevation Committee and partners with county surveyors to ensure accuracy with ground-truthing. The first year (FY 2010) focuses on Southwest Minnesota. The arrowhead, Twin Cities metro, and central lakes regions will be completed in 2011 and 2012.","Accurate topographic information will greatly enhance the ability of decision makers and resource managers to understand how water interacts with the landscape and will provide the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defendable resource management strategies. Completion of a statewide elevation dataset will reduce cost and increase effectiveness of clean water projects. The data have myriad additional uses; for example, collecting elevation data over the life of a mining project will allow the state to more accurately document mineral extraction, potentially increasing royalty income from mineral leases.",,2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Tim,Loesch,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul, MN",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5475",tim.loesch@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping, Planning, Analysis/Interpretation, Modeling, Research, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Lake, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-elevation-mapping-project-lidar-0,,,,
3615,"Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project (LiDAR)",2011,2800000,"M.L. 2009 Ch. 172 Art. 2 Sec. 5(d)","$2800000 the first year and $2800000 the second year are to acquire and distribute high-resolution digital elevation data using light detection and ranging to aid with impaired waters modeling and total maximum daily load implementation under Minnesota Statutes chapter 114D. The data will be collected for areas of the state that have not acquired such data prior to January 1 2007 or to complete acquisition and distribution of the data for those areas of the state that have not previously received state funds for acquiring and distributing the data. The distribution of data acquired under this paragraph must be conducted under the auspices of the Land Management Information Center or its successor which shall receive 2.5 percent of the appropriation in this paragraph to support coordination of data acquisition and distribution. Mapping and data set distribution under this paragraph must be completed within three years of funds availability. The commissioner shall utilize department staff whenever possible. The commissioner may contract for services only if they cannot otherwise be provided by the department. If the commissioner contracts for services with this appropriation and any of the work done under the contract will be done outside of the United States the commissioner must report to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate finance committees on the proposed contract at least 30 days before entering into the contract. The report must include an analysis of why the contract with the selected contractor provides the state with ""best value"" as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 16C.02; any alternatives to the selected contractor that were considered; what data will be provided to the contractor including the data that will be transmitted outside of the United States; what security measures will be taken to ensure that the data is treated in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; (continued)","In FY11 DNR will publish and make available LiDAR data for the Minnesota River basin. We will develop work orders for the Arrowhead and Metro project areas rank and make awards and acquire LiDAR data for these regions in the Spring of 2011 (12520 square miles in 19 counties).","In Fiscal Year 2011 DNR published LiDAR data for the Minnesota River Basin. It is publicly available on-line at the DNR. LiDAR acquisitions were contracted over an area covering 18 220 square miles in 15 counties: Anoka Benton Carlton Carver Cook Hennepin Isanti Kanabec Lake Meeker Mille Lacs Scott Sherburne St. Louis and Washington. This is in addition to the 17 258 square miles in 25 counties that were collected in Fiscal Year 2010.",,,,3028474,,,0.0,,,"This project will create a high accuracy elevation dataset - critical for effectively planning and implementing water quality projects - for the state of Minnesota using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and geospatial mapping technologies. Although some areas of the state have been mapped previously, many counties remain unmapped or have insufficient or inadequate data. This multi-year project, to be completed in 2012, is a collaborative effort of Minnesota's Digital Elevation Committee and partners with county surveyors to ensure accuracy with ground-truthing. The first year (FY 2010) focuses on Southwest Minnesota. The arrowhead, Twin Cities metro, and central lakes regions will be completed in 2011 and 2012.","Accurate topographic information will greatly enhance the ability of decision makers and resource managers to understand how water interacts with the landscape and will provide the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defendable resource management strategies. Completion of a statewide elevation dataset will reduce cost and increase effectiveness of clean water projects. The data have myriad additional uses; for example, collecting elevation data over the life of a mining project will allow the state to more accurately document mineral extraction, potentially increasing royalty income from mineral leases.",,2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Tim,Loesch,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul, MN",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5475",tim.loesch@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping, Planning, Analysis/Interpretation, Modeling, Research, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Lake, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-elevation-mapping-project-lidar-0,,,,
3615,"Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project (LiDAR)",2010,2800000,"M.L. 2009 Ch. 172 Art. 2 Sec. 5(d)","$2800000 the first year and $2800000 the second year are to acquire and distribute high-resolution digital elevation data using light detection and ranging to aid with impaired waters modeling and total maximum daily load implementation under Minnesota Statutes chapter 114D. The data will be collected for areas of the state that have not acquired such data prior to January 1 2007 or to complete acquisition and distribution of the data for those areas of the state that have not previously received state funds for acquiring and distributing the data. The distribution of data acquired under this paragraph must be conducted under the auspices of the Land Management Information Center or its successor which shall receive 2.5 percent of the appropriation in this paragraph to support coordination of data acquisition and distribution. Mapping and data set distribution under this paragraph must be completed within three years of funds availability. The commissioner shall utilize department staff whenever possible. The commissioner may contract for services only if they cannot otherwise be provided by the department. If the commissioner contracts for services with this appropriation and any of the work done under the contract will be done outside of the United States the commissioner must report to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate finance committees on the proposed contract at least 30 days before entering into the contract. The report must include an analysis of why the contract with the selected contractor provides the state with ""best value"" as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 16C.02; any alternatives to the selected contractor that were considered; what data will be provided to the contractor including the data that will be transmitted outside of the United States; what security measures will be taken to ensure that the data is treated in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; (continued)","In FY10 DNR will collect digital elevation LiDAR data will be collected and make it available to the public for 17 258 square miles in 25 counties in the Minnesota River Basin and southwestern Minnesota. ","In FY 10 DNR developed a master contracting process to collect Digital Elevation information statewide. LiDAR data was collected for 17258 square miles in 25 counties in the Minnesota River Basin and southwestern Minnesota. The data are currently being processed for public use.",,,,670895,,,0.0,,,"This project will create a high accuracy elevation dataset - critical for effectively planning and implementing water quality projects - for the state of Minnesota using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and geospatial mapping technologies. Although some areas of the state have been mapped previously, many counties remain unmapped or have insufficient or inadequate data. This multi-year project, to be completed in 2012, is a collaborative effort of Minnesota's Digital Elevation Committee and partners with county surveyors to ensure accuracy with ground-truthing. The first year (FY 2010) focuses on Southwest Minnesota. The arrowhead, Twin Cities metro, and central lakes regions will be completed in 2011 and 2012.","Accurate topographic information will greatly enhance the ability of decision makers and resource managers to understand how water interacts with the landscape and will provide the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defendable resource management strategies. Completion of a statewide elevation dataset will reduce cost and increase effectiveness of clean water projects. The data have myriad additional uses; for example, collecting elevation data over the life of a mining project will allow the state to more accurately document mineral extraction, potentially increasing royalty income from mineral leases.",,2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Clean Water Fund",Completed,,,Tim,Loesch,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul, MN",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5475",tim.loesch@state.mn.us,"Assessment/Evaluation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping, Planning, Analysis/Interpretation, Modeling, Research, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Lake, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-elevation-mapping-project-lidar-0,,,,
9797,"Minnesota Prairie Recovery Project – Phase 3",2013,4610000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(b)","$4,610,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Nature Conservancy to acquire native prairie and savanna and restore and enhance grasslands and savanna. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan. Annual income statements and balance sheets for income and expenses from land acquired with this appropriation must be submitted to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council no later than 180 days following the close of The Nature Conservancy's fiscal year.",,"This phase resulted in a total of 1,425 acres of wetlands and prairies protected in fee, 22,298 acres of wetlands and prairies enhanced, and 110 acres of wetlands and prairies restored.",,851300,"The Nature Conservancy, private land donation",4607900,96700,,10.1,"The Nature Conservancy","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The goals for this project were to: protect 1,200 acres native prairie/wetland/savanna; restore 250 acres prairie/wetland; enhance 6,000 acres grassland/savanna with fire, invasive species removal, and grazing; and continue a new prairie conservation model. This phase resulted in a total of 1,425 acres protected, 22,298 acres enhanced, and 110 acres restored. When combined with phases 1 and 2 of the Prairie Recovery Program we have cumulatively protected 4,070 acres, enhanced 58,134 acres and restored 314 acres using OHF funds. We will continue to implement subsequent phases toward meeting the conservation goals described in the MN Prairie Conservation Plan.",,"1. Scope of work: With the requested funding, and with other funds leveraged by this money and brought by other partners, the following actions and outcomes were acheived.“Phase 3” built upon the success of the MN Prairie Recovery Project Phase 1 and 2 by continuing and expanding enhancement work in 4 focal areas and protection in 5 areas. Project partners, primarily through our participation in Prairie Plan Local Technical teams, helped us to prioritize and refine guidelines for protection, enhancement and restoration activities within priority landscapes. The Prairie Recovery Program utilizes a collaborative model for conservation and we regularly consult and work with a variety of entities including state and federal agencies, other conservation nonprofits, agricultural producer groups and local governments.1,425 acres of existing and restorable grassland, prairie pothole complex, and savanna was permanently protected within prairie core and corridor areas as identified in the MN Prairie Conservation Plan 2010. Lands will be held by The Nature Conservancy, subject to a recorded notice of funding restrictions pursuant to the grant with the MN DNR. All lands acquired in fee are FULLY open to hunting and fishing per state of Minnesota regulations. Basic developments have been, and will continue to be, implemented (boundary signage, habitat improvement, wetland restoration). Protection efforts were coordinated with other partner protection programs (e.g., DNR Wildlife Management Area and Prairie Bank programs), once again primarily through interactions through Local Technical Teams.A separate and discrete internal fund has been established by The Nature Conservancy to cover ongoing land-management costs.  Income generated by agricultural leases (grazing, haying, native seed harvest, and/or cropping) are held in this account and used to pay for property taxes and ongoing management costs.110 acres of cropland were restored to diverse, local-ecotype grassland or grassland/wetland complex. Preference was given to local producers and contractors for provision of seed and establishment of prairies to promote creation of local conservation-oriented businesses.22,298 acres of grassland complex were enhanced on public lands and those purchased with OHF funds and held by the Conservancy (“protected conservation lands”) to increase native species diversity and improve critical wildlife habitat. Management techniques included prescribed fire (61 projects totalling 15,016 acres), removal of woody vegetation (60 projects for 1,678 acres), and control of exotic species (83 projects - 5,514 acres). Much of this work was accomplished by private vendors through contracts. We also extensively used Conservation Corps of Minnesota (CCM) crews and seasonal staff employed directly by TNC.On-the-ground Conservancy staff provided by this grant were co-located in DNR or Fish and Wildlife Service offices and helped form and lead local coordination and implementation teams; identified protection, restoration and enhancement needs and opportunities within the focus areas; worked with DNR and FWS staff to delineate conservation projects on public lands; coordinated deployment of contract and staff resources to protected conservation lands; contacted and worked with private landowners to coordinate agricultural activities/leases on appropriate protected conservation lands (e.g., haying, grazing, cropping in advance of restoration); educated lessees on appropriate conservation grazing/haying practices; supervised management of lands acquired above; planned and conducted prescribed burns; and other activities related to prairie conservation in the focus areas. Contracts were let to provide a high level of enhancement activities to new and existing protected conservation lands, greatly expanding current capacity. These activities greatly improved the habitat value of public lands that were not receiving adequate management treatment, while simultaneously providing jobs for CCM and local businesses. Activities included removal of undesirable woody vegetation, identification and treatment of invasive species infestations, removal of abandoned fences and/or other structures, and related restoration/enhancement activities.To ensure goals and outcomes are consistently achieved across all 4 project areas, the project coordinator oversaw implementation of the above activities and provided administrative support for budget monitoring and reporting. Significant marketing and media outreach was conducted by the Conservancy to highlight the goals and accomplishments of the project to local and statewide constituents, as well as elected officials. http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/minnesota/policy/minnesota-prairie-recovery-project.xmlTemporary seasonal crews were employed by the Conservancy to provide additional capacity for public land management during critical periods like spring burn season. These crews helped create flexibility for enhancement projects and maximized the ability of specialized skilled personnel like burn bosses to increase the number of acres annually enhanced.2. How priorities were set: Prioritization and prioritization criteria vary with the conservation tactic being employed (i.e., protection, restoration, enhancement). Focus areas were selected where there was overlap with MN County Biological Survey prairie “focus areas” and TNC priority areas. Each of the 4 project locations directly correlate to core areas identified in the 2010 MN Prairie Conservation Plan. Because this project is a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, tactical priorities and criteria were established at both the state and local level by respective coordinating groups. criteria for each of these tactics include:a. Protection: location/proximity to other habitats, location/proximity to other protected lands, presence of rare/endangered species, imminence of conversion, ability to support grazing, size, cost, and likelihood for leveraged funding. A more robust listing of selection criteria can be provided upon request.b. Restoration: feasibility/likelihood of success, location, cost, availability of seed, and availability of restoration technical assistance, proximity to other habitats, and their ability to buffer or increase the conservation value of other protected lands.c. Enhancement: urgency/time since last enhancement, feasibility of success, accessibility, availability of enhancement technical assistance, cost, proximity to other habitats and partnership benefits.3. Urgency and opportunity of this proposal: Only about 1% of Minnesota’s original native prairie still remains (about 235,000 acres of an original 1.8 million), and the remnants are still being destroyed and degraded. Less than half of those 235,000 acres are currently protected from conversion, and management capacity is unable to address needs on protected lands. Additionally, more than 90% of the original prairie pothole wetlands in the western part of the state have also been lost. These losses threaten the viability of Minnesota’s prairie/wetland wildlife and recreational opportunities that depend upon them. Further, huge strides that have been made in supplementing habitat with the Conservation Reserve Program are in imminent danger of being lost as contracts expire. Conservationists have a narrow window of opportunity to protect remaining native grasslands, wetlands and other habitats, restore and protect supplemental grasslands and wetlands, and accelerate enhancement efforts to ensure these habitats are providing optimal value to animals and people. This proposal accelerated an initiative begun in 2010.4. Stakeholder involvement and/or opposition: This Phase continues an initiative begun with OHF funding in 2010. We have worked very closely with conservation interests in developing and maintaining this initiative and will continue close collaboration among partners. Via past and ongoing projects, we are also coordinating with other stakeholders (e.g., cattlemen’s associations, Land Stewardship Project, county boards), and will continue to seek opportunities to expand that coordination. Points of opposition that have risen to date include: perceived loss of tax revenues, philosophical opposition to public land ownership, and lack of understanding of processes (i.e. prescribed fire) necessary for long-term prairie system health. To address these concerns we have been actively engaged with county boards and other local units of government, local agricultural producers and groups, and local communities. We anticipate continuing to build these relationships in each of the four project areas.PlanningThis project implements strategies identified in at least 6 plans, as identified below.1. The 2010 MN Prairie Conservation Plan (Plan) identifies three distinct strategies and opportunities for targeting protection, restoration, and enhancement of Minnesota’s prairie and grassland systems. The plan recommends work in “Core Areas” defined as large landscapes that retain some features of functioning prairie systems. Using MN County Biological Survey data and USFWS Habitat Assessment, Populations and Evaluation Team (HAPET)2. MN Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan. The strategic framework of this plan has 5 elements in its “Habitat” section: integrated planning, critical land protection, land and water restoration and protection, (identification of) sustainable practices, and (provision of) economic incentives for sustainable practices. Further, while the plan does not go into great detail with respect to prairie conservation, it clearly states that “protection of priority land habitats” is a vital practice, and prairies clearly fall here.  The Plan identifies 36 distinct prairie core areas across the western third of the state. Collectively these core landscapes contain 71% of the state’s remaining native prairie. All 4 of the project focus areas directly correlate with one or more of these core areas.3. Tomorrow’s Habitat for the Wild and Rare. The primary objective identified in the MN DNR’s plan is to “stabilize and increase populations of “species in greatest conservation need (SGCN)”. In the prairie regions of Minnesota, strategies to achieve this goal include:a. Support incentives that avoid conversion of grasslands into row crops where SGCN occur.b. Use mowing, cutting woody vegetation, prescribed fire, or careful use of herbicides to prevent the invasion of grasslands by trees and shrubs.c. Lengthen the cutting rotations for hay; avoid early-season mowing.d. Use light to moderate, rotational grazing programs to benefit SGCNe. Prevent fragmentation of grassland habitat.f. Avoid soil compaction in areas occupied by mammal SGCN.g. Increase native plant species components.h. Control spread of invasive species to adjacent native-dominated sites.This project proposes to address all but item “f” above.4. The Nature Conservancy’s Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregional Plan (1998). This plan identifies key conservation targets, geographic emphasis areas, threats to native plant and animal communities, and key strategies to mitigate these threats. The proposal is a solid step in the implementation of this plan. Also, as a step-down from the NTP Ecoregion Plan, the Chapter has completed local level planning (Conservation Action Planning) for smaller geographic units that correspond with the focus areas. Goals within these focus areas are very explicit in identifying conservation targets and actions and are consistent with the activities contained in this proposal.5. DNR’s Pheasant Plan. This proposal is in full support of the Pheasant Plan goal to add 1.5 million acres of undisturbed grassland to the state by 2025.6. DNR’s Waterfowl Plan. This proposal is in full support of the state Long-range Duck Recovery Plan to add 2 million acres of habitat to the state by 2025. It also utilizes establishment of complexes, as per the plan, to achieve multiple conservation synergies and benefits.This plan helps fulfill multiple priorities specified by the LSOHC “Prairie Section Vision”, including permanent protection of existing prairies and wetlands, restoration of prairie and wetland habitats, building grassland/wetland complexes in blocks sufficient to increase migratory breeding bird success, enhancement of public lands for game species and other species of conservation need, and protection of watersheds of shallow lakes. Specifically, this proposal addresses “Prairie Section Strategies” 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 directly.",2012-07-01,2016-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,Neal,Feeken,"The Nature Conservancy","1101 W. River Parkway, Suite 200",Minneapolis,MN,55415,"(612) 331-0738",nfeeken@tnc.org,"Land Acquisition, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Big Stone, Chippewa, Clay, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Mahnomen, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Roseau, Stearns, Swift, Wilkin","Forest Prairie Transition, Prairie Region",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-prairie-recovery-project-phase-3,,,,
2926,"Minnesota River Valley Green Corridor Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition",2012,1000000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04g","$1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Redwood Area Communities Foundation to acquire lands with high-quality native plant communities and rare features to be established as scientific and natural areas as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards, as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Up to $54,000 may be retained by the Department of Natural Resources at the request of the Redwood Area Communities Foundation for transaction costs, associated professional services, and restoration needs. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,1000000,,,7.75,"Redwood Area Communities Foundation","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Minnesota's Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Program is an effort to preserve and perpetuate the state's ecological diversity and ensure that no single rare feature is lost from any region of the state. This includes landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, and other unique biotic or geological features. These sites play an important role in scientific study, public education, and outdoor recreation. The Redwood Area Communities Foundation is using this appropriation to work in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to acquire approximately 420 acres of lands in the Minnesota River Valley containing some of the most ecologically sensitive plant communities, rare species, and other unique natural resources in the area. Acquired lands will be established as Scientific and Natural Areas.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Brad,Cobb,"Redwood Area Communities Foundation","200 S Mill St","Redwood Falls",MN,56283,"(320) 493-4695",1231tlc@charter.net,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Brown, Chippewa, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-river-valley-green-corridor-scientific-and-natural-area-acquisition,,,,
2926,"Minnesota River Valley Green Corridor Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition",2013,1000000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04g","$1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Redwood Area Communities Foundation to acquire lands with high-quality native plant communities and rare features to be established as scientific and natural areas as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards, as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Up to $54,000 may be retained by the Department of Natural Resources at the request of the Redwood Area Communities Foundation for transaction costs, associated professional services, and restoration needs. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,1000000,,,7.75,"Redwood Area Communities Foundation","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Minnesota's Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Program is an effort to preserve and perpetuate the state's ecological diversity and ensure that no single rare feature is lost from any region of the state. This includes landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, and other unique biotic or geological features. These sites play an important role in scientific study, public education, and outdoor recreation. The Redwood Area Communities Foundation is using this appropriation to work in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to acquire approximately 420 acres of lands in the Minnesota River Valley containing some of the most ecologically sensitive plant communities, rare species, and other unique natural resources in the area. Acquired lands will be established as Scientific and Natural Areas.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Brad,Cobb,"Redwood Area Communities Foundation","200 S Mill St","Redwood Falls",MN,56283,"(320) 493-4695",1231tlc@charter.net,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Brown, Chippewa, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-river-valley-green-corridor-scientific-and-natural-area-acquisition,,,,
2917,"Saint Croix Basin Conservation Planning and Protection",2012,60000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03o","$60,000 the first year and $60,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the St. Croix River Association to develop an interagency plan to identify and prioritize critical areas for project implementation to improve watershed health. This appropriation must be matched by $120,000 of nonstate cash or qualifying in-kind funds. Up to $10,000 may be retained by the Department of Natural Resources at the request of the St. Croix River Association to provide technical and mapping assistance. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,60000,,,1.3,"St. Croix River Association","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Portions of the St. Croix River Basin are now on the impaired waters list and rare landscapes, plants, and animal communities are increasingly threatened by development pressures. Up until now, conservation efforts in the St. Croix Basin have often been lacking focus and coordination between jurisdictions has been inadequate. Through this appropriation, the St. Croix River Association is establishing and coordinating a partnership effort between local, state, and federal government units and non-profits to develop a joint plan that will identify and prioritize areas for conservation implementation and guide efforts over time to improve overall watershed health in the St. Croix Basin. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTSPortions of the St. Croix River Basin are now on the impaired waters list and rare landscapes, plant, and animal communities are threatened by development pressures. Multi-jurisdictional conservation efforts are complex and often lack focus and coordination in the St. Croix Basin. This project was a means to streamline and focus conservation efforts on areas with the most critical need within the Basin. By linking local, state and federal governmental units, citizen-led non-profits, and design & technical expertise in an effective, well-coordinated partnership, this project set water quality, habitat, and recreational priorities; identified specific management practices in priority locations; and implemented on-the-ground projects to promote land and water stewardship to enhance and protect the very special place the St. Croix River Basin is to live, recreate, and work. The St. Croix Action Team, consisting of multiple partnerships throughout the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River Basin, worked diligently throughout the life of the project to produce a strategic prioritization of resources based on water quality, habitat, and recreation. The final products include:Identification of priority subwatersheds for resource management objectives in the St. Croix Basin (MN side) based on multiple benefits through an integrative modeling application.A protocol to assist in identifying Best Management Practices (BMPs) within priority subwatersheds.An expansive list of 188 BMP prescriptions for Chisago, Kanabec and Washington counties for water quality protection and habitat restoration.A cost benefit analysis of each practice to help determine the most cost effective management options for the benefit received from the practice.Six BMPs on the ground located in priority areas that demonstrate the use of an effective protocol and cost benefit analysis for resource protection and management.This project was vital to create a well-coordinated procedure that identified areas of greatest resource concern and strategic, most cost-effective measures of protecting those resources.PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION As a part of this project, Chisago, Kanabec, and Washington counties each constructed a master list of priority conservation activities to use in their work plans, build future funding strategies, and perform outreach activities to landowners for implementation. Project information has been shared with additional Basin partners, including those across the river on the Wisconsin side, through the annual St. Croix Basin Conference, Basin Team meetings, and SCRA newsletters and website.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Deb,Ryun,"St Croix River Association","119 N Washington St","St Croix Falls",MN,54024,"(715) 483-3300",debryun@scramail.com,"Education/Outreach/Engagement, Planning","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/saint-croix-basin-conservation-planning-and-protection,,,,
2917,"Saint Croix Basin Conservation Planning and Protection",2013,60000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03o","$60,000 the first year and $60,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the St. Croix River Association to develop an interagency plan to identify and prioritize critical areas for project implementation to improve watershed health. This appropriation must be matched by $120,000 of nonstate cash or qualifying in-kind funds. Up to $10,000 may be retained by the Department of Natural Resources at the request of the St. Croix River Association to provide technical and mapping assistance. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,60000,,,1.29,"St. Croix River Association","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Portions of the St. Croix River Basin are now on the impaired waters list and rare landscapes, plants, and animal communities are increasingly threatened by development pressures. Up until now, conservation efforts in the St. Croix Basin have often been lacking focus and coordination between jurisdictions has been inadequate. Through this appropriation, the St. Croix River Association is establishing and coordinating a partnership effort between local, state, and federal government units and non-profits to develop a joint plan that will identify and prioritize areas for conservation implementation and guide efforts over time to improve overall watershed health in the St. Croix Basin. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTSPortions of the St. Croix River Basin are now on the impaired waters list and rare landscapes, plant, and animal communities are threatened by development pressures. Multi-jurisdictional conservation efforts are complex and often lack focus and coordination in the St. Croix Basin. This project was a means to streamline and focus conservation efforts on areas with the most critical need within the Basin. By linking local, state and federal governmental units, citizen-led non-profits, and design & technical expertise in an effective, well-coordinated partnership, this project set water quality, habitat, and recreational priorities; identified specific management practices in priority locations; and implemented on-the-ground projects to promote land and water stewardship to enhance and protect the very special place the St. Croix River Basin is to live, recreate, and work. The St. Croix Action Team, consisting of multiple partnerships throughout the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River Basin, worked diligently throughout the life of the project to produce a strategic prioritization of resources based on water quality, habitat, and recreation. The final products include:Identification of priority subwatersheds for resource management objectives in the St. Croix Basin (MN side) based on multiple benefits through an integrative modeling application.A protocol to assist in identifying Best Management Practices (BMPs) within priority subwatersheds.An expansive list of 188 BMP prescriptions for Chisago, Kanabec and Washington counties for water quality protection and habitat restoration.A cost benefit analysis of each practice to help determine the most cost effective management options for the benefit received from the practice.Six BMPs on the ground located in priority areas that demonstrate the use of an effective protocol and cost benefit analysis for resource protection and management.This project was vital to create a well-coordinated procedure that identified areas of greatest resource concern and strategic, most cost-effective measures of protecting those resources.PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION As a part of this project, Chisago, Kanabec, and Washington counties each constructed a master list of priority conservation activities to use in their work plans, build future funding strategies, and perform outreach activities to landowners for implementation. Project information has been shared with additional Basin partners, including those across the river on the Wisconsin side, through the annual St. Croix Basin Conference, Basin Team meetings, and SCRA newsletters and website.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Deb,Ryun,"St Croix River Association","119 N Washington St","St Croix Falls",MN,54024,"(715) 483-3300",debryun@scramail.com,"Education/Outreach/Engagement, Planning","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Washington",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/saint-croix-basin-conservation-planning-and-protection,,,,
2954,"Southeast Minnesota Stream Restoration",2012,125000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04p","$125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Trout Unlimited to restore at least four miles of riparian corridor for trout and nongame species in southeast Minnesota and increase local capacities to implement stream restoration through training and technical assistance. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,300000,,125000,,,1.39,"Trout Unlimited, Inc.","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Early European settlement and agricultural practices from the 1850s to the 1930s led to wide scale erosion, flooding, and altering of streams and valleys in southeast Minnesota. Hundreds of miles of clean coldwater creeks and streams were inundated with fine sediment as a result. While land use practices have improved, many streams still suffer from the practices of the past. Trout Unlimited is using this appropriation to work with private citizens and federal, state, and county agencies to conduct 12 showcase stream habitat restorations on more than four miles of southeastern Minnesota streams that will serve as models and build local capacity to conduct future restorations. Restoration target areas include parts of the Cannon River in Dakota County, Hay Creek in Goodhue County, Zumbro River in Wabasha County, Mill Creek in Olmsted County, Whitewater River in Winona County, Root River in Fillmore County, and Winnebago River in Houston County.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jeff,Hastings,"Trout Unlimited Inc","E7740 Hastings Ln",Westby,WI,54667,"(608) 606-4158",jhastings@tu.org,"Education/Outreach/Engagement, Monitoring, Restoration/Enhancement, Technical Assistance","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dakota, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/southeast-minnesota-stream-restoration,,,,
2954,"Southeast Minnesota Stream Restoration",2013,125000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04p","$125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Trout Unlimited to restore at least four miles of riparian corridor for trout and nongame species in southeast Minnesota and increase local capacities to implement stream restoration through training and technical assistance. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,125000,,,1.38,"Trout Unlimited, Inc.","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Early European settlement and agricultural practices from the 1850s to the 1930s led to wide scale erosion, flooding, and altering of streams and valleys in southeast Minnesota. Hundreds of miles of clean coldwater creeks and streams were inundated with fine sediment as a result. While land use practices have improved, many streams still suffer from the practices of the past. Trout Unlimited is using this appropriation to work with private citizens and federal, state, and county agencies to conduct 12 showcase stream habitat restorations on more than four miles of southeastern Minnesota streams that will serve as models and build local capacity to conduct future restorations. Restoration target areas include parts of the Cannon River in Dakota County, Hay Creek in Goodhue County, Zumbro River in Wabasha County, Mill Creek in Olmsted County, Whitewater River in Winona County, Root River in Fillmore County, and Winnebago River in Houston County.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jeff,Hastings,"Trout Unlimited Inc","E7740 Hastings Ln",Westby,WI,54667,"(608) 606-4158",jhastings@tu.org,"Education/Outreach/Engagement, Monitoring, Restoration/Enhancement, Technical Assistance","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dakota, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/southeast-minnesota-stream-restoration,,,,
2959,"Trout Stream Springshed Mapping in Southeast Minnesota - Phase III - Part 1",2012,110000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 05b1","$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the trust fund to continue to identify and delineate water supply areas and springsheds for springs serving as cold water sources for trout streams and to assess the impacts from development and water appropriations. Of this appropriation, $140,000 each year is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and $110,000 each year is to the commissioner of natural resources.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,110000,,,1.16,"MN DNR","State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW Native trout require clean, cold water that usually originates from springs. However the groundwater springs feeding the 173 designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota are under increasing pressure from current and expected changes in land use and increased groundwater withdrawals for domestic, agricultural, and industrial 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 them in order to understand how these springsheds might be affected by development and increased water use and determine what can be done to protect and restore their water quality. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Trout streams depend on a steady supply of clean, cold water which comes from groundwater springs. These trout springs are under increasing pressure from changing land use, climate change, and groundwater withdrawals for domestic use, mining, agriculture, and energy production. Delineation of the recharge areas or springsheds of trout springs using dye tracing is a necessary first step in the conservation and protection of the trout stream coldwater supplies. This project focused on delineating groundwater springsheds both in the Galena Group limestone karst areas of Fillmore and Olmsted counties, where this work has been done for over 30 years, and in the Cambrian St. Lawrence Formation and Tunnel City Group bedrock across southeast Minnesota. Prior to this project, no springsheds had been delineated in the St. Lawrence or Tunnel City bedrock units. We demonstrated that springs discharging from these units receive surface water recharge from sinking streams and that this recharge moves hundreds of feet per day through the bedrock. This has rewritten our understanding of the hydrology of southeast Minnesota and has demonstrated that these springs, which we formerly believed to be well-protected from land surface activities, are much more vulnerable than we previously realized. Overall, during this project we mapped 41 groundwater springsheds (delineated by dye tracing) and 54 surface water springsheds (surface watersheds sending water to a point where it sinks underground into a groundwater springshed). Twelve of the groundwater springsheds and sixteen of the surface water springsheds are in the St. Lawrence Formation and Tunnel City Group. The groundwater springshed delineated areas total 50,708 acres and the surface water delineated areas total 124,447 acres. Prior to this project there was a total of 54,091 acres of both springshed types delineated. Springsheds were delineated in Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION Information from this project was widely disseminated. A map of the delineated springsheds and a document on Spring Assessment Protocols were produced and submitted to the LCCMR and will be published by the Minnesota Geological Survey. The springshed coverage is being used by state and local governments to target areas for conservation efforts and for Clean Water Fund project ranking. The springshed mapping will be used by the DNR for Silica Sand Mining Trout Stream Setback permitting and in Water Appropriation permit review. Project information was presented to numerous groups including the SE MN Water Resources Board, Root River Technical Advisor Group, Fillmore County Local Water Planning committee, Southeast Minnesota County and State Feedlot officers, Midwest Federal Agency Senior Managers, and at Silica Sand mining forums in Red Wing, Lewiston, La Crescent, and Winona. On the ground information was presented during tours of the southeast; groups that went ""on tour"" include Minnesota Groundwater Association, MPCA/DNR field staff, SE Minnesota water advocacy groups, Geological Society of America, Minnesota Association of Professional Soil Scientists, and state and federal agency staff from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. A paper on the St. Lawrence tracing work has been was published in the journal Carbonates and Evaporites. The springshed mapping work was the subject of two stories on Minnesota Public Radio. Project results were presented at numerous scientific meetings including the 11th and 12th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Environmental and Engineering Aspects of Karst, the Minnesota Groundwater Association, the Midwest Groundwater Conference, the Geological Society of America, The Driftless area Symposium, and at a Winona State University Geology Department seminar.",,"FINAL REPORT - Part 1 [Green]",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"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, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/trout-stream-springshed-mapping-southeast-minnesota-phase-iii-part-1,,,,
2959,"Trout Stream Springshed Mapping in Southeast Minnesota - Phase III - Part 1",2013,110000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 05b1","$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the trust fund to continue to identify and delineate water supply areas and springsheds for springs serving as cold water sources for trout streams and to assess the impacts from development and water appropriations. Of this appropriation, $140,000 each year is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and $110,000 each year is to the commissioner of natural resources.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,110000,,,1.15,"MN DNR","State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW Native trout require clean, cold water that usually originates from springs. However the groundwater springs feeding the 173 designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota are under increasing pressure from current and expected changes in land use and increased groundwater withdrawals for domestic, agricultural, and industrial 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 them in order to understand how these springsheds might be affected by development and increased water use and determine what can be done to protect and restore their water quality. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Trout streams depend on a steady supply of clean, cold water which comes from groundwater springs. These trout springs are under increasing pressure from changing land use, climate change, and groundwater withdrawals for domestic use, mining, agriculture, and energy production. Delineation of the recharge areas or springsheds of trout springs using dye tracing is a necessary first step in the conservation and protection of the trout stream coldwater supplies. This project focused on delineating groundwater springsheds both in the Galena Group limestone karst areas of Fillmore and Olmsted counties, where this work has been done for over 30 years, and in the Cambrian St. Lawrence Formation and Tunnel City Group bedrock across southeast Minnesota. Prior to this project, no springsheds had been delineated in the St. Lawrence or Tunnel City bedrock units. We demonstrated that springs discharging from these units receive surface water recharge from sinking streams and that this recharge moves hundreds of feet per day through the bedrock. This has rewritten our understanding of the hydrology of southeast Minnesota and has demonstrated that these springs, which we formerly believed to be well-protected from land surface activities, are much more vulnerable than we previously realized. Overall, during this project we mapped 41 groundwater springsheds (delineated by dye tracing) and 54 surface water springsheds (surface watersheds sending water to a point where it sinks underground into a groundwater springshed). Twelve of the groundwater springsheds and sixteen of the surface water springsheds are in the St. Lawrence Formation and Tunnel City Group. The groundwater springshed delineated areas total 50,708 acres and the surface water delineated areas total 124,447 acres. Prior to this project there was a total of 54,091 acres of both springshed types delineated. Springsheds were delineated in Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION Information from this project was widely disseminated. A map of the delineated springsheds and a document on Spring Assessment Protocols were produced and submitted to the LCCMR and will be published by the Minnesota Geological Survey. The springshed coverage is being used by state and local governments to target areas for conservation efforts and for Clean Water Fund project ranking. The springshed mapping will be used by the DNR for Silica Sand Mining Trout Stream Setback permitting and in Water Appropriation permit review. Project information was presented to numerous groups including the SE MN Water Resources Board, Root River Technical Advisor Group, Fillmore County Local Water Planning committee, Southeast Minnesota County and State Feedlot officers, Midwest Federal Agency Senior Managers, and at Silica Sand mining forums in Red Wing, Lewiston, La Crescent, and Winona. On the ground information was presented during tours of the southeast; groups that went ""on tour"" include Minnesota Groundwater Association, MPCA/DNR field staff, SE Minnesota water advocacy groups, Geological Society of America, Minnesota Association of Professional Soil Scientists, and state and federal agency staff from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. A paper on the St. Lawrence tracing work has been was published in the journal Carbonates and Evaporites. The springshed mapping work was the subject of two stories on Minnesota Public Radio. Project results were presented at numerous scientific meetings including the 11th and 12th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Environmental and Engineering Aspects of Karst, the Minnesota Groundwater Association, the Midwest Groundwater Conference, the Geological Society of America, The Driftless area Symposium, and at a Winona State University Geology Department seminar.",,"FINAL REPORT - Part 1 [Green]",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"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, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/trout-stream-springshed-mapping-southeast-minnesota-phase-iii-part-1,,,,
9799,"Wildlife Management Area Acquisition",2013,2900000,"ML 2012, Ch. 264, Art. 1, Sec. 2, Subd. 2(d)","$2,900,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire land in fee for wildlife management area purposes under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan. ",,"Protect in Fee 284 acres of prairies and 356 acres of forest ",,,,2875000,3500,,,DNR,"State Government","This program acquired, developed, and added 638 acres to the state Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system. These lands protect habitat and provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping and compatible outdoor uses consistent with the Outdoor Recreation Act (M.S. 86A.05, Subd.8). ",,"Through this program and appropriation the MN DNR protected lands in the prairie, forest prairie transition, northern forest, and metro urbanizing ecological sections. The MN DNR prioritized our acquisitions to focus on parcels with an existing habitat base, acquisition opportunities that provided connectivity and worked toward building habitat complexes, and opportunities that allowed us to maximize habitat benefits. All potential acquisitions were brought forth by willing sellers. We scored and ranked them on numerous ecological and management criteria. All acquisitions received formal county board review and approval. Nine Parcels totaling nearly 640 acres are now permanently protected as a result of acquisitions funded by this program. We fell just shy of our our AP goals for prairie (8 acres) and forest (4 acres) protection. We would have easily exceeded AP goals save for four acquisition attempts that were started but for various reasons failed. ",2012-07-01,2014-06-30,"Outdoor Heritage Fund",Completed,,,"Pat ",Rivers,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd. North","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 297-4916",pat.rivers@state.mn.us,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carlton, Chippewa, Chisago, Freeborn, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Winona, Wright","Forest Prairie Transition, Metropolitan - Urbanizing Area, Northern Forest, Prairie Region, Southeast Forest",,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/wildlife-management-area-acquisition,,,,
2962,"Zumbro River Watershed Restoration Prioritization",2012,75000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 05d","$75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Zumbro Watershed Partnership, Inc. to identify sources of erosion and runoff in the Zumbro River Watershed in order to prioritize restoration and protection projects.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,75000,,,0.98,"Zumbro Watershed Partnership","Non-Profit Business/Entity","OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS This project identified and prioritized areas in the Zumbro River Watershed that were determined critical for restoring and protecting water quality. Studies suggested that small areas of the landscape contribute disproportionately to nonpoint source pollution. So implementation of conservation projects that focus on those areas will maximize water quality benefits and ensure efficient use of resources. Using tools like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and other Geographic Information System (GIS) data sets, candidate sites were identified and ranked as critical areas of soil erosion and surface runoff in the watershed. In addition, in-field assessment techniques were developed and documented to further evaluate these source locations. By the conclusion of the project a number of different methods to determine priorities of those critical areas were identified by local partners. They felt that using only one method to rank and sort the sites was not a good use of the dataset. The partners wanted to be able to sort and parse the results in a number of different ways according to both resource issues and impairments present. It was not always going to be similar for each sub-watershed. In the end the final selection of sites then became approximately 205 sites with resource attribution. This would allow a number of different ways of sorting and prioritizing. By combining the identified sites and in-field assessment techniques a set of protocols were established to determine the most appropriate BMPs needed to restore the sites to sustainable levels. A training session was provided to SWCD and County Staff's. A Digital Terrain Analysis Manual was published and is currently posted on the Zumbro Watershed Partnership website. This will be a guide to local partners in the watershed that along with the provided data sets, allows them to create their own priority sites data. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The datasets were used to identify priority sub watersheds within the Zumbro. These sub watersheds were prioritized in the recently revised Zumbro Watershed Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources issued a request for information for the Targeted Watershed Demonstration Grant. This project was instrumental in identifying and defining the priority sub-watersheds that contained the most critical sites. In addition the in-field assessment and the BMP matrix allowed us to identify the most appropriate BMPs necessary to treat the sites. With BMPs identified, typical cost helped estimate project cost and the amount and type of public assistance needed at $1.6 M. The type and quality of the data from this project application also helped secure additional commitments from USDA NRCS for $750,000 in EQIP funding. The data continues to be used by county water planners in the development and revisions of County Water Plans. The GIS data sets are currently posted on an ftp site maintained by Barr Engineering. All county water planners and SWCD staff have access to the site. Because of the sensitive nature of the data access is limited to those staff persons at this time. Project information was disseminated to project partners on an ongoing basis (usually quarterly to semi-annually) through meetings and presentations arranged by Zumbro Watershed Partnership in Rochester. In addition, individual meetings were held with the SWCD and NRCS staff in the Olmsted, Dodge, Wabasha and Goodhue County offices to convey our findings and solicit feedback on the development of guidance for assessing BMP suitability for various sites, based on agroecoregion location and site characteristics. A similar meeting was held with Rochester staff to discuss BMP priorities for urban and suburban applications. The digital terrain analysis manual content was disseminated to the project partners through a training session in Rochester. The Zumbro Watershed Partnership project partners were trained in the protocols provided in the digital terrain analysis manual so they can apply this process in the future for identifying critical source areas at alternatives scales, and/or as new information becomes available they can monitor changing conditions to update the list of priority projects as necessary. Work relating to the project has been published in two manuals and the critical source areas identified throughout the watershed during the project have been stored in a GIS database, along with the background data used in the decision-making, for shared use by the project partners.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Lawrence,Svien,"Zumbro Watershed Partnership","1485 Industrial Dr NW, Rm 102",Rochester,MN,55901,"(507) 226-6787",admin@zumbrowatershed.org,"Analysis/Interpretation, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Inventory, Planning, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dodge, Goodhue, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/zumbro-river-watershed-restoration-prioritization,,,,
2962,"Zumbro River Watershed Restoration Prioritization",2013,75000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 05d","$75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Zumbro Watershed Partnership, Inc. to identify sources of erosion and runoff in the Zumbro River Watershed in order to prioritize restoration and protection projects.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,75000,,,0.97,"Zumbro Watershed Partnership","Non-Profit Business/Entity","OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS This project identified and prioritized areas in the Zumbro River Watershed that were determined critical for restoring and protecting water quality. Studies suggested that small areas of the landscape contribute disproportionately to nonpoint source pollution. So implementation of conservation projects that focus on those areas will maximize water quality benefits and ensure efficient use of resources. Using tools like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and other Geographic Information System (GIS) data sets, candidate sites were identified and ranked as critical areas of soil erosion and surface runoff in the watershed. In addition, in-field assessment techniques were developed and documented to further evaluate these source locations. By the conclusion of the project a number of different methods to determine priorities of those critical areas were identified by local partners. They felt that using only one method to rank and sort the sites was not a good use of the dataset. The partners wanted to be able to sort and parse the results in a number of different ways according to both resource issues and impairments present. It was not always going to be similar for each sub-watershed. In the end the final selection of sites then became approximately 205 sites with resource attribution. This would allow a number of different ways of sorting and prioritizing. By combining the identified sites and in-field assessment techniques a set of protocols were established to determine the most appropriate BMPs needed to restore the sites to sustainable levels. A training session was provided to SWCD and County Staff's. A Digital Terrain Analysis Manual was published and is currently posted on the Zumbro Watershed Partnership website. This will be a guide to local partners in the watershed that along with the provided data sets, allows them to create their own priority sites data. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The datasets were used to identify priority sub watersheds within the Zumbro. These sub watersheds were prioritized in the recently revised Zumbro Watershed Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources issued a request for information for the Targeted Watershed Demonstration Grant. This project was instrumental in identifying and defining the priority sub-watersheds that contained the most critical sites. In addition the in-field assessment and the BMP matrix allowed us to identify the most appropriate BMPs necessary to treat the sites. With BMPs identified, typical cost helped estimate project cost and the amount and type of public assistance needed at $1.6 M. The type and quality of the data from this project application also helped secure additional commitments from USDA NRCS for $750,000 in EQIP funding. The data continues to be used by county water planners in the development and revisions of County Water Plans. The GIS data sets are currently posted on an ftp site maintained by Barr Engineering. All county water planners and SWCD staff have access to the site. Because of the sensitive nature of the data access is limited to those staff persons at this time. Project information was disseminated to project partners on an ongoing basis (usually quarterly to semi-annually) through meetings and presentations arranged by Zumbro Watershed Partnership in Rochester. In addition, individual meetings were held with the SWCD and NRCS staff in the Olmsted, Dodge, Wabasha and Goodhue County offices to convey our findings and solicit feedback on the development of guidance for assessing BMP suitability for various sites, based on agroecoregion location and site characteristics. A similar meeting was held with Rochester staff to discuss BMP priorities for urban and suburban applications. The digital terrain analysis manual content was disseminated to the project partners through a training session in Rochester. The Zumbro Watershed Partnership project partners were trained in the protocols provided in the digital terrain analysis manual so they can apply this process in the future for identifying critical source areas at alternatives scales, and/or as new information becomes available they can monitor changing conditions to update the list of priority projects as necessary. Work relating to the project has been published in two manuals and the critical source areas identified throughout the watershed during the project have been stored in a GIS database, along with the background data used in the decision-making, for shared use by the project partners.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Lawrence,Svien,"Zumbro Watershed Partnership","1485 Industrial Dr NW, Rm 102",Rochester,MN,55901,"(507) 226-6787",admin@zumbrowatershed.org,"Analysis/Interpretation, Demonstration/Pilot Project, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Inventory, Planning, Restoration/Enhancement","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Dodge, Goodhue, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/zumbro-river-watershed-restoration-prioritization,,,,