Subd. 3 -  Administration

03(a)    Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources

03(b)    LCMR Study Commission on the Park System

03(c)   Contract Administration

 

Subd. 4 -  Advisory Committee

 

Subd. 5 -  Fish & Wildlife Habitat

05(a)    Restoring Minnesota's Fish and Wildlife Habitat Corridors - Phase II

05(b)    Metropolitan Area Wildlife Corridors

05(c)    Restoring RIM Match

05(d)    Acquisition & Development of Scientific and Natural Areas

05(e)    Forest and Prairie Stewardship of Public & Private Lands

05(f)     Local Initiative Grants (Conservation Partners & Env. Partnerships)

05(g)    Minnesota ReLeaf Community Forest Development and Protection

05(h)    Developing Pheromones for Use in Carp Control - Research

05(i) 1  Biological Control of European Buckthorn and Spotted Knapweed - Research

05(i) 2  Biological Control of European Buckthorn and Spotted Knapweed - Research

05(j)     Resources for Redevelopment of Brownfields to Greenspace

 

Subd. 6 -  Recreation

06(a)    State Park and Recreation Area Land Acquisition

06(b)    LAWCON Federal Reimbursements

06(c)    Local Initiative Grants (Parks and Natural Areas)

06(d)    Metropolitan Regional Parks Acquisition, Rehabilitation and

06(e)    Local and Regional Trail Grant Initiative Program

06(f)     Gitchi-Gami State Trail

06(g)    Water Recreation: Boat Access, Fishing Piers & Shorefishing

06(h)    Mesabi Trail

06(i)     Linking Communities Design, Technology & DNR Trail Resources

06(j)     Ft. Ridgely Historic Site Interpretive Trail

06(k)    Development and Rehabilitation of Minnesota Shooting Ranges

06(l)     Land Acquisition, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - continuation

   

Subd. 7 -  Water Resources

07(a)    Local Water Planning (LWP) Matching Challenge Grants

07(b)    Accelerating & Enhancing Surface Water Monitoring for Lakes & Streams

07(c)    Intercommunity Groundwater Protection

07(d)    TAPwaters: Technical Assistance Program for Watersheds

07(e)1  Wastewater Phosphorus Control and Reduction Initiative - Research

07(e)2  Wastewater Phosphorus Control and Reduction Initiative - Research

07(f)     Maintaining Zooplankton (Daphnia) for Water Quality: Square Lake - Research

Subd. 8 -  Land Use and Natural Resource Information

08(a)    Minnesota County Biological Survey

08(b)    Updating Outmoded Soil Survey

08(c)1  Mesabi Iron Range Geologic & Hydrologic Maps & Data Bases

08(c)2 Mesabi Iron Range Geologic & Hydrologic Maps & Data Bases

      

Subd. 9 -  Agriculture & Natural Resource Industries

09        Native Plants and Alternative Crops for Water Quality - Research

 

Subd. 10 - Energy

10(a)    Community Energy Development Program

10(b)    Advancing Utilization of Manure Methane Digester Electrical

   

Subd. 11 - Environmental Education

11(a)    Dodge Nature Center - Restoration Plan

11(b)    Bucks and Buckthorn: Engaging Young Hunters in Restoration

11(c)    Putting Green Environmental Adventure Park: Sustainability

    

Subd. 12 - Children's Environmental Education

12(a)    Healthy Schools: Indoor Air Quality and Asthma Management

12(b)    Economic-based Analysis of Children's Environmental Health Risks

12(c)    Continuous Indoor Air Quality Monitoring in MN Schools

    

E-mail:  bill.becker@dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results

Recipients, on the whole, provided requested information for reimbursement.  There have been few if any problems with the written instructions.  Recipients also seem to grasp the force of the work program and are improving their understanding of the work program and related fiscal controls.  There still seem to be some issues in transferring the information from work program Attachment A to the Reimbursement Request Spreadsheet.  It may be that reformatting is in order for future years.  For example, we could convert the Reimbursement Request Spreadsheet from a horizontal alignment to a vertical alignment to differentiate it from Attachment A.

The agreement form was revised for 2005 appropriations.  It appears to be fairly stable now, not needing significant revision unless the revised Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota resources sees a need for changes.  New recipients were briefed on the agreement and the process for requesting reimbursements, however we recommend a refresher course for long time recipients. 

Reimbursements were provided quickly to minimize cash flow problems.  As we transfer to 2005, open projects include appropriations from M.L. of 1999 and 2005.

Appropriations from 2003 closed in June 30th of 2006.  The project now has 55 agreements under management

Project Results Use and Dissemination

The financial administration of these projects is subject to audit by the Office of the Legislative Auditor and the DNR auditor (at DNR expense).  The Office of the Legislative Auditor selected a sample of these projects to audit as part of a performance audit of the executive branch administration of grants to non-governmental organizations.  That audit is due out in January,2007.

This project completed:  6/30/2006

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Citizen Advisory Committee for the Trust Fund

04     $45,000

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

65 - State Office Building

St. Paul, MN  55155

Phone:  (651) 296-2406

Fax:  (651)296-1321

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

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

For expenses of the citizen advisory committee for the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.06.  The committee is appointed by the Governor and consists of 11 members, at least 1 from each of the 8 MN Congressional Districts.

In M.L. 2005, 1st Special Session, Chp. 7, Sec. 37 the appropriation was transferred to the advisory task force in Chp. 1, Art. 2, Sec. 156.

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Restoring Minnesota's Fish and Wildlife Habitat Corridors - Phase II

05(a)    $4,850,000

Matt Holland

Pheasants Forever and 14 Organizations

679 W. River

New London, MN 56273

Phone:  (320) 354-4377

Fax:  (320) 354-4377

E-mail:  ringneck@tds.net

The mission of the Habitat Corridors Partnership is to restore, enhance and conserve habitat corridors for the purpose of sustaining fish, wildlife and native plant communities for all generations.  This report and additional information can be uploaded on the web at http://www.mnhabitatcorridors.org.

The Habitat Corridors Partnership includes:  Ducks Unlimited, Fond du Lac Reservation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, MN Deer Hunters Association, MN Department of Natural Resources, MN Land Trust, MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc., National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service.  The intent of the partnership was to use existing programs and partners to build upon existing investments in habitat to enhance fish, wildlife and plant populations, strengthen migration pathways, improve genetic stocks, and restore the integrity of natural communities.  Eleven project areas were identified where Habitat Corridors Partners work was completed.  The partnership used three pri mary methods to achieve partnership goals within the project areas:  habitat restoration, habitat easements, and fee-title acquisition.  All projects were completed on public lands or with the cooperation of willing private landowner partners.

Overall Phase II Accomplishments

Partners completed a total of 368 (13) projects impacting 28,304 acres (10,825 TF, 17,479 Other Funds).  Partners expended a total of $24,527,846 ($4,681,430 TF, $19,846,415 Other Funds). 

Restoration

Partners completed a total of 243 (13) projects enhancing or restoring a total of 17,182.7 acres (9,066 TF, 8,116 Other Funds).  Partners expended a total of $3,679,971 ($1,293,902 TF, $2,386,068 Other Funds).

Easement

Partners acquired a total of 80 easements for a total of 7,160 acres (982 Grant, 6,178 Other Funds).  Partners expended a total of $15,427,065 ($1,281,999 TF, $14,145,066 Other Funds).

Acquisitions

Partners acquired 38 parcels for a total of 3,961 acres (776 Grant, 3,184 Other Funds).  Partners expended a total of $4,994,715 ($1,975,339 TF, $3,019,375 Other Funds).

Project Coordinating & Mapping

Pheasants Forever, Inc. provided project coordination for the Phase II Habitat Corridors Partnership.  Community GIS Services of Duluth was contracted to do mapping and data management.  One significant accomplishment included the development of an online reporting system.  This system provides for a synthesis of fiscal, accomplishment, and mapping accomplishment reporting via an easy to use online reporting framework.  A total of $130,188 (TF) was expended on project coordination and mapping. 

This project completed:  6/30/2006

Through the Metropolitan Area Wildlife Corridors (MWC) partnership, 13 organizations (Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the Mississippi River , Great River Greening, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Trust, Inc., Minnesota Land Trust , The Trust for Public Land , DNR – Regional Operations (Metro Greenways), DNR – Division of Ecological Services, DNR – Division of Fisheries , DNR – Division of Forestry , DNR – Division of Wildlife , Rice Creek Watershed District , and City of Ramsey) restored 2,297 acres of habitat including 2 miles of shoreline, and protected through conservation easements and/or fee title acquisition 2219 acres of regionally significant habitat including 6 miles of shoreline; all in targeted locations within a regional framework of science- based, interconnected focus areas.  The $4.5 million of Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars spent leveraged an additional  $19.3 million in private, local and federal funds, plus $2.4 million in other state funds to achieve these results.  

By coordinating land protection and restoration efforts within a regional framework of focus areas, resource management agencies, nonprofits, local government units and other stakeholders developed beneficial synergies and built upon each other’s efforts.   

Partners collaborated through regular partner meetings and communications.  A database and GIS tools were used to identify target project areas and document the work of the partners.  Local involvement was facilitated through outreach to stakeholders in the focus areas, who were provided with natural resource information and technical assistance to help them develop and participate in conservation projects. The “Conservation Corridors” poster/brochure was completed and wildly distributed as an outreach and educational tool.

This project completed:  6/30/2006

Overall Project Outcome and Results

The Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Program provides an opportunity for private individuals, groups, and businesses to help fund the acquisition or improvement of critical fish, wildlife, and native plant habitats. Private contributions of land, easements, or cash to this program are matched dollar-for-dollar by state funds. The state matching dollars are used to acquire or develop other critical natural resource habitat.

This project generated $400,000 in private donations to the State that included $17,400 in cash and $355,600 in land donations as well as $27,000 in contributions from the Nongame Checkoff Program. Donations involved 359 acres of land that were designated as 7 state wildlife management (WMA) and 2 state aquatic management areas. Trust fund dollars used to match these donations funded 7 land purchases totaling 239 acres in 7 WMAs and one forest hardwood seeding project. All of these lands will permanently protect critical habitat and provide additional opportunities for public hunting, fishing, and other compatible outdoor recreational activities.

The Nongame Program matched $27,000 of trust fund dollars to help fund a survey and assessment of prairie birds, especially rare species, inhabiting 18 Scientific and Natural Areas on prairie tracts in NW MN, and an additional 7 sites on lands with Prairie Bank easements. The trust fund dollars for this prairie bird survey generated $27,000 in federal matching funds under the "State Wildlife Grants" program for "species in greatest conservation need." A research report will be published and available from the DNR Nongame Research Program and on the DNR website.

Project Results Use and Dissemination

Information and location of the lands acquired under this project are included on the Wildlife Lands Map available at the DNR and on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/compass.

The results of the survey and assessment of prairie birds in northwestern Minnesota will be posted on the DNR Nongame Research Project site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/nongame/projects/research_reports.

Overall Project Outcome and Results

The objective of this program is to foster public/private and intergovernmental partnerships by providing state matching grants to private organizations and local governments for “on the ground” fish, wildlife and native plant habitat improvement projects and related research and for avariety of environmental service and conservation projects.

A total of 39 grants totaling $406,513 were provided to private and non-profit organizations, educational institutions, local governments and soil and water conservation districts. Of that total, 24 Conservation Partners grants were made for “on the ground” fish, wildlife and native plant habitat improvement projects and research or surveys of fish and wildlife directly related to specific habitat improvement. The remaining 15 Environmental Partnerships grants were made for a variety of community environmental service, education, information, and conservation projects.

A number of habitat restorations were completed, including lakeshore, river shore land, wetland, prairie and oak savannah restorations. A number of tree and native grass planting projects were also funded, including a customized tree planting machine. Among the Environmental Partnerships projects funded were rainwater gardens, stream sampling, interpretive exhibits and signs, a Bluebird Trail, a bog walk project, a field study program for grade school students, a Lake Superior Coastal Reforestation Booklet, a natural resource inventory and management plan, and a land stewardship conference.

Since these projects are located  throughout the state, many Minnesotans will benefit directly by having access to the project areas. Minnesotans in general will also benefit from information or research that may be applicable in many locations, such as the sago pondweed research or the coastal forest reforestation booklet, or from the habitat improvements that benefit fish and wildlife populations and help protect water quality. Environmental education, interpretation and information projects also help foster an appreciation for the need to conserve our natural resources, particularly for younger generations.

For more detailed information on any of the projects contact the DNR Local Grants Unit. A list of funded projects is included in the work program final report.

This project completed:  6/30/2006

Overall Project Outcome and Results

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was introduced to Minnesota waters from eastern Europe just over a century ago and has been a problem ever since.  This species of fish reproduces in great numbers, is robust, and has the habit of rooting in the bottom for food, thereby degrading water quality in shallow lakes and wetlands.  The only technique presently avai lab le to control carp is a non-specific poison and barriers, both of which are expensive and ecologically damaging.  This project sought to determine whether carp employ specific-specific odors (pheromones) to locate each other and if so, whether these cues might be comprised of bile acids, a class of compounds implicated in pheromonal attraction.  Our ultimate goal is develop pheromonal attractants that can be used to catch and remove carp.  Both carp and goldfish were used in this lab oratory study with the later being used for initial work because it is closely related to carp and more easily tested.  We found that immature goldfish are highly attracted to odors released by their own species but not to odors released by six other species of fish we tested.  Studies with juvenile carp showed them to also exhibit very strong, specific-specific attraction to conspecific washings.  Biochemical studies next found goldfish and carp to both release cyprinol sulfate (CS), taurocholic acid (TCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDC), suggesting that while these stimuli may be active they cannot account for the specificity of the cue.  Finally, two behavioral studies found that while neither CS nor TCDC is behaviorally active, TCA is weakly attractive to mature fish (especially female goldfish) and stimulates weak food-sampling behavior.  We conclude that carp and goldfish release a potent pheromone which has great potential for use in control which contains non-bile acid components.  A new LCMR project is now attempting to identify these component(s).  

Overall Project Outcome and Results - European Buckthorn

The purpose of this project was to continue the development of biological control for European buckthorn.  The main objectives of this research were to carry out surveys in Europe for potential control agents, test the host specificity of selected control agents and to carry out a survey for insects associated with buckthorn in Minnesota.

Researchers surveyed over 80 buckthorn sites in Europe (Austria, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Serbia), collecting and identifying more than 900 arthropod samples (Gassmann et al. 2006).  The community of specialized arthropods associated with European buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica, and glossy buckthorn, Frangula alnus, is largely dominated by: Lepidoptera (22 species), Hemiptera (6 species), Diptera (4 species), Coleoptera (1 species) and mites (2 species). The complex of specialized arthropods is much higher on European than glossy buckthorn.

Nine insect species were subjected to host specificity testing.  This included two stem borers, five leaf feeders, one sap feeder, and one flower/fruit feeder.  Initial results eliminated three of these species (one stem borer and two leaf-feeders) for attacking a variety of buckthorn species, thus lacking the specificity needed for safety.  Four of the nine species tested are considered high priority for continued testing as potential control agents.  These include one stem borer, one leaf feeder, one sap feeder, and one flower/fruit feeder. 

A total of eight buckthorn infestations were sampled for insect fauna in southeastern Minnesota.  A total of 267 species representing 82 families and 13 orders were identified.  Most herbivores collected were generalists and will feed on a variety of plants.  There was no substantial damage to foliage found at any of the sampled sites.  We surmise that insect herbivores will not interfere with the establishment of an introduced biological control agent.  However, a large diversity of generalist parasitoids and predators were collected which potentially affect the establishment of a biological control agent for common buckthorn. 

Project Results Use and Dissemination

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.  Current research will guide future efforts to develop biological controls for buckthorn.

Web:   http://www.mda.state.mn.us/weedcontrol  

Overall Outcome and Results

The Resources for Redevelopment of Brownfields to Greenspace project aimed to identify environmentally impaired properties to be redeveloped as greenspace, conduct environmental assessments and create/implement natural resources designs. The project exceeded all goals as over 16 sites were identified, environmental assessments were conducted at nine, and four sites received natural resource plans. Projects included wetland and prairie restorations, removal of invasive species, stormwater management through rain gardens and reestablished native communities. When completed, nearly 250 acres of idle land will be restored as greenspace.

The project advanced the redevelopment of nine properties that would have remained idle. These sites demonstrate the environmental, social and economic benefits of brownfields reuse as greenspace through onsite soil correction, cleaner air, improved water quality and enhanced natural resources.

Several communities benefited in both the metro area, and greater Minnesota. Converted from impaired land, these sites are now public parks, rain gardens and preserved farmland. All benefit water quality, enhance access to public space and provide years of educational and recreational space.

Through the project, roughly 375 acres were assessed, with nearly 250 acres restored as greenspace. Ten acres of farmland is preserved, over 85 miles of trails connected and water quality of the Mississippi and Chippewa Rivers and Minnehaha Creek is enhanced. Also, millions of public and private dollars were leveraged for acquisition, cleanup and implementation. MEI also secured nearly $15,000 of in-kind donations from project partners.

Project Results Use and Dissemination

Information was shared through the Brownfields to Greenspace and Regional Greenways Collaboratives, MEI newsletters and web site, and project partners. Some sites have also had local media coverage.

Presentations include: EPA’s Region 5 Nuts and Bolts of Brownfields Redevelopment, DEED Brownfield Workshops, Planners Network Conference tour - Ecological Restoration. Further presentations planned for the fall of 2005.

Web:  www.dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results

The purpose of this project was to acquire inholdings from willing sellers within state park and recreation area boundaries.  Approximately 730 acres in the following locations were completed using  the 2003 LCMR appropriation:

            Crow Wing State Park - 470 acres (4 parcels acquired)

            George Crosby Manitou State Park - 220 acres

            Judge C.R. Magney State Park - 40 acres

This appropriation was significant in that it continued the progress toward acquiring critical private in-holdings within statutory state park boundaries.  The Crow Wing State park acquisitions protect an additional 3 miles along the Mississippi River wildlife corridor in an area that is experiencing rapid residential development. These parcels will also preserve the natural views from the park facilities and helped facilitate the connection of the Paul Bunyan State Trail. The George Crosby Manitou and Judge C.R. Magney State Park parcels were acquired to protect lands within the Lake Superior watershed and offer recreational opportunities such as hiking (one mile of hiking trail included), backpacking and birdwatching.

Project Results Use and Dissemination

Parcels acquired have been shown on updated state park boundary maps, and have been described in the Minnesota State Park Traveler newspaper and other publications. 

Overall Project Outcome and Results

Continue acquisition, redevelopment and development projects in the 2002-03 Metropolitan Regional Parks Capital Improvement Program that were not funded in the 2002 Capital Investment appropriation. Results are: (1) Acquired 63 acres at Big Marine Park Reserve. (2) Installed sewer/water service for 3 picnic areas at Keller Regional Park . (3) Continued shoreline and trail rehabilitation at Lake of the Isles Regional Park begun in 1999. (4) Rehabilitated 3 miles of park roads, 4 parking lots, replaced a restroom building, constructed 2 play structures for a picnic area and the campground, constructed 1 mile of connecting trails and walkways, and installed security lighting at Bunker Hills Regional Park.  (5) Rehabilitated 3.2 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of bicycle trails at Phalen Regional Park .  (6) Reconfigured the parking lot and constructed 2 play structures at Theodore Wirth Regional Park . (7) Completed 4 miles of trail rehabilitation at Cleary Lake Regional Park begun in 2000. (8) Completed pavement overlay of 4.8 miles of bicycle/pedestrian trail in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park .  (9) Constructed a 0.5 mile bike/pedestrian trail along 49th Avenue in North Mississippi Regional Park . (10)  Reimbursed Three Rivers Park District for barn restoration and house modifications for agricultural environmental learning center plus entrance road, 2 parking lots, 3 miles of trails, 2 fishing piers and dock at Whaletail Lake in Gale Woods Special Recreation Feature. (11) Partially financed construction of 0.6 mile of North Urban Regional Trail to address unforeseen soil problems (12) Constructed 1.5 miles of North Urban Regional Trail from Emerson Drive to the Mississippi River Regional Trail. (13) Constructed walking paths and installed interpretive signs at the Mill Ruins Park portion of Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park . (14) Prepared construction documents for 1.2 miles of North Urban Regional Trail from Dodd Rd. to Charlton Rd. (15) Completed a 0.8 mile bicycle/pedestrian trail and restored 16 acres of prairie at Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. (16) Constructed 3 miles of new bike/pedestrian trails and rehabilitated 5 miles of the North Hennepin Regional Trail.

Project Results Use and Dissemination

Public information on the outdoor recreation facilities financed with this appropriation as well as past State appropriations is disseminated in two ways:  (1)  Through park agency maps, brochures, news releases and park agency websites.  (2) Through the Metropolitan Council's "Regional Parks" map/brochure and on its website www.metrocouncil.org/parks/parks.htm

This project completed:  6/30/2006