09   Using Biodiesel in Generators

ML 2002, Chapter 220, Section 8, Subd. 1 - Uncommon Ground: An Educational Television Series

3 (a) $1,065,000  TF/MFRF

John Velin, Director

LCMR

Telephone:(651)296-2406

Fax: (651)296-1321

E-mail: lcmr@commissions.leg.state.mn.us

Web Address: http://www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcmr/lcmr.htm

The LCMR Administrative Budget, including budget for Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) expenses.

3 (b) $150,000  TF/MFRF

Bill Becker

DNR, Office of Management and Budget Services

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone:(651) 296-3093

Fax: (651)296-6047

E-mail: bill.becker@dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results

This project completed June 30, 2004.  

3 (c) $320,000  MFRF

Wayne Sames

DNR, Office of Management and Budget Services

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone:(651) 296-1567

Fax: (651)296-6047

E-mail: wayne.sames@dnr.state.mn.us

To the commissioner of natural resources for administrative expenses consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.14.  See 5(q) below for details on the LAWCON project facilities funded. 

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

4(a) $545,000 TF

Doug Anderson

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4044

Telephone:(651) 296-4467

Fax: (651) 296-5954

E-mail: doug.anderson@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Address: http://www.foreststeward.org/

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

4(b) $145,000 MFRF

Linda Erickson-Eastwood & Darryl Bathel

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone:(651) 296-0791

Fax: (651) 297-4916

E-mail: linda.erickson-eastwood@dnr.state.mn.us

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

4(c ) $340,000 MFRF

**Bill Becker

DNR, Office of Management and Budget Services

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone:(651) 296-3093

Fax: (651)296-6047

E-mail: bill.becker@dnr.state.mn.us

This completed June 30, 2004.

** as amended in ML 2003.  

4(d)  $90,000 TF

Luke Skinner

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

Telephone:(651) 259-5140

Fax: (651) 296-1811

E-mail: luke.skinner@dnr.state.mn.us

RESEARCH

The purpose of this research was to evaluate biological controls for Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum, and purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, two exotic aquatic plants that are degrading Minnesota’s aquatic resources statewide. Researchers found that the milfoil weevil, Euhrychiopsis lecontei, can cause sustained declines of the invasive, non-native Eurasian watermilfoil if sufficient densities of the insect are maintained throughout the summer each year. Unfortunately, in many lakes, weevils do not reach adequate densities, or their densities do not persist through the summer over several years, to sustain control. In many lakes, sunfish appear to limit densities of the milfoil weevil, and so prevent sustained declines in Eurasian watermilfoil. Also, sustained control of this non-native plant is likely to require an increase in rooted native plants following reductions in the amount of the invasive species. For a complete description of the Eurasian watermilfoil research, see Newman (2004).

Evaluation of purple loosestrife biological control found that the leaf-beetles, Galerucella spp., can provide long-term control of purple loosestrife. As purple loosestrife populations were reduced, the diversity of other plant species increased (Skinner et al.2004). Galerucella ssp. populations fluctuate over time in response to purple loosestrife abundance. At some sites, the leaf beetle populations declined and have not rebounded, suggesting control may vary depending on a number of factors Galerucella spp. did not impact two native Lythrum species. Although Galerucella larvae were present and some feeding observed on swamp and winged loosestrife, plant growth or reproductive parameters were not affected (Stamm Katovich et al. 2004). Galerucella spp. can readily disperse and colonize purple loosestrife infestations within wetlands and across landscapes. Galerucella spp. on average, dispersed 5 km to new purple loosestrife infestations within 3 years. The maximum dispersal distance recorded was 20 km. Beetles were found in 85% non-release sites visited (McCornack et al. 2004).

Results of this project will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and also in special publications and newsletters. Results also will be presented at national, regional and state scientific meetings to peers in the field, as well as to resource managers and planners who will use the results of this project. Currently, the research results are used in decision making for management activities in the state. For example, recent results provide guidance for releasing purple loosestrife control agents and what to expect after release. A list of future publications can be found in the final report.

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

4(e)  $11,745,000  TF

**Matt Holland

Pheasants Forever

679 W. River Drive

New London, MN  56273

Telephone:  320-354-4377

Fax: 320-354-4377

E-mail:  ringneck@tds.net

This project completed June 30, 2005. 

** as amended in ML 2004.

4(f)  $275,000 MFRF

Tom Landwehr

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

5824 Churchill Street

Shoreview, MN 55126

Telephone:(651) 283-3838

Fax: (651) 765-9929

E-mail: tlandwehr@ducks.org

Web Address: http://www.ducks.org

This project completed June 30, 2003. 

4(g) 2,730,000  TF

Peggy Booth

DNR

1200 Warner Rd

St. Paul, MN 55106

Telephone 651/772-7562

Fax: 651/772-7977

E-mail peggy.booth@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Address: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/greenprint/metro-green.html

The goal of Metro Greenways is to protect, connect and restore a metro-wide network of significant natural areas and open spaces. Though administered and coordinated by the DNR, Metro Greenways relies on partnerships with a wide range of nonprofit conservation organizations, government agencies, and private landowners to achieve this goal.

Many local governments lack the staff, expertise, and resources to adequately assess and protect significant natural resources located within their boundaries. By focusing much of its effort on encouraging and assisting local conservation initiatives, Metro Greenways empowers communities to protect and improve the natural resources that are important to them. At the same time, the coordinated seven-county scope assures that individual projects contribute to a regional network of green spaces and natural areas.

The two primary components of this project were:

1. Natural Resource Planning Grants:

Metro Greenways awarded 11 planning grants to local governments to inventory and assess 241,474 acres of land for natural resource protection and restoration opportunities. Trust funds totaling $219,808 leveraged an additional $335,148 in local and other state funds.

Metro Greenways also provided technical and financial assistance to augment other federal, state, regional and local efforts to protect and improve significant natural areas. Four parcels totaling 221 acres were acquired in fee, and six parcels totaling 178 acre were permanently protected with the acquisition of conservation easements. In addition, a 40-acre tract of rare sand prairie was restored. Metro Greenways funds of $2,509,443 leveraged an additional $6,954,294 of private, local, federal and other state funds to help complete these projects.

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

4(h) 455,000 TF

Bob Djupstrom

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone:(651) 297-2357

Fax: (651) 296-1811

E-mail: bob.djupstrom@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Address: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/sna/

Funding provided to acquire Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) this biennium used to acquire critical lands with plant communities such as native prairie and rare species habitat.  A total of 30 landowners were contacted concerning land protection.  Of these, 8 agreed to have an appriaisal conducted resulted in approximately 179 acres of land being acquired as SNAs with the Trust Fund.  These lands were acquired at Prairie Coteau SNA in Pipestone County (92 acres), Sedan Brook SNA in Stearns County (40 acres), Cottonwood River Prairie SNA in Brown County (approx. 2 acres), and Pine Bend Bluffs SNA in Dakota County (45 of 118 acres with funds provided to SNA).  

At least 4 other appraisals are underway as a result of landowner contacts made during this project.  One of the parcels appraised during this period will be acquired with new funds in the metro area this biennium.  In addition, due to contacts made during this acquisition project, another 2 landowners have since agreed to have appraisals conducted.  

In summary, funds provided through the Trust Fund have been successfully used to protect critical tracts of land as State Scientific and Natural Areas for nature plant communities and rare plant and animal species.  In addition, contact made with landowners during this period are resulting in new land appraisals that in turn will result in the protection of additional parcels of land with rare and unique natural resources, in the future.    

This project completed June 30, 2003. 

4(i) $910,000 TF

Deborah Karasov

Great River Greening

35 West Water Street, Suite 201

St. Paul, MN 55107-2016

Telephone:(651) 665-9500

Fax: (651) 655-9404

E-mail: dkarasov@greatrivergreening.org

Web Address: http://www.greatrivergreening.org/

Led by Great River Greening, the Big Rivers Partnership is one of the first important restoration collaborations in the state, bringing together nonprofit, government and private landowners to restore river valley habitat in the Twin Cities. Guided by ecological and resource criteria, projects were located within the important and beautiful Mississippi River Gorge running through Minneapolis and Saint Paul; the Pine Bend Bluff Natural Area, a regionally significant ecological resource on the urban Mississippi; the Minnesota River Valley, a critical and unmatched urban corridor of wetland and associated upland habitat; and numerous native plant community remnants. Projects consisted of plant and animal surveys and restoration activities that regularly engaged volunteers. More than 3,600 volunteers participated in habitat projects, triple the goal. The partnership also leveraged over $1.3 million in non-state funds, almost double the goal, and implemented restoration on over 1,500 acres, 150% of the goal.

Great River Greening lists projects and surveys on its website, promoting them to partners, cooperators, and landowners. Where possible, we work with cooperators to continue stewardship beyond state funding with volunteers or other community members. The Partnership also completed an ecological ranking of sites within the river valleys to complement the regionally significant areas identified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and disseminated the ranking information through various conservation forums. The success of the project proves that multiple organizations can work together to achieve conservation goals.

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

4(j) $910,000 MFRF

Ann Mahnke

City of Savage

13770 Dakota Avenue

Savage, MN 55378

Telephone:(612) 447-8333

E-mail: mahnkea@ci.savage.mn.us

The City of Savage acquired 16.45 acres of land bordering Eagle Creek, one of the last naturally producing brown trout streams in the metropolitan area. This land was the last privately owned parcel within the Eagle Creek corridor and for over 35 years was the site of warehouse, shop, open storage and other industrial uses that were incompatible with the state designated trout stream. In cooperation with the DNR, who owns all other riparian parcels along the creek, the City of Savage deeded over approximately 11 acres of land for inclusion into the Eagle Creek Aquatic Management Area. The total corridor now consists of approximately 80 acres and includes the east and west branches as well as the headwaters of Eagle Creek.

The City of Savage contributed approximately $3.5 million for the purpose of acquiring the entire property. The city used condemnation proceedings to acquire the property along with two commercial buildings on site. The use of condemnation, although successful in meeting the ultimate goal, was much more costly than the city anticipated. Several businesses that were tenants on site had to be relocated and the city had to pay for those relocation costs. In addition, site improvement costs were bore by the city in order to bring the property into compliance with city and state codes. Although the city received $910,000 in support, it ultimately cost the city $2.6 million or $237,000 per acre to acquire this property.

The benefit of purchasing the property will be realized for years to come. The site has been cleaned up and is no longer an eye sore in the community. The previous commercial activity on site has been eliminated and is no longer a threat to the sustainability of the creek. Significant state and local resources have been spent to protect this state designated trout steam, a worthwhile cause now and for future generations to come.

The result of this project has provided more awareness and action on the part of adjacent landowners and partners in the Eagle Creek AMA. Cleanup days, invasive species removal, planting projects and management plans for the entire corridor have been completed since the project has been underway. The DNR has been active in implementing management strategies for both in-stream and upland areas. The Eagle Creek AMA Advisory Committee has been meeting regularly and is working closely with the Mdewakanton Sioux Community to include the entire corridor in the National Register of Historic Places. Local and governmental media have cooperated in disseminating information on special events and also keeping the public aware of activities that occur throughout the year. A joint effort is currently underway for a special event some time in the fall of 2003, to publicize the fact that the entire corridor is now protected.

 This project was completed June 30, 2003.  

4(k) $135,000 MFRF

Don Mueller

DNR

1200 Warner Road

St. Paul, MN 55106

Telephone:(651) 772-6148

Fax: (651) 772-7599

E-mail: don.mueller@dnr.state.mn.us

The purpose of the Neighborhood Wilds Program is to provide education and technical assistance to suburban property owners that will encourage them to manage their landscape in an ecologically rational manner. Sixteen neighborhoods that are adjacent to significant natural areas were targeted with a series of workshops. Information presented in the workshops was tailored for the unique natural resource challenges and opportunities found in that neighborhood. Each of the 300 participants received a notebook containing aerial photographs, publications selected for the neighborhood, and a Suggested Activity Plan that provided direction on landscape management for private residential lots as well as collectively-owned property. If participants would implement some or all of the items in the Activity Plan, it would make their property healthier from an ecological perspective and provide a buffer for the adjacent natural area. Acting collectively the participants could be much more effective than each of them taking a few small steps on their own.

Nine of the neighborhoods that hosted workshops were selected to also receive funds to implement portions of the activity plan. These neighborhoods would serve as demonstration projects to encourage others to manage their landscape in a similar fashion for the protection and enhancement of remaining natural areas. Approximately 100 acres of land was treated directly by restoring native plant communities, removing exotic species, and buffering streams and wetlands. Indirect benefits can be attributed to a much larger area because the projects protected significant natural resources like the Seminary Fen, the St. Croix River, the Vermillion River bottoms, and the Maplewood Nature Center.

The primary dissemination of information occurred during the series of neighborhood workshops. However, the workshop format and materials are now available to DNR staff and partner organizations so that future workshops can be organized with a minimal amount of effort. The master list of publications from which the notebooks were created will be available on the DNR web site. Most of the demonstration sites are readily accessible by the public so they can be used to educate other property owners who are interested in changing their landscape management practices.

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

5(a) $5,645,000  TF

Arne Stefferud

Metropolitan Council

Mears Park Centre, 230 East 5th Street

St. Paul, MN 55101-1360

Telephone:(651) 602-1360

Fax: (651) 602-1442

E-mail: arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us

This completed June 30, 2004. 

5(b) $5,080,000 TF/MFRF

Wayne Sames

DNR

500 Lafayette Road, Box 10

St. Paul, MN 55155-4010

Telephone:(651) 296-1567

Fax: (651) 296-6047

E-mail: wayne.sames@dnr.state.mn.us

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

5(c)  $1,000,000  MFRF

Tim Mitchell

DNR

500 Lafayette Road, Box 10

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone: (651)297-1718

Fax: (65)297-5475

E-mail: tim.mitchell@dnr.state.mn.us

This project due to be completed approx. June 30, 2006 (the availability of the financing for this project is extended to equal the period of the federal grant). 

5(d) $230,000 TF

Mike Passo

Wilderness Inquiry

808 - 14th Avenue SE

Minneapolis, MN 55414

Telephone:(612) 676-9400

Fax: (612) 676-9401

E-mail: greglais@wildernessinquiry.org

Web Address:http://www.wildernessinquiry.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results

5(e) $910,000 TF

Michael Markell

DNR

Trails and Waterways Division, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 52

St. Paul, MN 55155

Telephone:(651) 296-6413

Fax: (651) 297-5475

E-mail: mike.markell@dnr.state.mn.us

This project provides the public with access to lakes and rivers statewide. Access includes boat access, fishing piers and shore fishing improvements. Access opportunities are provided to people with or without a boat, to people of all ages and race, and to people with a diverse range of physical abilities.

Throughout various regions of the state, five water access sites were developed, three parcels of land were purchased to provide new or expanded access, fifteen fishing piers were purchased and installed, three existing piers were modified, and two shore fishing sites were constructed. Access sites are treated with best management practices to protect shorelines, uplands and wetlands.

Minnesotans greatly appreciate public access to the state’s lakes and rivers as evidenced by the large number of boats registered and fishing licenses sold. It’s no secret that our lakes and rivers are an integral part of the social and economic fabric of the state. Studies have shown that water access sites are not just for boaters, but are used by birdwatchers, people who want to view the lake, or as a place to stop and relax. Fishing piers are popular places for children to recreate and to pick up a life long interest in fishing and the outdoors. Boaters benefit by having additional access to water through high quality boat launch facilities that are safe and convenient. Local units of government gain benefit via grants and technical assistance for providing new or improved access.

The public water access sites, fishing piers and shore fishing areas will be identified on the DNR’s system of water access maps and the DNR website. Signs will be posted on each access site, fishing pier and shore fishing project giving attribution to the environment and natural resources trust fund.

This project completed June 30, 2004. 

5(f)  $2,850,000 TF/MFRF

Michael Markell

DNR

Trails and Waterways Division, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 52

St. Paul, MN 55155-4052

Telephone:(651) 296-6413

Fax: (651) 297-5475

E-mail: mike.markell@dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results

The DNR acquired over 5 acres of land on Lake Minnetonka and constructed the Gray’s Bay Public Water Access in cooperation with the City of Minnetonka. The Trust for Public Land was instrumental in negotiating the acquisition and donated $10,000 toward the project. The acquisition cost was $6,000,000 with $4,000,00 appropriated from state bonds and $2,000,000 from this appropriation. The City ran the public process, which included a task force that met for over 2 years. The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District were active partners providing funding and/ or support. The City of Minnetonka as part of the overall Access plan, is converting the former small boat accesses on the Gray’s Bay Causeway to a shorefishing site and the Dam site to a canoe launch for Minnehaha Creek and shorefishing on the lake. The City of Minnetonka also operates a public gas dock and provides for site maintenance on all the sites.

The development contains a 112 car/trailer parking lot, 3 launch ramps 21 car only parking spaces restrooms and accessible walkways to shorefishing. It is the largest boat access in the state. The design includes sophisticated stormwater management and native vegetation plantings.

The boat access site is needed because from DNR and LMCD boating studies 27% of the boating in the metro area is done on Lake Minnetonka.

The DNR and the City of Minnetonka held a grand opening on Jun 5, 2002 which was well publicized in the local media. There were feature article in the local newspapers over several months. The site has signing on County Road 101 and is identified by DNR and LMCD access maps.  

The newly redesigned and re-engineered Forest of Today Trail at the  Minnesota Historical Society Forest History Center makes this possible for all persons regardless of their physical limitations.

The one mile long, Forest of Today trail, an integral part of a 3-mile trail system, has been re-graded and resurfaced with class five aggregate to be fully ADA wheel chair accessible. It has been augmented with two Minnesota Historical Society funded learning stations designed to enhance the usability of the trail and to increase educational programming opportunities for all persons.

Twenty thousand people, including between 4000-5000 students visit the Center annually and experience how the Center connects people to forests through educational, meaningful and entertaining experiences so they appreciate and understand the importance of forests past, present and future to their lives. To fully integrate the upgraded trail and learning stations, new educational programs are being developed by forestry experts and exhibit professionals that will take students and the public into the woods for meaningful and memorable immersion experiences.

Overall Project Outcome and Results

Mesabi Trail Central Facility was designed, land acquired and plans completed for road and utility accesses to the site at Rouchleau mine in the Hwy 53 trail corridor area. Cottage Creek Studios performed overall design of facility, DSWG Architects performed architectural functions and Benchmark Engineering civil engineering components. Plans are complete to proceed with construction of facility including roadway access and utilities. 

This project completed June 30, 2003. 

Overall Project Outcome and Results

Key objectives of this project included:

To rehabilitate or start safely run rifle and pistol ranges. Forty total rifle and pistol ranges were worked with, including building 8 new facilities. To work with new trap and skeet facilities; 11 grants were for new trap and skeet facilities. To update and improve existing trap and skeet facilities; 20 facilities received rehabilitation grants. To address environmental concerns; nine grants were awarded to address these concerns. To improve shooting range site access, based on ADA Standards: 21 grants were awarded for this purpose. To provide utility upgrades, so that either lighting improvements, hand washing for lead removal, or ADA standard bathroom upgrades could be provide. Thirteen grants were issued for this purpose.

A total of 63 range operations received 81 grants. Fourteen recipients were original participants during the 1999/2001LCMR grant program, when 30 ranges received grants. So, since 1999, a total of 79 ranges have received $1,142, 600 in state match funding to make new shooting ranges, or range improvements.

The positive impact of the range development or improvement projects on Minnesota’s shooting sports capacity varies locally for each range, based on parameters such as physical location, population (both local & regional), date of project completion, prior history and activities undertaken by the recipient organization. Three range groups receiving grants were approached for specific, detailed information regarding how their obtaining a grant improved their range. Each group was chosen for a specific reason: one group’s range existed prior to 1999; another range was begun during the first cycle of the grant program, and the third during the 2001 grant cycle. These are best chronicled in an accompanying attachment. All other recipients have likewise been asked to return similar information.