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M.L. 2009 PROJECTS

M.L. 2009 PROJECTS

MN Laws 2009, Chapter 143, Section 2 (beginning July 1, 2009)

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 2009 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   Natural Resource Data and Information
Subd. 4   Land, Habitat, and Recreation
Subd. 5   Water Resources
Subd. 6   Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species
Subd. 7   Energy
Subd. 8   Administration and Other

Subd. 3   Natural Resource Data and Information
3aMinnesota County Biological Survey
3bCounty Geologic Atlas and South-Central Minnesota Groundwater
3cSoil Survey
3dSpringshed Mapping for Trout Stream Management
3eRestorable Wetlands Inventory
 
Subd. 4   Land, Habitat, and Recreation
4aState Parks Acquisition
4bState Trail Acquisition
4cMetropolitan Regional Park System Acquisition
4dStatewide Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition and Restoration
4eMinnesota's Habitat Conservation Partnership (HCP) - Phase VI
4fMetro Conservation Corridors (MeCC) - Phase V
4gStatewide Ecological Ranking of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Other Critical Lands
4hProtection of Granite Rock Outcrop Ecosystem
4iMN Farm Bill Assistance Project
4jLand and Water Conservation Account (LAWCON) Federal Reimbursement
 
Subd. 5   Water Resources
5aRemoval of Endocrine Disruptors: Treatment and Education - RESEARCH - GOVERNOR VETO
5bVulnerability of Fish Populations in Lakes to Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants - RESEARCH
5cCooperative Habitat Research in Deep Lakes - RESEARCH
5dIntensified Tile Drainage Evaluation - RESEARCH
5eCitizen-Based Stormwater Management
5fMinnesota Drainage Law Analysis and Evaluation
 
Subd. 6   Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species
6aBallast Water Sampling Method Development and Treatment Technology - RESEARCH
6bEmergency Delivery System Development for Disinfecting Ballast Water - RESEARCH
6cImproving Emerging Fish Disease Surveillance in Minnesota - RESEARCH
6dControlling the Movement of Invasive Fish Species
6ePrevention and Early Detection of Invasive Earthworms
6fWITHDRAWN - Native Plant Biodiversity, Invasive Plant Species, and Invertebrates
 
Subd. 7   Energy
7aOptions to De-carbonize Minnesota's Electrical Power System - GOVERNOR VETO
7bProjecting Environmental Trajectories for Energy-Water-Habitat Planning
7cEnergy Efficient Cities
 
Subd. 8   Administration and Other
8aContract Management
8bLegislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
 

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

Subd. 3Natural Resource Data and Information

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Minnesota County Biological Survey
Subd. 3a     $2,100,000

Carmen Converse
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

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

Appropriation Language
$2,100,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for continuation of the Minnesota county biological survey to provide a foundation for conserving biological diversity by systematically collecting, interpreting, and delivering data on plant and animal distribution and ecology, native plant communities, and functional landscapes.

Overall Project Outcome and Results
Since 1987 the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) has systematically collected, interpreted and delivered baseline data on the distribution and ecology of plants, animals, native plant communities, and functional landscapes in 81 of 87 counties. MCBS has added 19,089 new records to the Rare Features Database and contributed 4,544 of the 9,634 total database records to the Releve (vegetation sampling) Database. Rare aquatic plant and vegetation surveys were completed for 1,764 lakes. Statewide 9,713 MCBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance and 58,957 polygons of native plant communities are now publically available on DNR's Data Deli.

During this project period, northeastern surveys documented features within large functional landscapes of fire-dependent forests, cliff and talus complexes, and undeveloped lakes. Surveys began in a portion of the northern patterned peatlands, one of the state's largest (about 2.5 million acres) and most inaccessible ecological systems. Surveys included successful collaboration with Red Lake Reservation DNR managers and University of Minnesota researchers.

New range distributional data were recorded for Braun's holly fern (Polystichum braunii), Laurentian tiger beetle (Cicindela denikei), Black-throated Blue Warblers (Setophaga caerulescens) and three species of mosses.

MCBS data on the locations of native prairie were a centerpiece of a plan: Minnesota prairie conservation plan 2010: a habitat plan for native prairie, grassland, and wetlands in the Prairie Region of western Minnesota. See also: Minnesota's Remaining Native Prairie 100 Years After the Public Land Survey.

MCBS provided data and interpretation to inform management and monitoring activities in the Manitou and Sand Lake Seven Beavers Collaboratives- two large multi-jurisdictional landscapes.

DNR's Forest Certification implementation used a MCBS data access tool to assist in evaluation of data related to High Conservation Value Forests.

Maps of the Minnesota locations of 242 breeding birds based on observations by MCBS are on the web: Bird Distribution Maps.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
Data delivery includes delivery of information to local units of government, presentations and field trips, publications and web products. Several examples of recipients of data during this period include: St Louis County, Becker County, State Parks, northeast Landscape Collaboratives, Potlatch, Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Voyageurs National Park, Heron Lake Watershed District, and private landowners near the Chandler, MN Chanarambie Creek Prairies. See Final Report for additional information.

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

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County Geologic Atlas and South-Central Minnesota Groundwater
Subd. 3b     $2,695,000

Part 1: County Geologic Atlas and South-Central Minnesota Groundwater ($820,000)
Dale Setterholm
Minnesota Geological Survey
2642 University Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN 55114-1057

Phone:  (612) 627-4780 x223
Email:  sette001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 627-4778
Web:  http://www.mngs.umn.edu/county_atlas/countyatlas.htm

Part 2: County Geologic Atlas and South-Central Minnesota Groundwater ($1,875,000)
Jim Berg
DNR
500 Lafayette Road
Saint 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/waters/groundwater_section/mapping/index.html

Appropriation Language
$2,695,000 is from the trust fund for collection and interpretation of subsurface geological information and acceleration of the county geologic atlas program. $820,000 of this appropriation is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the geological survey to continue and to initiate the production of county geologic atlases. $1,875,000 of this appropriation is to the commissioner of natural resources to investigate the physical and recharge characteristics of the Mt. Simon aquifer.

This appropriation represents a continuing effort to complete the county geologic atlases throughout the state. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
The Minnesota County Geologic Atlas program is an ongoing effort begun in 1982 that is being conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Geological Survey and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program collects information on the geology of Minnesota to create maps and reports depicting the characteristics and pollution sensitivity of Minnesota's ground-water resources. County Geologic Atlases are used in planning and environmental protection efforts at all levels of government and by businesses to ensure sound planning, management, and protection of land and water resources. This appropriation will:

  • Support completion of geologic atlases for Todd, Carlton, McLeod, Carver, Benton and Chisago counties;
  • Initiate geologic atlases for Anoka and Wright counties;
  • Make collected data available in a digital format;
  • Investigate the recharge and physical characteristics of the Mt. Simon Aquifer - the deepest bedrock aquifer of south central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area, which supplies all or some of the water needs of over one million Minnesotans. Work will be conducted in McLeod, Wright, Sherburne, and Isanti counties.


Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program - Dale Setterholm
Work Program - Jim Berg

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Soil Survey
Subd. 3c     $400,000

Megan Lennon
BWSR
520 Lafayette Road N
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 and http://soils.usda.gov/survey/online_surveys/minnesota/

Appropriation Language
$400,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to accelerate the county soil survey mapping and Web-based data delivery. This appropriation represents a continuing effort to complete the mapping. The soil surveys must be done on a cost-share basis with local and federal funds.

Overall Project Outcome and Results
Accurate soils information is essential for evaluating the potential for land to support development, crop and forest production, and for identifying the most suitable locations for conservation practices and other land uses. Readily accessible local soil information is critical to informing conservation decisions and provides a foundation for sustainable land use planning. The soil survey is the mechanism for how this basic natural resource information is made available to land use authorities and landowners to make the best land use decisions.

In the ongoing, multi-year project to map, classify, interpret, and Web-publish an inventory of the soils of Minnesota, this two-year phase of the project focused on accelerating the completion of a Statewide soil survey, increase soil mapping in targeted areas, and enhancing soils data through increased sample collection, availability and interpretation. Specifically:

  • 330,000 acres mapped in Crow Wing County;
  • 32,000 acres mapped in Pine County;
  • 85,000 acres mapped in Koochiching County;
  • 80,000 acres mapped in the Crane Lake subset of St. Louis County;
  • 219,000 acres mapped in Lake County;
  • 114,000 acres mapped in Cook County;
  • Data from 1,000 soil samples (some dating back to the 1970's) were interpreted for the first time and incorporated into Soil Surveys for many Minnesota counties;
  • Land use effects on soil carbon were determined on 122 sites in 14 counties throughout the State; this data can be used to develop soil carbon management guidance.


The soil survey project was extremely successful and many of the mapping goals were exceeded. Mapping surpassed initial acreage goals in both Crow Wing, Lake, Cook and Pine Counties, and the soil surveys for Koochiching and St. Louis Counties were completed 1 year ahead of schedule. A report detailing the results of re-analysis of lab samples from the 1970's highlighting land use impacts on soil carbon is available below and on BWSR's State Soil Office website.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
The Soil Survey project funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is highlighted as a BWSR feature project on the Agency's home page. All the data, mapping information, and interpretations are available on the Web Soil Survey as a user-friendly, GIS-based application. Web Soil Survey provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world.

Project Publication:
Historical C Project Report on land use impacts on soil carbon

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

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Springshed Mapping for Trout Stream Management
Subd. 3d     $500,000

Part 1: Springshed Mapping for Trout Stream Management ($250,000)
E. Calvin Alexander, Jr.
U of M
310 Pillsbury Dr. Se
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:  (612) 624-3517
Email:  alexa001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-3819

Part 2: Springshed Mapping for Trout Stream Management ($250,000)
Jeff Green
DNR
2300 Silver Creek Rd NE
Rochester, MN 55906

Phone:  (507) 206-2853
Email:  jeff.green@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (507) 285-7144

Appropriation Language
$500,000 is from the trust fund to continue to identify and delineate supply areas and springsheds for springs serving as coldwater sources for trout streams and to assess the impacts from development and water appropriations. Of this appropriation, $250,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and $250,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources.

PART 1: University of Minnesota

Project Overview
Native trout require clean, cold water that usually originates from springs, but the springs feeding the 173 designated trout streams in southeastern Minnesota are under increasing pressure from current and expected changes in land use. This joint effort by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working to identify and map the springs and the areas that feed water to these springs and to learn how these waters might be affected by development and water use.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2011
Work Program - E. Calvin Alexander, Jr.

PART 2: MN Department of Natural Resources

Overall Project Outcome and Results
Springshed delineation provides critical information for the protection and management of the springs that form the coldwater streams of southeast Minnesota. Our primary tool is fluorescent dye tracing. During the two-year period of Phase II, DNR (in cooperation with the U of M) conducted 26 traces in Fillmore, Houston, Winona and Wabasha counties that mapped over 12,000 acres.

The Fillmore County traces were in the Galena Formation. We discovered three previously unmapped springsheds and expanded the boundaries of five known springsheds. The expanded boundary springsheds were in the Watson Creek and South Fork Root watersheds, target areas for the local, state and federal Root River Initiative. The new springsheds are in the Crystal Creek watershed. These traces enhanced MDA watershed research and education efforts.

The traces in Houston, Winona and Wabasha were in the St. Lawrence Formation. This work expanded the geographic range of St. Lawrence traces and demonstrated that conduit flow in the St. Lawrence (a confining unit in the state well code) is a regional phenomenon. Four new springsheds were located in the St. Lawrence. Two of the traces in Houston County were run from streams that do not disappear into the St. Lawrence but flow continually across it. Both of those traces were detected at springs and one was detected in a private well. This indicates that St. Lawrence groundwater across southeast Minnesota could be impacted by the surface water quality of streams crossing the formation in shallow conditions.

Solinst level-temperature-conductivity loggers were purchased in the second year of the project. The data from them has shown that Prairie du Chien formation springs can be monitored for minor temperature fluctuations. Detecting these fluctuations has allowed us to conclude that the monitored springs are affected by snowmelt runoff. This information will be used for spring assessment protocol development.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
The project manager has spoken about the project and its results to local, state and federal officials, citizen groups, anglers, local, state and federal agency staff, and met one-on-one with numerous landowners. Project results are part of the base data for Root River Initiative watershed management efforts in the Watson Creek and Rush Pine watersheds. MPCA staff are using the maps as part of their nitrate-TMDL development. MDA staff are using the springshed maps to modify their watershed research in the Crystal Creek watershed. The project was featured on MPR when a reporter accompanied the project manager on a spring snowmelt runoff dye trace near Canton, MN. Two traces were conducted in cooperation with the earth science class at Fillmore Central High School in Harmony. The students assisted with dye input and sampling.

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

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Restorable Wetlands Inventory
Subd. 3e     $300,000

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

Phone:  (701) 355-3500
Email:  dblunck@ducks.org
Web:  http://prairie.ducks.org/index.cfm?&page=minnesota/restorablewetlands/home.htm

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited, Inc., to complete the inventory, mapping, and digitizing of drained restorable wetlands in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Minnesota's wetlands provide crucial habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, assist in flood control, and help maintain water quality. However, the state has lost half the wetlands that existed before European settlement and these drained wetlands have not been mapped as part of the National Wetlands Inventory. This appropriation is enabling efforts by Ducks Unlimited to provide a complement to the National Wetlands Inventory by identifying and mapping drained wetlands that have the potential to be restored to provide their various benefits once again. This data will be used to prioritize wetland restoration in the Red River Valley and the Prairie-Hardwood region of South-Central Minnesota. Mapping is taking place in 170 townships in Clay, Mahnomen, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Norman, Renville, Sibley, Wilkin, and Wright counties.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

Subd. 4Land, Habitat, and Recreation

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State Parks Acquisition
Subd. 4a     $590,000

Larry Peterson
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5593
Email:  larry.peterson@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-6532
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html

Appropriation Language
$590,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire in-holdings for state parks. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program.

Project Overview
Privately owned lands exist within the designated boundaries of state parks throughout Minnesota. Purchase of these lands from willing landowners for addition into the state park system makes them permanently available for public recreation and enjoyment and facilitates more efficient management. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to acquire 87 acres in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, located northeast of Brainerd, and 17 acres in Whitewater State Park, located between Rochester and Winona.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]
Work Program

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State Trail Acquisition
Subd. 4b     $1,000,000

Stan Linnell
DNR
500 Lafayette Road, Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5626
Email:  stan.linnell@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 297-5475
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/index.html

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to assist in the acquisition of the Brown's Creek Segment of the Willard Munger Trail in Washington County and Paul Bunyan State Trail in the city of Bemidji.

Project Overview
Minnesota, which was recently named "Best Trails State" in the country, is host to numerous state trails providing a variety of different outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state. This appropriation is allowing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to acquire land expanding two of these state trails: the Brown's Creek segment of the Willard Munger Trail in Washington County and the Paul Bunyan Trail along Lake Bemidji. The Brown's Creek segment runs six miles between the Gateway State Trail and downtown Stillwater along the route formerly used by the Minnesota Zephyr Dinner Train, while the new segment of the Paul Bunyan Trail runs 1.25 miles along the southeastern shore of Lake Bemidji.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]
Work Program

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Metropolitan Regional Park System Acquisition
Subd. 4c     $1,290,000

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

Phone:  (651) 602-1360
Email:  arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 602-1674
Web:  http://www.metrocouncil.org/parks/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$1,290,000 is from the trust fund to the Metropolitan Council for subgrants for the acquisition of lands within the approved park unit boundaries of the metropolitan regional park system. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures. A list of proposed fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. This appropriation must be matched by at least 40 percent of nonstate money and must be committed by December 31, 2009, or the appropriation cancels. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
The Twin Cities area is host to a nationally renowned system of regional parks that provides numerous outdoor recreational opportunities for the public while preserving green space for wildlife habitat. The Metropolitan Council is using this appropriation to partially finance the acquisition of approximately 195 acres to be added to existing metropolitan regional parks, with priority given to lands with shoreland, lands that provide important natural resource connections, and lands containing unique natural resources.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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Statewide Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition and Restoration
Subd. 4d     $590,000

Peggy Booth
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/eco/sna/index.html

Appropriation Language
$590,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire high quality native plant communities and rare features and restore parts of scientific and natural areas as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program.

Project Overview
Minnesota's Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Program is an effort to preserve and perpetuate the state's ecological diversity and ensure that no single rare feature is lost from any region of the state. This includes unique landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, or other unique biotic or geological features. These sites play an important role in scientific study, public education, and outdoor recreation. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to conduct restoration activities on approximately 600 acres in existing SNAs and to acquire an additional 100 acres to be added to the SNA system.

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

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Minnesota's Habitat Conservation Partnership (HCP) - Phase VI
Subd. 4e     $3,375,000

Matt Holland
Pheasants Forever, Inc.
679 West River Drive
New London, MN 56273

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

Appropriation Language
$3,375,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the sixth appropriation for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $770,000 is for the Department of Natural Resources agency programs and $2,605,000 is for agreements as follows: $450,000 with Pheasants Forever; $50,000 with Minnesota Deer Hunters Association; $895,000 with Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; $85,000 with National Wild Turkey Federation; $365,000 with the Nature Conservancy; $210,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $350,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $100,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; $50,000 with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and $50,000 with Friends of Detroit Lakes Watershed Management District to plan, restore, and acquire fragmented landscape corridors that connect areas of quality habitat to sustain fish, wildlife, and plants. The United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service is a cooperating partner in the appropriation. Expenditures are limited to the project corridor areas as defined in the work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum habitat and facility management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. To the maximum extent practical, consistent with contractual easement or fee acquisition obligations, the recipients shall utilize staff resources to identify future projects and shall maximize the implementation of biodiverse, quality restoration projects in the project proposal into the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.

Project Overview
With continued land use changes in Minnesota, areas that once served as important areas for fish, wildlife, and plant habitat have become fragmented and disconnected resulting in adverse impacts on these ecological communities. Strategic and coordinated efforts in protection, restoration, and enhancement of lands throughout Minnesota can create land and water corridors that reconnect remaining habitat areas and reverse some of the adverse impacts. This appropriation represents the sixth phase of an ongoing effort by a partnership of state, Federal, and non-profit organizations to do such strategic and coordinated land protection, restoration, and enhancement. This phase involves twelve partners and is expected to result in the permanent protection of approximately 500 acres and restoration or enhancement of approximately 3,500 acres.

1a Project Coordination, Mapping & Data Management
2a Melvin Slough Landscape Restoration
2b Partners for Fish and Wildlife
2c Shallow Lake Enhancement
2d Shallow Lake Assessment & Management
2g Wildlife Areas Management
2h Fisheries Habitat Restoration
2i Bluffland Restoration/Set Out Seedlings
2j Lakescaping for Wildlife & Water Quality
2k Prairie Management
2n/4f Campaign for Conservation - Acquisition and Restoration
2o Prairie landscape Restoration: Oak Savanna, Grasslands, and Wetlands
3a Shoreland Protection Project - Conservation Easements
3c Shallow Lake Easements
3d Wetlands Reserve Program
4a Critical Lands Conservation Initiative - Acquisition
4b Fisheries Land Acquisition
4c Critical Lands Protection Program - Acquisition
4h Acquisition for Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District
4i Professional Services

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

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Metro Conservation Corridors (MeCC) - Phase V
Subd. 4f     $3,375,000

Wayne Sames
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/metroconservationcorridors/index.html

Appropriation Language
$3,375,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the fifth appropriation for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $2,185,000 is for Department of Natural Resources agency programs and $1,190,000 is for agreements as follows: $380,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $90,000 with Friends of the Mississippi River; $155,000 with Great River Greening; $250,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $225,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $90,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for the purposes of planning, restoring, and protecting important natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties, through grants, contracted services, technical assistance, conservation easements, and fee title acquisition. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work program. This appropriation may not be used for the purchase of residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work program. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. Any land acquired in fee title by the commissioner of natural resources with money from this appropriation must be designated as an outdoor recreation unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.07. The commissioner may similarly designate any lands acquired in less than fee title. A list of proposed restorations and fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. All funding for conservation easements must include a long-term stewardship plan and funding for monitoring and enforcing the agreement. To the maximum extent practical, consistent with contractual easement or fee acquisition obligations, the recipients shall utilize staff resources to identify future projects and shall maximize the implementation of biodiverse, quality restoration projects in the project proposal into the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.

Project Overview
Though many parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area are urbanized, there are also has large areas of natural lands that continue to serve as important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plant communities. However, pressure on these remaining lands continues to intensify as population and development pressures increase. This appropriation represents the fifth phase of an ongoing effort by a partnership of state and non-profit organizations to conduct strategic and coordinated land protection, restoration, and enhancement activities that build connections between remaining natural areas and ensures their benefits are available for future generations. This phase involves seven partners and is expected to result in the permanent protection of approximately 600 acres and the restoration and enhancement of approximately 525 acres.

1.1 Mapping and Coordination
2.3 Restore & Enhance Significant Watershed Habitat
2.4 Lower Minnesota River Watershed Restoration & Enhancement
2.5 Restore & Enhance Significant Habitat
2.6/3.4/4.1 Grants for Restoration, Acquisition, Easements, and Other Conservation Tools
2.7/3.6 Metro SNA Acquisition, Restoration & Enhancement
2.9 Stream Habitat Restoration
3.1 Critical Land Protection Program
3.2 Protect Significant Habitat by Acquiring Conservation Easements
3.3 Fee Acquisition for Minnesota Valley NWR
3.5 Fish & Wildlife Land Acquisition

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

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Statewide Ecological Ranking of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Other Critical Lands
Subd. 4g     $107,000

Greg Larson
BWSR
520 Lafayette Road N
Saint Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 297-7029
Email:  greg.a.larson@state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 297-5615
Web:  http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/ecological_ranking/

Appropriation Language
$107,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to continue the efforts funded by the emerging issues account allocation to identify and rank the ecological value of conservation reserve program (CRP) and other critical lands throughout Minnesota using a multiple parameter approach including soil productivity, landscape, water, and wildlife factors.

Overall Project Outcomes and Results
To allocate scarce fiscal resources to natural resource programs, identifying the location and ranking the ecological value of critical lands is important. Using parameters of soil productivity, soil erosion risk, water quality risk, and habitat quality, an ecological ranking tool was developed. An economic model was also incorporated to analyze CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) parcels and determine the likelihood of contract renewal given anticipated crop prices and land quality. A parameter for soil erosion risk was developed using several factors from the Universal Soil Loss Equation. To identify lands posing a risk to water quality, or lands that are most likely to contribute overland runoff to surface waters, terrain analysis was used. Runoff rankings from terrain analysis were then integrated with a proximity analysis of surface water features based on DNR 24k surface water data. A parameter for habitat quality was derived from an update to the work done as part of the Minnesota Conservation and Preservation Plan (LCCMR, 2008). Combining the data sets therein, and assessing them with a "weight of evidence" approach, produced a ranking of wildlife quality. These several parameters were combined into an environmental benefits index (EBI). High EBI translates into high risk. Therefore, a high EBI score implies a site has a high value for conservation. CRP or other parcels deemed critical for conservation can be assessed simultaneously on the basis of multiple ecological benefits. The EBI tool has demonstrated utility as users can establish thresholds for EBI values based on program goals and amount of funding available.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
The EBI was first presented to a general audience through a WEBINAR. A follow-up technical training session, geared to GIS professionals, was developed. The technical sessions were attended by 42 conservation professionals representing local units of government, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private companies.

A majority (70%) of participants at the three technical training sessions said they planned to use the ecological ranking tool in their professional work. Given the diverse professional affiliations of the participants, their active involvement in conservation planning and delivery, and their connection to the network of natural resource professionals, it is likely that the Ecological Ranking Tool will be integrated into many conservation activities throughout Minnesota.

Presentations of the project and project results were provided to the LCCMR, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

A final report was prepared. The report describes all results in more detail and includes maps and graphics and suggestions for use. A website was established by the Board of Water and Soil Resources that provides an overview of the ranking methodology. The BWSR website also includes links to an interactive ranking tool (located at the University of Minnesota, Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the final report, which is available in downloadable format.

Project Publication:
Statewide Ranking of Ecological Value of CRP and other Critical Lands

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

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Protection of Granite Rock Outcrop Ecosystem
Subd. 4h     $1,500,000

Thomas Kalahar
Renville Soil and Water Conservation District
1008 West Lincoln
Olivia, MN 56277

Phone:  (320) 523-1559
Email:  kalahar@yahoo.com
Fax:  (320) 523-2389
Web:  http://www.renvilleswcd.com

Appropriation Language
$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, in cooperation with the Renville Soil and Water Conservation District, to acquire perpetual easements of unique granite rock outcrops located in the Upper Minnesota River Valley and to restore their ecological integrity.

Project Overview
Granite rock outcrops along the Upper Minnesota River are among the oldest exposed rock in North America, dating back approximately 3.6 billion years. These outcrops are also home to rare and specialized plant and animal communities rarely found elsewhere in Minnesota, including several types of cactus and one of Minnesota's only three lizard species, the five-lined skink. However, these rock outcrops are increasingly threatened by mining, overgrazing, and development. Through this appropriation, the Renville County Soil and Water Conservation District is working with Minnesota's Board of Water and Soil Resources to acquire conservation easements that will permanently preserve approximately 580 acres of this endangered habitat in Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Redwood, Renville and Yellow Medicine counties.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 (Extended by one year due to binding contract on acquisition of real property, per M.L. 2009, Ch. 143, Sec. 2, Subd. 9)
Work Program

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MN Farm Bill Assistance Project
Subd. 4i     $1,000,000

Tabor Hoek
Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
520 Lafayette Rd N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (507) 537-7260
Email:  tabor.hoek@state.mn.us
Fax:  (507) 537-6368
Web:  http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide funding for technical staff to assist in the implementation provisions of conservation programs including the federal farm bill conservation programs. Documentation must be provided on the number of landowner contacts, program participation, federal dollars leveraged, quantifiable criteria, and measurement of the improvements to water quality and habitat.

Overall Project Outcome and Results
A joint effort of MN Board of Water and Soil Resources, MN Dept. of Natural Resources, MN Pheasants Forever, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the focus was acceleration of technical assistance to private landowners for enrollment in federal USDA conservation programs as they relate to grassland and wetland resources. This effort provided 16 full time equivalents at the field level with a goal to establish or restore 50,000 ac. of grassland and wetlands during the 2 year period ending June 1, 2011. This goal was exceeded with a total enrollment of 69,081 acres resulting in $79,000,000 of USDA program payments coming to MN landowners for implementing conservation practices on their land. Efforts of this project will continue for at least another 2 years under new funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and partner agency contributions.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
Overall project results and its impact can be found in the Minnesota Conservation Lands Summary table found at http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/easements/COENROL_083111.pdf.

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

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Land and Water Conservation Account (LAWCON) Federal Reimbursement
Subd. 4j     $400,000 (LAWCON)

Wayne Sames
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/aboutdnr/lawcon/index.html

Appropriation Language
$400,000 is from the state land and water conservation account (LAWCON) in the natural resources fund to the commissioner of natural resources for priorities established by the commissioner for eligible state projects and administrative and planning activities consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.14, and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

Project Overview
Through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) the Federal government designates a portion of receipts from offshore oil and gas leases to be provided to state and local governments to fund conservation and outdoor recreation efforts. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to support costs required to maintain eligibility for future LAWCON funding, including development of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and to fulfill the state's contractual obligations related to Federal investments.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013 [Extended in M.L. 2010]
Work Program

Subd. 5Water Resources

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GOVERNOR VETO
Removal of Endocrine Disruptors: Treatment and Education
Subd. 5a     $275,000

Paige Novak
U of M
122 Civil Engineering Building, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:  (612) 626-9846
Email:  novak010@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 626-7750
Web:  http://www.ce.umn.edu/people/faculty/novak/

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$275,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents at the University of Minnesota to continue research on the removal of endocrine disruptors from Minnesota's waters through strategies of enhancing treatment at wastewater treatment plants and decreasing the use of the compounds. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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Vulnerability of Fish Populations in Lakes to Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants
Subd. 5b     $297,000

Richard Kiesling
USGS
2280 Woodale Dr
Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone:  (763) 783-3131
Email:  kiesling@usgs.gov
Fax:  (763) 783-3103
Web:  http://mn.water.usgs.gov/index.html

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$297,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geologic Survey and St. Cloud State University to develop quantitative data on juvenile and adult fish vulnerability to endocrine-active emerging contaminants found in Minnesota lakes. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Endocrine disrupting contaminants are chemicals that may interfere with natural hormones in humans and wildlife and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects. These chemicals occur in a variety of everyday products, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, detergents, flame retardants, cosmetics, and pesticides. As these chemicals get discharged into the environment, humans and wildlife are exposed. The U.S. Geological Survey and St. Cloud State University are using this appropriation to study the occurrence of these chemicals in Minnesota's lakes and the degree to which they pose a threat to fish, such as affecting their ability to develop and reproduce.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013 [Extended in M.L. 2010]
Work Program

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Cooperative Habitat Research in Deep Lakes
Subd. 5c     $825,000

Donald Pereira
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040

Phone:  (651) 259-5231
Email:  don.pereira@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 297-4916

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$825,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to assess the consequences of large ecological drivers of change on water quality and habitat dynamics of deep water lakes with coldwater fish populations. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Deep, cold-water lakes have different physical properties and support different wildlife than their more numerous shallow counterparts. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is using this appropriation to conduct a study that will help identify, monitor, and predict the consequences of climate change and land use changes on water quality, habitat dynamics, and fish populations in deep, cold-water lakes. Using 24 "sentinel" lakes as their study area, this effort is expected to help inform revisions to lake monitoring programs, provide an empirical foundation for proposed watershed "best management practices", and inform climate change adaptation policies related to lake management.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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Intensified Tile Drainage Evaluation
Subd. 5d     $300,000

Shawn Schottler
Science Museum of Minnesota
16910 152nd Street N
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Phone:  (651) 433-5953 x18
Email:  schottler@smm.org
Fax:  (651) 433-5924

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix watershed research station to conduct a comparative assessment of hydrologic changes in watersheds with and without intensive tile drainage to determine the effects of climate and tile drainage on river erosion. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Large areas of Minnesota have been extensively altered with artificial drainage for the purposes of helping to remove standing water from farmland and making marginal land more suitable for agriculture. However, the long-term effects of this altered hydrology on water quality and sediment erosion is not well understood. The St. Croix Watershed Research Station of the Science Museum of Minnesota is using this appropriation to do comparative assessments of long-term changes in hydrology in watersheds with and without artificial drainage to assess the impact of artificial drainage on water quality and sediment erosion.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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Citizen-Based Stormwater Management
Subd. 5e     $279,000

Becky Rice
Metro Blooms
PO Box 17099
Minneapolis, MN 55417

Phone:  (651) 699-2426
Email:  becky@metroblooms.org
Web:  http://www.metroblooms.org

Appropriation Language
$279,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Metro Blooms, in cooperation with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the city of Minneapolis, to install and evaluate the effectiveness of rain gardens on improving the impaired water of Powderhorn Lake in Minneapolis. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Stormwater runoff carries pollutants from yards, streets, and parking lots directly into lakes, streams, and wetlands. Rain gardens-specialized plantings of native perennials that require few inputs-have been found to be an effective way to capture runoff and allow it to drain more slowly into the ground, a process that both filters pollutants and helps recharge groundwater supplies. Metro Blooms, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, will use this grant to install approximately 150 rain gardens concentrated near Powderhorn Lake in Minneapolis and evaluate their effectiveness in directly helping to improve the lake's water quality.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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Minnesota Drainage Law Analysis and Evaluation
Subd. 5f     $87,000

Louis Smith
Smith Partners PLLP
400 Second Ave S, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone:  (612) 344-1400
Email:  smith@smithpartners.com
Fax:  (612) 344-1550
Web:  http://www.smithpartners.com; http://www.waterlaws.com

Appropriation Language
$87,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Smith Partners PLLP to identify and analyze legal and policy issues where the drainage code conflicts with other laws impacting protection of public waters and wetlands.

Overall Project Outcome and Results
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund enabled this study to analyze Minnesota drainage laws and related economic and environmental considerations, and to explore alternative strategies that would best protect both the state's surface waters and the rights of property owners to make beneficial use of their land through drainage. This study presents an overview of the drainage code and related water resource laws; identifies critical issues where potential conflicts between the drainage code and other laws create barriers to successful resource protection; and identifies three prototypical demonstration scenarios (Red River Valley, Minnesota River Valley, and Developing Watershed) to inform the study's analysis of these critical issues.

A study advisory committee composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise met nine times, from December 2009 through May 2011. We also presented this study to the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts annual meeting in 2009 and 2010; three times to the Board of Soil and Water Resources Drainage Work Group; and to the Red River Watershed Management Board in June 2011.

Key recommendations include:

  • Give drainage authorities more tools and resources for watershed-based planning.
  • Give drainage authorities more tools and resources to implement projects with integrated drainage, flood control, conservation and water quality benefits.
  • Better integrate effects on wetlands and water quality into drainage authority decisions about drainage system work.
  • Provide drainage authorities with more clarity in legal authority to address drainage system alignment, grade, cross section, and hydraulic capacity of bridges and culverts for multipurpose design of drainage system establishment, improvement, or repair.
  • Extend the authority to establish a locally based wetland regulatory framework under a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan (CWPMP) to public water wetlands.
  • Foster reliability of CWPMP outcomes through coordination of local land use authority and wetland regulatory authority.

The policy recommendations include both pertinent findings, specific recommended actions, and draft legislation.

Project Results Use and Dissemination This project will be presented at the University of Minnesota Water Resources Conference on October 18-19, 2011, the Annual conference of the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts on December 2, 2011, and at the Annual Convention for the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts on December 6, 2011.

Project Publication:
MN Drainage Law Analysis and Evaluation (PDF - 3.3 MB)

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

Subd. 6Aquatic and Terrestrial Invaasive Species

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Ballast Water Sampling Method Development and Treatment Technology
Subd. 6a     $366,000 ($300,000 TF / $66,000 GLPA)

Mary Jean Fenske
MPCA
520 Lafayette Rd N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 297-5472
Email:  maryjean.fenske@state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-8717

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund and $66,000 is from the Great Lakes protection account to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources to conduct monitoring for aquatic invasive species in ballast water discharges to Minnesota waters of Lake Superior and to test the effectiveness of ballast water treatment systems.

Project Overview
Ballast water - water carried in tanks on ships to help provide stability and aid steering - is likely the single greatest source for introduction of non-native and invasive aquatic species. Ballast water is collected in one body of water and discharged into another body of water, usually large distances apart. Options exist for treating ballast water prior to discharge in order to prevent these introductions, but they have not been tested in freshwater environments such as the Great Lakes. Through this appropriation, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Northeast Midwest Institute are cooperating to conduct monitoring for aquatic invasive species in ballast water discharge in Lake Superior, test the effectiveness of ballast water treatment options in a freshwater environment, and accelerate installation of treatment options that prove effective.

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

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Emergency Delivery System Development for Disinfecting Ballast Water
Subd. 6b     $125,000

Scott Smith
USGS
6505 - 65th Street NE
Seattle, WA 98115

Phone:  (206) 427-8374
Email:  sssmith@usgs.gov
Fax:  (206) 526-6654

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$125,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency for an agreement with the United States Geologic Survey to test the viability of treating ballast water through tank access ports or air vents as a means to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Project Overview
Ballast water - water carried in tanks on ships to help provide stability and aid steering - is likely the single greatest source for introduction of non-native and invasive aquatic species. Ballast water is collected in one body of water and discharged into another body of water, usually large distances apart. At least one new invasive species is found in the Great Lakes every year, with Lake Superior being particularly at risk. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey will test methods of decontaminating ballast water on board a working ship with an emphasis on techniques that can be used in emergencies such as a grounded ship.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 [Extended in M.L. 2010]
Work Program

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Improving Emerging Fish Disease Surveillance in Minnesota
Subd. 6c     $80,000

Katharine Pelican
U of M
1333 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-8561
Email:  pelicank@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 624-4906
Web:  http://www.vdl.umn.edu

RESEARCH

Appropriation Language
$80,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess mechanisms and control of the transmission of Heterosporosis, an emerging fish disease in Minnesota, to assist in future management decisions and research.

Project Overview
Over the last decade, a parasitic disease, Heterosporosis, has spread to infect fish in at least 20 water bodies in Minnesota. The parasite infects a number of economically important fish, making them inedible. As the disease can currently only be detected in its late stages, little is known about how it is transmitted and how best to control it. Faculty from the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine are using this appropriation to assess mechanisms and control of Heterosporosis in order to develop a test for the disease, and this test will be used to survey lakes throughout the state to accurately determine the extent and severity of this disease in Minnesota waters.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]
Work Program

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Controlling the Movement of Invasive Fish Species
Subd. 6d     $300,000

Vaughan Voller
U of M
2 Third Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone:  (612) 625-0764
Email:  volle001@umn.edu
Web:  http://www.safl.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop and test sonic barriers that could be effective in preventing and controlling the movement of invasive carp in Minnesota's waterways. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Common carp, introduced from eastern Europe over a century ago, are an invasive species in Minnesota that adversely affect water quality and aquatic communities, particularly in shallow lakes and wetlands. While solutions for suppressing common carp reproduction and abundance are emerging, controlling the movement of common carp, and therefore preventing reinfestation, has so far proved difficult. However, initial tests of a class of barriers that uses sonics and air bubble "curtains" has shown initial promise and they have the advantage of being inexpensive, portable, and safer than other barrier technologies that might also be used for this purpose. The University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory is using this appropriation to develop and test the effectiveness of these sonics and air bubble based barrier technologies for preventing and controlling the movement of common carp. If a method proves effective it may also have application with control of Asian carp, another invasive species that is currently moving up through the Mississippi River toward Minnesota.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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Prevention and Early Detection of Invasive Earthworms
Subd. 6e     $150,000

Cindy Hale
U of M, NRRI
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN 55811-1442

Phone:  (218) 720-4364
Email:  cmhale@d.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$150,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute for a risk assessment of the methods of spreading, testing of management recommendations, and identification of key areas for action in the state to reduce the impacts of invasive earthworms on hardwood forest productivity. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012, at which time the project must be completed and final products delivered, unless an earlier date is specified in the work program.

Project Overview
Earthworms are common throughout much of Minnesota, but few realize that they are not native to the state and were in fact introduced from Europe and Asia. Earthworms are invasive in Minnesota and have been shown to have large and potentially irreversible impacts on hardwood forest biodiversity and regeneration. As dispersal by human actions is the primary means of introduction and spread of invasive earthworms, there exists great potential to arrest the current spread of earthworms already present and prevent the introduction of additional species. This appropriation is being used by the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota - Duluth to:

  • Identify the areas of the state at greatest risk from invasive earthworms,
  • Assess the different ways worms are transported to currently worm-free areas,
  • Develop strategies to slow or prevent their further spread, and
  • Conduct outreach to inform and engage various stakeholders in actions aimed at preventing further spread of earthworms.


Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program

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WITHDRAWN - Native Plant Biodiversity, Invasive Plant Species, and Invertebrates
Subd. 6f     $47,000

Greg Hoch
Concordia College
901 8th Street S
Moorhead, MN 56562

Phone:  (218) 299-3799
Email:  hoch@cord.edu
Fax:  (218) 299-3804

Appropriation Language
$47,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Concordia College to survey plant, pollinator, and invertebrate biodiversity in native and restored prairies to assess impacts on invasive species and food sources for grassland birds and ecosystem services.

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

Subd. 7Energy

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GOVERNOR VETO
Options to De-carbonize Minnesota's Electrical Power System
Subd. 7a     $143,000

Melisa Pollak
U of M
154 Hubert H. Humphrey Center 301 19th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:  (612) 625-3046
Email:  fryxx035@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-3513

Appropriation Language
$143,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to analyze the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group's greenhouse gas reduction recommendations related to electrical power from a life-cycle analysis and a socio-political perspective.

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

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Projecting Environmental Trajectories for Energy-Water-Habitat Planning
Subd. 7b     $180,000

Peter Reich
U of M
220f Green Hall, Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-4270
Email:  preich@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5212
Web:  http://www.cbs.umn.edu/climatetracker

Appropriation Language
$180,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to combine detailed climatic records of Minnesota with present and past ecosystem boundaries to forecast future fine-scale flow of climate across the state impacting human activities and natural resources.

Overall Project Outcome and Results
Just as weather flows across the surface of the earth, so does climate-only much more slowly. Understanding the flow of climate is of particular importance in Minnesota because Minnesota encloses the junction of the three great ecosystems of North America western prairie, northern needle-leaf forests, and eastern broad-leaf forests. Conditions here are particularly sensitive to local changes, and therefore can also be indicators for the nation as a whole.

We applied new methods for understanding this flow of climate, in terms of direction and speed, to actual historical Minnesota weather data. Utilizing established data on both average temperature and total precipitation, we found the lines along which precipitation and temperature do not change and where those lines intersect across Minnesota's landscape. Tracking the advancement of an intersection over time, artifacts of historic importance on climate are identifiable, such as the beginning and end of the dust bowl era. For the present and future, the data show climate in recent years moving northward at a few miles per year.

Results have two major implications, first, as a new confirmation of rate of climate shifts from projections based on global circulation models, and second, as a fine-scale mapping of climate migration in Minnesota. In addition to the average migration, we found differences between longitudinal and lateral migration and differences within Minnesota's ecoregions.

This report outlines the significance of climate migration on habitat for trees, tree pests and diseases, and insects in Minnesota. The project has spawned future research to apply the implications of climate flow, such as how it relates to degree days and other agricultural parameters for the bioenergy industry.

A public product of this project is the Climate Tracker, found on the project website: http://www.cbs.umn.edu/climatetracker. Climate Tracker allows citizens to follow the flow of climate at any point in Minnesota over the past century, including where it has been and where it is going.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
This was a two-year project. Its first year involved data assembly, algorithm validation, analysis, and preparation of preliminary maps and tables. In its second year, results were correlated with ecological, hydrological, physical, and social aspects. Included in the second year are a final report, public presentations, and web dissemination, which can be found at http://www.cbs.umn.edu/climatetracker. This website is designed to be user-friendly, useful, and interesting to both scientists and the general public. The interactive Climate Tracker application was developed as a novel way to dynamically view a century of data at a glance, while the brief video introduction presents information in a broader context and allows visitors to the website to meet some of the project researchers.

Future publications in scientific journals are expected to result from this project. Impacts of shifting climate on crops important to Minnesota's economy are being explored through collaborations with the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. A collaboration with the University of Minnesota's Department of Forest Resources is considering the interaction of climate and tree growth, tree ranges, and tree pests. A methods paper is underway documenting the methodology used in this project and comparing the resulting climate velocities with those found using Global Circulation Models.

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

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Energy Efficient Cities
Subd. 7c     $2,000,000

Carl Nelson
Center for Energy and Environment
212 3rd Avenue N, Suite 560
Minneapolis, MN 55436

Phone:  (612) 335-5871
Email:  cnelson@mncee.org
Fax:  (612) 335-5888
Web:  http://www.mncee.org

Appropriation Language
$2,000,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of commerce for an agreement with the Center for Energy and Environment for demonstration of innovative residential energy efficiency delivery and financing strategies, training, installation, evaluation, and recommendations for a utility residential energy conservation program.

Overall Project Outcome and Results
The Energy Efficient Cities project was developed to demonstrate innovative residential energy efficiency program delivery to reduce energy use and environmental impact in at least 6,000 homes through a community-wide partnership approach. With strong and crucial support from local gas and electric utilities, city-specific programs were developed in a total of 8 cities: Apple Valley, Austin, Duluth, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, Rochester, and St. Paul. While each city developed a customized approach, each program was designed to provide a "one-stop shop" comprehensive whole-house approach that makes taking energy efficiency actions as easy as possible for the homeowner, while maximizing participation and energy savings opportunities. This comprehensive approach involved the following components shared by each program:

  • Community-based marketing strategies to recruit participants to workshops and for training participants to take low-cost energy actions;
  • Home energy visits that include installation of low-cost materials and identify other energy-saving opportunities;
  • Energy usage feedback reports to encourage individual energy-saving actions;
  • Follow-up assistance, including providing cost-share, for completion of major efficiency upgrades including insulation, air sealing and major mechanicals replacement; and
  • Training and quality control for insulation and air sealing contractors.


The project exceeded its original goals for participation, with 8,243 people attending workshops, 6,922 of those households completing a home energy visit, and 1,474 homes completing major energy efficiency upgrades. Over 36 contractors were trained in high performance installation techniques for insulation and air sealing jobs. The upgrades completed under this program generated $4.8 million in work for Minnesota's insulation and heating contractors. The total energy savings from measures installed in these homes will result in an estimated $13.8 million dollars in energy savings for the homeowners over the life of the measures. The programs will be continued in at least 5 of the participating cities.

Project Results Use and Dissemination Dissemination of information to homeowners was an integral part of the program. Our outreach activities for the program reached tens of thousands of Minnesotans, resulting in over 7,500 households attending a workshop that was produced by the project. The workshops educated people on basic energy conservation concepts and strategies, such as how a home loses energy, low-cost or no-cost methods for reducing energy, and what the process is for doing major energy efficiency upgrades in your home. The "Home Energy Resource Minnesota" website was also designed for education and outreach on energy efficiency issues. In addition, each city program had an on-line presence for dissemination of information about the program.

In addition to outreach targeted to homeowners as part of program activities, efforts were made to communicate to utilities, cities and other potential program sponsors of energy efficiency programs the Energy Efficient Cities program results, and increase uptake of similar residential programs. A presentation was given in August 2010 at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) Summer Study on Buildings in Pacific Grove, California. Based on interest at that conference, another webinar presentation on the program was given as part of a series sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and attended by over 500 participants. A second webinar presentation was conducted for a national network of local government officials organized by the Institute for Sustainable Communities. A presentation was also conducted for the Clean Energy Teams (CERTs) conference in February 2011. Both Minneapolis's and St. Paul's programs were featured in a national study of retrofit programs by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab entitled "Driving Demand for Home Energy Improvements." As a result of the initial program success, programs in Minneapolis, Duluth, Owatonna, Rochester and Austin will continue beyond the grant period, funded by utilities and other sources.

Finally, a report was completed to document the project and communicate lessons learned to utilities and other potential program sponsors. The report will be disseminated to Minnesota utilities, and presentations will be scheduled with interested parties. A presentation has been scheduled for October in Owatonna for the Midwest chapter of the Association of Energy Service Professionals.

Project Publication:
Energy Efficient Cities: Using a Community-Based Approach to Achieve Greater Results in Comprehensive, Whole-House Energy-Efficiency Programs

FINAL REPORT

Project completed: 06/30/2011

Subd. 8Administration and Other

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Contract Management
Subd. 8a     $158,000

Wayne Sames
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

Appropriation Language
$158,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for contract management for duties assigned in Laws 2007, chapter 30, section 2, and Laws 2008, chapter 367, section 2, and for additional duties as assigned in this section.

Overview
Appropriations to non-state entities must be made through a formal contract with a state entity that manages all of the funds for the project on a reimbursement basis. This appropriation to Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) funds the expenses incurred by the DNR in contracting, contract management, and expense re-imbursement for most of the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations made to non-state entities, including new projects funded during the biennium and existing projects funded in previous bienniums.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]
Work Program

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Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Subd. 8b     $1,254,000

Susan Thornton
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources
100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Rm 65
St. Paul, MN 55155

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

Appropriation Language
$1,254,000 is from the trust fund for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 and is for administration as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09, subdivision 5.

Overview
Per M.S. 116P.09, up to 4% of the amount available for appropriation from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) for a biennium is available for expenses related to LCCMR administration - this includes expenses pertaining to project selection, approval, and ongoing oversight of projects funded by the ENRTF, including new projects funded during the biennium and existing projects funded in previous bienniums. Historically, LCCMR has always used less than 3% of available funds for administration. This appropriation, which represents 2.33% of the amount available for the biennium, funds LCCMR administration expenses for FY 2010-11.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]