Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (TF)
Future Resources Fund (FRF)
Great Lakes Protection Account (GLP)

NOTE: For all projects, contact us to obtain the most up-to-date work programs for current projects (project updates are required twice each year) or the final reports of completed projects.

The following documents are short abstracts for projects funded during the 1999-2001 biennium. The final date of completion for these projects is listed at the end of the abstract. When available, we have provided links to the programs web site. The sites listed on this page are not created, maintained, or endorsed by the Minnesota Legislature. If you would like further information about specific projects, please contact the appropriate program manager at the address or phone number listed.  For a list of 1999 Projects that includes the title and dollar amount only: 1999 Project List.

SUBD. 4 RECREATION

LOCAL INITIATIVE GRANTS PROGRAM

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

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

Overall Project Outcome and Results   The key objective and results of the Local Initiatives Grant Program is to assist local governments and private organizations in acquisition and development of local parks, acquisition of natural and scenic areas, improvement of fish and wildlife habitat, and implementation of a variety of conservation projects. The 1999 appropriation resulted in acquisition or development of 30 Outdoor Recreation Grant projects, including acquisition of 69 acres of park land; 6 Natural and Scenic Area projects totaling 237.5 acres, 92 habitat improvement projects through the Conservation Partners Grant program, and 43 general conservation projects through the Environmental Partnerships Grant program.

Project Results Use and Dissemination   Most of these projects resulted in acquisition of land, development of outdoor recreation facilities and on the ground habitat improvements. Those that involved research or environmental education have made the information available in a number of ways, including informational brochures, interpretive displays, etc. Final project reports are submitted for the Conservation Partners and Environmental Partnerships grant programs. These reports are available for review by contacting the DNR Local Grants Program.

E-mail: erpb@the-bridge.net

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

E-mail: jack.ditmore@co.dakota.mn.us

Web Address: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/planning

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

This project helped to protect wildlife areas, connect existing trails, improve the public boat access and preserve the river front areas between the City of Hastings Lock and Dam #2 for public use.  It improved 3,000 feet of road and trail, added lights to the trail, and connected the Riverfront Trail to an existing fifteen-mile loop trail system around Hastings. It also will allow connection of the Hastings’ trail system to Dakota County’s planned trail connection to Spring Lake Park.

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

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

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

E-mail: john.strohkirch@dnr.state.mn.us

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

E-mail: john.strohkirch@dnr.state.mn.us

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

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

E-Mail: vic.camp@ci.stpaul.mn.us

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

E-mail: timothy.p.brown@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome And Results  5,010 feet of bicycle and pedestrian trail was completed through Wirth Park to connect the Minneapolis Regional Trail system with the Luce Line State Trail. The completed Luce Line segment links with the Basset’s Creek Trail, to connect the Cedar Lake Trail with the Wirth Parkway Trail and a future Luce Line segment in Golden Valley.

This connection is part of one of the longest trails in the state extending from Hutchinson to Minneapolis. The new trail enables pedestrians and cyclists to access the 45-mile regional trail systems of the Minneapolis Park Board with its connections to other trail systems in Hennepin, Anoka and Dakota Counties and the City of St. Paul. Along with providing a first rate recreational facility the trail completes an important bicycle commuter route from the western metro area to downtown Minneapolis.

Built to MNDOT Bike Trail specifications, the new bituminous trail has a minimum width of 10 feet. The trail is striped and has signage to provide maximum safety and navigation. Restoration of disturbed areas was also completed including grading, seeding and the planting of 40 small trees to replace trees lost during the trail construction.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

SUBD. 5 HISTORIC

Fax: (651) 282-2374

E-mail: john.lauber@mnhs.org

Web Page Address: www.mnhs.org

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

E-mail: john.crippen@mnhs.org

Web Page Address: www.mnhs.org

E-mail: admin@rchs.com

Web Page Address: www.rchs.com

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

E-mail: thomas.ellig@mnhs.org

Web Page Address: www.mnhs.org

Dave Anderson and Mary Harrison

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

E-mail: Mark.Wespetal@pca.state.mn.us

Web address: www.bae.umn.edu/septic

Project Results Use and Dissemination:  Results of this project are detailed on a web page that was developed in the summer of 2000. The address is www.bae.umn.edu/septic.   A comprehensive technology transfer plan coordinated by the principals of this project continues to provide design, construction, operation and maintenance information to homeowners, contractors, resorts, Extension educators, and local and state planning and regulatory agency staff. Tools include fact sheets, technical publications, training workshops, conferences, and satellite video conferences. These have reached more than 1600 contractors and technical experts and at least 10,000 of the public.

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

E-mail: schottler@smm.org

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

E-mail: marybeth.block@bwsr.state.mn.us

Web address: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Grants were awarded to 9 counties, 4 watershed districts, 2 soil and water conservation districts and 2 joint powers boards for the purpose of implementing high priority actions identified in current state approved and locally adopted comprehensive water management plans. The monies were used to complete the following projects:

• 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.

TRACKING SOURCES OF FECAL POLLUTION USING DNA TECHNIQUES

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

E-mail: Sadowsky@soils.umn.edu

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

E-mail: runke001@maroon.tc.umn.edu

Web Page Address: http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/lcmr/htm

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.

The results have practical value for protecting the Prairie du Chien and Jordan Aquifers, which supply water to over 15,000 wells in southeastern Minnesota. They can be used to model groundwater flow rates and paths, assess vulnerability to contamination, and properly regulate well construction.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  An MGS titled Hydrogeology of the Paleozoic Bedrock in South Eastern Minnesota (RI 61) which summarizes the results of this project was released in early 2003. Specific results were presented to local southeastern Minnesota water planners. A formal presentation is scheduled for the October 22, 2001 Midwest Groundwater Conference. 

The results have or will be used by governmental agencies and private corporations with groundwater concerns in southeastern Minnesota. It will particularly benefit MDH efforts to develop wellhead protection plans for the over 100 communities that use these aquifers, and MPCA staff at sites of contamination. The scientific techniques are being adopted by the MDNR-Waters, including application to LCMR 2001 for this project.

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

E-mail: DickOsgood@aol.com

E-mail: jeffrey.t.lee@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

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

E-mail: pguillery@iatp.org

E-mail: bcoffin@forestry.umn.edu

Web Address: http://www.cnr.umn.edu/ISNR/

E-mail: carrol.henderson@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.exploreminnesota.com

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.

A total of 19 workshops were held for 286 people to teach them the basics about wildlife tourism as an industry that supports the preservation and wise management of natural resources on public forest, wildlife and park lands. Six field trips were also carried out for 180 people to introduce them to a variety of wildlife watching destinations. A total of 200 wildlife watching signs were posted at the entrance to public lands that were identified in the book Traveler’s Guide to Wildlife in Minnesota. A total of 12 communities utilized grants to develop wildlife watching promotional materials for their local areas.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  This information has been used in local communities in development or promotion of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, Great River Birding Trail (Mississippi River corridor), Minnesota River Birding Trail, and in creation of local birding festivals. Some of the lessons learned from this process have been written up as a tourism curriculum for local communities and local colleges. It is called the Saga of Grackle Junction. This curriculum was written and developed by the Nongame Wildlife Program and teaches the process by which wildlife tourism can be developed in a community. National advertising exposure about wildlife watching opportunities in Minnesota also appeared in Audubon magazine, Birder’s World, Wild Bird, and National Wildlife magazine. Wildlife watching information was also incorporated into information and maps of the state’s Wildlife Management Areas on the DNR web site.

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

E-mail: dsvedars@mail.crk.umn.edu

E-mail: Bruce.Montgomery@state.mn.us

E-mail: Sheaf001@maroon.tc.umn.edu

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.

The watershed team approach allows for a more consolidated look at planning and project implementation that makes use of regional tools available by cooperators and partners. This approach also accelerates the distribution of information within the basin. The Watershed Coordinators continue to meet periodically to address basin-wide issues and to advise the MRBJPB.

Projects were implemented basin-wide with a 75-25 cost share. The total cost was $264,679.13 ($180,828.37 from LCMR, $6,800 from other state and federal organizations, and $85,548.51 from either local or private contribution).  226 rock inlets replaced open tile intakes with blind inlets in Carver, Cottonwood, Faribault, Scott, Le Sueur and Redwood Counties. In Stevens and Scott Counties, streambank stabilization projects along with grade stabilization were implemented. Area II MRB Projects, Inc. installed a floodwater retention project on Taylor Dam #3 and constructed a small dam on Lake Marshall. BERBI implemented 5 projects that included drainage ditch streambank stabilization, grade stabilization, installation of terraces, sediment basin construction, waterways and gully stabilization. 

These projects will reduce sediment and phosphorus in the river thereby improving water quality. Soil loss reduction varied from project to project, from 0.5 ton to 55 tons per year. Phosphorous load reduction amounts also varied between projects, from 0.6 pounds to 730 pounds. Improved wildlife habitat and recreation were side benefits in some of the projects. Working with partners on data collection will further assess the benefits of these projects. 

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Project information has been disseminated to a large audient -through board meetings, the MRBJPB annual report that goes out to many organizations, at the MRBJPB annual conference and on the web site.

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

E-Mail: oskouike@wcec.com

Web Page Address: www.aquacareinternational.com

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

E-mail: lldrm@mail.paulbunyan.net

E-mail: cholm@rangenet.com

Web Page Address: http://www.minnesotawildrice.org

E-mail: rams@uslink.net

E-mail: ying.ji@state.mn.us

Web Page Address: http://www.mda.state.mn.us

E-mail: murra021@tc.umn.edu

Web Page Address: http://www.misa.umn.edu

E-mail: mkrinke@landstewardshipproject.org

Web Page Address: http://www.landstewardshipproject.org

E-mail: utschirn@forestry.umn.edu

Jbowyer@forestry.umn.edu

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The technical and economical feasibility of a small-scale pulp mill utilizing agricultural residues for the production of papermaking fibers was determined. Two different processing sequences developed were investigated. Pulp fiber from wheat and barely straw showed excellent papermaking properties. It was possible to replace 10%-30% of a wood fiber furnish with non-wood pulps, while maintaining high paper quality. Pilot plant papermachine run using 20 % cereal straw fiber were performed successfully. An engineering company (Kellogg Brown & Root Inc.) was commissioned to conduct a feasibility study for the evaluation of both processes. Order-of-magnitude +/- 25% capital cost estimates, manufacturing cost estimates and a financial analysis were developed. Capital investment cost for both processes was determined to exceed $230 Million. Considering the presently suggested operation conditions internal rate of return was identified to be below 6% in all cases. Several modifications capable of reducing capital costs and/or production costs were identified.

In addition, a detailed report focused on the potential use of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as paper making raw material was generated. Even though Hemp has a number of properties that favor its use as a papermaking raw material, there are several issues that must be addressed. Among these are problems related to economical bark/core separation, long-term storage and issues with the smaller core fibers. Although a given area of land will produce a greater quantity of hemp than wood fiber, the fact that hemp is an annual crop requiring relatively intensive inputs translates to substantial overall environmental impact from hemp production.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Technical feasibility of potential use of cereal straw fiber for paper manufacture was demonstrated and was presented to Paper Industry on several occasions. There is a strong interest in this fiber material, nevertheless process modifications are required to improve economics. Several modifications capable of reducing capital costs and/or production costs were identified and will be considered.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(p) $350,000 FRF

Dennis Johnson

West Central Research and Outreach Center

University of Minnesota

State HIghway 329, Box 471

Morris, MN 56267

Phone: (320) 589-1711

E-mail: dairydgj@mrs.umn.edu

This project provided farmers with working partners as they developed whole farm plans, provided research for specific grazing issues where there is a dearth of information, and brought new information to other farmers and the public through field days and other educational activities

A group of farmers from the Montevideo area were organized as the Chippewa River Whole Farming and Monitoring Team. Together with agricultural and natural resource professionals they would meet to develop goals and plans for their farming operations. Over the two years of the project their self organized goals moved from the routine issues of farm operation to higher order goals of increasing their ability to add value to their livestock products through building direct marketing links with consumers. A second set of farmers set the agenda for research conducted on their farms and at the West Central Research and Outreach Center addressing sustainable livestock production. Key outcomes include establishing that dairy heifers pastured can gain at equal rates to heifers in a feed lot at lower costs, heifers will grow normally grazing green corn from September through November when pasture supplies are low, lactating dairy cows can be housed without a barn during winter if protected from wind and provided a dry pack, stocker steers on pasture benefit from being fed relatively small amounts of supplemental grain. This project reoriented the goals of sheep and dairy research toward sustainable systems, which continued beyond this project.

Five public workshops were provided during the time of the project. Another workshop teaching farmers how to develop and manage a grazing system was adapted for presentation as a internet based activity. One of the farmer partners is featured as a case study for learning how to manage a grazing system in a video.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

7(q) $1,000,000 FRF/ Match

Russ Sewell

Ruffed Grouse Society

69820 Wolf Creek Rd

Bruno, MN 55712

Phone: 320-838-3608

E-mail: rgsmn@frontiernet.net

Web: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org 

E-mail: odonn014@tc.umn.edu

Web Page Address: www.organic.org

E-mail: bobalf@reusecenter.org

Web Page Address: www.greeninstitute.org

E-mail: mwelch@mn-ei.org

Web Page Address: www.mn-ei.org/r4r.html

E-mail: deb.pile@mnplan.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.mnplan.state.mn.us

E-mail: kurt.chatfield@co.dakota.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.co.dakota.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results  A farmland and natural area protection plan was developed to address the threats to farmland and natural areas in rapidly growing Dakota County. The plan contains strategies and tools for protecting high-priority farmland and natural areas, and four implementation options. The plan was adopted by Dakota County Board.

Project Results, Use and Dissemination  The project originated in citizen concerns about the impacts of growth and development on farmland and natural areas. A multi-organization collaborative was formed in 1999 to conduct the project, using these funds.

More than 1000 citizens, landowners, elected officials, and other stakeholders participated in over 70 meetings to identify and prioritize high-value farmland and natural areas. Project information was posted on the Dakota County website. Press releases were published in area newspapers, and meeting notices were mailed to over 3,000 interested people. The meetings helped people understand the importance of farmland and natural areas in Dakota County, threats to the resource, and ways to protect priority land areas. National experts spoke about farmland and natural area protection at public meetings, and worked with the project partners to develop land protection strategies.

Digital land cover mapping and analysis were used to identify priority farmland and natural areas. Detailed countywide maps were presented to citizens for their input at public meetings. The final maps reflected a combination of citizen preferences and scientific interpretation.

400 citizens were surveyed by telephone about the need to protect farmland and natural areas in the County, the type of public financing mechanism they preferred (bond, levy, none), and how much they would be willing to pay for a countywide land protection program.

Dakota County is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in a pilot program for farmland protection.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

8(d) $400,000 FRF

Mary Vogel

Department of Landscape Architecture

College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

University of Minnesota

144 Architecture and Landscape Architecture

89 Church Street S.E.

Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: (612) 626-7417

Fax: (612) 626-7424

E-mail: vogel001@maroon.tc.umn.edu

Web Site Address: www.cala.umn.edu

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The project developed a practical and user friendly three volume guide that can used by officials and citizens who wish to avoid degrading the environment and incurring future mitigation costs by making more environmentally friendly planning/designs decisions when considering infrastructure projects. Infrastructure types that are commonly used across various geographic scales by cities, small towns, suburbs, and counties in Minnesota were studied in a corridor in Saint Paul and one on the Iron Range. The study the identified prototypical infrastructure types, precedent studies were done in design studios, an investigation was made of sustainability strategies, barriers to implementation of strategies were identified, selected designs were developed. A user-friendly three-volume handbook presenting material from the study in a printed and digital format was created. The Saint Paul volume presents an overall design framework, designs for five study areas, a section on organic infrastructure types, and a paper on the legal barriers to local and regional planning. The Iron Range Study presents green infrastructure design work in two volumes at the regional scale and a paper on the legal barriers to planning in a mining environment.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Presentations of the work have been made to community groups and officials on the Iron Range and in Saint Paul. Public officials and citizens have used the materials from this study to discuss the future of their communities.

The handbook is available on the web and on disks.

E-mail: klarson@mnland.org

Web Page Address: www.mnland.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The Conservation-Based Development Program was designed to improve conservation design practices for new development throughout Minnesota. This Program has three primary results:

1. Promote environmentally-sound development practices through education: a) Gave 40 presentations to more than 2,000 local officials, planners, and developers, b) Held individual meetings with approximately 200 people in the development arena, c) Organized or presented at 19 conferences or workshops:10 Regional; 5 State-wide; and 4 National, d) Featured Conservation Development in slide shows, in several articles and in the Conservation Design Portfolio which highlights model developments

2. Assist in the design of model conservation developments: a) Consulted in the design of approximately 30 different conservation-development related projects, b) Worked with 7 local units of government to explore conservation districts and review ordinances.

3. Secure conservation easements in conservation developments:  2 easements were secured, 5 others are awaiting completion, and 6 easements that we reviewed will be held by local units of government. Total area protected by these 13 projects exceeds 600 acres and includes Lake Superior shoreline, buffers to the BWCA, prairie restoration, and other significant features.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  The goal is to help give Minnesota landowners and local governments throughout the state more choices when it comes to developing property. While the Land Trust will no longer have a separate program focused on conservation development, we will continue to apply conservation planning and design techniques in all our work throughout the state. In addition, other organizations will continue to utilize materials developed under this Program in their education efforts. More than 3,000 copies of the Portfolio will be distributed by the Metropolitan Council, the DNR, Dakota County SWCD, Hennepin Conservation District, Biko Associates, Tree Trust and others. The Portfolio will also be on the Minnesota Land Trust’s web page: www.mnland.org.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

8(f) $40,000 FRF/ Match

Mic Dahlberg

Chisago County Public Works

313 N. Main St. Room 400

Center City, MN 55012-9663

Phone: (651) 213-0708

Fax: (651) 213-0772

Project cancelled:  The funding was to complete the final construction phase of the outlet channel at Chisago Lakes. 

8(g) $33,000 FRF

Todd H. Bram

Winona County Planning

171 West 3^rd Street

Winona, MN 55987

Phone: (507) 457-6335

Fax: (507) 454-9377

E-mail: tbram@nt1.co.winona.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This Blufflands Implementation Project, was designed to develop a small community incentive project to act as a framework to provide opportunity for threatened communities to integrate implementation options listed in the Blufflands Design Manual. This project had three targeted results.

1. Dakota Town Square Park Development:  Provided assistance for process and development of a park master plan on a vacant centrally located city lot for the construction of a city parks.
2. Landscaping and Maintenance Improvements on Dakota City Property:  Provided assistance to make enhancements to a scenic overlook platform, "Welcome Home to Dakota" entrance sign, and Dakota Community Center.
3. Exterior Renovation of a Historic Commercial Building.
   

Project complete June 30, 2001.

9(a) $100,000 FRF

Russell Landry

Center for Energy and Environment

211 North 1st Street, Suite 455

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone: (612) 335-5863

Fax: (612) 335-5888

E-mail: rlandry@mncee.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results   This project accelerated the installation of energy and indoor air quality improvements in ice arenas through audits, technical assistance and promotion. Project spending was only $31,690. This is primarily because limited staff availability prevented CEE from going above and beyond the minimal work program requirements in many areas where more thorough work was originally envisioned (e.g. instead of tailoring brochures to each group of recipients, the same brochure was mailed to arena managers, high level city officials and designers).

Project Results Use and Dissemination   The benefits of arena energy and air quality improvements were promoted statewide. Case study information was incorporated into promotional flyers that were mailed to the following groups: managers of 203 ice arenas, 363 higher level city officials, and 33 local ice arena designers. Additional targeted outreach included two presentations and a newsletter article. Promotional efforts also provided for further dissemination of a report prepared with previous LCMR funding. This previous report, entitled Cost-Effective Energy Efficient Improvements for Minnesota's Public Ice Arenas: Overview of 20 Options, was made available for download, promoted in program literature and handed out at a presentation to arena managers.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

9(b) $100,000 FRF

Suzanne Steinhauer

Minnesota Environmental Quality Board

3^rd Floor Centennial Bldg.

658 Cedar Street

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 296-2878

E-mail: suzanne.steinhauer@mnplan.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us

Fax: mike@soybean.mankato.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.mnsoybean.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results  A new biodiesel fuel formulation was developed, evaluated, and its efficiencies were demonstrated via engine testing. Through analysis, equal amounts of waste grease methyl esters (WGME) and soy methyl esters (SME) were determined to be the best-blended formula that met the objectives of the project. The objectives included developing a biodiesel fuel with low cost considerations and acceptable cold weather performance. This blended fuel consisted of 10% WGME, 10% SME, and 80% petroleum diesel fuel.

10(a) $75,000 FRF/ Match

William B. Root

Goodhue County Land Use Management

P.O. Box 408

Red Wing, MN 55066

Phone: (651) 385-3107

Fax: (651) 385-3106

E-mail: willie.root@co.goodhue.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.goodhue.mn.us

E-mail: dave.dahl@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project accelerated the cataloging and organization of historic mineral exploration documents collected by the State of Minnesota from private mineral exploration companies over the past 100 years. The goal of the project was to put the historic documents into a more useable form and make them more easily accessible for public use. More than 12,000 documents were catalogued and organized during the course of the project, and 72,550 pages of text and 7,433 large maps were scanned and made available for access via the world wide web at http://minarchive.dnr.state.mn.us . In addition, Public domain rights for eight historic airborne mineral exploration surveys were acquired to compliment existing public data sets and geophysical databases. Finally, a desktop computer was purchased to improve local public access and additional disk space was purchased to hold the web site content.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  All of the content from cataloging and scanning these documents is available through the web site for use by researchers and users without needing to arrange a special trip to the archives in northern Minnesota.  The archive’s content can also be made available through alternative formats.

Project completed June 30, 2001

10(c) $500,000 TF/ Match

Greg Larson

Board of Water and Soil Resources

1 West Water Street, Suite 200

St. Paul, MN 55107

Phone: (651) 296-0882

Fax: (651) 297-5615

E-Mail: greg.larson@bwsr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project completed the first (of a three) biennium effort to update and digitize the soil surveys in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue and Wabasha Counties in southeastern Minnesota. This area comprises 1.65 million acres. During this phase of the project, the quality of existing soil maps was improved to aid their update and assist in the compilation of revised soil maps. Fillmore County has been completed and Wabasha County is 75 percent complete. A descriptive legend to guide the update effort, including the collection of soils data was started. Legend development is about 20 percent complete. To aid legend development, private sector soil soil scientists performed 300 transects. Some of the original soil maps were updated. About 400,000 acres have been addressed. Research and technical support for digital and field science is underway by the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate. Digital techniques for improving existing soil maps have been developed and are being tested.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Soil data and associated maps are used by a variety of users, both public and private. As interim products from this project are developed, they will be made available to the local soil and water conservation district for dissemination to the public. The final product, in digital form, will be available after the project is completed in June 2005.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

10(e) $150,000 TF/ Match

Katherine Mullen

Institute for Self-Reliance

1313 5th Street SE

Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone: (612) 379-3815

Fax: (612) 379-3920

E-Mail: kmullen@ilsr.org

Web Page Address: www.ilsr.org/

The Minnesota Environmentally Preferable Chemicals Project created a network of over 3000 Minnesota businesses, unions, commodity organizations, and technical assistance groups that have the potential to aid the shift from the use and manufacture of petrochemical-based products to alternative, environmentally preferable biobased chemical products. Members received information on the benefits of using biochemicals, including a 20-page report entitled "Lubricants from Vegetable Oil" which looks at vegetable oil-based industrial and automotive lubricants and their application in a range of industry sectors, and an 8-page fact sheet called "Biobased Chemicals Benefit the Workplace" addressing worker safety and cost issues associated with using chemical products. ILSR staff also created a web page on the use, advantages, and availability of biochemicals, and provided information on specific biobased chemical products, technology advances, and policy developments in the program's quarterly newsletter ("The Carbohydrate Economy"), electronic bulletin, and main web site. Staff gave presentations on the use of biobased products at various industry meetings. Work was overseen by a steering committee established at the beginning of the project.

Project scope was reduced and completed December 31, 2000.

10(f) $120,000 FRF

Robert Horton

Minnesota Historical Society

345 Kellogg Blvd. W.

St. Paul, MN 55102

Phone: (651) 215-5866

Fax: (651) 296-9961

E-Mail: robert.horton@mnhs.org

Web Page Address: www.mnhs.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results  This project successfully converted historical environmental records into a digital, GIS format. The result was a three-CD set that contains digital images, GIS and tabular data from the 2,900 pages in the "Reports of Estimates and Appraisals of the Timber Commissioners Board, 1895-1905."

Each page contains a map and assessment indicating the extent, value and condition of timber resources on state owned lands in the northern half of Minnesota. The map notes the location of timber relative to water features, wetlands and cultural references. The digitized products can now be integrated with other GIS data sets to analyze the development of critical lands over time; to plan for the most effective replanting of native species of timber; and to assess the human impact on the environment.

This project demonstrated how to realize the potential value of historical paper records by converting them into a digital format. It is the first step in the creation of a digital library of historical data sets that document the development of the landscape in Minnesota.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  The project results were copied onto 1000 three-CD sets.  The Department of Natural Resources received 200 copies, as did the Land Management Information Center. Additional sets went to advisory board members and to many others. Among those are the Georgia State Archives, which plans to use this as a model, the Map Division of the Library of Congress and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The State Archives is developing a web site to document the project and to foster interest in the digitization of historic environmental records. LMIC will submit descriptive metadata to its GeoGateway and the Geographic Clearinghouse.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

10(g) $350,000 TF/ Match

Carl Rosen

U of M - Soil, Water & Climate

1991 Upper Buford Circle

St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-8114 or (612) 624-7711

Fax: (612) 624-4941

E-mail: rosen006@umn.edu

Web Address: www.wlssd.duluth.mn.us

E-Mail: mark.lenarz@dnr.state.mn.us

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The purpose of this project was to develop an improved understanding of the relationship between winter weather severity, deer condition, and ultimately deer survival. A primary objective of the project was to evaluate the feasibility of developing an index of deer condition based on weather measurements. This index would be used to determine if and when emergency feeding should begin during a severe winter.

Over the course of 3 years (2000-2002), winter weather data were collected daily and included measurements of snow depth and impaction and minimum and maximum ambient temperature. A total of 291 deer were live trapped and body condition was determined on 96 of these deer using a deuterium-dilution technique. Additionally, deer condition was determined using a body scoring system and ultrasonography, on 24 and 13 deer respectively.

During the 3 years of the study, winter severity represented 2 different extremes, either historically mild or severe. Initial results indicate that snow depth has a greater influence than ambient temperature in determining body condition in deer. During years with deep snow, fat levels of both fawns and does were significantly lower as early as January. Creation of a deer condition index will require additional data from years when winter severity is more moderate. Funding to continue the study have been secured through DNR’s Heritage Endowment Funds.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

E-mail: bcoffin@forestry.umn.edu

Web Page Address: www.cnr.umn.edu/ISNR

E-mail: bhoffman@vax2.winona.msus.edu

Overall Project Outcome and Results  A traveling exhibit and a learning trunk were developed by the Science Museum of Minnesota. Visitors to "Karst - A Special Landscape that Needs Special Care" learn about the close connections between land use and ground water quality in southeastern Minnesota's unique and sensitive karst landscape. Karst terrain is typical of areas underlain by carbonate rocks such as limestone or dolomite which crack and dissolve near the bedrock surface. Typical karst features resulting from this cracking and solution are sinkholes, caves, springs, and disappearing streams, all of which provide pathways for substances moving from the land surface to the ground water. It is hoped that viewers of the exhibit will increase their understanding of why special care is needed when making land use decisions in this sensitive landscape.

The exhibit consists of an entry panel with the sound of dripping water, panels on "What is Karst", potential threats to ground water quality, solutions to preventing contamination, and local karst case studies. Map overlays, an interactive faucet demonstration, an interactive ball maze game, and a computer with related web site information, are also part of the exhibit. By October 2001, the exhibit will have been seen by students and the general public at 10 locations throughout the region. It will be housed on a semi-permanent basis at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center but will continue to be available for travel to other locations.

A stand-alone Karst Learning Trunk was also developed. The traveling trunks are complete with curriculum guides, videos, a mini karst exhibit, maps, and hands-on activities designed for classroom use. Nine of these trunks are available throughout the region.

Three workshops for teachers and water quality staff were held at various locations throughout the region. Approximately 90 people attended these workshops. Teachers received an introduction to karst geology, worked with trunk materials, toured the karst exhibit, and worked with local geologic atlas maps.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

11(c) $100,000 TF/ Match

Andrea Lorek Strauss

International Wolf Center

1396 Highway 169

Ely, MN 556731

Phone: (218) 365-469

Fax: (218) 365-3318

E-Mail: edudir@wolf.org

Web Page Address: www.wolf.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The International Wolf Center educates the public about the wolf and the controversies surrounding its survival. With this appropriation this objective was accomplished in three ways: through a curriculum, teacher workshops and a traveling exhibit.

The two-part curriculum entitled "Gray Wolves Gray Matter" includes an activity guide and web-based project. It focuses on the wolf’s biology and the economic and political issues affecting its continued survival. The activity guide is organized into five modules and contains 22 lessons for students grade 6-12. The web-based curriculum is a workbook style project that follows the same modules, and but allows students explore each content area in more depth. The lessons and on-line project can engage students with different learning levels and styles.

Five teacher workshops took place throughout Minnesota in June 2001 throughout the state. Seventy educators attended these 6-hour workshops. Participants thoroughly examined the activity guide and web-based curricula, and tried some lessons. Many commented on its possibilities for interdisiciplinary studies and cluster courses.

The traveling exhibit consists of a five-paneled wall display featuring images of the wolf and the controversies affecting its management. Participants may express their own reactions to the wolf, learn about the history of the wolf management, and vote on solutions for the most important wolf management issue for the future.

The $100,000 project grant was matched with $15,500 of non state money.

The curriculum is currently available for classroom use. All 750 copies of the activity guide have been distributed. The web-based curricula is available on our web site: www.wolf.org.

The traveling exhibit is available for shipment to selected schools and other facilities throughout Minnesota.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

11(d) $20,000 FRF

Wayne Sames

Minnesota DNR Local Grants Program

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN  55155-4010

Phone: (651) 296-1567

Fax: (651) 296-6047

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

A grant was given to the Big Bear Country Education Center in Northome for a business plan.  As a result of the grant, Big Bear Country, Inc. hired consultants to conduct the business plan and marketing study and an engineering consultant to produce the facility pre-design.  

Project results have been distributed to Big Bear Country, Inc. Members and have been available to individual upon request.  In addition, area entrepreneurs have requested project results. 

11(e) $400,000 TF

Greg Lais

Wilderness Inquiry

808 14th Avenue SE

Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone: (612) 676-9400

Fax: (612) 676-9401

E-mail: greglais@wildernessinquiry.org

Web Page Address: http://www.accessoutdoors.org/

Overall Project Outcome and Results  There were four project results involving to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities within outdoor recreation.

1. An assessment of the inclusion of people with disabilities in Minnesota's outdoor service spectrum was conducted, and found that one-third of the responding organizations said that they were making no special provisions to facilitate participation of people with disabilities and funding, training and distribution of information were frequently sited as barriers to accessibility.
2. Community events in Minnesota, community organizers were trained and inclusive activities were offered at community events. 764 individuals were trained in 28 programs on the topics of Disability Awareness, Universal Programming and Marketing. 16,343 people participated in inclusive activities at 64 community events. Activities included canoeing and winter activities.
3. 58 state parks and forests were surveyed for accessibility and utilization of Universal Design Principles. Campsites, fishing piers, picnic areas, playgrounds, parking areas, restrooms and water sources were evaluated.  The data is posted on the Minnesota Guide to Universal Access in the Outdoors (http://www.wildernessinquiry.org/mnparks/). In May 2002, this web page received 1,048 page views in 856 visitor sessions.
4. A web-based clearinghouse of inclusive outdoor recreation (www.accessoutdoors.org) was developed.
  The website contains the following primary categories of information:

• Programs
• Places
• Products
• Publications/Research
• Training/Services
• Organizations

There are currently 80 organizations listed on www.accessoutdoors.org. In May of 2002, the site received 14,714 hits in 1,163 visitor sessions.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  Reports on project activities were disseminated through: 

http://www.accessoutdoors.org/accessible.cfm 

http://www.wildernessinquiry.org

http://www.wildernessinquiry.org/mnparks/index.html

www.accessoutdoors.org

The public was notified of www.accessoutdoors.org through mailings sent to 4,400 individuals and organizations and search engine registration.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

11(f) $250,000 TF/ Match

Patrick Hamilton

Science Museum of Minnesota

30 E. 10^th Street

St. Paul, MN 55101

Phone: (651) 221-4761

Fax: (651) 221-4514

E-Mail: hamilton@smm.org

Web Page Address: www.smm.org/

Overall Project Outcome and Results

The 1,200-square-foot Science House was built to serve as the laboratory/classroom/office for the Big Back Yard, the Museum’s new 1.2-acre outdoor science park. Science House is also a research project in that its goal is to provide all of the energy it needs to heat, cool, and power itself on an annual basis through its photovoltaic roof.

With the Big Back Yard open to the public, Science House now is the center for soil lab activities. Dissecting microscopes and a videomicroscope allow visitors up-close views of the invertebrate life in soils. Remote-sensing tools permit visitors to measure for themselves environmental variables in the park, such as surface temperatures and soil moisture. Students from the Museum’s Youth Science Center play a lead role in presenting these activities to park visitors.

The Big Back Yard both houses exhibits and serves as an educational landscape itself. It is designed to convey the concepts that urban landscapes can enhance human and ecological health by the incorporation of perennial plants and plant communities that not only satisfy conventional landscape architecture needs but also produce food and wildlife habitat and protect and enhance urban soils.

Science House building has been honored with several awards:

• Excellence in Building Educational Achievement Award, The Energy & Environmental Building Association, October 18, 2003, Chicago.
• Environmental Achievement Award in the Energy Category, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, May 6, 2004, Minneapolis.
• Environmental Sensitivity Award, Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute, May 10, 2004, Minneapolis.

Science House has hosted several professional conference field trips:

• EnvironDesign conference, Saturday, April 24
• Affordable Comfort conference, April 27
• EnergySmart America conference, May 11

Science House will be the subject of a session at the November 2-5 AIA Minnesota Convention and will be included in the zero-emissions building session at the November 16-18 Build Boston conference.

Project completed by June 30, 2004.

11(g) $60,000 TF

Clarissa Ellis

Audubon Center of the North Woods

Box 530

Sandstone, MN 55072

Phone: (320) 245-2648

Fax: (320) 245-5272

E-mail: audubon1@ecent.com

Web Page Address: www.audubon-center.com

E-Mail: chuck.niska@dnr.state.mn.us

This project provided matching grant funds to local shooting range operations open for public use. Both new and existing ranges were given grants to improve the safe operation of a given range, to address accessibility improvements, address environmental concerns or to conduct utility upgrades pertaining to the safe operation of each range.

Twenty eight grants were used by local shooting sports organizations throughout the state. These improvements have helped to increase the capacity of each participating range to provide a safe shooting environment for users. Grant funds are also intended to help in the education of both youth participating in Firearm Safety program training, and provide individuals using these facilities a venue within which to improve their safe use of firearms, either prior to hunting or in competitive shooting.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

11(i) $125,000 FRF

Scott Zellmer

Dakota County

8500 127^th Street East

Hastings, MN 55033

Phone: (651) 438-4660

Fax: (651) 437-4560

E-mail: scot.zellmer@co.dakota.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.co.dakota.mn.us\parks

E-Mail: kkinzig@ecoeducation.org

Web Page Address: www.blacktop.com/ecoeducation

The Twin Cities Environmental Service-Learning project provided teacher training to urban teachers to carry out environmental service learning projects and provided minigrants to students to carry out those projects. 41 teachers at 20 schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul participated, involving 1,900 5-8^th grade students. Over $4,000 was distributed directly to schools for students to participate in environmental issue investigations in their neighborhoods that included community tours for site investigations, photo documentation of environmental successes and challenges in their neighborhoods, and data collection. Over $11,000 was disbursed to students for their projects that addressed environmental issues at the local level. These issues included buckthorn removal in Battle Creek Regional Park; wetland restoration at Ames Lake; prevention of point source pollution into a school ground wetland; public awareness around the revitalization and redevelopment of St. Paul’s Iris Park; native plantings at Ames Lake, on University Ave, at Battle Creek Middle School, and at Battle Creek Regional Park; public education about visual pollution; water quality and storm sewer runoff; and storm drain stenciling in Highland Park neighborhood. Over 50 organizations and individuals assisted students and teachers with their projects providing expertise and support.

This project helped fill a need where most environmental education programs do not go: a program that provides the necessary knowledge related to issues, tools to adequately analyze issues, and skills to help resolve issues. These ingredients are proven links to success in promoting environmental behavior.

This project will be continued in Twin Cities schools by Eco Education and continue to reach more schools. Most of the schools involved in these two years will sustain the effort, with some support from Eco Education. Presentations were made about this project at government agencies, Minnesota environmental education conferences, and a St. Paul service-learning conference.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

11(k) $400,000 FRF/ Match

Joe Wood

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association

2820 South Highway 169

P.O. Box 5123

Grand Rapids, MN 55744-5123

Phone: (218) 327-1103

Fax: (218) 327-1349

E-Mail: mdha@uslink.net

Web Page Address: www.up-north.com/mndeerhunters

E-Mail: toren@visi.com

E-mail: jrb@mnic.net

Web Page Address: www.jrb.org

Overall Project Outcome and Results and Use Dissemination  The Minnesota River Watershed Ecology and History Exhibit (know as the River Table) has been placed in the exhibit hall of the Joseph R. Brown Minnesota River Center.  It was developed by the Science Museum of Minnesota to provide students, teachers, policy makers, tourists and residents with a hands on exhibit that encourages exploration of the 12,000 year history of the Minnesota River Basin and its ecological and cultural stories and features. 

The core exhibit is a 14’ by 8’, 32 " high, topographically correct raised relief map carved out of a hard fiberboard and painted with water and vegetation features in accordance with USGS maps. In the future, overlay maps will be able to highlight various features of the twelve major watersheds of the River Basin including indicators for reduced point and non-point pollution sources. Sixty fiber optic lights illuminate the location of human settlements from 9,000 years ago to today. These lights are activated when visitors press multicolored story telling buttons. A storybook mounted on the  River Table tells about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862   while another describes flooding on the river. Wildlife and natural features are presented through the use of storyboards telling about wild rice and mussels while freestanding graphic panels provide information about fish and birds. A companion computer kiosk located near the River Table provides visual and audio information on eleven Minnesota River related ecological and historic topics which may be further explored on an adjacent internet connected work station. 

During the 2001-2002 school year, a series of opened houses for elementary and secondary teachers will be held to develop curriculum for use with the River Table. In addition, meetings of study committees and public officials dealing with Minnesota River issues will be scheduled in the exhibit hall.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

11(o) $100,000 FRF

Jeff Lindeman

Chisago Lakes High School

14900 Olinda Trail

Lindstrom,  MN  55045

Phone: (651) 213-2500

Fax: (651) 213-2550

E-mail: isd2144.jml@norsol.com

Overall Project Outcome and Results  A 30 X 60 8mm Polycarbonate freestanding greenhouse was constructed at Chisago Lake High  School. The greenhouse has 2 sections. The front section is 20 X 30 and houses the aquaponics tanks. Both rooms are independent from each other. The environment is controlled for light, temperature, and humidity. 

The high school agri-science department experienced all phases of the greenhouse construction. The green house provides a community lab for students and community members to see and experience aquaponics and aquaculture as the project evolves. Master Gardeners, community education, and others will be part of the ongoing use of the facility. 

Project completed June 30, 2001.

E-Mail: ksexton@mail.eoh.umn.edu

E-Mail: carmen.converse@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.dnr.state.mn.us

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) is a systematic survey of rare biological features. The goal is to identify significant natural areas and to collect and interpret data on the distribution and ecology of rare plants, rare animals, and native plant communities. The Survey uses a multi-level procedure, beginning with the evaluation of existing inventory data, followed by an assessment of the quality and condition of selected areas using air photos and ground surveys. Field work also includes the collection of vegetation data and specialized surveys of selected rare species.

Since July, 1999 surveys were completed in fifteen counties: Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Grant, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Nicollet, Pine, Redwood, Renville, Sibley, Stevens, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties. Surveys were also completed in the Red River Prairie portions of Becker and Otter Tail counties. In 2000, field survey work began in Douglas, Kandiyohi, and Pope counties and air photo interpretation in McLeod and Meeker. Surveys continue in Aitkin, Carlton, and Crow Wing counties. Surveys began and continue in the North Shore subsection (portions of St. Louis, Cook and Lake counties) and in Itasca County.

Data are entered into DNR’s Natural Heritage Information System that includes a Geographic Information System. New records of 1,459 locations of rare features were added to the Rare Features Database since July, 1999. Since MCBS began in 1987, surveys have been completed in 50 counties and 12,781 records have been added to the Rare Features Database by MCBS. Since 1987, MCBS has documented fourteen species of native plants and two species of amphibians not previously recorded in the state.

In cooperation with other survey and classification efforts, vegetation data on forest types were compiled and analyzed leading to the revision of the forest types in Minnesota’s Native Vegetation: A Key to Natural Communities Version 1.5. Vegetation data used in the classification are stored in the Relevé Database that currently includes 6,505 Minnesota vegetation samples (42% of the relevés collected by MCBS).

Project Results Use and Dissemination  There are now maps displaying the results of MCBS for 24 counties with the publication of maps of Stearns County and Marshall County during this project period. Map files of selected counties are available on the DNR Web site. Since 1987, MCBS has produced 56 publications, including one book, Minnesota’s St. Croix River and Anoka Sandplain: a guide to native habitats.

Recent examples of MCBS data use: Renville and other MN River Valley counties in assessment of the mineral and rare resources associated with the rock outcrops, Sibley County Planning, Stearns County comprehensive planning/park planning, active railroad prairie rights-of-way management, prairie acquisition by Pheasants Forever and The Nature Conservancy, DNR Park management, landscape level management in the North Shore Highlands as part of the Manitou Collaborative, trail planning in NE MN and along the MN River Valley, assessments by the Northeast Landscape Committee of the Minnesota Forest Resource Council.

This particular section of the project completed June 30, 2001.

12(c) $400,000 TF

Keith M. Wendt

DNR - Office of Mgmt and Budget Services Science Policy Section

500 Lafayette Road, Box 10

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 297-7879

Fax: (651) 296-6047

E-Mail: keith.wendt@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.dnr.state.mn.us/eii/eii.htm

1) Indicators that document natural resource status and trends;

2) Indicators that link natural resource activities to natural resource outcomes;

3) Targets developed for indicators that enable us to forecast and measure program results;

4) Indicators and targets integrated into DNR management plans and programs;

5) A scientifically credible and comprehensive picture of the state’s natural resources and the effects of DNR management (see DNR’s Natural Resources Stewardship 2001: Key Indicators of Progress);

6) Inter-agency coordination on developing common natural resource and environmental goals and associated performance indicators.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  AII efforts fostered the growth of a network of citizens, resource professionals and policy makers using indicators in natural resource learning and decision making. EII-designed frameworks and indicators are now incorporated into DNR standard operations. Lessons learned during the pilot project allowed DNR and partners to refine indicator development and move forward with application of those frameworks which best enhance our ability to use indicators to forecast and measure environmental results. The LCMR pilot project and continuing DNR work laid an important foundation for contributing to a broader effort recently established by the Governor’s Office of Results Management to strengthen accountability and responsiveness to citizens by measuring and reporting results. DNR is sharing best-practices learned through the last six years of developing indicators and applying frameworks that promote the use of indicators in decision-making aimed at achieving environmental and natural resource results.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

12(d) $160,000 TF

Daniel A. Huff

Dakota County Environmental Education Program

4100 220^th Street West, Suite 101

Farmington, MN 55024

Phone: (651) 480-7734

Fax: (651) 463-8002

E-Mail:daniel.huff@co.dakota.mn.us

Website Address: http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/dakota/Environment/wetlands/wetld.html

The Dakota County Wetland Health Evaluation Project (WHEP) is a joint research and educational project sponsored by the Dakota County Environmental Education Program (DCEEP) the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Cities of Dakota County. The goals of the project were to:

• Develop and refine biological monitoring methodologies to access the biological health of wetlands
• Provide meaningful data on wetland health to local governments
• Foster public awareness of wetland value and health within Dakota County communities
• Create positive partnerships between citizens and their local government in addressing natural resource issues

Annually, volunteer monitoring teams sampled up to four wetlands between June and August for plant and macroinvertebrate communities within their city and performed a cross check of a wetland monitored by another city’s team. Using sampling techniques and monitoring protocols developed by the MPCA and approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), volunteers analyzed collected samples and completed data field sheets. Prior to sampling, volunteers attended two and a half days of training given by MPCA staff. The time commitment for volunteers was approximately 30-50 hours per year. City staff worked with each team to select monitored wetlands. Volunteers reported the annual results back to their city, either to the city council or parks commission. URS/BRW, professional consultants provided quality control, statistical analysis and reporting.

From 1999-2001, over 200 volunteers have contributed approximately 10,000 hours performing 228 wetland surveys. Each of these surveys were tallied, met quality control and quality assurance guidelines and were reported to city and county staff and scientists at the MPCA. MPCA scientists combined this citizen data with their own research to refine the Indexes of Biological Integrity for depressional wetlands in Minnesota. This research has contributed to the methods for wetland bioassessment methods published by the US EPA.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

12(e) $300,000 TF

JoAnn M. Hanowski

Natural Resources Research Institute

5013 Miller Trunk Highway

Duluth, MN 55811

Phone: (218) 720-4311

Fax: (218) 720-9412

E-Mail: jhanowsk@sage.nrri.umn.edu

Web Page Address: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/SUSTAIN/

E-Mail: rita.messing@health.state.mn.us

Web Site Address: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/hazardous/healthed.html

E-Mail: tcj@d.umn.edu

Web Page Address: www.d.umn.edu/cse/llo.html

Research Results and Dissemination  The Large Lakes Observatory of the University of Minnesota has established benchmark data on the phytoplankton communities, nutrient chemistry, temperature and currents in western Lake Superior based on a timeseries of measurements from moored instruments at selected stations along the north shore from Duluth to Split Rock between 1999 and 2001. A database of these results has been established at the LLO and, through publications, is being made available to the scientific community and the public.

The annual catch of fish that can be sustained by Lake Superior ultimately depends on primary production of organic matter by phytoplankton (single-celled algae and other plants) in the sunlit surface waters. Our work shows that biological productivity in Lake Superior is much more variable in space and time (both seasonally and, more interesting, inter-annually) than previously thought. This makes biological productivity difficult to quantify using ship-based methods. Our results, based on time-series measurements from moored instruments, suggest that biological productivity may be two- to three- fold higher on an annual basis than reported by previous studies. If true, this is of great significance for fisheries management. In addition, our work suggests that Lake Superior, and by inference other large temperate lakes, are net sources of CO₂ to the atmosphere, so we cannot rely on these lakes to help remediate the problem of increasing atmospheric CO₂ and global warming.

Further work is needed for rigorous assessment of biological productivity and carbon cycling in Lake Superior. An understanding of basic physical, chemical, and biological processes is needed for assessment and prediction of the lake’s response to future environmental stresses. We are continuing to develop innovative and cost-effective monitoring programs to assess these key environmental parameters and anticipate receiving significant federal and funding for such work in the coming years.

Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals

     Baehr, M.M. & J. McManus  "The measurement of phosphorus and its spatial and temporal variability in western Lake Superior." Journal of Great Lakes Research V. 29, pp. 479-487 (2003).

     Heine, E.A. & J. McManus.  "Carbon and nutrient cycling at the sediment water boundary in western Lake Superior." Journal of Great Lakes Research.  in press

     McManus, J., E.A. Heinen, M.M. Baehr.  "Hypolimnetic oxidation rates in Lake Superior: Role of dissolved organic material on the lake's carbon budget."  Limnology and Oceanography  v.48, pp 1624-1632

     Ralph, E.A., 2002. "Scales and structures of large lake eddies."  Geophysical Research Letters. v.29, pp. 30-1 to 30-4.

Project completed by June 30, 2002.

12(h) $350,000 TF/ Match

Lee Pfannmuller

DNR- Division of Fish and Wildlife

Box 25, DNR Building

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 296-0783

Fax: (651) 296-1811

E-Mail: lee.pfannmuller@dnr.state.mn.us

WEB SITE ADDRESS: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/mnbirds

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The project's primary goal is to develop landscape management tools to maintain Minnesota's rich diversity of forest birds. During the FY00-01 biennium the tenth and eleventh years of monitoring forest bird populations in the Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest, the ninth and tenth years in east-central Minnesota and the sixth and seventh years in southeastern Minnesota were completed. A major objective of this study was to analyze forest bird population trends. Most breeding bird populations in northern and east-central Minnesota were relatively stable, while 15 species had a decreasing trend and eight were increasing. In the southeast region eight species showed long-term population declines, while eleven species increased. Most species in all regions showed considerable year-to-year variation in abundance. Another major objective was to refine and verify predictions of forest bird distribution and abundance and to create links to LANDIS. Parameterization required by LANDIS was completed for the Nashwauk Upland subsection of the Ecological Classification System. Additionally, predictions were tested using bird abundance on nine 1-square mile plots and these analyses indicated that our predictions had a high level of accuracy. The project managers are unaware of any efforts elsewhere with similar predictions that have been evaluated with independent data. Progress was made on software components of the forest planning tool to make this a useful application for land managers. This includes a module that conducts Monte Carlo simulations to make predictions of bird abundance and a module that enables reading of  the output of LANDIS directly.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  DNR staff continued updating the initiative’s web site (http://www.nrri.umn.edu/mnbirds) which provides public access to data and information collected by the project. Ten presentations highlighting the project’s results were given during the Biennium. Four papers were accepted or published in final form and drafts of two additional manuscripts were completed.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

12(i) $250,000 TF/ Match

Melinda G. Knutson

USGS/ Biological Resources Division

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

2630 Fanta Reed Rd.

La Crosse, WI 54603

Phone: (608) 781-6216

Fax: (608) 783-6066

E-Mail: melinda_knutson@usgs.gov

Web Page Address: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/amphibians/mknutson_5003869.html

RESEARCH PROJECT

Overall Project Outcome and Results  Constructed farm ponds and natural wetlands in southeastern Minnesota during the spring and summer of 2000 and 2001 were studied. The objectives were to identify land management practices that sustain healthy populations of amphibians in southeastern Minnesota farm ponds and to recommend monitoring methods suitable for assessing amphibian habitat quality. Amphibian and habitat data from 40 randomly selected ponds, ten ponds in each of four surrounding land-use classes: row crop agriculture, grazed grassland, ungrazed grassland, and natural wetlands were collected.  10 species of amphibians at the ponds were identified. Surveys indicated that at least five fish, six snake, two turtle, 18 mammal, and 100 bird species were associated with the study ponds.  No differences were found in amphibian species richness among the pond types, and very few frogs had malformations. In a mesocosm study, there were no differences in amphibian larval survival between agricultural and natural wetlands. The highest amphibian reproductive success was found in ponds with no fish, low amounts of vegetation, and low concentrations of nitrogen. Ponds used for watering cattle had elevated concentrations of nitrogen and higher turbidity, indicating lower quality habitat for amphibians. Constructed farm ponds designed to serve the needs of farmers can be managed to provide valuable aquatic breeding habitat for amphibians in this region. Important management actions include fencing cattle away from the pond, maintaining a wide grass buffer strip around the pond to trap sediment and nutrients, and avoiding fish introductions.

Project Results Use and Dissemination  2,500 amphibian larvae and egg field guides are being distributed to wildlife biologists. State and federal agriculture and natural resources agencies are receiving 10,000 USGS Fact Sheets and 2,000 posters containing practical advice on how to manage farm ponds to benefit wildlife. 

E-Mail: davem@puccini.crl.umn.edu

13(a) $450,000 TF

Doug Anderson

MN DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN  55155

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

Web Page Address: http://willow.ncfes.umn.edu/woodstew/wdstew.htm

This project provided 170 forest management plans on over 17,000 acres of forests and 9 prairie management plans on 1251 acres of prairies.  Management activities were cost shared on an additional 9000 acres of forest.  $435,894 of matching funds were raised from private landowners, consultants and Global ReLeaf.  The management plans set the stage for additional development activity to occur in the near future.  This is large enough to a significant benefit to the MN landscape.  When a landowner gets involved with the program, the stewardship of that land greatly increases.  

The results of this project, be it the writing of the management plan or the cost share of a management activity, keep growing from the initial effort.  Word of the benefits of sound natural resources management is spread between neighbors and families.  This program has been written about in "Better Forests", the publication of the MN Forestry Association.  

Project completed June 30, 2002.

13(b) $150,000 TF/ Match

Robert L. Jacobson

MN/DOT - MS 620

395 John Ireland Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 779-5087

Fax: (651) 779-5019

E-Mail: robert.jacobson@dot.state.mn.us

Web Page Address: www.dot.state.mn.us/engserv/environment/

E-Mail: rbuffler@greatrivergreening.org

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

Great River Greening, along with ten cooperators, completed private and public habitat restoration projects on approximately 1,500 acres in the metro Mississippi/Minnesota River valleys, involving more than 1,500 citizen volunteers. These sites vary in their quality, but through the restoration process, their ecological value for buffering, connecting, and hosting natural remnants has increased greatly. Many of the sites are critical for enhancing some of the last large native plant remnants in the metro river corridor.

The funded sites range from such high quality natural areas as the Pine Bend Bluffs (Flint Hills Resources Natural Area and Ordway Natural History Area), where restoration has enhanced large mosaics of native plant communities; to the important connecting sites of Highwood Park Reserve, West Side Bluff, and Mississippi River Gorge, which host important rare plants or native remnants and have great potential; to the urban setting of Shepard Road, one of the largest natural plantings on a highly developed riverfront.

Other results include completing a land cover inventory of more than 109,000 acres, for which collaborators contributed more than $50,000 non-state funds. Landowner outreach was particularly successful, resulting not only in the above projects, but also in a database of future restoration projects. The cost-share and match from partners and landowners exceeded what was expected for a total of $589,957.

In addition to several research papers to disseminate the results, the Greening website includes extensive information (including maps) about the Big Rivers Partnership and each of the BRP projects and links to restoration research resources for land managers and the public.

Project completed June 30, 2002.

13(d) $60,000 TF

Brian Winter

The Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society

Box 25, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

Phone: (651) 296-5359

Fax: (651) 296-1811

In an effort to re-establish a greater prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) population in vacant grassland habitat in southwestern Minnesota 126 birds (84 cocks, 36 hens, 6 young of the year) were translocated from northwestern Minnesota 1999-2001. Birds for translocation were initially captured on booming grounds during the breeding season radio-marked and released in place. A portion were recaptured by night lighting during July-September. The birds were released at six different release sites in the vicinity of the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area. Fifty-three birds (46 cocks, 7 hens) were translocated in 1999 and 60 (25 cocks, 29 hens, 6 young of the year) in 2000. Thirteen cocks were translocated during May and June 2001. All were radio-marked to monitor general movements, document survival and mortality factors. Two booming grounds were located in 2000, one with six cocks and one with four. In 2001, these two booming grounds each had five cocks. No new booming grounds were established as a result of the releases in 2000. Efforts to establish five booming grounds failed as birds moved from the two new 2000 release sites to the areas with the two established booming grounds. Seven nests were located, one in 2000 and six in 2001. Four of the seven hatched and one nest contained eight ring-necked pheasant eggs. Survival of translocated radio-marked birds from release to following breeding season (8-10 months) was 35.5%. Predation by raptors appeared to be the main mortality factor. Future releases will concentrate on supplementing existing booming grounds and establishing new ones 10 to 15 miles away. The long-term goal is to link the ranges of prairie chicken populations in Minnesota with those in South Dakota and North Dakota.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

13(e) $500,000 TF/ Match

Matt Holland

Pheasants Forever, Inc.

2101 Ridgewood Dr. NW

Alexandria, MN 56308

Phone: (320) 763-6103

Fax: (320) 763-6103

E-Mail: ringneck@tds.net

Overall Project Outcome and Results  The goal of this project was to protect, preserve and enhance native prairie and wetland ecosystems in Minnesota. Less than 1% of Minnesota’s original 18 million acres of Tall Grass Prairie exists today. Nearly 1/3 of Minnesota's endangered and threatened plant and animal species inhabit the prairie ecosystem. Existing prairie relics are the repositories of the plant and animal communities that charted the course of anthropological history in Minnesota. The PHF has preserved and restored small prairie and wetland remnants. Acquisition and enhancement of remnant tracts of the prairie ecosystem protect and enhance Minnesota’s endangered and threatened natural communities and ensures Minnesota’s prairie legacy.

PHF: Through the 1997 appropriation, Pheasants Forever acquired 2,197 acres of native remnant prairie and associated wetland and upland habitats throughout the prairie region of Minnesota. A total of 19 projects were completed in 11 counties. In addition, 80 acres of prairie habitat were restored. This appropriation was matched with $742,647 of non-state monies and an additional $383,600 in non-match dollars.

PHF - continuation: Through the 1999 appropriation, Pheasants Forever acquired 1,486 acres of native remnant prairie and associated wetland and upland habitats throughout the prairie region of Minnesota. A total of 11 projects were completed in 8 counties. In addition, 40 acres of prairie habitat were restored. This appropriation was matched with $630,544 in non-state monies.

Pheasants Forever was able to leverage federal dollars from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act on tracts that qualified. PF was thus able to stretch trust fund dollars and add value to this project.

Each tract acquired through the Prairie Heritage Fund has been enrolled into Minnesota's Wildlife Management Area System and is open to public hunting, trapping, bird watching, and other recreational pursuits consistent with the goals of the Wildlife Management Area System.

Project completed June 30, 2001.

13(f) $1,310,000 TF/FRF

Michael T. Markell

Trails and Waterways Unit

Department of Natural Resources

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4052

Phone: (651) 296-6413

Fax: (651) 297-5475

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

E-Mail: olin002@maroon.tc.umn.edu

Web Page Address: www.arboretum.umn.edu