"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"
10031471,"2024 Contract Agreement Reimbursement",2025,275000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 10c","$275,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources, at the direction of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, for expenses incurred in preparing and administering contracts, including for the agreements specified in this section.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,8.86,"MN DNR","State Government","Provide contract management to ENRTF pass-through appropriation recipients for approximately 115 open grants. Ensure funds are expended in compliance with appropriation law, state statute, grants policies, and approved work plans.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Katherine,Sherman-Hoehn,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","Saint Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5533",katherine.sherman-hoehn@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/2024-contract-agreement-reimbursement,,,,
10031461,"Acquisition of State Park Inholdings",2025,1886000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 09c","$1,886,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota to complete efficient, time-sensitive acquisitions of high-priority state park inholdings from willing sellers, deconstruct buildings and reuse building materials, and convey properties to the state to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and public recreation opportunities. This appropriation may not be used to purchase habitable residential structures.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,1.56,"Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Complete efficient, time-sensitive acquisition of high priority State Park inholdings, conduct needed site cleanup, and convey the properties to the state to enhance Minnesota's environment and public recreation opportunities.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-09-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Brett,Feldman,"Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota","275 East Fourth Street, Suite 250","Saint Paul",MN,55101,"(651) 370-7900",bfeldman@parksandtrails.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/acquisition-state-park-inholdings,,,,
21784,"Antibiotics in Minnesota Waters - Phase II - Mississippi River",2014,203000,"M.L. 2013, Chp. 52, Sec. 2, Subd. 05h","$203,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the University of St. Thomas to measure antibiotic concentrations and antibiotic resistance levels and assess the contributions of farm runoff and wastewater treatment in a portion of the Mississippi River. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2016, 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.",,,,203000,,,3.22,"University of St. Thomas","Private College/University","The occurrences of contaminants including antibiotics, other pharmaceuticals, and personal care products in the environment have gained increasing attention in recent years because of their potential health and ecological impacts. However, serious gaps remain in our understanding of these contaminants and the significance of the threats they may pose, such as to drinking water. Through this appropriation scientists at the University of St. Thomas, Gustavus Adolphus College, and the University of Minnesota will continue work focused on the threats posed by antibiotics to understand which antibiotics are of the most concern – for example, because of their potential to increase antibiotic resistance – and to delineate their urban and rural sources. The first phase focused on antibiotics in the Minnesota River and this phase will focus on the Mississippi River. Findings will help develop strategies to manage threats and minimize future impacts posed by antibiotics to human and ecological health.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2013/work_plans/2013_05h.pdf,2013-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Kristine,Wammer,"St. Thomas University","2115 Summit Ave, OSS 402","St. Paul",MN,55105,"(651) 962-5574",khwammer@stthomas.edu,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Wabasha, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/antibiotics-minnesota-waters-phase-ii-mississippi-river,,,,
10031467,"Birch Lake Marina Design",2025,197000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 09i","$197,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Babbitt to design a new marina at the Birch Lake Recreation Area in Babbitt, Minnesota.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,4,"City of Babbitt","Local/Regional Government","This project consists of the design of a new marina/dock complex on Birch Lake in Babbitt Minnesota. The City will own and operate the marina/dock complex.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Robecca,Jaeger,"City of Babbitt","71 South Drive",Babbitt,MN,55706,"(218) 827-3647",cityadmin@babbittmn.gov,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/birch-lake-marina-design,,,,
10031409,"Breaking the PFAS Cycle with a Full-Scale Demonstration",2025,1481000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 04k","$1,481,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Barr Engineering Company, in partnership with the city of St. Cloud and the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) at the University of Minnesota, to conduct a full-scale pilot to evaluate supercritical water oxidation of biosolids and drinking water treatment residuals to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and recover energy in the water treatment process. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,1.24,"Barr Engineering Co.","For-Profit Business/Entity","This full-scale pilot will evaluate supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) for managing PFAS in biosolids and water treatment residuals. SCWO can destroy PFAS in a variety of wastes and recover energy.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Andrew,McCabe,"Barr Engineering Co.","4300 MarketPointe Dr",Minneapolis,MN,55435,"(952) 832-2844",amccabe@barr.com,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Otter Tail, Pope, Renville, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/breaking-pfas-cycle-full-scale-demonstration,,,,
10031439,"Building Resilient Urban Forests for Climate Change",2025,752000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 07b","$752,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to partner with municipalities and school districts to create gravel-bed nurseries, conduct tree assessments and mapping, and plant climate-resilient tree species on public lands in St. Cloud, Mankato, and the Twin Cities region. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, 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'.",,,,,,,1.84,"Great River Greening","Non-Profit Business/Entity","We will partner with urban municipalities and school districts to support planting of climate-resilient tree species. Activities include planting trees, gravel bed nursery creation, tree assessment and mapping, and community.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-12-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Todd,Rexine,"Great River Greening","251 Starkey St, Ste 2200","Saint Paul",MN,55107,"(651) 665-9500",trexine@greatrivergreening.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Otter Tail, Pope, Renville, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright, Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Watonwan, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/building-resilient-urban-forests-climate-change,,,,
10004565,"Community Solar Garden Installation",2017,490000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 07a","$490,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Rural Renewable Energy Alliance to install a 200-kilowatt community solar garden to provide for electrical distribution in Cass, Beltrami, Hubbard, and Itasca Counties, to assist households in the Minnesota low-income housing energy assistance program in meeting electrical energy needs and serve as a model for low-income energy assistance elsewhere in the state. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.","Click on Work Plan under Project Details.","Click on Work Plan under Project Details.",,,,,,,,"Rural Renewable Energy Alliance","Non-Profit Business/Entity",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_07a.pdf,2016-07-01,2018-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,BJ,Allen,"Rural Renewable Energy Alliance","3963 8th Street SW",Backus,MN,56435,"(218) 209-5584",bj@rreal.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cass, Crow Wing",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/community-solar-garden-installation,,,,
10031413,"Connecting Communities to Voyageurs Classroom and Minnesota's National Park",2025,994000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05b","$994,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Voyageurs Conservancy to connect Minnesotans to the state's only national park through standards-aligned K-12 education, career-building fellowships, and enhanced programming that engages diverse audiences in the park's conservation.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,10.8,"Voyageurs Conservancy","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Voyageurs Conservancy will connect 17,000 Minnesotans to the state's only national park through standards-aligned K-12 education, career-building fellowships, and enhanced programs that engage diverse audiences in the park's conservation.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Breanna,Trygg,"Voyageurs Conservancy","1400 Van Buren Street #200-235",Minneapolis,MN,55413,"(612) 333-5424",btrygg@voyageurs.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/connecting-communities-voyageurs-classroom-and-minnesotas-national-park,,,,
10004598,"Conservation Easements in the Avon Hills - Phase III",2017,1300000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 09c","$1,300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Saint John's University in cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust to secure permanent conservation easements on approximately 500 acres of high-quality habitat in Stearns County, prepare conservation management plans, and provide public outreach. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. 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. Funding for the long-term monitoring and enforcement fund must come from nonstate sources for easements acquired with this appropriation. The state may enforce requirements in the conservation easements on land acquired with this appropriation and the conservation easement document must state this authority and explicitly include requirements for water quality and quantity protection. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, 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.",,,,,,,,"Saint Johns University","Private College/University",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_09c.pdf,2016-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,John,Geissler,"Saint Johns Arboretum and University","104 New Science Bldg",Collegeville,MN,56321,"(320) 363-3126",jgeissler001@csbsju.edu,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,Stearns,,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/conservation-easements-avon-hills-phase-iii,,,,
21762,"Conservation Grazing to Improve Wildlife Habitat on Wildlife Management Areas",2014,600000,"M.L. 2013, Chp. 52, Sec. 2, Subd. 04i","$600,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to develop grazing plans and provide infrastructure to support conservation grazing on approximately 10,000 acres of targeted wildlife management areas in partnership with local livestock producers. Any revenue generated as a result of this appropriation must be reinvested in producing plans, conducting maintenance, or building infrastructure for new or existing conservation grazing efforts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2016, 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.",,,,600000,,,7.72,"MN DNR","State Government","Grassland ecosystems evolved to depend on periodic disturbances, such as fire and grazing, to maintain their health and stability. Periodic disturbances help control invasive species, add nutrients back into the soil, germinate plant seeds, enhance wildlife habitat, and more. In Minnesota habitat managers have used fire as a disturbance tool for decades but the use of grazing has been much rarer, mostly because of a lack of necessary infrastructure such as fencing. This appropriation is being used by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide the infrastructure needed to support conservation grazing on 10,000 acres of targeted wildlife management areas to demonstrate that grazing can be effectively and cost-efficiently implemented to improve grassland habitat quality and ecological integrity in Minnesota.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2013/work_plans/2013_04i.pdf,2013-07-01,2017-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Greg,Hoch,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55045,"(651) 259-5230",greg.hoch@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Clay, Douglas, Faribault, Grant, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Mahnomen, Norman, Otter Tail, Polk, Pope, Redwood, Stearns, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/conservation-grazing-improve-wildlife-habitat-wildlife-management-areas,,,,
10031448,"Conservation Grazing for Birds, Beef, and Better Soil",2025,342000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 08f","$342,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the National Audubon Society, Minnesota office, to assess Audubon Conservation Ranching as a strategic approach to improve grassland biodiversity, soils, and ecosystem resilience. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, 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'.",,,,,,,4.1,"Audubon Minnesota","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Assessing Audubon Conservation Ranching as a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation and grassland soils and vegetation ecosystem resilience.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2028-03-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Dale,Gentry,"Audubon Minnesota","2355 Highway 36 W Suite 400",Roseville,MN,55113,"(651) 274-1073",dale.gentry@audubon.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/conservation-grazing-birds-beef-and-better-soil,,,,
10004452,"County Geologic Atlases - Part B",2016,2000000,"M.L. 2015, Chp. 76, Sec. 2, Subd. 03b","$2,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue acceleration of the production of county geologic atlases for the purpose of sustainable management of surface water and groundwater resources. This appropriation is to complete Part B of county geologic atlases, which focuses on the properties and distribution of subsurface water found within geologic formations mapped in Part A in order to characterize the potential yield of aquifers and their sensitivity to contamination. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, 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.",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2015/work_plans_may/_2015_03b.pdf,2015-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jim,Berg,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5680",jim.berg@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Brown, Clay, Houston, Kanabec, Meeker, Morrison, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Sherburne, Sibley, Winona, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/county-geologic-atlases-part-b-1,,,,
743,"Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) - Eagle Bluff",2011,350000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07d1","$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Minnesota's six accredited Residential Environmental Learning Center's undertook a collaborative project, ""Today's Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow,"" with the intent of acting as a public resource for information regarding energy use and energy technologies. This was accomplished by demonstrating geographically appropriate technologies for reducing energy use and providing public access to energy information through formal education programs and a web presence. In-depth information on each center's energy reduction demonstrations are found in their individual reports. A bulleted summary of each demonstration is as follows:Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center - Lanesboro, MN: Installed deep energy reduction retrofit, solar thermal, and a solar hot water heater.Audubon Center of the North Woods - Sandstone, MN: Installed geothermal heat pump, solar arrays, solar panels, and a wind generator.Deep Portage Learning Center - Walker, MN: Installed wood gasification system and lighting upgrades (CFLs to LEDs and T12s to T8s).Laurentian Environmental Learning Center - Britt, MN: Installed building envelope improvements, energy conservation technologies, and a solar hot water heater.Long Lake Conservation Center - Palisades, MN: Installed building envelope improvements, a solar hot water heater, and lighting upgrades (trail lighting and T12s to T8s).Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - Finland, MN: Installed biofuel heating system, solar arrays, wind generation, and lighting upgrades (trail lighting and T 12s to T8s).Eagle Bluff implemented a deep energy reduction retrofit on its most inefficient building, the staff residence. The building was super insulated using the Cold Climate Housings Research Center's REMOTE (Residence Exterior Membrane Outside-insulate Technique). Solar thermal heat was added for domestic hot water and building heating. A 5.6 Kw solar photovoltaic system provides green power for the heating system. As a result of the retrofit, the building became the 9th house in North America to receive ACI's 1000 Home Challenge for reducing energy consumption by over 78% A pdf describing the project is available from Eagle Bluff. All centers collaborated in developing over 20 new units of educational curriculum based on the following seven areas: biomass, conservation, efficiency, energy basics, food and energy, solar power and wind power. An activity toolbox was designed for use at the RELC's and in the formal classroom. They range from formal lessons to informal tours to an energy choice challenge and are currently in practice at the RELC's collectively reaching nearly 60,000 visitors/students annually. In order to determine the efficacy of the educational materials and program, an external assessment was done which evaluated the knowledge and behaviors of visitors to the RELC who participated in the activities. The results showed that 88.5% of children and 50.6% of adults had an increase in knowledge and 70.2% of children and 52.6% of adults increased their energy conserving behaviors while visiting an RELC. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION Homeowners, commercial businesses, educators and the general public can access the educational materials, assessment results, demonstration information, and current energy use/production on the Today's Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow website at: www.tlfast.org. In addition, this project has allowed the centers the opportunity to collaborate with Winona State University to offer an Energy Resource Advisor course which is part of Continuing Education program and a core course in WSU's Sustainability major. Using the TLFAST demonstrations and curriculum as the framework, the centers are also now positioned to collaborate on an innovative program funded by the National Science Foundation which focuses on providing informal STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) experiences for K-12 students. In the upcoming year and upon the total completion of the project, the centers' will be participating in tours, conferences, or workshops to share the success of the project and publicize the resources available to the public as a result of the project.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Joe,Deden,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","% Eagle Bluff, 28097 Goodview Dr",Lanesboro,MN,55949,"(507) 467-2437",director@eagle-bluff.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Cass, Fillmore, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/demonstrating-sustainable-energy-practices-residential-environmental-learning-centers-rel-0,,,,
744,"Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) - Audubon Center of the North Woods",2011,206000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07d2","$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS As part of the coalition of Minnesota's residential environmental learning centers Today's Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow (TLFAST), the Audubon Center of the North Woods has made reducing our carbon footprint, through energy conservation, efficiency and renewable technologies, a top priority. We aim to serve as a sustainable energy demonstration site by modeling responsible energy usage and through energy offering energy curriculum for the nearly 10,000 participants that visit us every year. Through funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), we have been able to make strides in both of these directions. With our ENRTF grant, we hired an architecture and engineering firm to design the envelope improvements and solar hot water systems that would benefit several of our campus buildings. We contracted with local builders and installers to:Improve the envelopes of our two largest buildings, the Dining Hall and Crosby Dormitory, through blown cellulose insulation, foam sealing air penetrations and weather stripping exterior doors.Insulate the walls and roof as well as re-side and re-shingle our 100+ year old Wildlife Barn.Insulate Nationally Historic Registered Schwyzer Lodge through blown cellulose insulation in the crawl spaces and attic, as well as vapor-line and foam-seal the open air basement.Install a solar hot water system at our Dining Hall for hot water use in our kitchen and dining hall restrooms.Install a solar hot water system at Crosby Dormitory for hot water use of showers and sinks in the dormitory rooms.Through these energy improvements we anticipate savings 259,570 lbs. of carbon annually from reduction in propane and electricity usage. As part of TLFAST, we have helped to create 22 energy lessons to engage and inform students about energy issues and topics to be taught at the Audubon Center and outreach programs. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION Information about this project is disseminated through the TLFAST collective website at http://earthsensealliance.org/e_energy.php. We have written about this project in our past two Audubon Center of the North Woods newsletters, and have been leading energy tours for local groups for the past several months, highlighting the outcomes of the ENRTF grant. In the spring of 2011, we contacted our 80+ participating K-12 schools about the opportunity to pilot test the energy curriculum developed and had several schools participate. Information about the completed energy lessons has been sent to all participating schools as options for their on-site or outreach programs.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Bryan,Wood,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Audubon Center of the North Woods, PO Box 530",Sandstone,MN,55072,"(320) 245-2648",bwood@audubon-center.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Cass, Fillmore, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/demonstrating-sustainable-energy-practices-residential-environmental-learning-centers-rel-1,,,,
745,"Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) - Deep Portage Learning Center",2011,212000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07d3","$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Cass County, MN has installed a small wind turbine and solar hot water system and has made electrical and envelope improvements to the environmental education facility known as Deep Portage Learning Center. A $212,000 grant from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund has made this possible. All of these systems have been installed, and we now have a year's worth of energy savings data. The 10 Kw small wind turbine has produced 4,200 Kw hours of electricity and has eliminated the emission of 10,080m lbs. of carbon dioxide. The solar hot water system has produced thousands of gallons of domestic hot water and displaced 1,400 gallons of fossil fuel propane. New LED (light-emitting diodes) lights, E Solutions refrigeration equipment and new Energy Star windows round out the project. These technologies are for demonstration and education. A new sustainable energy curriculum has been developed and piloted with several Minnesota schools. Five-hundred-plus people have now gone on a renewable energy tour at the center. This project shows our residents how to reduce our carbon footprint, save money. and support local jobs and industry. The electrical use at the Deep Portage Learning Center is now an astonishing 2.2 Kw hours per square foot annually. The Carbon footprint has been cut in half, and the total energy savings is $15,000-20,000 per year. This is a model that can be repeated at public schools and government buildings around the State. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION Information about this project will be disseminated in our center's newsletters, website and blogs, emails, and annual reports. It will also be discussed in all future New ERA training seminars held on-site at each center. The Energy Resource Advisor (ERA) certificate, developed by Winona State University, is a new curriculum designed to accelerate public understanding of energy efficiency, clean energy, carbon emissions, resource conservation, green technologies, and green jobs. This curriculum is the first of its kind in Minnesota. It is a non-credit, continuing education course for adults 18 years of age and older, using online instructional technology combined with applied, field experience at one of the six RELCs. Participants in this class will learn about: a) the basic components of an energy audit, b) small-scale renewable energy including site suitability, system sizing, and financial incentives that are available, c) alternative building and transportation options, d) ways to ""green up"" the home or business, and e) the field of emerging ""green"" jobs. After completing this course, the successful participant may serve as an energy resource advisor and ""green"" consultant in the community and workplace. Deep Portage has had over 200 participants attend renewable energy tours and has taught classes to elementary students in renewable energy. We have posted data on our Facebook page, and our website has a renewable energy toolbar with data on the accomplishments of the initiative. The TLFAST and LCCMR websites also feature information. The collective website is up and running, www.tlfast.org/dplc.html. The six centers have collaboratively developed 22 units of curriculum for use by each center. These curricula integrate the use of the demonstrated sustainable energy practices at each of the centers. These lessons were pilot tested in all six centers this past spring, adjustments made over the summer, and are now all available for groups.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Dale,Yaeger,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Deep Portage Learning Center, 2197 Nature Center Drive NW",Hackensack,MN,56452,"(218) 682-2325",portage@uslink.net,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Cass, Fillmore, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/demonstrating-sustainable-energy-practices-residential-environmental-learning-centers-rel-2,,,,
746,"Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) - Lauentian",2011,258000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07d4","$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS In 2007, a McKinstry study was conducted at the six residential environmental learning centers in Minnesota to identify ways to reduce carbon, and energy consumption. The results of the study were used as the baseline carbon and energy use for Laurentian Environmental Center. This data was submitted as part of the LCCMR ENRTF grant request that focused on carbon reduction as a result of envelope improvements for the lodge and office buildings, and a solar hot water. In 2010, Laurentian Environmental Center (LEC) was awarded $258,000 from the ENRTF. In late early fall of 2010,an RFP was sent out for the design work of the project. Wagner Zaun Architecture of Duluth was selected to design and manage the project. A predesign site assessment determined the scope of work. A design package and RFP for the energy retrofit of the lodge and office was created, and sent out. Nelson Exteriors was selected to complete the project. The retrofit work included air sealing, insulation, high efficiency windows and doors, and mechanical improvements. Construction began in fall 2010, and was completed in spring 2011. In spring 2011, design work for the solar hot water system was conducted by Wagner Zahn Architecture, and Conservation Technologies. Bid specifications were developed. Qualified contractors were identified, and invited to submit proposals. Innovative Power Systems was awarded the contract for the design and installation of the lodge solar hot water system, and Gruska Construction was awarded the contract for site preparation and slab installation. The slab was installed fall 2011. Solar installation occurred fall/winter 2011/2012.. The solar hot water system was fully operational in April 2012.. Innovative Power Systems designed and installed a solar hot water monitoring package that was below budget, and met the center needs. The envelope improvements in the lodge and office have made a remarkable difference in the overall comfort of the buildings. Prior to the construction, it was difficult to maintain uniform temperatures. Air sealing, insulation, and operational windows have made the building extremely comfortable for groups and staff to use. Propane use in the lodge has dropped approximately 40%, due to a combination of burning more wood for heating, and the energy retrofit projects. Future energy monitoring and utility bills will likely yield continued reductions in carbon, and energy use.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Nick,Temali,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","c/o LEC, 8950 Peppard Rd",Britt,MN,55710,"(651) 621-7403",nick.temali@moundsviewschools.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Cass, Fillmore, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/demonstrating-sustainable-energy-practices-residential-environmental-learning-centers-rel-3,,,,
747,"Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) - Long Lake Conservation Center",2011,240000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07d5","$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces.OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Minnesota's six Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELC) including Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC) teamed up to obtain grant funding to reduce their carbon footprints and provide energy education that focuses on renewable energy. In order to get the most value from the energy efficiency measures a study was conducted for each RELC. As a result, a series of recommendations were given to reduce carbon and energy consumption. Each RELC is unique, so recommendations varied between them. Specifically for LLCC, the recommendations were to improve the energy efficiency in campus buildings, convert campus lighting to solar and LED's, design and install solar energy sources for the Northstar Lodge and Dining Hall. LLCC goals for this project were:Increase conservation measures and energy efficiency in the targeted buildings.Invest in renewable energy technology applications that LLCC currently does not have.Use these conservation measures and renewable energy applications to educate users on making choices about conservation and renewable energy options that are applicable to their everyday lives.All three goals have been met and the project was under budget. In 10 years this collective education program will reach nearly 100,000 people who will attend LLCC and participate in its programs. This includes 55-60 K-12 schools annually and a number of other colleges and organizations who use LLCC. The project is completed with the monitoring equipment installed and tested during the last week in June. Final installation and testing of the Solar Panel for the Dining Hall was completed in May, 2012. An issue with the Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative regarding the 3 Phase inverter was solved resulting in the final installation. The issue was technical in nature and the inverter's Manufacturer's specifications were submitted to Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, which they approved. The experience could assist in future solar projects with the cooperative. Overall the project went very well. However, over the 4th of July Holiday, LLCC experienced a lightning strike that disabled the entire phone system and the Directors computer, where the monitoring software was loaded. Aitkin County IT Department has rebuilt the computer and has re-installed the system at LLC. The phone system was also just recently repaired.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Todd,Roggenkamp,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Long Lake Conservation Center, 28952 438th Lane",Palisade,MN,56469,"(218) 768-4653",todd@llcc.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Cass, Fillmore, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/demonstrating-sustainable-energy-practices-residential-environmental-learning-centers-rel-4,,,,
748,"Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) - Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center",2011,234000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07d6","$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS In 2007, the six residential environmental learning centers (RELCs) of Minnesota organized a collaborative group naming themselves Today's Leaders For A Sustainable Tomorrow (TLFAST). The TLFAST group that collectively serves over 550 schools in the region and over 40,000 students annually, began an effort to raise the energy education capacity of each center, along with a stronger commitment to model sustainable energy practices. Needing a baseline to begin, the TLFAST group hired McKinstry Engineering in 2007 to conduct an energy audit of each facility and recommend the best efforts to reduce energy and/or carbon footprints at each center. The McKinstry recommendations were used as a basis for action items chosen to implement at each center. At Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (WRELC), the ENRTF funding enabled four projects.Installation of an energy monitoring system that provides data on the generation and total consumption of energy, both electrical and heating, in each building of the facility. Use of the system provides accurate information to instructors of conservation lessons while also providing maintenance personnel with data to focus on documented energy wasting conditions.Upgrading the building envelopes in 5 buildings by replacing the worst insulating and sealing doors with a Curries Trio-E Door. This door product is one of the most energy efficient, highest performing commercial doors available. Following professional site evaluation and calculation, replacing the five doors will achieve savings of 125,034 kBtu or 42,673 kWh of energy. Four of the five doors are in buildings heated by wood, thus carbon neutral; at the fifth location, the door is calculated to conserve 2,888 kg of CO2.Upgrade to energy efficient interior lighting by conversion of the last of the campus' T12 fluorescent fixtures, 106 total, to T8 technology; a reduction of 33% energy use, thus 33% reduction in carbon footprint. Also upgraded was the entire outdoor campus lighting system by replacing all 46 fixtures with LED lighting technology. This achieved a 74% reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint for lighting at the center.The addition of a solar domestic hot water heating system to the East Dormitory that houses 180 students. The installed system will supply 50% of the annual hot water need for the building occupancy while reducing the domestic hot water carbon footprint by 49%.A fifth project was originally proposed and approved with the ENRTF funding, a recapture of waste heat from refrigeration systems in the center's kitchen, but following initial work on the project, expert opinion and consultation quickly revealed problems and the project was aborted following an approved amendment for redistribution of funds. The budgeted funds were moved into three of the other four projects. As the project only recently concluded, data collection is not yet adequate to document the change in carbon footprint for the entire center, but examples listed above by project, provide via calculation the reductions in energy and/or carbon footprint. To further enhance the education effectiveness of these demonstrations, 24 energy education lessons were created with the ENRTF funding and have been implemented at the six respective centers. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION It is important within every energy sustainability learning experience that students' understand that to achieve energy sustainability the best investment value for the effort is to first begin with conservation, then move to increased efficiencies and finally to new renewable energy generation. Wolf Ridge chose and implemented projects that will demonstrate and be regularly used to teach all three concepts. On a daily basis our students will engage with energy efficient doors, view the trail in front of them lit by an energy efficient LED light fixture, see the panels that renewably generate the hot water for their shower, and learn from a monitoring system how much energy was used or conserved in their dormitory. These are the learning experiences that occur simply by living at WRELC as a student for a week. Immediately after the ENRTF funding was made available to the TLFAST group, the energy education specialists of the six centers met and outlined plans for over 20 new units of energy curriculum to be developed. Twenty-four new curricular units on energy were developed, pilot tested with students, refined, and written lesson plans were prepared with accompanying Minnesota graduation standards. Lessons were created for eight subject areas: biomass, climate change, conservation, efficiency, energy basics, food and energy, solar power and wind power. Developed lessons have been incorporated into curriculum in the following WRELC courses: Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Conservation Challenge. All of the lessons as well as 19 point of action posters are available at the web site for free download, www.tlfast.org. The free and publicly available curriculum on the web site is also made available to the over 550 schools that attend the collective group of RELCs. See the comprehensive report from Eagle Bluff ELC that provides more detail on the educational dissemination of the collective effort of the six RELCs known collectively as TLFAST. The fulfillment of the project as per its title became evident even before the project was complete. Not only are the participants in WRELC programs learning from the demonstrated installations, but also political leaders, agency staff of Minnesota and corporate business leaders. To date 123 people have come to tour and learn from the sustainable energy installations including: the Ambassador of Sweden, leaders of several different offices of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, staff of US Senator offices, native tribal leadership and corporate leaders interested in renewable energy. In program participation, WRELC recorded 13,084 participants last year on the WRELC campus, with another 10,843 in off site programs. The on-campus attendance is an extremely consistent number of students that are annually learning from these models of energy sustainable practices at WRELC. With support from the ENRTF, WRELC is changing how our future generations will see their own future. What is considered ""cutting edge"" to adults, is being learned and viewed by our children as behaviors and technologies that are simply ""the appropriate way we live"" in the 21st century. Through this project we have furthered established this transformation for thousands of Minnesota children each year.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Kimberly,Skyelander,"The MN Coalition of RELCs","Wolf Ridge ELC, 6282 Cranberry Rd",Finland,MN,55603,"(218) 353-7414",director@wolf-ridge.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Cass, Fillmore, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/demonstrating-sustainable-energy-practices-residential-environmental-learning-centers-rel-5,,,,
10031468,"Dent and Vergas Spur Trails",2025,934000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 09j","$934,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Otter Tail County to construct a trail along County State-Aid Highway 35 to connect the cities of Dent and Vergas to the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail and Maplewood State Park to provide recreation and nonmotorized transportation opportunities.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,,"Otter Tail County","Local/Regional Government","Construction of a 6.6 mile bituminous trail along CSAH 35 connecting the cities of Dent and Vergas to the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail and Maplewood State Park",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2025-12-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Kevin,Fellbaum,"Otter Tail County","520 Fir Ave. W.","Fergus Falls",MN,56537,"(218) 998-8492",kfellbau@co.ottertail.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Otter Tail, Pope, Renville, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/dent-and-vergas-spur-trails,,,,
2909,"Determining Causes of Mortality in Moose Populations",2012,300000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03f","$300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to determine specific causes of moose mortality and population decline in Minnesota and to develop specific management actions to prevent further population decline. 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"".",,5000,,300000,,,3.81,"MN DNR","State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW Moose, one of Minnesota's prized wildlife species, are dying at much higher rates in Minnesota than elsewhere in North America. Recently observed increases in mortality rates amongst some moose in northeastern Minnesota have led to concern that the population there may be starting a decline like that seen in the northwestern part of the state, where moose populations fell from over 4,000 to fewer than 100 in less than 20 years. Additionally the specific causes of increased mortality amongst individual moose, such as potential nutritional factors, remain unknown. Scientists at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are using this appropriation to investigate the actual cause of death in recovered individual moose and determine what other factors may also be contributing. Once these causes of death and contributing factors are identified, it may be possible to implement management actions to address the overall population decline and help maintain healthy populations of moose in the state.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Erika,Butler,"MN DNR","5463C W Broadway","Forest Lake",MN,55025,"(651) 296-2662",erika.butler@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Inventory, Mapping, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, Lake, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/determining-causes-mortality-moose-populations,,,,
2909,"Determining Causes of Mortality in Moose Populations",2013,300000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03f","$300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to determine specific causes of moose mortality and population decline in Minnesota and to develop specific management actions to prevent further population decline. 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,,,3.8,"MN DNR","State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW Moose, one of Minnesota's prized wildlife species, are dying at much higher rates in Minnesota than elsewhere in North America. Recently observed increases in mortality rates amongst some moose in northeastern Minnesota have led to concern that the population there may be starting a decline like that seen in the northwestern part of the state, where moose populations fell from over 4,000 to fewer than 100 in less than 20 years. Additionally the specific causes of increased mortality amongst individual moose, such as potential nutritional factors, remain unknown. Scientists at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are using this appropriation to investigate the actual cause of death in recovered individual moose and determine what other factors may also be contributing. Once these causes of death and contributing factors are identified, it may be possible to implement management actions to address the overall population decline and help maintain healthy populations of moose in the state.",,"Work Plan",2011-07-01,2015-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Erika,Butler,"MN DNR","5463C W Broadway","Forest Lake",MN,55025,"(651) 296-2662",erika.butler@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Inventory, Mapping, Monitoring, Research","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, Lake, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/determining-causes-mortality-moose-populations,,,,
10031475,"DNR County Groundwater Atlas",2025,3200000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03j","$3,200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue producing county groundwater atlases to inform management of surface water and groundwater resources for drinking and other purposes. This appropriation is for Part B, to characterize the potential water yields of aquifers and aquifers' sensitivity to contamination.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,16.6,"MN DNR","State Government","This project supports continuing development of County Groundwater Atlases for approximately three years. The goal is to provide this valuable water and resource management information infrastructure to every county.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Vanessa,Baratta-Person,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5685",vanessa.baratta@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/dnr-county-groundwater-atlas-1,,,,
10031396,"Effects of Conservation Grazing on Solar Sites Managed for Pollinator Habitat",2025,88000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03z","$88,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Native Landscapes, in partnership with Temple University, to analyze the effects of sheep grazing and mowing on the vegetation and soils of solar sites managed for pollinator habitat and to improve understanding of the environmental outcomes from the colocation of solar panels; grazing; and native, pollinator-friendly vegetation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, 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'.",,,,,,,0.7,"Minnesota Native Landscapes","For-Profit Business/Entity","This research will analyze the effects of sheep grazing and mowing on the vegetation of solar sites that have been managed for pollinator habitat",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2028-12-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Daniel,Tix,"Minnesota Native Landscapes","8740 77th St NE",Otsego,MN,55362,"(763) 295-0010",dan.tix@mnlcorp.com,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Otter Tail, Pope, Renville, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/effects-conservation-grazing-solar-sites-managed-pollinator-habitat,,,,
10013317,"Enhancement Plan for Superior Hiking Trail",2019,100000,"M.L. 2018, Chp. 214, Art. 4, Sec. 2, Subd. 09f","$100,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail Association to evaluate improvements to the 310-mile-long Superior Hiking Trail including routing, safety, water management, maintenance, and other environmental, recreational, and design issues and to develop an interactive trail-management system to capture efficiencies and best management practices.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"Superior Hiking Trail Association",,"Evaluate routing, safety, water management and other environmental and design issues of the Superior Hiking Trail and establish SHTA best practices methods for carrying out the resulting redesign plans.",,"Final Report",2018-07-01,2020-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Lisa,Luokkala,"Superior Hiking Trail Association","731 Seventh Ave, PO Box 4","Two Harbors",MN,55616,"(218) 834-2700",lluokkala@superiorhiking.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Carlton, Cook, Lake, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/enhancement-plan-superior-hiking-trail,,,,
10004563,"Evaluating Insecticide Exposure Risk for Grassland Wildlife on Public Lands",2017,250000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 03n","$250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to evaluate exposure risks of grassland wildlife to soybean aphid insecticides, to guide grassland management in farmland regions of Minnesota for the protection of birds, beneficial insects, and other grassland wildlife. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, 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.",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_03n.pdf,2016-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Nicole,Davros,"MN DNR","35365 800th Ave",Madelia,MN,56062,"(507) 642-8478",nicole.davros@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Otter Tail, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Waseca, Watonwan, Wilkin, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/evaluating-insecticide-exposure-risk-grassland-wildlife-public-lands,,,,
10031431,"Expanding Youth and Family Fishing Opportunities",2025,1162000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05t","$1,162,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to expand fishing opportunities in urban areas, teach more youth and families how to fish, and inventory and inform the public about safe and legal shore-fishing sites throughout Minnesota.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,9,"MN DNR","State Government","Expand fishing opportunities in urban areas, teach more kids and families how to fish, and inventory and inform the public about safe and legal shore fishing sites throughout Minnesota.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Brian,Nerbonne,"MN DNR","1200 Warner Rd.","St. Paul",MN,55106,"(651) 259-5789",brian.nerbonne@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/expanding-youth-and-family-fishing-opportunities,,,,
10004556,"Forest Management for Mississippi River Drinking Water Protection",2017,300000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 08f","$300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District to pilot a water protection approach for the watershed through development of forest stewardship plans and targeted riparian forest restoration projects. Any expenditures from this appropriation spent on forest management plans or restoration must be for lands with a long-term contract commitment for forest conservation, and the restoration must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, 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.",,,,,,,,"Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District","Local/Regional Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_08f.pdf,2016-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Melissa,Barrick,"Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District","322 Laurel St, Ste 13",Brainerd,MN,56401,"(218) 828-6197",melissa.barrick@crowwingswcd.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/forest-management-mississippi-river-drinking-water-protection,,,,
10031379,"Foundational Data for Moth and Butterfly Conservation",2025,195000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03i","$195,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to perform field surveys and consolidate existing data to create the first comprehensive list of Minnesota moths and butterflies. This appropriation is also to conduct outreach to inform land managers and to facilitate public appreciation of these species.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,1.8,"MN DNR","State Government","This project will build the first comprehensive list of Minnesota moths and butterflies. Information gained through surveys and outreach efforts will inform land managers and inspire public appreciation.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Gerda,Nordquist,"MN DNR","MN Dept. of Natural Resources - EWR 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25","St. Paul",MN,55155-4025,"(651) 259-5124",gerda.nordquist@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/foundational-data-moth-and-butterfly-conservation,,,,
10031397,"Genetic Detection of Endangered Mussels in the Mississippi",2025,241000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03aa","$241,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geological Survey, Ohio Water Microbiology Lab, to create, optimize, and use eDNA assays to detect the presence of endangered or threatened mussel species around Buffalo Slough near the Prairie Island Indian Community.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,,"US Geological Survey, Ohio Water Microbiology Lab","Federal Government","This project will create and optimize eDNA assays to detect the presence of 8 endangered or threatened mussel species around Buffalo Slough near Prairie Island Indian Community.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-12-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Lauren,Lynch,"US Geological Survey, Ohio Water Microbiology Lab","6460 Busch Blvd",Columbus,MN,43229,"(614) 254-4064",llynch@usgs.gov,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/genetic-detection-endangered-mussels-mississippi,,,,
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,,,,
10002276,"Identification of Chemicals of Emerging Concern in Minnesota Fish",2018,400000,"M.L. 2017, Chp. 96, Sec. 2, Subd. 04g","$400,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to identify chemicals of emerging concern and metals in fish, water, and sediments from approximately 30 water bodies in northeastern Minnesota used for subsistence harvest and recreation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2020, 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.",,,,,,,,"Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa","Federal Government",,,"Final Report",2017-07-01,2020-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Seth,Moore,"Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa","88 Stevens Rd, PO 428","Grand Portage",MN,55605,"(218) 475-2022",samoore@boreal.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, Lake",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/identification-chemicals-emerging-concern-minnesota-fish,,,,
10003504,"Imperiled Prairie Butterfly Conservation, Research and Breeding Program",2015,245000,"M.L. 2014, Chp. 226, Sec. 2, Subd. 05j2","$380,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden and $245,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to prevent the extirpation and possible extinction of imperiled native Minnesota butterfly species through breeding, genetics and mortality research, inventory, monitoring, and public education. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, 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.",,,,245000,,,3.09,"MN DNR","State Government","With only 1% of Minnesota’s native prairie remaining, many prairie plant and animal species have dramatically declined. Of the 12 butterfly species native to Minnesota prairies, two species, the Poweshiek skipperling and the Dakota skipper, have already largely disappeared from the state and are proposed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act despite being historically among the most common prairie butterflies and having their historic ranges concentrated in Minnesota. The Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are using this appropriation to conduct efforts aimed at preventing the extirpation and possible extinction of these butterfly species in Minnesota. Efforts will include expansion of both a butterfly research and conservation breeding program and ongoing butterfly survey and monitoring programs. Because of the ecological role of butterflies as pollinators and a food source for wildlife, analysis should also reveal important information about the greater prairie ecosystem and guide actions to be taken to protect it.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2014/work_plans/2014_05j2.pdf,2014-07-01,2017-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Robert,Dana,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd, Box 32","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5086",robert.dana@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Big Stone, Chippewa, Clay, Cottonwood, Dodge, Douglas, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Marshall, McLeod, Murray, Nobles, Norman, Pipestone, Polk, Rock, Roseau, Sibley, Stearns, Swift, Traverse, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/imperiled-prairie-butterfly-conservation-research-and-breeding-program-2,,,,
10031436,"Implementing Innovative Techniques to Manage Low-Density Invasive Carp",2025,634000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 06c","$634,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to implement new and innovative methods and to enhance ongoing efforts to detect, monitor, and remove invasive carp and to evaluate watershed boundaries for potential breaches to avoid invasive carp establishment in Minnesota.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,5.7,"MN DNR","State Government","This project will enhance the current program, integrating new invasive carp control and detection methods to monitor and remove invasive carp to avoid establishment in Minnesota.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Brian,Nerbonne,"MN DNR","1200 Warner Road","St. Paul",MN,55106,"(651) 259-5789",brian.nerbonne@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/implementing-innovative-techniques-manage-low-density-invasive-carp,,,,
10031383,"Improving Aquatic Plant Knowledge for Healthy Waters",2025,198000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03m","$198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to collect foundational data on Minnesota's native aquatic plant biodiversity through new and enhanced lake surveys and to disseminate results to state resource managers, scientists, and the public.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,1.6,"MN DNR","State Government","Enhance knowledge of Minnesota's native aquatic plant biodiversity, the backbone of healthy aquatic systems, by delivering data products that support conservation, protection and management for decision-makers and scientists.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Holly,Bernardo,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5048",holly.bernardo@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Big Stone, Carver, Cass, Itasca, Nicollet, Sibley",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/improving-aquatic-plant-knowledge-healthy-waters,,,,
33207,"Improving Community Forests Through Citizen Engagement",2016,800000,"M.L. 2015, Chp. 76, Sec. 2, Subd. 08h","$800,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to design and pilot a program, including grants to communities, to mobilize citizen volunteers to protect, improve, and maintain local forests in communities around the state. Participation is open to any municipality in the state and participating municipalities will be selected through a competitive proposal process that will include representation from both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas of the state. Trees planted using this appropriation must be species that are native to Minnesota. A participating municipality must provide a match of not less than 25 percent, up to half of which may be in the form of in-kind support. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, 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.",,,,,,,,"Minnesota Pollution Control Agency","State Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2015/work_plans_may/_2015_08h.pdf,2015-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Valerie,McClannahan,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5283",valerie.mcclannahan@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Olmsted, Ramsey, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/improving-community-forests-through-citizen-engagement,,,,
10004518,"Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers",2017,1500000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 03e","$1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to complete the update and enhancement of wetland inventory maps for counties in central and northwestern Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, 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.",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_03e.pdf,2016-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Steve,Kloiber,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5164",steve.kloiber@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Douglas, Grant, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Roseau, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/increasing-diversity-environmental-careers-0,,,,
10003532,"Itasca Community College Woody Biomass Utilization Project Design",2015,112000,"M.L. 2014, Chp. 226, Sec. 2, Subd. 08i","$112,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Itasca Community College to develop a final design for installation of a boiler heating system using woody biomass. Students at the college must be involved in the final design process.","Click on Work Plan under Project Details.","Click on Work Plan under Project Details.",,,,112000,,,1.76,"Itasca Community College","Public College/University","Woody biomass energy systems have shown themselves to offer more locally-based, stable energy supplies for some communities. Itasca Community College is using this appropriation to design a renewable energy system based on woody biomass that will serve as a demonstration and educational tool in the region.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2014/work_plans/2014_08i.pdf,2014-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Bart,Johnson,"Itasca Community College","1851 Hwy 169 E","Grand Rapids",MN,55744,"(218) 349-9154",bart.johnson@itascacc.edu,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Itasca, Koochiching, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/itasca-community-college-woody-biomass-utilization-project-design-0,,,,
730,"Linking Habitat Restoration to Bioenergy and Local Economies",2011,600000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 07c","$600,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to restore high quality native habitats and expand market opportunities for utilizing postharvest restoration as a bioenergy source. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, 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"".",,,,,,,,DNR,"State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW More than 7,000 acres of public and private lands needing restoration have been identified within 75 miles of St. Paul. Given the various emerging markets for woody biomass, a unique opportunity has been identified. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will use this appropriation to continue development of an innovative approach to improving lands by harvesting ecologically inappropriate woody vegetation and working with local markets to turn the resulting biomass into marketable products such as mulch, animal bedding, firewood, and wood pellets for energy generation. Funds raised from the sale of these products could then be used to expand this type of model into other areas of Minnesota. In addition to helping stimulate local economies, benefits of this approach also include enhanced biodiversity and effective utilization of woody material traditionally burned or landfilled. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS This innovative project helped restore 385 acres of critical habitat and high quality native plant communities by removing ecologically inappropriate woody vegetation (exotic and/or native species) while stimulating local economies through jobs and strategic utilization of the biomass material for bioenergy and other products. This project facilitated habitat restoration efforts that might not have otherwise occurred while making the woody material, traditionally burned or landfilled, available to established and emerging woody biomass markets. Of the $600,000 appropriation, $490,666 was spent on eleven projects. Seven non-DNR public and private landowners received a total of $324,530 granted through a competitive process. Four DNR projects received a total of $166,136. A variety of types of projects (based on restoration goals, species/type of woody biomass material, density, distance, land ownership, utilization opportunity, etc.) were completed. Projects were selected based on critical requirements including ecological value and recovery potential of the project site, current ecologically-based management plan, project-specific harvest plan, post-harvest restoration plan, and demonstrated capacity and long-term commitment to effectively manage the site to achieve and maintain restoration goals. Viable markets were identified prior to project implementation. Utilization of the woody biomass resulted in 291 semi-truck loads or 5,280 tons for bioenergy, 242 semi-truck loads of commercial mulch, 450 cords of pine sawlogs, 6 log loads of cottonwood for pallets, and pine cabin logs. Biomass material was either sold separately from the harvest with revenue collected, or in conjunction with the harvest where contractors valued the material (deducted from the harvest bid) and were responsible for final utilization. Revenues collected ($11,100) and values attributed ($4,000) were reinvested for further purposes of the project. This project demonstrated that there are opportunities to sell or properly utilize ecologically inappropriate woody vegetation removed through habitat restoration activities. The long-term vision for this effort is to achieve an ecologically sound and systematic approach that addresses: current and future issues of habitat restoration and enhancement; renewable energy and climate change; invasive species, and natural resources conservation planning and implementation - all of which are effected, to some degree, by the impacts and opportunities of woody biomass. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The webpage ""Linking Habitat Restoration to Bioenergy and Local Economies"" located at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/habitat_biomass.htmlprovides an overview of the entire project, the project fact sheet, the LCCMR-approved Work Program, and the final report. Project data were compiled and regularly updated for the DNR's Grant Outcomes webpage to provide project descriptions, funding information, indicators, targets and outcomes information. The website is located at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/outcomes/index.html. Project information was shared at public workshops, conferences and meetings through formal presentations, panel discussions, informal conversations and handouts, such as the project fact sheet and other printed materials, targeted for the audience. Project information was also shared with DNR staff through staff meetings, project coordination, formal presentations, and informal discussions. Telephone conversations and meetings were convened with land managers/owners, harvest contractors, and biomass market industry representatives to discuss the project, garner insights for improvements to implementing this project, identify challenges and opportunities to move this effort forward and to facilitate connections between landowners, contractors, and biomass end-users.The key messages were:For land managers/owners conducting habitat restoration projects: explore and implement the option to utilize the biomass material removed versus piling and burning or landfilling;For contractors: provide the combined service of harvest and utilization of the material; andFor end-users: acknowledge habitat restoration projects as a potential significant source of material and to seek this opportunity.",,"FINAL REPORT",2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Barb,Spears,DNR,"1200 Warner Rd","St. Paul",MN,55106,"(651) 259-5849",barb.spears@dnr.state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Dodge, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Le Sueur, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Nicollet, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Rice, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/linking-habitat-restoration-bioenergy-and-local-economies,,,,
10031460,"Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Grant Programs",2025,4791000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 09b","$4,791,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to solicit and rank applications and fund competitive matching grants for local parks, trail connections, and natural and scenic areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019. This appropriation is for local nature-based recreation, connections to regional and state natural areas, and recreation facilities and may not be used for athletic facilities, such as sport fields, courts, or playgrounds.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,0.75,"MN DNR","State Government","Provide approximately 15 matching grants for local parks, trail, acquisition of natural areas and trails to connect people safety to desirable community locations and regional or state facilities.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jenni,Bubke,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul",MN,55155-4039,"(651) 259-5638",jennifer.bubke@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/local-parks-trails-and-natural-areas-grant-programs-2,,,,
2139,"MeCC V - Restore & Enhance Significant Habitat (2.5)",2010,155000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 04f2.5","$3,375,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the fifth appropriation for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $2,185,000 is for Department of Natural Resources agency programs and $1,190,000 is for agreements as follows: $380,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $90,000 with Friends of the Mississippi River; $155,000 with Great River Greening; $250,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $225,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $90,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for the purposes of planning, restoring, and protecting important natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through grants, contracted services, technical assistance, conservation easements, and fee title acquisition. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work program. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. To the maximum extent practical, consistent with contractual easement or fee acquisition obligations, the recipients shall utilize staff resources to identify future projects and shall maximize the implementation of biodiverse, quality restoration projects in the project proposal into the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,300000,,,,,,"Great River Greening","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Project Outcome and Results Great River Greening, along with our volunteers and partners, restored and enhanced a total of 204 acres of habitat with Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars, exceeding our goal of 155 acres, and an additional 140 acres with over $153,000 in leveraged non-state funds. Habitats included prairie, savanna, and forest, including nine native plant communities with biodiversity of statewide significance (as rated by Minnesota County Biological Survey), and habitat for 18 documented rare plant species (1 invertebrate, 2 bird, and 15 plant species). Restorations/enhancements also occurred at sites in priority watersheds rich with rare terrestrial and aquatic rare species, including the St. Croix, Mississippi, and Minnesota; as well as Valley Creek and Eagle Creek trout stream watersheds. A total of 15 different sites were restored/enhanced. Enhancement of native plant communities with existing significant biodiversity occurred at: Arcola Mills Historic Foundation (Stillwater); St Croix Valley Early Detection/Rapid Response Garlic Mustard (Taylors Falls and Marine locations); Spring Lake Regional Park (Scott Co); Spring Lake Park Reserve (Dakota Co); Hidden Valley Park (Savage); Snail Lake Regional Park (Shoreview); St. Croix Savanna SNA (Bayport); Lost Valley Prairie SNA (Denmark Township); and Pond Dakota Mission (Bloomington).   Restoration/enhancement of habitats in important and strategic locations were: prairie/savanna establishment at Pilot Knob Hill (Mendota Heights), located in an area identified by DNR as a top-tier township for habitat for Species of Greatest Conservation Need; a large prairie/savanna restoration/enhancement at Belwin Conservancy's Lake Edith site (Afton), in the Valley Creek watershed; early detection and control of garlic mustard at a Valley Creek watershed location; prairie restoration/enhancement at Central Corridor (Woodbury and Cottage Grove), historically connected to Lost Valley Prairie SNA; savanna maintenance at Eagle Creek AMA (Savage), a metro trout stream;/li>; floodplain forest enhancement at Heritage Village Park (Inver Grove Heights) to expand on existing significant floodplain forest on the banks of the Mississippi River; and a prairie reconstruction burn at OH Anderson Elementary (Mahtomedi), habitat that is also used extensively in classroom studies. Volunteers contributed over 2500 hours to these habitat projects. Project Results Use and Dissemination In January, 2010, Great River Greening included a feature article on the ENRTF, LCCMR, and the Metro Conservation Corridors program and projects in our e-postcard, circulation 3200. A write up on the Metro Conservation Corridors program with features of select projects was included in our Spring 2011 Newsletter, and an article featuring the Pond Dakota Mission restoration was featured in our Fall 2010 newsletter. These are available for continued viewing at http://www.greatrivergreening.org/news.asp. In addition, project descriptions are included in our volunteer recruitment efforts to all the volunteers in our database. In addition, Greening is in active partnership with landowners and other land managers, resulting in a dynamic and timely exchange of information and results. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Wiley,Buck,"Great River Greening","35 W Water St, Ste 201","St. Paul",MN,55107,651-665-9500,wbuck@greatrivergreening.org,Restoration/Enhancement,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mecc-v-restore-enhance-significant-habitat-25,,,,
10031418,"Mentoring Next Generation of Conservation Professionals - Phase 2",2025,793000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05g","$793,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc. to provide paid internships and apprenticeships for diverse young people to learn about careers in the conservation field from United States Fish and Wildlife Service professionals while working at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,16,"Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust Inc","Non-Profit Business/Entity","The ENRTF grant will introduce 12 young people to conservation careers through full-time, paid internships and apprenticeships on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (16 FTEs over 2 years).",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-08-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Deborah,Loon,"Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust Inc","3815 East American Boulevard",Bloomington,MN,55425,"(612) 801-1935",dloon@mnvalleytrust.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mentoring-next-generation-conservation-professionals-phase-2,,,,
10031438,"Minimizing Minnesota's Landfill Problem by Expanding Waste Diversion",2025,2318000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 07a","$2,318,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Better Futures Minnesota to establish a statewide network for sourcing reclaimed building materials; create a tool for cities, counties, and businesses to report environmental impacts of waste diversion; and divert waste from landfills through collections, deconstructing buildings, and converting waste into finished goods. Net income generated by Better Futures Minnesota as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,37.12,"Better Futures Minnesota","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Expanding waste diversion practices across the state this project will: create 16 jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide data to measure the social, economic, and environmental benefits of waste diversion.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Jason,Allen,"Better Futures Minnesota","2620 Minnehaha Ave S",Minneapolis,MN,55406,"(612) 428-7607",jallen@betterfutures.net,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minimizing-minnesotas-landfill-problem-expanding-waste-diversion,,,,
10031466,"Minnesota State Trails Development",2025,5036000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 09h","$5,036,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota state trails by rehabilitating and enhancing existing state trails and replacing or repairing existing state trail bridges. The high-priority trail bridges to be rehabilitated or replaced under this appropriation include but are not limited to those on the Arrowhead, Great River Ridge, C.J. Ramstad-Northshore, Harmony-Preston Valley, Shooting Star, and Minnesota Valley State Trails and the Pengilly-Alborn Railroad Trail. High-priority trail segments to develop and enhance include but are not limited to the Brown's Creek, Gitchi Gami, Minnesota Valley, Root River, and Cuyuna Lakes State Trails. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, 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'.",,,,,,,7.5,"MN DNR","State Government","This project proposes to expand recreational opportunities on Minnesota State Trails through the rehabilitation and enhancement of existing state trails and replacement or repair of existing state trail bridges.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2028-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Kent,Skaar,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5636",kent.skaar@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-state-trails-development-4,,,,
2097,"Minnesota County Biological Survey",2010,2100000,"M.L. 2009, Chp. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 03a","$2,100,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for continuation of the Minnesota county biological survey to provide a foundation for conserving biological diversity by systematically collecting, interpreting, and delivering data on plant and animal distribution and ecology, native plant communities, and functional landscapes.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,750000,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government","The Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) is an ongoing effort begun in 1987 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that is systematically surveying, county-by-county, the state's natural habitats. The effort identifies significant natural areas and collects and interprets data on the status, distribution, and ecology of plants, animals, and native plant communities throughout the state. Through 2009 surveys have been completed in 74 of Minnesota's 87 counties and have added nearly 17,000 new records of rare features to the DNR's information systems. MCBS data is used by all levels of government in natural resource planning and use decisions, including prioritization of protection of park lands and scientific and natural areas. This appropriation will permit continuation of the survey in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties and begin surveys in Clearwater and Beltrami counties. Additionally two books will be published: a guide to Minnesota's native reptiles and amphibians and a guide to the wildlife of the Red River Valley and nearby aspen parklands. Overall Project Outcome and Results Since 1987 the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) has systematically collected, interpreted and delivered baseline data on the distribution and ecology of plants, animals, native plant communities, and functional landscapes in 81 of 87 counties. MCBS has added 19,089 new records to the Rare Features Database and contributed 4,544 of the 9,634 total database records to the Releve (vegetation sampling) Database. Rare aquatic plant and vegetation surveys were completed for 1,764 lakes. Statewide 9,713 MCBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance and 58,957 polygons of native plant communities are now publically available on DNR's Data Deli. During this project period, northeastern surveys documented features within large functional landscapes of fire-dependent forests, cliff and talus complexes, and undeveloped lakes. Surveys began in a portion of the northern patterned peatlands, one of the state's largest (about 2.5 million acres) and most inaccessible ecological systems. Surveys included successful collaboration with Red Lake Reservation DNR managers and University of Minnesota researchers. New range distributional data were recorded for Braun's holly fern (Polystichum braunii), Laurentian tiger beetle (Cicindela denikei), Black-throated Blue Warblers (Setophaga caerulescens) and three species of mosses. MCBS data on the locations of native prairie were a centerpiece of a plan: Minnesota prairie conservation plan 2010: a habitat plan for native prairie, grassland, and wetlands in the Prairie Region of western Minnesota. See also: Minnesota's Remaining Native Prairie 100 Years After the Public Land Survey. MCBS provided data and interpretation to inform management and monitoring activities in the Manitou and Sand Lake Seven Beavers Collaboratives- two large multi-jurisdictional landscapes. DNR's Forest Certification implementation used a MCBS data access tool to assist in evaluation of data related to High Conservation Value Forests. Maps of the Minnesota locations of 242 breeding birds based on observations by MCBS are on the web: Bird Distribution Maps. Project Results Use and Dissemination Data delivery includes delivery of information to local units of government, presentations and field trips, publications and web products. Several examples of recipients of data during this period include: St Louis County, Becker County, State Parks, northeast Landscape Collaboratives, Potlatch, Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Voyageurs National Park, Heron Lake Watershed District, and private landowners near the Chandler, MN Chanarambie Creek Prairies. See Final Report for additional information. ",,"Final Report ",2009-07-01,2011-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Carmen,Converse,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5083",carmen.converse@state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Inventory, Mapping","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Beltrami, Clearwater, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, St. Louis",,"Lake Superior - South",http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/minnesota-county-biological-survey,,,,
2916,"Mississippi River Central Minnesota Conservation Planning",2012,87000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03n","$87,000 the first year and $88,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District to develop and adopt river protection strategies in cooperation with local jurisdictions in the communities of the 26 miles of the Mississippi River between Benton and Stearns Counties. This appropriation must be matched by $175,000 of nonstate cash or qualifying in-kind funds.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,87000,,,2.05,"Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District","Local/Regional Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW From its headwaters to the Twin Cities, the Mississippi River has benefited from coordinated management plans and community efforts to protect its water quality and shoreland habitat - except for a 26-mile stretch in central Minnesota. Starting in St. Cloud and stretching north through Stearns and Benton counties, the stretch is governed by 11 different jurisdictions and the communities have no uniform land use controls to protect this shared resource despite population growth and development pressure threatening the health of the river. Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District is using this appropriation to coordinate an effort between these 11 different local governments to develop and implement specific river protection policies and work with landowners along the river to implement shoreland management practices. Ultimately the effort aims to protect the water quality of the Mississippi River, reduce habitat fragmentation, and prioritize on-the-ground efforts. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS From its Headwaters to the Twin Cities, the Mississippi River has benefited from coordinated management plans and community efforts to protect its water quality and shoreland habitat--except for 26-mile stretch in Central Minnesota. Starting in St. Cloud and stretching north through Stearns and Benton counties, this stretch is governed by 11 different jurisdictions (four cities, five townships and two counties). These communities presently have no uniform land use controls to protect the magnificent river they share. Significant population growth and development pressure and contributing upland pollution could significantly damage the health of the Mississippi River. This project's goal was to restore and protect the natural resources of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and reduce habitat fragmentation along its banks in central Minnesota. The project coordinated with local units of government to develop and implement specific river protection policies with limited success. Individual landowners were contacted to implement sound shoreland and upland management practices. Also, in conjunction with this project a portion of the Sauk watershed was selected as part of the USDA NRCS Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) to reduce pollution entering the river and reducing downstream impacts. Over 50,000 acres had conservation practices planned or applied. Local units of government were offered workshops and technical assistance to implement policies, such as adopting a Natural Resource Overlay District along the river. The City of Sartell was key receiver of this assistance. Also, a major Take a Day OFF (Outdoor Family Fun) event was held to increase the publics' awareness of this wonderful natural resource in their backyard. Over 1000 people attend this event annually. The public policies and landowner practices implemented has resulted in a healthier Mississippi River today and for decades to come. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District website (www.stearnscountyswcd.net) was used to disseminate information. Other media forms included radio, newspaper, and Facebook were used to increase awareness of activities pertaining to this project.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Dennis,Fuchs,"Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District","Marketplace Mall, 110 2nd Street S, Ste 128","Waite Park",MN,56387,"(320) 251-7800 x3",dennis.fuchs@mn.nacdnet.net,"Assessment/Evaluation, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Planning, Technical Assistance","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Stearns",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mississippi-river-central-minnesota-conservation-planning,,,,
2916,"Mississippi River Central Minnesota Conservation Planning",2013,88000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03n","$87,000 the first year and $88,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District to develop and adopt river protection strategies in cooperation with local jurisdictions in the communities of the 26 miles of the Mississippi River between Benton and Stearns Counties. This appropriation must be matched by $175,000 of nonstate cash or qualifying in-kind funds.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,88000,,,2.04,"Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District","Local/Regional Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW From its headwaters to the Twin Cities, the Mississippi River has benefited from coordinated management plans and community efforts to protect its water quality and shoreland habitat - except for a 26-mile stretch in central Minnesota. Starting in St. Cloud and stretching north through Stearns and Benton counties, the stretch is governed by 11 different jurisdictions and the communities have no uniform land use controls to protect this shared resource despite population growth and development pressure threatening the health of the river. Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District is using this appropriation to coordinate an effort between these 11 different local governments to develop and implement specific river protection policies and work with landowners along the river to implement shoreland management practices. Ultimately the effort aims to protect the water quality of the Mississippi River, reduce habitat fragmentation, and prioritize on-the-ground efforts. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS From its Headwaters to the Twin Cities, the Mississippi River has benefited from coordinated management plans and community efforts to protect its water quality and shoreland habitat--except for 26-mile stretch in Central Minnesota. Starting in St. Cloud and stretching north through Stearns and Benton counties, this stretch is governed by 11 different jurisdictions (four cities, five townships and two counties). These communities presently have no uniform land use controls to protect the magnificent river they share. Significant population growth and development pressure and contributing upland pollution could significantly damage the health of the Mississippi River. This project's goal was to restore and protect the natural resources of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and reduce habitat fragmentation along its banks in central Minnesota. The project coordinated with local units of government to develop and implement specific river protection policies with limited success. Individual landowners were contacted to implement sound shoreland and upland management practices. Also, in conjunction with this project a portion of the Sauk watershed was selected as part of the USDA NRCS Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) to reduce pollution entering the river and reducing downstream impacts. Over 50,000 acres had conservation practices planned or applied. Local units of government were offered workshops and technical assistance to implement policies, such as adopting a Natural Resource Overlay District along the river. The City of Sartell was key receiver of this assistance. Also, a major Take a Day OFF (Outdoor Family Fun) event was held to increase the publics' awareness of this wonderful natural resource in their backyard. Over 1000 people attend this event annually. The public policies and landowner practices implemented has resulted in a healthier Mississippi River today and for decades to come. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District website (www.stearnscountyswcd.net) was used to disseminate information. Other media forms included radio, newspaper, and Facebook were used to increase awareness of activities pertaining to this project.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Dennis,Fuchs,"Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District","Marketplace Mall, 110 2nd Street S, Ste 128","Waite Park",MN,56387,"(320) 251-7800 x3",dennis.fuchs@mn.nacdnet.net,"Assessment/Evaluation, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Planning, Technical Assistance","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Stearns",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/mississippi-river-central-minnesota-conservation-planning,,,,
10031387,"Modernizing Minnesota's Plant Community Classification and Field Guides",2025,1800000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03q","$1,800,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to collect additional vegetation and environmental data and update the state's 20-year-old native plant community classification guides to incorporate new data, streamline user application and access to products, and include analysis of climate and vegetation trends. Net income generated as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,15.45,"MN DNR","State Government","Update the state's 20-year-old native plant community classification guides to incorporate new data; streamline user application and access to products; and increase connections to evolving climate and vegetation trends.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Bruce,Carlson,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Road","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5083",bruce.carlson@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/modernizing-minnesotas-plant-community-classification-and-field-guides,,,,
10003485,"Moose Decline and Air Temperatures in Northeastern Minnesota",2015,600000,"M.L. 2014, Chp. 226, Sec. 2, Subd. 05m","$600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to study the physiology and behavior of adult moose and effects of female condition on calf production and survival to determine the impact of air temperature on moose population performance and decline. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017, 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.",,,,600000,,,7.8,"MN DNR","State Government","Moose, one of Minnesota's prized wildlife species, are dying at much higher rates in Minnesota than elsewhere in North America. Recently observed increases in mortality rates amongst some moose in northeastern Minnesota have led to concern that the population there may be entering a decline like that seen in the northwestern part of the state, where moose populations fell from over 4,000 to fewer than 100 in less than 20 years. Additionally the specific causes of increased mortality amongst individual moose remain under investigation. Scientists at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are using this appropriation to help understand how air temperature affects moose habitat use and behavior, reproductive success, and survival in order to determine if, when, and how moose are able to successfully modulate internal body temperature. Knowledge gained will be used by federal, state, and local natural resource agencies to identify appropriate management and habitat needs and actions that can be taken to help slow or prevent continued population declines in northeastern Minnesota of this iconic, keystone species.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2014/work_plans/2014_05m.pdf,2014-07-01,2017-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Mike,Larson,"MN DNR","1201 Hwy 2 E","Grand Rapids",MN,55744,"(218) 999-7933",michael.larson@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Statewide",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/moose-decline-and-air-temperatures-northeastern-minnesota-0,,,,
10031444,"Morrison County Historical Society Streambank Stabilization and Restoration",2025,519000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 08b","$519,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District to stabilize and restore land along the Mississippi River owned by the Morrison County Historical Society within the statutory boundaries of Charles A. Lindbergh State Park to improve water quality and improve aquatic and terrestrial habit. For purposes of this appropriation, subdivision 13, paragraph (e), does not apply. The commissioner of natural resources may make reasonable amounts of this appropriation available on an advance basis to accommodate the Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District's cash-flow needs if a plan for the advances is approved as part of the work plan.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,0.1,"Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District","Local/Regional Government","Construction funding is needed to stabilize a unique shoreline site using a bioengineered design incorporating native plants soil wraps, stream barbs and root wads to create aquatic habitat.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Shannon,Wettstein,"Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District","16776 Heron Road USDA Service Center","Little Falls",MN,56345,"(320) 631-3553",shannon.wettstein@morrisonswcd.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Otter Tail, Pope, Renville, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/morrison-county-historical-society-streambank-stabilization-and-restoration,,,,
10004559,"Native Bee Surveys in Minnesota Prairie and Forest Habitats",2017,600000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 03b","$600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue to assess the current status and distribution of native bee pollinators in Minnesota by expanding surveys into the prairie-forest border region and facilitating interagency collaboration and public outreach on pollinators. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, 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.",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_03b.pdf,2016-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Crystal,Boyd,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5699",crystal.boyd@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Becker, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa, Chisago, Clearwater, Cottonwood, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Isanti, Jackson, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/native-bee-surveys-minnesota-prairie-and-forest-habitats,,,,
21749,"Native Prairie Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement Acquisition",2014,750000,"M.L. 2013, Chp. 52, Sec. 2, Subd. 04c","$750,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire native prairie bank easements, prepare baseline property assessments, restore and enhance native prairie sites, and provide technical assistance to landowners. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2016, 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.",,,,750000,,,8.15,"MN DNR","State Government","Prior to European settlement more than 18 million acres of prairie covered Minnesota. Today less than 1% of that native prairie remains, and about half of those remaining acres are in private landownership without any formal protection currently in place. Through this appropriation the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will work with private landowners of high quality native prairie sites to protect remaining native prairie using a variety of tools. Approximately 200 acres are expected to be permanently protected through Native Prairie Bank conservation easements. A variety of restoration and enhancement activities will be implemented on a total of about 690 acres. Additionally, education and technical assistance will be provided to interested landowners to help them improve the management and stewardship of native prairie sites they own.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2013/work_plans/2013_04c.pdf,2013-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Judy,Schulte,"MN DNR","1241 Bridge St E","Redwood Falls",MN,56283,"(507) 822-0344",judy.schulte@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Watonwan, Wilkin, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/native-prairie-stewardship-and-prairie-bank-easement-acquisition,,,,
10031371,"Native Plant Community Data in the City of Duluth",2025,198000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03a","$198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust to develop field-verified native plant community data and maps for the city of Duluth and the St. Louis River estuary to support conservation and restoration activities.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,0.76,"Minnesota Land Trust","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Develop Native Plant Community data and maps for the City of Duluth and St. Louis River estuary to support conservation and restoration activities.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Virginia,Breidenbach,"Minnesota Land Trust","394 South Lake Avenue Suite 404",Duluth,MN,55802,"(218) 221-7033",gbreidenbach@mnland.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/native-plant-community-data-city-duluth,,,,
742,"Online Field Trip of Minnesota River",2011,124000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 08k","$124,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota State University - Mankato to develop online educational materials on the Minnesota River for schools and outreach centers.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"MN State University - Mankato","Public College/University","PROJECT OVERVIEW Considerable public funding and effort has gone into better understanding and restoring the Minnesota River, but the research is not always readily accessible or easily understood by the public. There is a need to bridge the information gap between researchers and the public to help improve environmental education about the river. The Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University - Mankato is using this appropriation to develop educational materials and a multimedia virtual field trip that showcase, in an engaging format, what natural resource experts have learned about this unique area of our state. The materials and virtual field trip will be available on the internet and at informational kiosks placed at the Treaty Site History Center near St Peter, the Regional River History Center in New Ulm, the Ney Nature Center near Henderson and the Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) Office in Montevideo. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Considerable public funding and effort has gone into better understanding and restoring the Minnesota River. Research about the river is housed in an array of scientific publications not easily accessible for the public. This project helps to bridge the information gap between researchers and the public and to generally improve environmental education about the river. The project's goal is to increase public awareness about the river's health by using new media techniques to engage students and the public. Major results included 1) developing and delivering the ""Ask an Expert about the Minnesota River"" website and 2) performing educational outreach. This project developed a multi-media virtual field trip with accompanying educational materials to showcase what scientists are learning about the Minnesota River. Citizens have a unique opportunity to learn directly from natural resource experts about the current state of the Minnesota River. Video clips of interviews and related information are available online on the Minnesota River Basin Data Center website: http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu/learn. Online Educational Website - Ask an Expert about the Minnesota River Video clips of scientist and citizen experts answering questions about the river's health are the central feature of the website enriched by accompanying handouts, and graphics. Specifically, the major features of the website include:171 video clips of experts answering questions;27 handouts with background information developed to enrich each theme;9 panoramic virtual tours and 20 slideshows;5 educator's guides and 7 accompanying PowerPoint presentations on prairies, wetlands, agriculture, fish, and mussels.Educational outreach and learning stations Four computer kiosks (learning stations) were installed at key educational centers across the basin - specifically Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter, MN; Regional River History Center in New Ulm, MN; Ney Nature Center in Henderson, MN; and Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) office in Montevideo, MN - likely reaching 4,000-8,000 people in the upcoming year. Open houses at the four educational centers and other events directly reached approximately 349 people during the project period. Four school classroom presentations reached approximately 371 students. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The broad dissemination goals for the project are to share data with the public, students and teachers through both traditional and nontraditional outreach methods. The dissemination of this project proceeded at several levels. All the project data is available on the web in a user-friendly format. Computer kiosks (learning stations) highlighting the project were developed and installed in four key river and history centers across the basin. We also conducted outreach to three schools and four educational centers that included presentations and open houses. We have also used social media resources such as Facebook and YouTube to disseminate information about the project. We worked collaboratively with a wide range of state and local agencies (MPCA, MDNR, Department of Agriculture, etc.) and citizen organizations (CURE, Ney Nature Center, Nicollet County Historical Society) to develop and publicize the project. Project staff have spoken about the project to local and state officials and staff, nonprofit organizations, teachers and students, and citizens. The project has received attention at scientific meetings (both poster session in 2011 and presentation in 2012 at the Minnesota Water Resources Conference) and educational training (DNR Naturalists). The project team plans to continue outreach to schools and putting on public events to promote the project and further raise public awareness about the Minnesota River.",,"Final Report",2010-07-01,2012-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Kimberly,Musser,"MN State University - Mankato","184 Trafton Science Center S",Mankato,MN,56001,"(507) 389-5492",kimberly.musser@mnsu.edu,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Waseca, Watonwan, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/online-field-trip-minnesota-river,,,,
10031421,"Outdoor Pathways to Environmental Education, Recreation, and Careers",2025,1500000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05j","$1,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry to promote equity in access to outdoor activities, places, and careers by providing Minnesotans with a continuum of outdoor experiences from the backyard to the backcountry, implementing environmental education curriculum for youth, and delivering professional development workshops for educators.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,25.98,"Wilderness Inquiry","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Wilderness Inquiry engages 20,000 Minnesotans through outdoor adventures, promoting equity in access to outdoor activities, places, and careers and supporting stewardship and conservation values for current and future generations.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Meg,Krueger,"Wilderness Inquiry","1611 County Road B West Ste 315","Saint Paul",MN,55113,"(612) 676-9400",development@wildernessinquiry.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/outdoor-pathways-environmental-education-recreation-and-careers,,,,
10031447,"Pollinator Central IV: Habitat Improvement with Public Engagement",2025,698000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 08e","$698,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to partner with municipalities, educational organizations, and volunteers to create and enhance pollinator habitat along public corridors from Lakeville to St. Cloud and to engage youth and the public through education and monitoring the impact of habitat improvements. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, 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'.",,,,,,,4.11,"Great River Greening","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Continuing pollinator habitat creation and enhancement on 11 sites from Lakeville to St. Cloud, with public engagement and education centered on youth, schools, and community awareness of natural resource stewardship.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-12-31,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Rebecca,Tucker,"Great River Greening","251 Starkey Street Suite 2200","Saint Paul",MN,55113,"(651) 272-3982",rtucker@greatrivergreening.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Otter Tail, Pope, Renville, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, Wright",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/pollinator-central-iv-habitat-improvement-public-engagement,,,,
10004546,"Prairie Butterfly Conservation, Research, and Breeding - Phase II",2017,329000,"M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 03c2","$750,000 the second year is from the trust fund. Of this amount, $421,000 is to the Minnesota Zoological Garden and $329,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources in collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to continue efforts to prevent the extinction of imperiled native Minnesota butterfly species through breeding, research, field surveys, and potential reintroduction. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, 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.",,,,,,,,"MN DNR","State Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2016/work_plans_may/_2016_03c2.pdf,2016-07-01,2019-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Robert,Dana,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd, Box 32","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5086",robert.dana@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Becker, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Clay, Cottonwood, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Roseau, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Waseca, Watonwan, Wilkin, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/prairie-butterfly-conservation-research-and-breeding-phase-ii,,,,
21782,"Preserving the Avon Hills Landscape - Phase II",2014,772000,"M.L. 2013, Chp. 52, Sec. 2, Subd. 04j","$772,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Saint John's University in cooperation with the Minnesota Land Trust to secure permanent conservation easements on high quality habitat in Stearns County, prepare conservation management plans, and provide public outreach. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. Up to $80,000 is for use by Minnesota Land Trust in a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the work plan and subject to subdivision 16. 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 plan. 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, 2016, 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.",,,,772000,,,6.32,"Saint John's University","Private College/University","The Avon Hills area is a unique 65,000-acre glacial moraine landscape located in Stearns County just west of St. Cloud. It has been identified as having statewide ecological significance and includes the highest concentration of native plant communities in the county – including oak and maple-basswood forests, tamarack and mixed-hardwood swamps, and wet meadows – and several rare plants and animal species, including American ginseng, cerulean warbler, red-shouldered hawk, and Blanding’s turtle. This appropriation is being used by the St. John’s Arboretum at St. John’s University to secure permanent protection, via conservation easements, for an additional 350-550 acres of high quality habitat in the Avon Hills area, prepare conservation management plans for the easement lands, and provide public outreach on the significance of the Avon Hills landscape and options for its protection. St. John’s Arboretum previously used a 2008 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriation to permanently protect more than 1,000 acres in the area.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2013/work_plans/2013_04j.pdf,2013-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Thomas,Kroll,"Saint Johns Arboretum and University","PO Box 3000",Collegeville,MN,56321,"(320) 363-3163",tkroll@csbsju.edu,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,Stearns,,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/preserving-avon-hills-landscape-phase-ii,,,,
10013318,"Protecting Mississippi River Headwaters Lands through Local, State, and Federal Partnership",2019,700000,"M.L. 2018, Chp. 214, Art. 4, Sec. 2, Subd. 09g","$700,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Baxter, in cooperation with Brainerd Public Schools and the Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape Program, to acquire about 200 acres of forested land on the upper Mississippi River adjacent to Mississippi River Overlook Park for multiple public benefits, including being an outdoor classroom for local schools. To be eligible for reimbursement, costs for real estate transactions must be specific to this acquisition and documented as required in subdivision 15, paragraph (k).","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"City of Baxter",,"A partnership among the City of Baxter, Brainerd Public Schools, Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape program and The Conservation Fund will acquire 200 acres of riparian forest on the upper Mississippi River Headwaters.",,"Work Plan",2018-07-01,2020-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Josh,Doty,"City of Baxter","13190 Memorywood Dr",Baxter,MN,56425,"(218) 454-5111",jdoty@baxtermn.gov,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Crow Wing",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/protecting-mississippi-river-headwaters-lands-through-local-state-and-federal-partnership,,,,
10013319,"Protecting North-Central Minnesota Lakes",2019,750000,"M.L. 2018, Chp. 214, Art. 4, Sec. 2, Subd. 09h","$750,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District to increase watershed protection to maintain and improve water quality in lakes and rivers in Aitkin and Crow Wing Counties with about ten permanent RIM conservation easements and 12 forest stewardship plans and by implementing six best management practices. Of this amount, up to $59,000 may be contributed to an easement stewardship account established under Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.103, as approved in the work plan.","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Work Plan"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,"Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District",,"This project will complete 18 permanent conservation easements, 30 forest management plans, and 20 best management practices (BMP) around Aitkin and Crow Wing Counties highest quality lakes.",,"Work Plan",2018-07-01,2021-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Sheila,Boldt,"Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District","322 Laurel St, Ste 13",Brainerd,MN,56401,"(218) 828-6197",sheila.boldt@crowwingswcd.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Crow Wing",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/protecting-north-central-minnesota-lakes,,,,
10031394,"Remote Sensing for Pollinator Habitat",2025,180000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03x","$180,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Monarch Joint Venture to use remote sensing technology to evaluate pollinator habitat on energy and transportation corridors across Minnesota and to host field-day training workshops.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,2.05,"Monarch Joint Venture","Non-Profit Business/Entity","This project uses remote sensing technology (UAVs) to evaluate pollinator habitat on energy and transportation lands across Minnesota.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Wendy,Caldwell,"Monarch Joint Venture","2233 University Ave W Suite 426","St. Paul",MN,55114,"(612) 208-3741",wcaldwell@monarchjointventure.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/remote-sensing-pollinator-habitat,,,,
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,,,,
10031462,"Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Biodiversity Protection",2025,957000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 09d","$957,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to strategically acquire from willing sellers high-quality lands that meet criteria for scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, 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'.",,,,,,,1.1,"MN DNR","State Government","Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) strategic acquisition (~85 acres) will conserve Minnesota's most unique places and rare species for everyone's benefit.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2028-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Judy,Elbert,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd Box 25","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 391-3168",judy.elbert@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/scientific-and-natural-area-sna-biodiversity-protection,,,,
10031426,"Season Watch: Cultivating Young Naturalists with Phenology Education",2025,180000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05o","$180,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Northern Community Radio, Inc. to continue to build the next generation of Minnesota conservationists by delivering engaging environmental programming to northern Minnesota through radio and podcasts, hosting phenology training and interactive nature events for K-12 students, and expanding KAXE coverage of environmental topics to a digital audience.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,2.48,"Northern Community Radio, Inc.","Non-Profit Business/Entity","This education project will continue building the next generation of conservationists in Minnesota by engaging youths and adults in science and outdoor learning through radio, podcasts, newsletters and schoolyard exploration.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Sarah,Bignall,"Northern Community Radio, Inc.","260 NE 2nd St","Grand Rapids",MN,55744,"(218) 326-1234",sbignall@kaxe.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/season-watch-cultivating-young-naturalists-phenology-education,,,,
21747,"State Parks and State Trails Land Acquisition",2014,1000000,"M.L. 2013, Chp. 52, Sec. 2, Subd. 04a","$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire authorized state trails and critical parcels within the statutory boundaries of state parks. State park land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards, as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2016, 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,,,7.58,"MN DNR","State Government","Minnesota’s extensive state park and trail system, the second oldest in the country, is currently comprised of a total of 76 state parks and recreation areas and 13 state trails scattered throughout the state. Some of Minnesota’s state parks and trails have privately owned lands within the designated park boundaries or trail corridors. Purchase of these lands from willing landowners for addition to the state park and trail system makes them permanently available for public recreation and enjoyment and facilitates more efficient management. Additional benefits include preserving contiguous wildlife corridors, facilitating preservation and restoration of native plant communities and cultural resources, reducing impacts of future development, and providing riparian buffers along wetlands, creeks, and lakes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to fund the acquisition of approximately 245 acres to add to the state park and trail system, which includes: 50 acres for Great River Bluffs State Park in Winona County; 115 acres for Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in Crow County; and 80 acres for the Mill Towns State Trail in Rice County",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2013/work_plans/2013_04a.pdf,2013-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Jennifer,Christie,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5579",jennifer.christie@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Crow Wing, Kandiyohi, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Wabasha",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/state-parks-and-state-trails-land-acquisition,,,,
709,"State Park Land Acquisition",2011,1750000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 04d","$1,750,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire and preserve critical parcels within the statutory boundaries of state parks. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,,,,,DNR,"State Government"," PROJECT OVERVIEW Privately owned lands exist within the designated boundaries of state parks throughout Minnesota. Purchase of these lands from willing landowners for addition to the state park system makes them permanently available for public recreation and enjoyment and facilitates more efficient management. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to acquire 9 acres for Crow Wing State Park northeast of Brainerd, 160 acres for Scenic State Park north of Grand Rapids, 55 acres for Tettegouche State Park north of Silver Bay, and 19 acres for Split Rock Lighthouse State Park northeast of Two Harbors. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTSEnvironment and Natural Resources Trust Fund funding resulted in the Department of Natural Resources acquiring approximately 267 acres of land within the statutory boundaries of five Minnesota State Parks:Acquired approximately 13 acres in Crow Wing State Park comprised of three parcels on the Crow Wing River. This acquisition provides additional shoreline protection and adds to the recreational opportunities now offered in this State Park such as hiking, and access to the river.Acquired approximately 160 acres at Scenic State Park with very high quality natural and cultural resource value and adjacent to state park lands on two sides. A Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC) built cabin is located on the lakeshore.Acquired approximately 55 acres at Tettegouche State Park to preserve and protect over 700 feet of the Baptism River gorge and views from nearby Illgen Falls. The state park surrounds this parcel on three sides and may offer additional hiking trail opportunities.Acquired a portion of 19 acres at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park which directly overlooks Lake Superior with views of Split Rock Lighthouse. The property is surrounded by state park land.Partially funded the acquisition of approximately 20 acres of land in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park located in Rice County. This property was identified as outstanding biodiversity significance by Minnesota County Biological Survey and has not been logged in over 100 years. Spring ephemerals are prevalent in this area of the park and the site is important to maintaining the closed canopy and diverse understory characteristic of 'big woods' in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION As state park maps are updated these former private lands are identified as public land open to use by all park visitors. ",,"FINAL REPORT",2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Larry,Peterson,DNR,"500 Lafayette Rd","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5593",larry.peterson@dnr.state.mn.us,"Land Acquisition","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Crow Wing, Itasca, Lake, Washington, Winona",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/state-park-land-acquisition,,,,
2967,"Supporting Community-Driven Sustainable Bioenergy Projects",2012,75000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 07","$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 Dovetail Partners, Inc., in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to assess feasibility, impacts, and management needs of community-scale forest bioenergy systems through pilot studies in Ely and Cook County and to disseminate findings to inform related efforts in other communities.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,75000,,,0.98,"Dovetail Partners, Inc.","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Small scale community bioenergy systems hold significant promise for increasing energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to local economies. These types of systems rely on materials such as wood and grasses sourced from the surrounding area as fuel sources for local energy production. However, many questions still remain about how to effectively and sustainably implement these types of community bioenergy systems. Dovetail Partners is piloting an effort with the City of Ely and Cook County to develop the information and tools necessary for communities to assess the viability of these types of energy systems based on the resources available within their own regions. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS This project helps guide development of sustainable community-scale forest bioenergy programs in Northeast Minnesota and provides examples from the region to assist communities statewide considering similar projects. Locally produced, community-based renewable energy systems hold significant promise for increasing energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to local economies. The goals of this project were to develop and share information and tools that address key questions about the viability of community bioenergy systems. During the first phase, existing models and planning tools were adapted to evaluate feasibility, impacts, and management needs for community-scale and other small bioenergy applications being proposed in Ely and Cook County. During the second phase of the project, the information and tools developed in Ely and Cook County were shared with communities, land managers, policymakers, investors, and others interested in the long-term prospects and viability of locally produced bioenergy. The results of the project indicate that there are abundant potential biomass supplies that could meet the needs of the community-scaled biomass energy projects being considered. The financial analysis illustrates that a number of the projects being considered have reasonable potential payback periods and other positive indications of financial feasibility. The environmental review reports summarize major considerations that were identified in interviews with local stakeholders and provide information about the mitigations that are in place to manage risk (e.g., Minnesota""s use of biomass harvesting guidelines, third-party forest certification and ecological monitoring). At this time, the community of Ely is considering options for moving forward with a biomass system or systems that could serve the community college, hospital, school and/or other facilities. The community of Grand Marais has completed additional engineering analysis for a potential district heating system that could serve a number of public buildings and private businesses that represent the major potential customers for the system. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION< The study team has prepared and made publicly available the final reports and fact sheets from the project that address the estimates of available fuel supplies for biomass facilities in Ely and Cook County and evaluations of potential environmental impacts and available mitigations. An additional report, ""Community-Driven Biomass Energy Opportunities - A Northern Minnesota Case Study"" has been prepared and made publicly available. The report highlights the findings from the projects and also describes the approach and community-driven structure of the project, conclusions and recommendations that can assist other communities facing similar questions and decisions about renewable energy. The fact sheets, complete reports and the executive summary report are available at the project website (http://www.dovetailinc.org/content/lccmr-supporting-community-driven-sustainable-bioenergy-projects). Community meetings were held in Grand Marais and Ely throughout the project to engage community input and present project findings to community members. Presentations about the project have been made to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, Minnesota Forest Resources Partnership, and attendees of the Heating the Midwest Conference held in Carlton, Minnesota. Project information, products and results have been shared through the webpages that have been maintained throughout the project. These pages have shared the fact sheets, reports, and materials distributed at public meetings (e.g., presentation slides). News releases have also been distributed during the project, including radio interviews and newspaper articles in Ely and Grand Marais as well as statewide media engagement (e.g., Midwest Energy News). The activities of the project also included meetings with diverse partner groups, including staff of CERTs, landowner and land managers, loggers and forest product industry representatives, environmental and conservation organizations, local residents and other Minnesota citizens.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2013-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Kathryn,Fernholz,"Dovetail Partners Inc","528 Hennepin Ave, Ste 202",Minneapolis,MN,55429,"(612) 333-0430",katie@dovetailinc.org,"Analysis/Interpretation, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Planning","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/supporting-community-driven-sustainable-bioenergy-projects,,,,
2967,"Supporting Community-Driven Sustainable Bioenergy Projects",2013,75000,"M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 07","$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 Dovetail Partners, Inc., in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to assess feasibility, impacts, and management needs of community-scale forest bioenergy systems through pilot studies in Ely and Cook County and to disseminate findings to inform related efforts in other communities.","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".","Click on ""Final Report"" under ""Project Details"".",,,,75000,,,0.97,"Dovetail Partners, Inc.","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW Small scale community bioenergy systems hold significant promise for increasing energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to local economies. These types of systems rely on materials such as wood and grasses sourced from the surrounding area as fuel sources for local energy production. However, many questions still remain about how to effectively and sustainably implement these types of community bioenergy systems. Dovetail Partners is piloting an effort with the City of Ely and Cook County to develop the information and tools necessary for communities to assess the viability of these types of energy systems based on the resources available within their own regions. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS This project helps guide development of sustainable community-scale forest bioenergy programs in Northeast Minnesota and provides examples from the region to assist communities statewide considering similar projects. Locally produced, community-based renewable energy systems hold significant promise for increasing energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to local economies. The goals of this project were to develop and share information and tools that address key questions about the viability of community bioenergy systems. During the first phase, existing models and planning tools were adapted to evaluate feasibility, impacts, and management needs for community-scale and other small bioenergy applications being proposed in Ely and Cook County. During the second phase of the project, the information and tools developed in Ely and Cook County were shared with communities, land managers, policymakers, investors, and others interested in the long-term prospects and viability of locally produced bioenergy. The results of the project indicate that there are abundant potential biomass supplies that could meet the needs of the community-scaled biomass energy projects being considered. The financial analysis illustrates that a number of the projects being considered have reasonable potential payback periods and other positive indications of financial feasibility. The environmental review reports summarize major considerations that were identified in interviews with local stakeholders and provide information about the mitigations that are in place to manage risk (e.g., Minnesota""s use of biomass harvesting guidelines, third-party forest certification and ecological monitoring). At this time, the community of Ely is considering options for moving forward with a biomass system or systems that could serve the community college, hospital, school and/or other facilities. The community of Grand Marais has completed additional engineering analysis for a potential district heating system that could serve a number of public buildings and private businesses that represent the major potential customers for the system. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION< The study team has prepared and made publicly available the final reports and fact sheets from the project that address the estimates of available fuel supplies for biomass facilities in Ely and Cook County and evaluations of potential environmental impacts and available mitigations. An additional report, ""Community-Driven Biomass Energy Opportunities - A Northern Minnesota Case Study"" has been prepared and made publicly available. The report highlights the findings from the projects and also describes the approach and community-driven structure of the project, conclusions and recommendations that can assist other communities facing similar questions and decisions about renewable energy. The fact sheets, complete reports and the executive summary report are available at the project website (http://www.dovetailinc.org/content/lccmr-supporting-community-driven-sustainable-bioenergy-projects). Community meetings were held in Grand Marais and Ely throughout the project to engage community input and present project findings to community members. Presentations about the project have been made to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, Minnesota Forest Resources Partnership, and attendees of the Heating the Midwest Conference held in Carlton, Minnesota. Project information, products and results have been shared through the webpages that have been maintained throughout the project. These pages have shared the fact sheets, reports, and materials distributed at public meetings (e.g., presentation slides). News releases have also been distributed during the project, including radio interviews and newspaper articles in Ely and Grand Marais as well as statewide media engagement (e.g., Midwest Energy News). The activities of the project also included meetings with diverse partner groups, including staff of CERTs, landowner and land managers, loggers and forest product industry representatives, environmental and conservation organizations, local residents and other Minnesota citizens.",,"FINAL REPORT",2011-07-01,2013-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Kathryn,Fernholz,"Dovetail Partners Inc","528 Hennepin Ave, Ste 202",Minneapolis,MN,55429,"(612) 333-0430",katie@dovetailinc.org,"Analysis/Interpretation, Education/Outreach/Engagement, Planning","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Cook, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/supporting-community-driven-sustainable-bioenergy-projects,,,,
10031425,"The Boundary Waters is Our Backyard",2025,500000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05n","$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness to connect students from northeastern Minnesota to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through grade-wide day trips and overnight wilderness experiences.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,3,"Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Connecting students from Northeastern Minnesota, especially Ely and Cook County schools, to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through grade-wide day trips and overnight wilderness experiences during the school year.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Alison,Nyenhuis,"Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness","2550 University Ave. W Suite 180S","St. Paul",MN,55114,"(612) 263-0347",alison@friends-bwca.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, St. Louis",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/boundary-waters-our-backyard,,,,
33200,"Thirteen Counties Propagating Native Plants and Restoring Diverse Habitats",2016,495000,"M.L. 2015, Chp. 76, Sec. 2, Subd. 08b","$495,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District for a cooperative 13-county effort by Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties to protect and expand native forest and prairie habitat for species in greatest conservation need in four regions of the state through collection and propagation of local ecotype native plants, habitat restoration efforts, and educational outreach. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2020, 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.",,,,,,,,"Martin County SWCD","Local/Regional Government",,,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2015/work_plans_may/_2015_08b.pdf,2015-07-01,2020-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Rich,Perrine,"Fox Lake Conservation League, Inc.","923 State St N, Ste 110",Fairmont,MN,56031,"(507) 235-6680",richard.perrine@mn.nacdnet.net,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Waseca, Watonwan",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/thirteen-counties-propagating-native-plants-and-restoring-diverse-habitats,,,,
10031375,"Turtle Island Skywatchers - Minnesota Research and Data Visualization",2025,200000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 03e","$200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Native Skywatchers Inc. to engage youth in environmental stewardship by collecting images and acoustic data from turtles and other culturally significant animals and their habitats, evaluating the differences in these soundscapes across landscapes, and sharing the results through scientific storytelling and online platforms.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,3.88,"Native Skywatchers Inc","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Turtle Island Skywatchers - Innovative Research and Data Visualization project works to protect Minnesota water, wildlife, and natural resources while empowering Indigenous youth as leaders and all citizens as researchers.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,"Annette S.",Lee,"Native Skywatchers Inc","17101 76th Pl. N.","Maple Grove",MN,55311,"(612) 314-9717",nativeskywatchers@gmail.com,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/turtle-island-skywatchers-minnesota-research-and-data-visualization,,,,
10031420,"Unlocking Minnesota Wilderness for Youth",2025,705000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05i","$705,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with YMCA of the North to engage underserved youth in hands-on environmental education by expanding Unlock It!, a self-guided, interactive, and nature-based scavenger hunt, to open spaces and campuses across the state.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,7.2,"YMCA of the North","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Our goals are to engage 100,000 underserved youth statewide in environmental education, engaging them in the conservation and preservation of Minnesota wilderness through the experiences in the outdoors.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2027-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Beth,Becker,"YMCA of the North","651 Nicollet Mall, STE 500",Minneapolis,MN,55402,"(612) 330-3070",beth.becker@ymcamn.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/unlocking-minnesota-wilderness-youth,,,,
21739,"Updating the National Wetland Inventory for Minnesota ? Phase IV",2014,1000000,"M.L. 2013, Chp. 52, Sec. 2, Subd. 03d","$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue the update and enhancement of wetland inventory maps for Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2016, 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,,,16.36,"MN DNR","State Government","Over the past 100 years, about half of Minnesota’s original 22 million acres of wetlands have been drained or filled. Some regions of the State have lost more than 90 percent of their original wetlands. The National Wetland Inventory, a program initiated in the 1970s, is an important tool used at all levels of government and by private industry, non-profit organizations, and private landowners for wetland regulation and management, land management and conservation planning, environmental impact assessment, and natural resource inventories. The data behind the National Wetlands Inventory for Minnesota is now considerably out-of-date and a multi-phase, multi-agency collaborative effort coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is underway to update the data for the whole state. This appropriation is being used to conduct the fourth of six phases of this effort, which involves wetlands maps for portions of Lake, Cook, and St. Louis counties in northeastern Minnesota. A completed wetlands inventory will help improve wetland protection and management.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2013/work_plans/2013_03d.pdf,2013-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Steve,Kloiber,"MN DNR","500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5164",steve.kloiber@state.mn.us,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Beltrami, Cook, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, St. Louis",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/updating-national-wetland-inventory-minnesota-phase-iv,,,,
695,"Updating the Minnesota Wetlands Inventory: Phase 2",2011,1100000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 03b","$1,100,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue the update of wetland inventory maps for Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, 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"".",,,,,,,,DNR,"State Government","PROJECT OVERVIEW The National Wetland Inventory, a program initiated in the 1970s, is an important tool used at all levels of government and by private industry and non-profit organizations for wetland regulation and management, land use and conservation planning, environmental impact assessment, and natural resource inventories. The data behind the National Wetlands Inventory for Minnesota is now considerably out-of-date and a multi-phase, multi-agency collaborative effort coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is underway to update the data for the whole state. This appropriation is being used to conduct the second phase of this effort, which involves updating wetland maps for 13 counties in east-central Minnesota surrounding the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, evaluating imagery sources and mapping technologies for use in future mapping of agricultural regions of the state, and acquiring additional data needed to update wetland maps for southern Minnesota. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS Updated wetland maps were created for 13 counties in east-central Minnesota (7,150 square miles), encompassing the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Wetlands in Minnesota were originally mapped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the early 1980's as part of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Although still widely used for land use planning, wetland permit screening and natural resource management, the original maps have grown increasingly out-of-date due to landscape alterations over the years. The data created for this project marks the first significant update to the NWI in Minnesota. The new maps are much more accurate, capture more detail, and provide more information than the original maps. Besides showing the location, size, and type of each wetland, the updated map data includes information on the wetland's landscape position and hydrologic characteristics, which can be useful in assessing the benefits provided, such as water quality improvement, flood storage, and fish and wildlife habitat. Updating the NWI is a key component of the State's strategy to monitor and assess wetlands in support of efforts to assure healthy wetlands and clean water for Minnesota. The DNR is planning to complete the NWI update for the entire state by 2020. Accomplishments for this project phase also include acquiring high-resolution, spring leaf-off digital aerial imagery for 23,900 square miles of southern Minnesota, acquiring field validation data for southern Minnesota, and developing wetland mapping procedures for the agricultural region of Minnesota. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION Imagery acquired for this project is available to the public through the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office (MnGeo): http://www.mngeo.state.mn.us/chouse/wms/geo_image_server.html. The MnGeo imagery service receives about one million page requests per month for the southern Minnesota imagery. This is the first publicly available leaf-off imagery data for southern Minnesota since 1991. The updated wetland map data are available through an interactive mapping application on the DNR's website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/wetlands/map.html. The data can also be downloaded, free of charge, for use in geographic information system applications through the DNR's data deli at: http://deli.dnr.state.mn.us/. The data will eventually be incorporated into the national ""Wetland Mapper"" application maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The wetland mapping procedures and accuracy results for the 13-county updated NWI data are presented and discussed in a manuscript that has been submitted to the journal Wetlands, a publication of the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS). Information from this project was also presented at the SWS annual conference in Duluth, MN in 2013. In addition, a press release was distributed regarding the updated NWI data and the story was published on several online news websites. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory conducted an extensive study of the effects of digital elevation model (DEM) preprocessing and mapping methods on the accuracy of wetlands maps in three different physiographic regions of Minnesota. This research covered two study sites in agricultural areas including the Minnesota River Headwaters (Big Stone County) and Swan Lake (Nicollet County) as well as a comparison site from northern Minnesota (St. Louis and Carlton Counties). The results of this effort were compiled and submitted for publication in several peer-reviewed scientific journals along with results from the earlier phase of the NWI update project. Three hard copies and one electronic copy of these publications have been submitted with the final report to LCCMR. There have also been numerous presentations at professional conferences. Project Publications:Influence of Multi-Source and Multi-Temporal Remotely Sensed and Ancillary Data on the Accuracy of Random Forest Classification of Wetlands in Northern Minnesota (PDF - 2.7 MB)Comparison of Flow Direction Algorithms in the Application of the CTI for Mapping Wetlands in Minnesota (PDF - 15.3 MB)The Effects of Data Selection and Thematic Detail on the Accuracy of High Spatial Resolution Wetland Classifications (PDF - 0.2 MB)A semi-automated, multi-source data fusion update of a wetland inventory for east-central Minnesota, USA (PDF - 1.4 MB)Wetland Mapping in the Upper Midwest United States: An Object-Based Approach Integrating Lidar and Imagery Data (PDF - 1 MB)",,"FINAL REPORT",2010-07-01,2014-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Steve,Kloiber,DNR,"500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25","St. Paul",MN,55155,"(651) 259-5164",steve.kloiber@dnr.state.mn.us,"Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Inventory, Mapping","Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Lake, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, St. Louis, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/updating-minnesota-wetlands-inventory-phase-2,,,,
735,"Urban Wilderness Youth Outdoor Education",2011,557000,"M.L. 2010, Chp. 362, Sec. 2, Subd. 08d","$557,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry to provide an outdoor education and recreation program on the Mississippi River. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, 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"".",,,,,,,,"Wilderness Inquiry","Non-Profit Business/Entity","PROJECT OVERVIEW There has been a sharp decline in participation in outdoor recreation and education amongst urban youth. Some argue that youth who have meaningful outdoor education experiences are more likely to become engaged in environmental stewardship and invested in outdoor resources as adults. Wilderness Inquiry- in partnership with state and federal agencies, non-profits, and local school districts - will use this appropriation to expand an environmental education and recreation program that provides disadvantaged urban youth and families, some of whom have never even been on a boat, with hands-on educational and recreational experiences of the Mississippi River in 24 foot Voyageur canoes. Funds are enabling the program to serve an additional 23,000 urban youth and families in the Twin Cities metro area. Public school groups have day trips and overnight excursions available to them to augment their classroom learning, while other youth and families have access through community events. OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS The goal of Urban Wilderness Youth Outdoor Education (UWYOE) was to provide accessible, outdoor education and recreation opportunities on the Mississippi River and surrounding watershed for more than 20,000 urban youth over a three-year period. UWYOE was developed in response to the sharp decline in participation in outdoor education and activities such as canoeing, camping, hunting and fishing by urban youth. UWYOE provided experiential environmental learning experiences on the Mississippi River and surrounding watershed for 24,899 Twin Cities middle and high school students, exceeding our initial goal of 20,000. 80% of the youth served identify as a person of color and 80% are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The majority, 76%, had very little or no prior experience with outdoor activities. Environmental education experiences were provided through outdoor workshops on local lakes and rivers, guided day trips on the Mississippi River, and overnight camping trips in local parks. National Park Service Rangers and Wilderness Inquiry guides provided natural and cultural history and science lessons as part of each program activity. We developed, refined and implemented classroom activities, provided three teacher trainings for Minneapolis Public Schools summer school staff, and developed a program website. We also purchased four 24' Voyageur canoes to expand our capacity to serve more youth.A three-year evaluation was conducted by the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI). Major outcomes include:77% of participants reported an increased interest in science and the environment87% of teachers agreed that students learned about environmental issues100% of students said they would like to participate in an outdoor activity like this againThis program has gained national attention as a model for engaging urban youth with the environment and building skills to grow future stewards and managers of our public lands. In the summer of 2012, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Governor Mark Dayton recognized the program as a leader in America's Great Outdoors initiative. PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund's investment in UWYOE has resulted in the establishment of a model program for engaging youth in the outdoors, which we now call Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures (UWCA). The UWCA has been recognized by the EPA, the Department of Interior, and Gov. Mark Dayton, among others, as a leader in America's Great Outdoors Initiative. Within the National Park Service and National Forest Service, the UWCA is being held up as an example of how these agencies need to engage in urban communities across the country. In 2010, Wilderness Inquiry and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area unit of the National Park Service piloted the UWCA concept developed in the Twin Cities to Washington DC, with support from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and several DC based nonprofit organizations. Serving 1,000 DC area school kids on the Anacostia River, this effort helping bring together 20 DC area organizations focused on though and/or the Anacostia River. To build on this success, we launched the ""Canoemobile"" to introduce youth to urban waters in multiple cities, and to help build local coalitions dedicated to providing outdoor opportunities to disadvantaged youth. In 2013, the Canoemobile will serve youth in Milwaukee, Michigan City, Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington DC. Nature Valley has signed on as a sponsor of the Canoemobile. We held two outcomes briefings (one in 2011 and one in 2013) to present the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) evaluation results. The first was hosted by the Minneapolis Foundation and the second by Mayor Chris Coleman and the Saint Paul Foundation. Each had more than 35 community leaders, funders, and educators present. Information about the project has also been disseminated through the project website. The UWCA has received coverage on Kare 11 News, the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and Mpls/St. Paul Magazine.",,"FINAL REPORT",2010-07-01,2013-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Greg,Lais,"Wilderness Inquiry","808 14th Avenue SE",Minneapolis,MN,55414,"(612) 676-9409",greglais@wildernessinquiry.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, McLeod, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Washington, Wright",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/urban-wilderness-youth-outdoor-education,,,,
10031424,"YES! Students Step Up To Reduce Carbon Footprint",2025,199000,"M.L. 2024, Chp. 83, Sec. 2, Subd. 05m","$199,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center to empower Minnesota youth to reduce their carbon footprints through education from local experts and completion of student-driven and community-based team projects.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.","Click on 'Work Plan' under 'Project Details'.",,,,,,,2.34,"Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center","Non-Profit Business/Entity","YES! (Youth Eco Solutions) will empower Minnesota youth to reduce their carbon footprints by losing 5,000 pounds of CO2 per YES team each school year.",,"Work Plan ",2024-07-01,2026-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund","In Progress",,,Kalley,Pratt,"Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center","12718 10th Street NE",Spicer,MN,56288-9314,"(320) 354-5894",kalley@yesmn.org,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Red Lake, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine",,,https://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/yes-students-step-reduce-carbon-footprint,,,,
10003534,"Youth-led Sustainability Initiatives in 40 Greater Minnesota Communities",2015,350000,"M.L. 2014, Chp. 226, Sec. 2, Subd. 09b","$350,000 the second year is from the rust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and Laurentian Environmental Learning Center to complete over 100 youth-led sustainability action projects in 40 communities in southwest, southeast, central and northeastern Minnesota.","Click on Work Plan under Project Details.","Click on Work Plan under Project Details.",,,,350000,,,6.74,"Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center","Non-Profit Business/Entity","Adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy conservation practices can contribute in a variety of ways to the environmental and economic health of rural Minnesota communities through costs savings and emissions reductions. Engaging and coaching students as the leaders in the process of implementing such practices provides the added benefit of increasing knowledge, teaching about potential career paths, and developing leadership experience. Using this appropriation the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and its partners are expanding an existing program called the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) to engage approximately 650 students in implementing 150 additional youth-led renewable energy and energy conservation projects in over 40 communities in central, northeastern, southwestern, and southeastern Minnesota. These projects will be driven by collaboration between students, community members, and local businesses and organizations.",,http://www.lccmr.leg.mn/projects/2014/work_plans/2014_09b.pdf,2014-07-01,2016-06-30,"Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund",Completed,,,Dave,Pederson,"Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center","12718 10th Street NE",Spicer,MN,56288,"(320) 354-5894",d.pederson@tds.net,,"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources",,"Aitkin, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Cass, Chippewa, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Houston, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pine, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Waseca, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Yellow Medicine",,,http://www.legacy.mn.gov/projects/youth-led-sustainability-initiatives-40-greater-minnesota-communities-0,,,,