4(a) $5,117,000 FRF/TF

Wayne Sames

Department of Natural Resources

DNR, Office of Planning

Box 10, 500 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55155-4010

Phone: (651) 296-1567

Fax: (651) 296-6047

The Outdoor Recreation Grants resulted in a significant improvement of local park facilities in communities throughout the state. The Natural and Scenic Areas protected included scenic land on Lake Superior, other lake and river shore lands, and high quality woodlands. Conservation Partners projects included prairie, forest, wetland and lake restoration projects and several associated research projects. Environmental Partnerships projects included a number of environmental education, environmental monitoring, and other conservation service projects.   

More detailed descriptions of funded projects are available form the DNR Local Grants Program.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

4(b) $ 1,000,000 FRF/ Match

This appropriation is for the continuation of the Mesabi Trail project. Construction of the trail began in 1994 and is anticipated to be completed in the year 2004. This biennium portion is to acquire and develop 37 miles of the Mesabi Trail. There are five segments that make up the 37 miles: 1) A 6-mile segment from the City of Taconite to the City of Calumet; 2) An 8-mile segment from the City of Calumet to the City of Nashwauk; 3) A 5-mile segment from the City of McKinley to the City of Biwabik; 4) A 9-mile segment from the Giants Ridge area to the City of Embarrass; and 5) A 6-mile segment from Mt. Iron to the City of Kinney. The project is also set up to procure design and engineering for trailheads and enhancements. The State of MN, Department of Highway Bicycle Design Standards will be used for trail design. The trail is being developed for multiple user groups in most areas. This appropriation must matched by at least $1,000,000 of nonstate money.

Project due to be completed by June 30, 2005, as amended in ML 2004, Ch. 255, Sec. 47.

4(c) $100,000 FRF/Match

Lee Herseth

Kabetogama Lake Association

10078 Gappa Road

Lake Kabetogama, MN 56669

Phone: (218) 875-2111 or (218) 875- 3803

Fax: (218) 875-2114

This project completed 4.8 miles of biking trail, 1.5 miles of hiking/cross-country ski trail, and four trail head parking lots.  Two short loop trails, a bridge and 11,000 feet of boardwalk were also constructed. Trailhead signing and directional trail signing is complete.  

This trail system now connects two gateway communities, Ash River and Lake Kabetogama, of Voyageurs National Park. The system consists of 23.5 miles hiking, 4.8 miles biking, and 19.6 miles cross country ski trails. The combination of multi-purpose trails provides diverse tourism opportunities annually for over 250,000 visitors and educational programs for over 3,000 students.

The hike/ski/bike trail alignments were approved by the DNR, Voyageurs National Park and the Kagetogama Lake Association. The trail met federal NEPA requirements and all necessary permits were obtained. The majority of LCMR funding was used for trail development.

An August 24, 2002 grand opening celebrated the project. Participants included Senator Mark Dayton, National Park Service and DNR staff, Kabetogama Lake Association, volunteers and friends.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

4(d) $80,000 FRF/ Match

Curt Anttila

East Range Powers Board

P.O. Box 127

Aurora, MN 55705

Phone: (218) 229-3671

Fax: (218) 229-3561

Overall Project Outcome and Results: The Mesabi Trail Connection provided a portion of the link between the Mesabi Trail and the communities of Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and White. The Mesabi Trail Connection also provided a portion of the link to Biwabik and the Giants Ridge Golf and Ski resort.

The 1.98 miles of the Mesabi Trail Connection has an all-weather 10' wide bituminous surface and was constructed to conform to current state and federal accessibility standards. 

Project completed June 30, 2002.  

4(e) $15,000 FRF

Jack Ditmore

Dakota County Physical Development Division

Western Service Center

14955 Galaxy Avenue

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Phone: (612) 891-7007

Fax: (612) 891-7031

A cost share agreement was funded integrating the digital elevation information in the Dakota county geographic information system database with trail and bikeway routes, and developed maps displaying trail difficulty ratings for trail and bikeway users. 

Project completed June 30, 2000.  

4(f) $155,000 FRF/ Match

Tom Montgomery/ Marty McNamara

City of Hastings

101 East 4^th Street

Hastings, MN 55033

Phone: (651) 437-4127

Fax: (651) 437-7082

The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that over 50,000 people annual use the Lock and Dam #2 areas.  The boat launch was been improved to hold 45 vehicle and trailer parking stalls. This boat launch allows easy access to both the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. This area used to be an oil tank farm. The project goal was to restore the tank farm area to a scenic and natural area. This project has worked to preserve a large natural area on the Mississippi River for public use consistent with the MNRRA Comprehensive Master Plan. 

Maps of the trail system are available at Hastings City Hall and through the Hastings Chamber of Commerce. The City of Hastings has also provided signage marking the trail system.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

4(g) $150,000 TF

Angela Anderson

Department of Natural Resources

Box 52, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4052

Phone: (651) 296-6768

Fax: (651) 296-5475

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project had a significant role in restoration, re-establishment and management of natural plant communities along State Trails.   Re-established a total of: 

• 4 sites to native oak savanna 
• 40 acres along the Glacial Lakes State Trail
• 4 acre site along the Harmony Preston Valley Trail
• 3 acres along the Shooting Star State Trail
• 12 acre site containing a Big Woods remnant,  along the Luce Line State Trail, was cleared of exotic buckthorn and 2000 native understory shrubs and trees were planted to restore plant diversity
• 1000 native shrubs and trees were planted along the Glacial Lakes Trail to provide a windbreak and screening.
• A prescribed burn was conducted on 35 acres of pine savanna along the Willard Munger State Trail, and to control non-native buckthorn, siberian elm and other non-native plants on selected sites along State Trails statewide.
• 7 interpretive exhibits at trail sites to inform trail users of oak savanna restoration 
• An exotic species identification guide was produced and will be distributed to natural resources managers who manage public lands. 

Monitoring of  these projects over the next few years will provide assistance to future restoration and management work.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

4(h) $550,000 TF

Larry Peterson

State Park Development and Real Estate Manager

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4039

Phone: 651-296-0603 

Fax 651-296-6532

E-mail: larry.peterson@dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project originated as a request for funding for the three mile segment of the Gitchi Gami State Trail within the boundaries of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The project was combined with a TEA21-funded project for a trail connection between the park and the City of Beaver Bay, to create an 8 mile trail segment. Overal project construction cost was $1,745,000. The LCMR funding played a critical role in accelerating the project engineering and environmental documentation so that the TEA21 funding could be used for the longer 8 mile project. The three mile segment of the project within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park was completed in the summer of 2002 and provides spectacular views to trail users.

Project Results Use and Dissemination   This trail segment will be advertised within various state park publications and credit will be given to LCMR funding wherever possible.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

4(i) $1,000,000 TF

John Strohkirch

State Park Development and Acquisitions

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4039

Phone: (651) 296-8289

Fax: (651) 296-6532 of (651) 297-1157

This project supported acquisition, development, and rehabilitation activities in six state parks.  DNR acquired land from willing sellers within the boundaries of Minneopa State Park (401 acres), Interstate State Park (1 acre), and Savannah Portage State Park (45 acres).  This funding also helped replace the Nicollet Court motel room in Itasca State Park, rehabilitated the Banning State Park sewer system, and supported the visitor center design work at Forestville State Park.

Project completed June 30, 2002. 

Sec. 17. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS The following amounts are appropriated in fiscal year 1999 from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund referred to in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.02, subdivision 6. $496,000 in fiscal year 1999 is added to the appropriation in Laws 1997, chapter 216, section 15, subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1), for state park and recreation area acquisition. $495,000 in fiscal year 1999 is added to the appropriation in Laws 1997, chapter 216, section 15, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), metropolitan regional park system. 

FORT SNELLING STATE PARK / UPPER BLUFF IMPLEMENTATION- CONTINUATION

4(j) $100,000 TF

John Lilly

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

1200 Warner Road

St. Paul, MN 55106

Telephone Number: 651/772-6149 

Fax Number: 651/772-7977

E-Mail Address: John.Lilly@state.mn.us 

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The Upper Bluff contains 28 historic buildings with over 380,000 square feet of usable space. This 141 acre site is comprised of the Polo Grounds, Area J and Officer’s Row. During the 1997 - 1999 biennium. These funds were used to develop a conceptual plan (now called the Reuse Study) for this area.

The plan includes: redevelopment of the Parade Grounds that will result in a state of the art youth sports athletic complex to include four softball, two baseball and seven soccer/rugby fields. The facilities will also be available to Metro area groups through a reservation system. The implementation and management of this complex will be guided by a 30 year lease established with Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board on January 7, 2001. Several agencies partnered in developing this lease include the National Park Service, State Historic Preservation Office, Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Ft, Snelling State Park Association and Dept. of Natural Resources-Parks. Currently, Minneapolis is in Phase 2 of the new waterline project which will provide service to the entire Upper Bluff area.

The Area J/Officer’s Row segment of the Upper Bluff property has been reviewed through a similar Section 106 Historical Review and Environmental Assessment process with National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office. This has involved a deed change to allow uses other then just recreational. Other documents prepared to date include the "Program of Preservation and Utilization" and the "Design Guidelines". These all must be approved through the Federal offices before preparation of lease(s) for prospective tenants. Based on a 1999 "call for interest" and subsequent user viability study, this study short listed three potential tenants for the project to include: Minnesota Valley Academy, Native Arts High School and Ft. Snelling Academy. The Ft. Snelling Academy board recently decided to close their doors; as such, previous proposals are being reviewed for a replacement.

There have been some additional studies prepared as part of the Upper Bluff project. These include a reuse study of Building 151(BOQ), a historical study of the entire Upper Bluff area and a HABS report for Building 63. An interpretive study of the area will be forthcoming.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  The Reuse Study has been reprinted twice and supplied to a number of parties interested in the Upper Bluff area. Also interviews were offered to twelve interested organizations and nine interviews were held to evaluate their viability. This provided these groups with additional opportunity to offer detail to the proposals and inquire further into potential lease requirements. Inquiries have continued to come in throughout the process and more interest is expected.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

4(k) $60,000 TF

John Strohkirch

State Park Development and Acquisitions

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4039

Phone: (651) 296-8289

Fax: (651) 296-6532 of (651) 297-1157

The project included the purchase of a tour boat and associated docking facility at Hill Annex Mine State Park. This project has allowed DNR State Parks to add interpretive tours of the Hill Annex open pit mine via boat excursions as an option to the existing bus tours. Interpretive tours by boat will give visitors a better perspective of the size and unique geology of the Hill Annex Mine. 

Project completed June 30, 2001.

4(l) $2,000,000 TF

Arne Stefferud

Metropolitan Council

Mears Park Centre

230 East Fifth Street

St. Paul, MN 55101-1634

Phone: (651) 602-1360

Fax: (651) 602-1404

Project completed June 30, 2002.  

Sec. 17. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS The following amounts are appropriated in fiscal year 1999 from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund referred to in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.02, subdivision 6. $496,000 in fiscal year 1999 is added to the appropriation in Laws 1997, chapter 216, section 15, subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1), for state park and recreation area acquisition. $495,000 in fiscal year 1999 is added to the appropriation in Laws 1997, chapter 216, section 15, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), metropolitan regional park system. 

4(m) $500,000 FRF

Victor L. Camp

St. Paul’s Como Zoo

Division of Parks and Recreation

City o f St. Paul

1250 Kaufman Drive

St. Paul, MN 55103

Phone: (651) 487-8202

Fax: (651) 487-8204

This project supported the repair and maintenance of deteriorating physical structures and utility systems serving the plant and animal exhibits at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul.  It allowed the repair and replacement of a zoo perimeter fence, the concrete facade in front of the conservatory, portions of heating systems, and zoo pathways, and the installation of an emergency generator and wiring in the primate facility.  

Project completed June 30, 2002.

4(n) $300,000 FRF/ Match

Tim P. Brown

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

400 South Fourth

Suite 200, Grain Exchange

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone: (612) 661-4813

Fax: (612) 661-4777

Project completed June 30, 2002.

5(a) $90,000 FRF

John F. Lauber

Minnesota Historical Society

345 Kellogg Blvd. W.

St. Paul, MN 55102-1906

Phone: (651) 296-5434

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project created an addition to the Minnesota Historical Society’s Web site. Using National Register properties to interpret four themes in Minnesota history, a total of 80 properties are featured. A searchable database provides the interactive framework, allowing users to access information in a variety of ways and to search by location, keyword or create a custom search.

The project grew out of a long-held commitment to make information about Minnesota’s historic properties widely accessible. For more than 30 years, the State Historic Preservation Office has been working to identify, evaluate, designate and protect the state’s historic resources. This work has yielded a wealth of information and has put more than 1,500 properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

A steering committee worked with teams of consultants to develop several approaches to exploring Minnesota’s historic properties and identified themes for each. The site features the following themes:

• A Minnesota Sampler provides a tour of the state’s architectural resources.
• The Iron Range Region explores Minnesota’s industrial heritage.
• Getaways through the Years revisits the places where Minnesotans have spent their leisure time. Minnesota from the Railroad examines how the Great Northern helped shape Minnesota’s countryside.

Each theme includes a historical overview, illustrated descriptions of properties, location maps, bibliography and links to related sites.

More themes and properties will be added over time. A searchable database of all 1,500 Register properties were added in the fall of 2001. It is expected that greater understanding will lead to greater appreciation for and stewardship of Minnesota’s significant cultural resources.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

5(b) $175,000 TF

John Crippen

Minnesota Historical Society

Fort Snelling History Center

St. Paul, MN 55111

Phone: (651) 296-3979

Fax: (651) 296-8404

Project completed June 30, 2002.

5(c) $150,000 FRF

Priscilla Farnham

Ramsey County Historical Society

323 Landmark Center

75 West 5^th Street

St. Paul, MN 55102

Phone: (651) 222-0701

Fax: (651) 223-8539

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The key objective was to build and furnish replica structures and to recreate land use of the Dakota and pioneers including: Dakota bark lodge, two canvas tipi, furnishings including clothing and tools, restoration of  1.3 acres of prairie using Francis Marschner’s interpretation of the original land survey notes of 1847 and planting 174 species of plants include grasses like Big and Little bluestem, Switch grass, Indian grass, and wildflower species like Butterfly weed, Yellow coneflower, Prairie onion and Prairie rose.

The significance of a positive, hands-on perspective of a culture that is part of Minnesota’s heritage is enormous. Most contemporary people know of Dakota people only through tales of war and deprivation. The Dakota culture is here represented at its best – not just in decline and despair. Some of the most effective learning occurs outside the classroom when a person experiences life in another era. It’s the only site in Minnesota showing a period of friendship and cooperation between the in-coming pioneers and the indigenous peoples. It serves as a beacon of hope for cross-cultural understanding for all peoples.

Attendance has increased over last year (20,000); our new marketing plan anticipates reaching its goal of 30,000 visitors.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

5(d) $250,000 TF

Thomas Ellig

Minnesota Historical Society

Lower Sioux Agency

32469 Cty.  Hwy.  2

Morton, MN 56270

Phone: (507) 697-6321

Fax: (507) 697-6310

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Of the many results from this project, the most important is that the site has changed from an undeveloped to a developed site. Traverse des Sioux historic site is now more accessible to the entire public and interpretation of the site has been dramatically expanded and improved. The site now has approximately 1.25 miles of ADA compliant trails, 2 interpretive kiosks, 12 interpretive markers and 7 building identification markers. The trail also includes 5 benches for rest areas. Besides the trail and marker development, there is a new hard-surfaced parking lot that will accommodate more vehicles. Also, approximately 25 acres of the site have been restored to native prairie that when fully established, will include 7 grasses and 30 flower species. Prior to this development, site attendance was about 1,000 visitors per year. Annual attendance is now estimated to increase to 5,000 annually.

A major public benefit of this project will be the expansion of the interpretive programming at the site. Of the ten major interpretive themes identified for Traverse des Sioux, only 3-4 of them were being interpreted prior to this project. Now, all 10 themes are part of the site’s daily interpretive program. Besides daily interpretation, the site can now offer special programs. This will allow for increased use of the site by the public, and especially, school groups.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  The primary result of this project has been to improve public access to the site and to expand and improve site interpretation. This result is being disseminated in a variety of ways. The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) promotes the site through its web page at www.mnhs.org   (Museums & Historic Places – Historic Sites). The site is also promoted through the MHS Special Events advertising and in the Society’s quarterly news magazine Minnesota History. The site also has its own brochure as well as being promoted through the MHS’s Sites Guide. The site’s close proximity to the Nicollet County Historical Society museum means that the NCHS will be disseminating information about the site on a frequent basis.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

5(e) $25,000 FRF/ Match

Wah De Nah Historic and Environmental Learning Project

200 1^st Street

Staples, MN 56479

Phone: (218) 894-1930

Fax: (218) 894-3045

Overall Project Outcome and Results  A 4' x 55' steel footbridge was erected across the Partridge River on May 31, 2000. This provided access to the Little Round Hill for the first time, allowing community members and all park visitors to explore the site of Aywishtoyah's trading post and the battle between the post and the Dakota. 

Project completed June 30, 2001.

6(a) $550,000 TF

Mark Wespetal

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency- Water Quality Division

520 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4198

Phone: (651) 296-9322

Fax: (651) 297-86766

RESEARCH PROJECT

Project completed June 30, 2002.

6(b) $350,000 TF/ Match

Daniel Engstrom (Shawn Schottler)

St. Croix Watershed Research Station

16910 152^nd St. N.

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Phone: (651) 433-5953

Fax: (651) 433-5924

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Quantifying the contribution of overland sources versus streambank sources to riverine suspended sediment is fundamental to directing management efforts aimed at reducing sediment loads and achieving sustainable agriculture. A technique using radioisotopes and other geochemical tracers to fingerprint and quantify sources of sediment to rivers was successfully tested on two sub-basins in the Sand Creek watershed, Scott County, Minnesota. The technique employed in this study made several modifications to the methods presented by Walling and Woodward, 1992; Walling et. al, 1999; He and Owens, 1995. The underlying premise of the technique is that streambanks and soils with differing land use, mineralogy and exposure to atmospherically deposited radioisotopes and metals will have unique signatures of these tracers. Ten geochemical and isotopic tracers were identified that could statistically discriminate between sediments originating from erosion of streambanks versus cultivated fields. A source apportionment mixing model using the composite fingerprint of all tracers was developed to estimate the contribution from each erosion source. Erosion of streambanks accounted for greater than 70% of the total suspended sediment load measured during eight storm events in 2000 and 2001. For individual events, streambank erosion was estimated to contribute 45 – 95% of suspended sediment loading. Tile drainage networks and runoff from fields with perennial vegetation were determined to have negligible direct sediment inputs to the creeks in this study. However, flow from tile outfalls increases the flashy nature of the stream hydrograph and exacerbates streambank erosion.

Project Result Use and Dissemination  The results found in this study are almost certainly representative of larger watersheds, and it highlights the need to begin focusing management techniques and funding efforts on practices that can reduce erosion of streambanks. Findings from this study will be presented to state and local agencies concerned with reducing suspended sediment loads in Minnesota’s rivers, and will also be presented internationally though journal publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

Project completed by June, 30, 2002.

6(c) $1,000,000 FRF/ Match

Marybeth Block

MN Board of Water and Soil Resources

One West Water Street, Suite 250

St. Paul, MN 55107

Phone: (651) 297-7965

Fax: (651) 297-5615

• Reduce phosphorus and sediment loading to Little Rock Creek.
• Stabilize water levels of Kismet Basin and protect Brown's Creek trout fisheries.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Polymer/Kenat stormwater treatment in a confined urban watershed.
• Identify and prioritize Como Lake management issues through active citizen and agency involvement.
• Develop 5 wellhead protection plans coordinated with Community Based Land Use Planning projects.
• Improve groundwater recharge estimates and enhance local groundwater management.
• Collect and treat stormwater to significantly reduce pollution that enters Leech Lake.
• Develop Master Sanitary Sewer Plan to provide alternative solution for failing ISTS.
• Inspect on-site septic systems on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.
• Inventory minor watersheds and increase Secchi disc and Chlorophyll-a readings by 5%.
• Develop a karst educational exhibit and groundwater monitoring station.
• Stabilize a streambank to reduce pollutants from the water supply of the City of East Grand Forks.
• Target technical assistance to the most vulnerable municipal public water supply in 9 metro counties.
• Gather data on stormwater infiltration by developing a demonstration site and a series of fact sheets.
• Inventory/evaluate wastewater treatment systems and develop a long-range sewage treatment plan.
• Address Red River mediation agreement concerns and install relevant practices.
• Demonstrate agricultural best management practices.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Results of the specific projects are available upon request from the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Project completed by June 30, 2002.

6(d) $300,000 TF

Dr. Michael J. Sadowsky

University of Minnesota

Department of Soil, Water and Climate

1991 Upper Buford Circle, 439 Borlaug Hall

St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-2706

Fax: (612) 625- 6725

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcomes and Results  The rep-PCR DNA fingerprint technique, using repetitive DNA sequences, was investigated as a means to differentiate human from animal sources of fecal pollution. BOX PCR primers were used to generate 2466 DNA fingerprints from Escherichia coli strains from human and animal sources in Minnesota (humans, dogs, cats, horses, deer, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, goats, and sheep). This constituted a known source DNA fingerprint library. Fingerprints were analyzed using curve-matching algorithms. Jackknife analyses indicated that 70.2 – 96.2% of animal and human isolates were assigned into the correct source groups. However, when only unique isolates were examined (isolates from a single animal having distinct DNA fingerprints), Jackknife analyses indicated that 52.8 – 78.5% of the isolates were assigned to the correct source group. BOX DNA fingerprints were generated from 300-400 E. coli isolated from each of four Minnesota watershed areas (Mississippi River, Prairie Creek, Rush River, and Grindstone River) and compared to those in the known source fingerprint library. Based on similarity cut-off values of 80% or greater, about 83% of the environmental isolates could be assigned to a source group. In general, the rural sites were dominated by E. coli bacteria originating from livestock species, while the urban site was impacted by a mixture of domestic animals and wildlife. Database size was found to be important in accurately determining sources of fecal pollutants. Taken together, the results indicate that rep-PCR using the BOX A1R primer may be a useful and effective tool to rapidly determine sources of fecal pollution.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Results from this project can be found at http://www.ecolirep.umn.edu. The DNA fingerprint library is currently being used to determine potential sources of fecal pollution in three watershed areas in Minnesota (part of 2001 LCMR appropriation). Results from this current project have been presented at many local and national conferences.

E. coli  rep-PCR web page (see http://www.ecolirep.umn.edu/) which is housed on computers at the University of Minnesota, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate.  The website specific for this project was developed as part of the 1999 LCMR project and was updated throughout this project period. 

Phase one of project completed June 30, 2001.  Second appropriation in 2001 to be completed in 2004.

6(e) $110,000 TF

Anthony C. Runkel

University of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey

2642 University Ave. W.

St. Paul, MN 55114-1057

Phone: (612) 627-4780 ext. 222

Fax: (612) 627-4778

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The goal was to characterize groundwater flow in the Prairie du Chien Group, and underlying Jordan Sandstone of southeastern Minnesota. Hydrostratigraphic features were documented in cores and outcrops from 11 counties, collected geophysical logs from nine boreholes in five counties, and conducted comprehensive tests of three scientific boreholes. Groundwater chemistry was analyzed for 28 wells in 10 counties. Data from published investigations were re-evaluated. Results revealed that the Prairie du Chien and Jordan consist of three hydrogeologic units: 1) An upper Shakopee aquifer in which flow occurs chiefly along a few thin intervals with high conductivity. One such interval in its lower part exists over much of southeastern Minnesota, 2) a lower Oneota confining unit with few cavities, and 3) a lower Jordan Aquifer.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

6(f) 40,000 FRF/ Match

Dick Osgood

Lake Minnetonka Association

P.O. Box 248 

Excelsior, MN 55331

Phone: (612) 470-4449

Fax: (612) 470-4449

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The Lake Minnetonka Citizens Monitoring and Education Network organized, trained and activated about 60 citizen volunteers who performed various volunteer monitoring duties during the project period and beyond. The volunteers attended five, two-hour educational seminars and 13 training sessions. Because these sessions were taped and broadcast (usually several times per week) on the local cable network, many members of the Lake Minnetonka community had an opportunity to follow the progress of the volunteers’ activities.

The volunteers monitored water clarity, conducted the first-ever comprehensive aquatic plant inventory, the first-ever comprehensive shoreland inventory, an inventory of the Eurasian watermilfoil weevil, zebra mussel samples and zebra mussel inspections. This work was completed with the assistance of various financial and technical cooperators, including Cargill, Hennepin Parks, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation district, Minnesota Sea Grant, Professor Ray Newman and numerous members and friends of the Lake Minnetonka Association. The results of these monitoring activities have been shared with cooperators and summaries have been provided to local media in the forms of press releases and through the local cable broadcasts.

The work of the Lake Minnetonka Citizens Monitoring and Education Network continues past the project period and is supported completely with local resources. 

Project Results Use and Dissemination  The education and training sessions continue to be broadcast on the local cable channel, in fact, the Lake Minnetonka Association has been assigned a regular weekly time in their schedule. In addition, the Lake Minnetonka Association published "A Citizens Guide to Understanding and Protecting Lake Minnetonka," that was given to the volunteers and others in the Lake Minnetonka community.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

6(g) $150,000 TF

Brad Carlson

Big Woods Project

U of M Extension, 320 NW 3rd Street, Suite 7

Faribault, MN 55021

Phone: (507) 332-6165

E-mail: bcarlson@umn.edu

Web address: http://www.soils.agri.umn.edu/research/bigwoods/

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall project outcomes and results  This project determined the historical and contemporary soil erosion trends across the big woods ecosystem in Rice County in order to develop effective land management tools for future natural resources planning. The study found, through the use of GIS databases and 512 field observations, that a large amount of sediment (30,000,000 m³ or 1,100,000,000 ft³) is held within the valleys of eastern Rice County. The areas containing these sediments were commonly associated with high agricultural land-use, steep valleys, and increasing watershed area. Large stream flows through these sediment-rich areas have the potential to lower the water quality in the Cannon River.

Subsurface agricultural tile drainage has been suggested as a soil conservation strategy in eastern Rice County, where permeable soils overlie a dense glacial till. A partially tile-drained hillslope was monitored where waterlevels lowered on the tile-drained side of the hill by 80 cm when compared to the undrained side were observed. This suggests that tile drainage could increase the ability of the upland soils to absorb rainfall and decrease runoff thereby decreasing soil erosion locally. While tile drainage may provide site-specific benefits, there are likely disadvantages related to potential increases in stream peak flows causing erosion and rapid stream dissection.

Project results use and dissemination  Delivery of information to the general public and land-use managers has taken several forms. The Big Woods Project has coordinated several tours to educate local groups (25-30 participants). The University of Minnesota has had up to 15 students and staff working on different aspects of this project; used sites on course field trips (~50 students); developed customized products for the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; worked with local colleges; and established a website documenting research activities. Project data and information has been used by county and regional land resource managers to assist in long-range planning and addressing water quality concerns in the Cannon River Watershed.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

6(h) $500,000 FRF/ Match

Jeffrey T. Lee

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

3800 Bryant Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55409

Phone: (612) 370-4900 or (612) 313-7765

Fax: (612) 370-4831

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Completed construction of the gravity flow stream connection between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet to improve lake water quality and equalize water levels in the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Gravity flow outlet has been functional since May 2000 and operated efficiently and as designed during high water episodes in 2001.

Historically, lake levels within the Chain of Lakes have been maintained using mechanical pumping of 800 million gallons of water (up to $8,000 of electricity per year). The gravity flow system moves water at a maximum rate of 28.4 cfs, while the pumping system moved only 22.3 cfs.  The increased stability of water levels will safeguard shoreline vegetation and infrastructure from disastrous flooding.

Phase one construction for Lake of the Isles Park has been designed, permitted, bid and construction contract awarded. The current phase one includes shoreline stabilization and wetland and flood storage creation, with shoreline stabilization along the east shore of the main lake and on the south shore of the Kenilworth Lagoon.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(a) $150,000 TF

Philip Guillery

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

2105 1^st Ave. South

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Phone: (612) 870-3456

Fax: (612) 870-4846

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project offered opportunities for private forests to become green certified throughout Minnesota. The primary result of this project was qualifying 115,000 acres of non-industrial private forests (NIPFs) for certification under the Forest Stewardship Council system through the certification of foresters, forest support organizations and educational institutions. Over 3,000 acres were directly certified as well managed by the end of this project through the green certification of two consulting foresters and one environmental learning center. 112,000 will qualify for certification through the certification of one consulting forester, one forestry support organization and one education institution that completed the certification process near the end of the project.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(b) $115,000 TF

Barbara Coffin

Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative- Institute for Sustainable Natural Resources

College of Natural Resources- University of Minnesota

250 NRAB, 2003 Upper Buford Circle

St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-4986

Fax: (612) 624-8701

Funding accelerated the transfer of new forest-research findings through educational programming coordinated by the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative.  The Cooperative, a public/private partnership of natural resource agencies, industry, and non-profit organizations, offers a new model in collaborative continuing education. The formation of the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative recognized the need to structure educational opportunities in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment. Educational programming of the Cooperative encourages an integrated, systems approach to resource management where social, economic, and ecological values must work together to sustain healthy, productive forest systems.

Workshops (15 serving over 600 natural resource professionals), an international conference (220 participants from Canada, United States, and Mexico), and the development of educational components for the publication/manual Tying Forest Stands to Landscapes were products of the acceleration of funding for the Cooperative. Funding played a critical role in launching this new experiment in collaborative education—the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative. It is now recognized across the nation as a successful model for how to structure and offer continuing education to multi-disciplinary audiences in natural resources management (see Journal of Forestry, September 2001).

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(c) $250,000 TF

Carrol Henderson

Department of Natural Resources- Section of Wildlife

DNR, Box 7, Section of Wildlife

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 296-0700

Fax: (651) 297-4961

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Wildlife tourism is estimated to be a $400 million industry per year in Minnesota. This project provided an array of workshops, grants, web site development, information efforts and advertising to accelerate the process by which Minnesota is becoming a more significant national destination for wildlife tourism.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(d) $350,000 TF

W. Daniel Svedarsky

Northwest Experiment Station

University of Minnesota

Crookston, MN 56716

Phone: (218) 281-8129

Fax: (218) 281-8603

RESEARCH PROJECT

This project was made up of 2 subprojects. The first examined challenges of conserving prairie in the Felton Prairie Complex of Clay County where it overlies valuable aggregate resources. This included, 1) an aggregate inventory using rotosonic drilling, 2) the reclamation of an abandoned gravel pit to a wetland and prairie reconstruction to provide a place for public interpretation of the Felton Prairie Complex and adjacent gravel mining activities, and 3) integrated stewardship planning. A site-specific stewardship plan was developed for about 2,000 acres of public land within the Complex with emphasis on developing a conflict resolution process for the 800 acres containing both prairie and gravel. The process recognized society’s interest in prairie conservation as well as the need for aggregate resources. 

The second part of the project researched management effects of fire and grazing on prairie vegetation and grassland birds, and the use of prairie vegetation by livestock at selected sites in a 9-10 county area, including Clay County. Rotational grazing contributed to the maintenance of desirable prairie plants more than continuous grazing or no grazing. In spite of a short study period, prescribed burning increased desirable prairie plants over no-burn controls. The post-burn age of prairie plots affected birds differently depending on their habitat requirements, emphasizing the need for a mosaic of post-burn ages of prairie management units in the landscape. Prairie vegetation can provide desirable livestock forage during the warm part of the grazing season since many native grasses grow best then. Moderately-grazed prairie contained more birds that either heavily grazed or lightly-grazed plots. A landowner’s guide to prairie management was prepared and will be widely distributed to individuals and agency prairie managers. It contains finding of this study and other research which is applicable to native prairie management and planting prairie in aggregate-mined areas.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

7(e) $200,000 FRF

Bruce Montgomery

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

90 W. Plato Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55107

Phone: (651) 297-7178

Fax: (651) 296-7386

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Water supplies from Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System District’s (LPRWSD) are seriously threatened by elevated nitrate levels. This project was successful in bringing various state and federal agencies, UM, area farmers and ag professionals together to develop a response strategy. Local county offices secured EQIP and EPA 319 funds for cost share incentives. Funds provided the technical expertise to develop and coordinate nutrient management plans. Over 40% of the cropland within the Verdi well field enrolled in EQIP. Similar efforts are now taking place in the Holland well field. A grant from LPRWSD will continue plan writing and technical support through 2003.

Current nitrogen recommendations were reexamined in these critical recharge areas. Research found that delaying N applications, using anhydrous ammonia, and/or using band application methods all would be preferred management methods. Continuation of this research, made possible by a grant from LPRWSD, will allow three full cropping seasons to revise existing BMPS.

Public drinking water compliance often requires nitrate removal treatment. An alternative approach for shallow water table aquifers may be phytofiltration. Perennial forages, irrigated with the nitrate-rich ground water during the growing season, remove nitrate and thus reduce nitrate concentrations in recharge water. This research found that this remediation approach has potential in areas where ground water can be readily influenced by leaching. This research will also be continued through 2003. Computer simulation output provided valuable insight into the relationships between management, crop types, and nutrient inputs across soil types in both well fields; this data will be very beneficial in future land use management planning efforts.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Numerous education events were conducted with local producers, dealerships, and water planners. Local media coverage was excellent. "One-on-one" interaction with producers during the nutrient plan writing and implementation was highly effective.

All of these various components will have a number of publications, revised BMPs, and subsequent Extension bulletins developed upon conclusion in 2003.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(f) $400,000 TF

Craig Sheaffer

Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics

University of Minnesota

411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 U. Buford Circle

St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-7224

Fax: (612) 625-1268

RESEARCH PROJECT

Cover crops, agroforestry, and native perennial legumes and some approaches to improve the economic and environmental outcomes of cropping systems were evaluated. In northern Minnesota, systems with perennial ryegrass interseeded into soybeans, wheat, and flax with perennial ryegrass seed harvested the following year were more profitable than continuous wheat or a soybean/wheat rotation. Intercropping of alfalfa, red clover, and vetch with wheat did not reduce the incidence of Fusarium head blight of wheat. In southern Minnesota, winter rye cover cropping following corn in a corn-soybean system reduced nitrate-nitrogen losses an average of 60% compared to a conventional corn-soybean rotation. Superior winter rye varieties were identified for use in nitrogen scavenging. Nitrogen scavenging crops can improve the environment for all citizens. Yellow sweetclover, mammoth red clover, and non-dormant alfalfa produced significant biomass and N accumulation when interseeded with a small grain crop and can be used to reduce synthetic N fertilizer use by producers. Living mulch systems using Kura clover can be effective at providing ground cover and suppressing weeds therefore reducing erosion and herbicide use. Improved hybrid hazelnuts have potential as a new woody nut crop in southern and central Minnesota. Hazelnuts were successfully established and survived a winter in diverse environments. Controlling competing vegetation enhanced hazelnut establishment. Collections and populations of Illinois bundleflower and false indigo, two native perennial legumes, were developed and evaluated. These legumes could be the basis of a new seed production industry and can be used for prairie restoration and grazing systems. Establishment of these legumes for use in grazing systems is challenging unless competition with cool season grasses and weeds is minimized. Research was conducted in 30 diverse environments and the information transferred to 2000 producers at field days, meetings, and workshops. Informational fact sheets, scientific publication, and a web site were developed.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(g) $300,000 TF

Stephen C. Hansen and Harlan Madsen, Chair

Minnesota River Basis Joint Powers Board

PO Box 244, 116 Peavey Circle

Chaska, MN 55318

Phone: (952) 361-6590

Fax: (952) 361-6594

E-mail: mrbjpb@earthlink.net

Web site: http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu

Overall Project Outcome and Results are located on the Minnesota State University, Mankato – Data Center web site: http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu. This project was twofold - organizing 13 major watersheds in the basin into Watershed Teams based upon logical relationships and secondly, implementing projects on the ground in those watersheds.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

7(h) $400,000 FRF/ Match

Kazem Oskoui

AquaCare International, Inc.

P.O. Box 593

Morris, MN 56267

Phone: (612) 425-7496

Fax: (612) 425-7235

The objective of the project was to establish a commercial grade fertilizer plant that would process and enhance 1,800 dairy cows waste through micronization technology.  Partial completion of the project enabled the irrigation of 90 million gallons of liquid waste in the past three seasns at a rate of 250,000 to 300,000 gallons per day.  The application was applied during the growing season on standing crop thus reducing surface and subsurface runoff into the state's waterways saving eventual cleanup costs.  Green House gas's emissions were reduced by 12,000 tons per year.  However, the micronizing of the solids to organic base fertilier remains unfinished.  The powermaster is unable to process the solids at current moisture levels (65-70%) are solution is to lace a dryer in front of the powermaster which will reduce the moisture content from 70 to 40 to 45% level, but dryer would cause expenditures to exceed both planned capital and operational cost.  As a result, AquaCare International requested a halt to LCMR funds in 2001.  AquaCare is currently working with a small Arkansas company that is developing an infrared dryer that could possible solve this problem, and it is exploring other uses for the  micronization equipment.  

Project completed by June 30, 2002.

7(i) $200,000 FRF/ Match

Shirley Nordrum

Leech Lake Reservation

6530 Hwy. 2

Cass Lake, MN 56633

Phone: (218) 335-7400

Fax: (218) 335-7430

RESEARCH PROJECT

This appropriation was to analyze critical factors in different northern wild rice habitats and determine methods to preserve the natural diversity of wild rice.  The project canceled on December 31, 1999.

7(j) $200,000 FRF/ Match

Chris Holm

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

Department of Natural Resources

5344 Lakeshore Drive

P.O. Box 16

Nett Lake, MN 55772

Phone: (218) 757-3261

Fax: (218) 757-3607

RESEARCH PROJECT

Project results have direct application to wild rice management in Minnesota.  Results indicated that over-arching application applied to all rice lakes as management strategies are not appropriate.  Individual or geogrpahically clustered-lakes approaches and tailored management, dependent on specific physical characteristics and land use, is a more appropriate approach to successful wild rice management.  Management philosophy and strategies are outlined in greater detail in the wild rice management plan, to be completed and distributed in September 2002.  

Wild rice distribution, wildlife habitat, presence of water flow obstructions, and land use were evaluated in 43 lakes across northern Minneosta.  Physical and chemical data were digitally mapped using the Arc-View Geographic Information System.  Pigment-filtered photography was used on one rice-bearing system (Crow-Wing River) to test efficacy of defining wild rice beds using air survey.  Videotape of the river system showing plant production through visible, thermal, carotene-filtered and chlorophyll-a filtered camera lenses was collected.  Air surveys indicated that on-ground verification of wild rice beds is still necessary.  Chemical data including pH, alkalinity, TDS, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen were transcribed to computer data spreadsheets, Digital data layers were superimposed to direct attention to physical characteristics that potentially support or deter wild rice production.  Ten priority lakes were chosen to serve as management priority basins.  A management plan utilizing habitat data and physical and chemical condition of these lakes was available in fall, 2002.  Data translated to paper maps shows native and paddy lakes, as well as altered and drained lakes across political boundaries.  CD-Rom versions of the wild rice database have been propared and are available upon request.  A historical inventory database of wild rice lakes was complied.  Date, including historical inventory, appears on the website  www.minnesotawildrice.org.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

7(k) $650,000 TF

Ron Dicklich

Range Association of Municipalities and School Districts

Buhl School Building

Buhl, MN 55713

Phone: (218) 258-3216

Fax: (218) 258-3217

Other Contacts:

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The Geological Survey (MGS) obtained 1,350 well records and 13,000 mining borehole records, verified their locations, and entered information into the County Well Index, an electronic database. The data was used to produce a topographic map of the bedrock surface. Bedrock topography and digital surface elevation data were used to determine thickness of overburden. Land surface data from 1899 was captured digitally and used to establish pre-mining drainage, and describe changes to the land surface.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

7(l) $185,000 FRF

Ying Ji

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

90 W. Plato Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55107

Phone: (651) 296-5081

Fax: (651) 296-6890

This was a two-part project, demonstration of aquaponics production of fish and vegetables in an urban environment in cooperation with the University of Minnesota and a pilot study of ozone application in large recirculating aquaculture systems with MinAqua Fisheries.  The first part failed to get started because of lack of suitable urban greenhouse by community gardening enthusiasts and lack of suitable collaborators with the university.  

The second part was partially successfully carried out.  three batches of tilapia fingerlings were tested on the impact of ozone application in recirculating tilapia fingerling systems.  Test results indicted that ozone application had a clear impact on improving water quality by lowering both suspended solids and biological oxygen demand.  Total treatment and stayed at that level thereafter.  Biological oxygen demand decreased from 13.7 mg/ml to 2.1 mg/ml after three months of treatment.  

Impact of ozonation on fish growth was mixed.  First two batches of fish had an improved feeding conversion ration (FCR) at about 0.9 pound of feed per pound of fish growth.  FCR for third batch is about the same as that without unzonated systems (7.7%).  The test was not complete because of a lighting storm that damaged ozone generator before the testing was completed.  New testing is still on going and will be completed by June 2003.  

Results and demonstration have been shared with various groups from within as well as outside of Minnesota.  Visitors who toured the ozone application on site have been very impressed by how much clearer the water is in the ozonated system.  

Project completed June 30, 2002.

7(m) $350,000 FRF

Helene Murray

Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture

University of Minnesota

411 Borlaug Hall

St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-0220

Fax: (612) 625-1268

Partnerships to Deliver Research and Outreach Programs: This project developed creative solutions to environmental and economic problems associated with many current agricultural practices. Two local teams, in the Chippewa River and Sand Creek Basins, planned and implemented all project activities. Oversight was provided by a statewide Steering Committee. These enduring relationships are a tangible result of the project. The partnership consisted of farmers, researchers, landowners, private sector representatives, agency personnel, community members and non-profit organizations representatives.

Research Projects on Sustainable Farming Systems: Field-based and computer model simulation shows that farm management decisions have a direct impact on water quality. Rainfall events large enough to generate runoff can occur at any time during the growing season. The majority of soil erosion and