2008 PROJECTS

MN Laws 2008, Chapter 367, Section 2 (beginning July 1, 2008)

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 2008 Legislative Session. The final date of completion for these projects is listed at the end of the abstract. When available, we have provided links to a project's web site. The sites linked to this page are not created, maintained, or endorsed by the LCCMR office or the Minnesota Legislature.

Subd. 3   Land and Habitat
Subd. 4   Water Resources
Subd. 5   Natural Resource Information
Subd. 6   Environmental Education
Subd. 7   Establishment of an Emerging Issues Account

Subd. 3 Land and Habitat
3a	Metro Conservation Corridors (MeCC) - Phase IV
3b	Vermillion River Corridor Acquisition and Restoration in Dakota County
3c	Minnesota's Habitat Conservation Partnership - Phase V
3d	Preserving the Avon Hills Landscape
3e	Minnesota River Valley Green Corridor Land Protection
3f	Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition
3g	State Land Acquisition Consolidation
3h	State Park and Trail Land Acquisition
3i	Metropolitan Regional Park System Land Acquisition
3j	Local Initiative Grants - Regional Parks and Natural Areas
3k	Conservation Partners/Environmental Partnerships Matching Grant Program
3l	County Trail Systems Design
3m	Accelerated Prairie Management, Survey, Acquisition and Evaluation
3n	Prairie Ecosystem Restoration
3o	Best Practices for Native Prairie Management
3p	Impacts of Climate Change and CO2 on Prairie and Forest Production - RESEARCH
3q	Biofuel Production and Wildlife Conservation in Working Prairies - RESEARCH

Subd. 4 Water Resources
4a	Future of Energy and Minnesota Water Resources - RESEARCH
4b	Accelerating Plans for Integrated Control of the Common Carp - RESEARCH
4c	Testing Pesticides and Degradates in Public Drinking Water
4d	Assessment of Riparian Buffers in the Whitewater River Watershed
4e	Intra-Lake Zoning to Protect Sensitive Lakeshore Areas
4f	Native Shoreland Buffer Incentives Program
4g	Southeast Minnesota Stream Restoration Projects
4h	South-Central MN Groundwater Monitoring and County Geologic Atlases
4i	Lake Superior Research - RESEARCH

Subd. 5 Natural Resource Information
5a	Updating the National Wetlands Inventory for Minnesota
5b	Soil Survey
5c	Updating Precipitation Intensities for Runoff Estimation and Infrastructure Designs
5d	The Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas
5e	Restorable Wetlands Inventory
5f	Wildlife Disease Data Surveillance and Analysis - RESEARCH
5g	Conservation Easement Stewardship, Oversight and Maintenance
5h	Conservation Easement Stewardship and Enforcement Program Plan

Subd. 6 Environmental Education
6a	Waters of Minnesota Documentary on Watersheds
6b	Global Warming - Reducing Carbon Footprint of Minnesota Schools

Subd. 7 Establishment of an Emerging Issues Account

Funding Sources: (**note: all projects are TF, unless otherwise noted)
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (TF)
Great Lakes Protection Account (GLPA)

Subd. 3Land and Habitat

Metro Conservation Corridors (MeCC) - Phase IV
Subd. 3a      $3,150,000

Bill Becker
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5527
Email:  bill.becker@dnr.state.mn.us
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/metroconservationcorridors/index.html

Seven partner organizations will collaborate efforts in scientifically identified and prioritized focus areas throughout the greater Metropolitan Region to: 1) restore/enhance an estimated 293 acres of significant upland and wetland habitat that help serve to buffer and/or reconnect existing habitat; 2) protect/acquire an estimated 493 acres of significant habitat through fee title and conservation easement acquisition; and 3) provide community assistance grants to local governments to help in developing and implementing local land protection and restoration efforts.
Project partners are the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Friends of the Mississippi River, Friends of the Minnesota Valley, Great River Greening, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Minnesota Land Trust, and Trust for Public Land. Sub-projects within this partnership are:

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2010
Overall Work Program (For work programs of individual partner projects, click links directly above)

Vermillion River Corridor Acquisition and Restoration in Dakota County
Subd. 3b      $400,000

Alan Singer
Dakota County
14955 Galaxie Ave
Apple Valley, MN 55124

Phone:  (952) 891-7001
Email:  al.singer@co.dakota.mn.us
Fax:  (952) 891-7031
Web:  http://www.co.dakota.mn.us

Funds enable Dakota County to develop and begin implementation of a comprehensive and integrated water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational corridor system plan for the 335 square mile Vermillion River watershed, located in the counties of Dakota, Scott, and Goodhue. Implementation using these funds includes fee title and conservation easement acquisition to protect approximately 125 acres and restoration efforts to enhance approximately 40 acres.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Minnesota's Habitat Corridors Partnership - Phase IV
Subd. 3c      $3,150,000

Matt Holland
Pheasants Forever, Inc
679 W River Dr
New London, MN 56273

Phone:  (320) 354-4377
Email:  mholland@pheasantsforever.org
Fax:  (320) 354-4377
Web:  http://www.mnhabitatcorridors.org

Fifteen partner organizations will collaborate efforts in eleven identified project focus areas around the state to: 1) restore, enhance, and manage an estimated 4,296 acres of significant habitat, and 2) permanently protect an estimated 633 acres of significant habitat through fee title and conservation easement acquisition. Types of habitat include fisheries, native prairie, grassland, woodland, bluffland, lakeshore, shallow lake, wetland, river, and wild rice.

Project partners are the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ducks Unlimited, Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa, Friends of the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association, Minnesota Land Trust, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sub-projects within this partnership are:

2c / 3c

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2010
Overall Work Program(For work programs of individual partner projects, click links directly above)

Preserving the Avon Hills Landscape
Subd. 3d      $337,000

Thomas Kroll
Saint Johns Arboretum and University
Box 3000
Collegeville, MN 56321

Phone:  (320) 363-3163
Email:  tkroll@csbsju.edu
Fax:  (320) 363-3202
Web:  http://www.csbsju.edu/arboretum/avonhills

Saint John's Arboretum and University and the Minnesota Land Trust will work with local landowners, non-profit organizations, and local units of government to develop plans and implement land protection measures, including ordinances and conservation easements, that will benefit the Avon Hills landscape area (approximately 80 square miles in Stearns County) of central Minnesota. Implementation using these funds includes conservation easement acquisition to permanently protect approximately 450-1,000 acres. Conservation easements will be held and monitored by the Minnesota Land Trust.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Minnesota River Valley Green Corridor Land Protection
Subd. 3e      $1,000,000

Nancy Fasching
Southwest Initiative Foundation
PO Box 428
Hutchinson, MN 55350

Phone:  (320) 587-4848
Email:  nancyf@swifoundation.org
Fax:  (320) 587-3838
Web:  http://www.swifoundation.org

Southwest Initiative Foundation will work with stakeholders and local landowners to develop and begin implementation of a land conservation plan in the Minnesota River Valley. Implementation using these funds includes fee title and conservation easement acquisition to permanently protect approximately 220 acres, particularly lands containing native prairie, unique geological features, fens, or wetlands.

Project Publication:
Conservation in the Middle Minnesota Valley: A Blueprint and Action Plan (PDF - 14.6 MB)

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition
Subd. 3f      $1,000,000

Peggy Booth
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5088
Email:  peggy.booth@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-1811
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas

Approximately 180 acres of high quality native habitat will be acquired by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and designated as Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). SNA serves to protect elements of natural diversity of state importance - including rare and endangered plant and animal species, undisturbed plant communities, and geological features - for their use in scientific study, education, and nature observation.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

State Land Acquisition Consolidation
Subd. 3g      $500,000

Craig Engwall
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
1201 E Hwy 3
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone:  (218) 999-7913
Email:  craig.engwall@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (218) 327-4263
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Establishment of a revolving account of funds the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can use to consolidate state land ownership in Northern Minnesota in order to reduce forest fragmentation and enhance management efficiency. Funds in the account can finance the acquisition of lands of significant natural resource value adjacent to existing DNR forest lands; funds are replenished through the sale of isolated DNR parcels in difficult to manage areas.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

State Park and Trail Land Acquisition
Subd. 3h      $1,500,000

Larry Peterson (Parks) and Stan Linnell (Trails)
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  Larry Peterson: (651) 259-5593; Stan Linnell: 651) 259-5626
Email:  larry.peterson@state.mn.us and stan.linnell@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-6532 [Parks]; (651) 297-5475 (Trails)
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Project funds will assist the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the acquisition of privately held land within existing state park boundaries and priority parcels along state trail corridors in order to preserve it for public use and benefit. Specific acquisitions include approximately 158 acres within Monsoon Lake State Park, approximately 400 acres within George Crosby State Park, and approximately 0.75 miles along the Mill Towns State Trail.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Metropolitan Regional Park System Land Acquisition
Subd. 3i      $1,500,000

Arne Stefferud
Metropolitan Council
390 N Robert St
St. Paul, MN 55101

Phone:  (651) 602-1360
Email:  arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 602-1467
Web:  http://www.metrocouncil.org

The Metropolitan Council will grant these funds to metropolitan regional park agencies, along with a required minimum 40% match of non-state funds, to acquire approximately 225 acres within approved regional park unit boundaries in the Metropolitan Regional Park System.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Local Initiative Grants - Regional Parks and Natural Areas
Subd. 3j      $1,000,000

Wayne Sames
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 259-5559
Email:   wayne.sames@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 296-6047
Web:   http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Co- Project Manager:
Marc Mattice
Wright County Parks
1901 Highway 25 North
Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone:   (763) 682-7693
Email:   marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Fax:   (763) 682-7313
Web:   http://www.co.wright.mn.us/department/parks/

Through this program, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides matching grants to local governments for acquisition of regional parkland outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area and for natural and scenic area land statewide. Specifically, these funds are to be used for a regional park grant to Wright County to begin to acquire lands for a proposed regional park on the Bertram Chain of Lakes in Wright County.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Conservation Partners/Environmental Partnerships Matching Grant Program
Subd. 3k      $150,000

Wayne Sames
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 10
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5559
Email:  wayne.sames@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-6047
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/habitat/env_cons_part.html

Through this program, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides matching grants of up to $20,000 to local governments and private/nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance fish, wildlife, and native plant habitat; provide related research or surveys; and/or protect, enhance, or educate about our natural environment.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

County Trail System Design
Subd. 3l      $175,000

Mary Vogel
University of Minnesota
151 Rapson Hall
89 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:  (612) 626-7417
Email:  vogel001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 626-7424
Web:  http://ccl.design.umn.edu/

The University of Minnesota will work with counties and communities to create plans and designs for recreational county trail systems in Brown, Lyon, Redwood, and Renville Counties.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Accelerated Prairie Management, Survey, Acquisition and Evaluation
Subd. 3m      $1,250,000

Carmen Converse
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5083
Email:  carmen.converse@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  651) 296-1811
Web:  http://dnr.state.mn.us/eco

Funds will be used by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to benefit the less than 1% of remaining prairie lands in the western and southern portions of the state. Specific work includes: 1) conducting a rapid assessment of the status of remaining native prairie sites in the state; 2) accelerating the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) in the prairie region of the state; 3) providing increased technical assistance to private prairie landowners; 4) accelerating management of public and private prairie lands; 5) monitoring and evaluating prairie condition and associated wildlife; and 6) acquiring approximately 150 acres of prairie natural areas, prairie bank easements, and buffers.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Prairie Ecosystem Restoration
Subd. 3n      $80,000

Rich Perrine
Martin Soil and Water Conservation District
923 N State St, Ste 170
Fairmont, MN 56031

Phone:  (507) 235-6680
Email:  richard.perrine@mn.nacdnet.net
Fax:  (507) 235-8171
Web:  http://www.martinswcd.net

The Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District will collect seeds of declining and at-risk local ecotype native prairie plant species, propagate the plants, and then establish long term populations of the plants on suitable existing and perpetually protected prairie sites.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Best Practices for Native Prairie Management
Subd. 3o      $45,000

Michelle Snider
Minnesota Recreation and Park Association
200 Charles Street NE
Fridley, MN 55432

Phone:  (763) 571-1305 x100
Email:  snider@mnrecpark.org
Fax:  (763) 571-5204
Web:  http://www.mnrpa.org

The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association will provide assistance to land managers and recreation professionals to work collaboratively to protect, restore, and sustain remaining native prairie areas throughout the state. Funds will be used to assemble and provide information on best practices for native prairie management through field demonstrations and regional workshops.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Impacts of Climate Change and CO2 on Prairie and Forest Production
Subd. 3p      $180,000

Peter Reich
University of Minnesota
1530 Cleveland Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-4270
Email:  preich@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5212
Web:  http://www.forestry.umn.edu/people/facstaff/reich/

RESEARCH

Biofuels from perennial plants could be an important part of Minnesota's energy future; however, much uncertainty surrounds the growth potential and carbon sequestration potential of different perennial biofuels, especially with respect to anticipated changes in climate and atmospheric chemistry over the next century. The University of Minnesota will accelerate research simulating future climate and atmospheric conditions to determine their impacts on biomass production, carbon sequestration, and water quality in prairie and tree species.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Biofuel Production and Wildlife Conservation in Working Prairies
Subd. 3q      $500,000

Clarence Lehman
University of Minnesota
100 Ecology Building,1987 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-5734
Email:  lehman@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 624-6777
Web:  http://www.cbs.umn.edu/eeb/faculty/LehmanClarence/

RESEARCH

Biofuels are likely to be an important component of future energy production. Biofuel production in Minnesota and around the globe has the potential to either improve conditions for wildlife species or make conditions markedly worse. The University of Minnesota will identify and research management practices that promote wildlife conservation and associated habitat biodiversity on future working prairies used for renewable bioenergy production.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Subd. 4Water Resources

Future of Energy and Minnesota Water Resources
Subd. 4a      $270,000

Sangwon Suh
University of Minnesota
1390 Eckles Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-5307
Email:  sangwon@umn.edu
Fax:  612) 624-3005
Web:  http://www.bbe.umn.edu/Suh.html"

RESEARCH

Minnesota's water resources are critical to the state's economy, ecology, and culture. Several major changes already occurring or likely to occur in Minnesota - including demographic change, climate change, biofuel development, and electricity production - will significantly impact these water resources in the coming decades. The University of Minnesota is developing spatial models of water demand in Minnesota under differing scenarios and then integrating them into an interactive web-based tool for comparing the impacts and interactions of different policy scenarios on water resources in the state.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Accelerating Plans for Integrated Control of the Common Carp
Subd. 4b      $550,000

Peter Sorensen
University of Minnesota
1980 Folwell Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-4997
Email:  soren003@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5299
Web:  http://fwcb.cfans.umn.edu/sorensen/

RESEARCH

The common carp, first introduced and widely distributed across the United States in the late 1800s, is one of the most damaging invasive fish species in Minnesota and around the country. Common carp reduce food sources needed by native fish, stir up sediment and reduce water clarity, and harm underwater plants that maintain water quality and provide food and shelter for other fish. Various methods of control have proven either unsuccessful or environmentally damaging. These funds enable the University of Minnesota to continue, expand, and accelerate research into new and better options for controlling common carp by building upon major findings from a previous Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund funded phase of this research [ML 2005, First Special Session, Chapter 1, Article 2, Section 11, Subd 5(g)], which identified recruitment (i.e. the process by which newly hatched fish survive to a year in age) as a key weakness in the life history of the common carp.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Testing Pesticides and Degradates in Public Drinking Water
Subd. 4c      $368,000

John Hines
MN Department of Agriculture (MDA)
625 Robert St N
St Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 201-6694
Email:  JHines@mda.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 201-6117
Web:  http://www.state.mn.us

There is insufficient data on the impacts of pesticides on groundwater and drinking water in Minnesota to determine if risks are being posed to human health. Funds enable the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to purchase necessary equipment and supplies that will accelerate sampling and analysis of statewide water supplies for the presence and concentration of pesticides and their degradates.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Assessment of Riparian Buffers in the Whitewater River Watershed
Subd. 4d      $52,000

Megan Kranz-McGuire
Whitewater Joint Powers Board
400 Wilson St, Box 39
Lewiston, MN 55952

Phone:  (507) 523-2171
Email:  megankm@charterinternet.com
Fax:  (507) 523-3717
Web:  http://www.whitewaterwatershed.org

Funds enable an effort in southeastern Minnesota led by the Whitewater Joint Powers Board that will assist in the prioritization of stream restoration efforts to improve water quality and habitat and in the enforcement of riparian buffers. An inventory of streams and adjacent land use and a survey of riparian landowners throughout the region will be conducted.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Intra-Lake Zoning To Protect Sensitive Lakeshore Areas
Subd. 4e      $125,000

Paul Radomski
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
1601 Minnesota Dr
Brainerd, MN 56401

Phone:  (218) 833-8643
Email:  paul.radomski@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (218) 828-6043
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Funds continue and expand a previous Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund funded cooperative effort [ML 2007, Chap. 30, Sec. 2, Subd. 5(h)] between Cass County and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to identify sensitive shorelines on highest priority area lakes and implement innovative zoning practices to protect water quality and lakeshore habitat.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Native Shoreland Buffer Incentives Program
Subd. 4f      $225,000

Erika Rivers
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
1201 E Highway 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone:  (218) 999-7914
Email:  erika.rivers@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (218) 327-4263
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Shoreline buffers of native vegetation filter excess nutrients and pollutants from runoff and provide habitat. Across Minnesota, thousands of shoreline miles of native vegetation buffers have been stripped because landowners lacked understanding of the important ecological function of buffers and any incentive for maintaining them. These funds enable the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to accelerate a native shoreland buffer incentive program through market research, technical assistance, and competitive matching grants of $75,000 to local governments to craft and implement shoreland protection incentive programs that encourage maintaining and restoring native shoreland buffers.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Southeast MN Stream Restoration Projects
Subd. 4g      $240,000

Jeff Hastings
Trout Unlimited
E7740 Hastings Ln
Westby, WI 54667

Phone:  (608) 606-4158
Email:  jhastings@tu.org
Web:  http://www.tu.org/driftless

Early European settlement and agricultural practices from the 1850's to the 1930's left a legacy of erosion, flooding, and alteration on coldwater streams in southeast Minnesota that is still negatively impacting those streams today. Funds enable Trout Unlimited to accelerate streambank stabilization and restoration on at least six miles of stream in southeast Minnesota while simultaneously building the capacity of area government agencies and private citizens to implement future stream restoration projects.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

South-Central MN Groundwater Monitoring and County Geologic Atlases
Subd. 4h      $1,600,000

Part 1 ($706,000)
Dale Setterholm
Minnesota Geological Survey
University of Minnesota
2642 University Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone:  612) 627-4780
Email:  sette001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 627-4778
Web:  http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/

Part 2 ($894,000)
Jim Berg
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5680
Email:  jim.berg@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-0445
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

The Minnesota Geological Survey and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)will continue their joint long-term effort of mapping the location, size, boundaries, and vulnerability of the state's groundwater to support wise use and protection of groundwater and other resources. In this phase of work, DNR will: 1) develop a plan for a statewide network of water level monitoring wells, and 2) investigate physical and recharge characteristics of the Mt. Simon Aquifer - the deepest bedrock aquifer of south central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area. In this phase of work, Minnesota Geologic Survey will: 1)initiate atlases in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, and Nicollet counties, and 2)provide processing and analysis support for the DNR's drilling work.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program - Dale Setterholm
Work Program - Jim Berg

Lake Superior Research
Subd. 4i      $86,000 (GLPA)

Steve Colman
University of Minnesota
Large Lakes Observatory, UMD
2205 E. 5th St.
Duluth, MN 55812

Phone:  (218) 726-8522
Email:  scolman@d.umn.edu
Fax:  (218) 726-6979
Web:  http://www.d.umn.edu/llo

RESEARCH

Since a 2006 appropriation from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and an additional 2007 appropriation from the Great Lakes Protection Account, the University of Minnesota-Duluth's Large Lakes Observatory has been conducting a series of studies on Lake Superior waters to further understand the chemistry, water circulation, and biology of the world's largest freshwater lake. These funds are an additional appropriation from the Great Lakes Protection Account to expand this ongoing research to look further into the effects of regional climate on lake temperature and lake level.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Subd. 5Natural Resource Information

Updating the National Wetlands Inventory for Minnesota
Subd. 5a      $550,000

Doug Norris
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 259-5125
Email:  doug.norris@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 296-1811
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/wetlands/index.html

Wetland inventories are an essential tool for effective wetland management, protection, and restoration. The data is used at all levels of government, as well as by private industry and non-profit organizations, for wetland regulation and management, land use and conservation planning, environmental impact assessment, and natural resource inventories. The original National Wetland Inventory for Minnesota is outdated and updating the data for Minnesota has been identified as an important priority. Funds enable the DNR to begin a multi-phase process of updating the National Wetland Inventory statewide.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Soil Survey
Subd. 5b      $400,000

Megan Lennon
MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
520 Lafayette Road North
Saint Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 296-1285
Email:  megan.lennon@state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 297-5615
Web:   http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us

The Board of Water and Soil Resources, in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, will continue their ongoing study of the state's soils. This phase of work will produce detailed soil survey information for seven counties (Cook, Crow Wing, Isanti, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, and St. Louis) and accelerate the availability of Minnesota soils data on the Internet.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Updating Precipitation Intensities for Runoff Estimation and Infrastructure Designs
Subd. 5c      $100,000

Bruce Wilson
MN Pollution Control Agency (PCA)
520 N Lafayette Rd
Saint Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 282-2619
Email:   bruce.wilson@state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 297-8337
Web:   http://www.pca.state.mn.us

Accurate estimates of rainfall intensities and duration are necessary for detection of climate change and related consequences for natural resources management and infrastructure design efforts. Most existing estimates are based on data that has not been updated since 1961, and which is believed to not reflect current rainfall patterns as altered by climate change. Funds enable to the Pollution Control Agency to participate in a multi-state cooperative effort with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to obtain updated climate change related rainfall frequencies. This data will have broad application for storm water conveyance and infrastructure design throughout Minnesota.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

The MN Breeding Bird Atlas
Subd. 5d      $270,000

Part 1 ($169,000)
Mark Martell
Audubon Minnesota
2357 Ventura Dr, Ste 106
St. Paul, MN 55125

Phone:   (651) 739-9332
Email:   mmartell@audubon.org
Fax:   (651) 731-1330
Web:   http://mn.audubon.org/

Part 2 ($101,000)
Gerald Niemi
Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) - University of Minnesota
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN 55811

Phone:   (218) 720-4270
Email:   gniemi@nrri.umn.edu
Fax:   (218) 720-4328
Web:   http://www.nrri.umn.edu

Minnesota is one of only six states that does not have a comprehensive, statewide survey of the breeding distribution of all bird species found in the state. These surveys, called Breeding Bird Atlases, are important tools used in conservation and preservation efforts throughout the world. Funds enable Audubon Minnesota and the University of Minnesota to begin coordinating a six-year effort amongst multiple partners to produce a Breeding Bird Atlas for Minnesota showing distribution and breeding status of all bird species in the state.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program - Mark Martell
Work Program - Gerald Niemi

Restorable Wetlands Inventory
Subd. 5e      $245,000

Darin Blunck
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
2525 River Rd
Bismarck, ND 58503

Phone:   (701) 355-3500
Email:   dblunck@ducks.org
Fax:   (701) 355-3575
Web:   http://www.ducks.org

Funds enable Ducks Unlimited to continue its work inventorying and mapping basins of former wetlands in the southwest prairie region of Minnesota that have been completely drained but have the potential to be restored. This is a complement to the National Wetlands Inventory, which does not map wetland basins identified as being completely drained.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Wildlife Disease Data Surveillance and Analysis
Subd. 5f      $100,000

Patrick Redig
University of Minnesota
1920 Fitch Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:   (612) 624-4969
Email:   redig001@umn.edu
Fax:   (612) 624-8740
Web:   http://www.theraptorcenter.org

RESEARCH

Funds enable the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center to develop a searchable GIS and web-based database of health data from wildlife seen in animal hospitals for use as a tool in wildlife disease and health monitoring.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010
Work Program

Conservation Easement Stewardship, Oversight and Maintenance
Subd. 5g      $180,000

Kevin Lines
MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
520 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 297-8025
Email:   kevin.lines@bwsr.state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 297-5615
Web:   http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us

Funds enable the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to enhance long-term stewardship, oversight, and maintenance of conservation easements held by BWSR.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Conservation Easement Stewardship and Enforcement Program Plan
Subd. 5h      $520,000

Kathy Lewis
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 259-5404
Email:   kathy.lewis@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 296-6047
Web:   http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Co-Project Manager
Susan Damon
MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 259-5961
Email:   susan.damon@dnr.state.mn.us
Web:   http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Funds enable the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to inventory anddigitize conservation easements held by DNR and to prepare a plan for long-term stewardship, monitoring, and enforcement of those easements.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Subd. 6Environmental Education

Waters of Minnesota Documentary on Watersheds
Subd. 6a      $349,000

Barbara Coffin
Bell Museum of Natural History - University of Minnesota
10 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:   (612) 624-4986
Email:   bcoffin@umn.edu
Fax:   (612) 626-7704
Web:   http://www.historyoftheland.org

The Bell Museum will develop and create the first 1-hour episode of a public television educational documentary series on the waters of Minnesota. The series is designed to use storytelling and visual media to promote citizen understanding and action in protecting, restoring, and conserving Minnesota's water resources. The first episode of the series, Waters of Minnesota, will focus on the Upper Mississippi River watershed, which extends across approximately 70% of the state.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Global Warming - Reducing Carbon Footprint of Minnesota Schools
Subd. 6b      $750,000

William Sierks
MN Pollution Control Agency (PCA)
520 N Lafayette Road, Ste. 200
Saint Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 757-2722
Email:   bill.sierks@state.mn.us
Fax:   (651) 215-0246
Web:   http://www.pca.state.mn.us

Funds will be used by the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to provide information and technical assistance and to enact a grant program designed to help high schools, colleges, and universities to play a key role in addressing climate change. Up to 100 schools statewide will receive guidance and assistance identifying their carbon footprints and developing and implementing plans to reduce carbon emissions.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program

Subd. 7Establishment of an Emerging Issues Account

Emerging Issues Account
Subd. 7      $155,000

Susan Thornton, Director
LCCMR
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Rm 65 State Office Bldg
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:   (651) 296-2406
Email:   susan.thrornton@lccmr.leg.mn
Fax:   (651) 296-1321
Web:   http://www.lccmr.leg.mn

Funds will be used by the LCCMR to provide assistance for an unexpected, urgent, or emergency need where time is of the essence, as authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).

WENT TO:

Statewide Ecological Ranking CRP and Other Critical Lands - $155,000

Other funds include: M.L. 2007, Chp. 367, Sec. 2, Subd. 7 - $13,000 (completion date for this portion is 6/30/2009)

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2010

Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)

Home Page of LCCMR

Search and help navigation

Legislative homepages

Legislative documents

LCC page sections