M.L. 2010 PROJECTS

MN Laws 2010, Chapter 362, Section 2 (beginning July 1, 2010)

Summary of appropriations and expected outcomes

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 2010 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   Renewable Energy
Subd. 8   Environmental Education

Subd. 3 Natural Resource Data and Information
3a	County Geologic Atlases and Related Hydrogeologic Research
3b	Updating the Minnesota Wetlands Inventory: Phase 2
3c	Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas
3d	Integrated, Operational Bird Conservation Plan for Minnesota
3e	Mitigating Pollinator Decline in Minnesota - RESEARCH
3f	Science and Innovation from Soudan Underground Mine State Park - RESEARCH
3g	Quantifying Carbon Burial in Wetlands - RESEARCH
3h	Strategic Planning for Minnesota's Natural and Artificial Watersheds
3i	Ecosystem Services in Agricultural Watersheds
3j	Farmland Conservation in Minnesota
3k	Identifying Critical Habitats for Moose in Northeastern Minnesota - RESEARCH

Subd. 4 Land, Habitat, and Recreation
4a	Ecological Restoration Training Cooperative for Habitat Restoration
4b	Scientific and Natural Areas and Native Prairie Restoration, Enhancement, and Acquisition
4c	State Park Improvements
4d	State Park Land Acquisition
4e	Protection of Rare Granite Rock Outcrop Ecosystem
4f	Minnesota's Habitat Conservation Partnership Supplemental
4g	Metropolitan Conservation Corridors Supplemental
4h	Conserving Sensitive and Priority Shorelands in Cass County
4i	Reconnecting Fragmented Prairie Landscapes

Subd. 5 Water Resources
5a	Understanding Sources of Aquatic Contaminants of Emerging Concern - RESEARCH
5b	Managing Mineland Sulfate Release in Saint Louis River Basin - RESEARCH
5c	Ecological Impacts of Effluent in Surface Waters and Fish - RESEARCH
5d	Agricultural and Urban Runoff Water Quality Treatment Analysis
5e	Assessing Septic System Discharge to Lakes - RESEARCH
5f	Evaluation of Dioxins in Minnesota Lakes - RESEARCH
5g	Assessment of Shallow Lake Management - RESEARCH
5h	Assessing Cumulative Impacts of Shoreline Development - RESEARCH
5i	Trout Stream Assessmentss - RESEARCH

Subd. 6 Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species
6a	Biological Control of European Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard - RESEARCH
6b	Ecological and Hydrological Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer - RESEARCH
6c	Healthy Forests to Resist Invasion - RESEARCH
6d	Bioacoustic Traps for Management of Round Goby - RESEARCH

Subd. 7 Renewable Energy
7a	Algae for Fuels Pilot Project
7b	Sustainable Biofuels - RESEARCH
7c	Linking Habitat Restoration to Bioenergy and Local Economies
7d	Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs)
7e	~~Analysis of Options for Minnesota's Energy Independence~~ - GOVERNOR VETO

Subd. 8 Environmental Education
8a	Minnesota Conservation Apprenticeship Academy
8b	Engaging Students in Environmental Stewardship through Adventure Learning
8c	Connecting Youth with Nature
8d	Urban Wilderness Youth Outdoor Education
8e	Get Outside - Urban Woodland for Kids
8f	Expanding Outdoor Classrooms at Minnesota Schools
8g	Integrating Environmental and Outdoor Education in Grades 7-12
8h	Project Get Outdoors
8i	Fishing: Cross Cultural Gateway to Environmental Education
8j	Minnesota WolfLink
8k	Online Field Trip of Minnesota River

Funding Source:
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (TF)

Subd. 3 Natural Resource Data and Information

County Geologic Atlases and Related Hydrogeologic Research
Subd. 3a     $1,130,000

Dale Setterholm
MN Geological Survey
2642 University Ave
St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone:  (612) 627-4780 x223
Email:  sette001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 627-4784
Web: http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/

Appropriation Language
$1,130,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University ofMinnesota for the Geologic Survey to initiate and continue the production of county geologic atlases, establish hydrologic properties necessary to water management, and investigate the use of geochemical data in water management. This appropriation represents a continuing effort to complete the county geologic atlases throughout the state. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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. The Minnesota Geological Survey will use this appropriation to:

Initiate geologic atlases for Sherburne and Morrison counties;
Continue work on county geologic atlases already in progress;
Make collected data available in a digital format;
Investigate the hydrologic properties of the St. Lawrence Formation in southeastern Minnesota;
Evaluate methods for investigating groundwater flow pathways in urban areas, using Rochester, MN as the test area.

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2013
Work Program

Updating the Minnesota Wetlands Inventory: Phase 2
Subd. 3b     $1,100,000

Steve Kloiber
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5164
Email:  steve.kloiber@dnr.state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/wetlands/nwi_proj.html

Appropriation Language
$1,100,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue the update of wetland inventory maps for Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
The National Wetland Inventory, a program initiated in the 1970s, is an important tool used at all levels of government and 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 data behind the National Wetlands Inventory for Minnesota is now considerably out-of-date and a multi-phase, multi-agency collaborative effort coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is underway to update the data for the whole state. This appropriation is being used to conduct the second phase of this effort, which involves updating wetland maps for 13 counties in east-central Minnesota surrounding the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, evaluating imagery sources and mapping technologies for use in future mapping of agricultural regions of the state, and acquiring additional data needed to update wetland maps for southern Minnesota.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas
Subd. 3c     $372,000

PART 1 ($211,000)
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://mnbba.org/

PART 2 ($161,000)
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

Appropriation Language
$372,000 is from the trust fund to continue development of a statewide survey of Minnesota breeding bird distribution and create related publications, including a book and online atlas with distribution maps and breeding status. Of this appropriation, $211,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Audubon Minnesota and $161,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute. The atlas must be available for downloading on the Internet free of charge.

Project Overview
A state Breeding Bird Atlas is a comprehensive systematic field survey of the occurrence, distribution, diversity, and breeding status of bird species within the state. Atlases are used to set conservation priorities, develop conservation plans, and guide habitat protection and restoration efforts. Minnesota is one of only seven states in the country that has yet to complete a Breeding Bird Atlas. Audubon Minnesota and the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota - Duluth will use this appropriation to continue development of the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas and create related publications, including a book and online atlas with distribution maps, breeding status, and historical species information.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
Work Program - Part 1
Work Program - Part 2

Integrated, Operational Bird Conservation Plan for Minnesota
Subd. 3d     $151,000

Lee Pfannmuller
Audubon Minnesota
2357 Ventura Dr, Ste 106
St. Paul, MN 55125

Phone:  (612) 810-1173
Email:  leepfann@msn.com
Fax:  (651) 731-1330
Web: http://mn.audubon.org/

Appropriation Language
$151,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Audubon Minnesota to develop an integrated bird conservation plan targeting priority species and providing a framework for implementing coordinated, focused, and effective bird conservation throughout Minnesota.

Project Overview
There are many national, regional, and state conservation plans that broadly address Minnesota birds, but a consolidated and focused state conservation agenda for birds does not exist. Audubon Minnesota is using this appropriation to develop a single, clear operational plan that provides specific guidelines for Minnesota bird conservation. The project will build upon existing efforts and employ an inclusive, consensus-based planning process to deliver a plan that identifies and begins implementing the most strategic and effective conservation actions for Minnesota's priority bird species at both the local and statewide level.

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

Mitigating Pollinator Decline in Minnesota
Subd. 3e     $297,000

Vera Krischik
U of MN
1980 Folwell Ave, #219
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-7044
Email:  krisc001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5299
Web: http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/krischiklab

Appropriation Language
$297,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the role of insecticides in pollinator health in order to help mitigate pollinator decline. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
A class of insecticides known as systemic neonicotinyl insecticides have been identified as a potential factor in recently observed declines in pollinators - the beneficial insects that carry pollen from plant to plant - including the phenomenon amongst honeybees known as Colony Collapse Disorder. But only preliminary investigation into this potential link has been completed to date. This appropriation is enabling the University of Minnesota's Department of Entomology to conduct additional research needed to determine what impacts systemic neonicotinyl insecticides may be having on the health, behavior, and mortality of honeybees and other pollinators. Findings could be used to help mitigate pollinator decline and identify alternative approaches for managing pest insects.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Science and Innovation from Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Subd. 3f     $545,000

Jeffrey Gralnick
U of MN
1479 Gortner Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 626-6496
Email:  gralnick@umn.edu
Web: http://www.cbs.umn.edu/labs/gralnick/Soudan_Mine.html

Appropriation Language
$545,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to characterize unique microbes discovered in the Soudan Underground Mine State Park and investigate the potential application in bioenergy and bioremediation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
The Soudan Iron Mine near Ely, Minnesota is no longer an active mine and is now part of a state park, as well as the home to a state-of-the-art physics laboratory at the bottom of the mine. The mine has also recently been discovered to contain an extreme environment in the form of an ancient and very salty brine bubbling up from deep below the Earth's surface through holes drilled when the mine was active. Strange microorganisms - part of an ecosystem never before characterized by science - have been found living in the brine. Scientists from the University of Minnesota will use this appropriation to:

Study this unique ecosystem and its organisms;
Examine the potential of using the microorganisms for applications in medicine, energy production, and other areas;
Develop a program to educate mine visitors about the brine ecosystem and its organisms.

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2013
Work Program

Quantifying Carbon Burial in Wetlands
Subd. 3g     $144,000

James Cotner
U of MN
100 Ecology, 1987 Upper Buford Cir, Dept. Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-1706
Email:  cotne002@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 624-6777
Web: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~cotne002/Site/Research.html

Appropriation Language
$144,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to determine the potential for carbon sequestration in Minnesota's shallow lakes and wetlands. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Shallow lakes are effective carbon sinks and could be used to mitigate carbon dioxide released from use of fossil fuels. Minnesota currently emits over 150 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually due to fossil fuel use and has a stated goal to stabilize future emissions at 1990 levels. Reaching this goal will require both minimizing sources and maximizing carbon sinks such as shallow lakes. The University of Minnesota will use this appropriation to study how effectively shallow lakes and wetlands in different regions of Minnesota remove and retain carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Findings will be used to provide guidance on how to manage shallow lakes to maximize carbon sequestration and evaluate the potential for Minnesota shallow lakes and wetlands to have roles on the global carbon trading market.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Strategic Planning for Minnesota's Natural and Artificial Watersheds
Subd. 3h     $327,000

David Mulla
U of MN
439 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Cir
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-6721
Email:  mulla003@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-2208
Web: http://www.swac.umn.edu/People/DavidMulla/

Appropriation Language
$327,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify the interrelationship between artificial systems of drain tiles and ditches and natural watersheds to guide placement of buffers and stream bed restoration and modification.

Project Overview
Minnesota's vast network of natural watersheds is interwoven with artificial watersheds of agricultural drain tiles and ditches designed to lower the water table and enhance soil productivity. As the artificial watersheds move excess water into the natural watershed the water also delivers contaminants, including excess nutrients, estrogenic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and other synthetic chemicals. Once in the natural watershed these contaminants pose threats to the health of animals, humans, and the environment. Through this appropriation, scientists from the University of Minnesota's Department of Soil, Water, and Climate are using specialized technologies to identify specific, on-the-ground efforts that can be implemented to help protect Minnesota's natural watersheds by "disconnecting" them from the artificial watersheds through a variety of practices. Findings will be used to guide strategic installation of wetlands, riparian buffer strips, and perennial vegetation in agricultural areas of the state that can help manage excess flows and contaminants, thereby reducing water quality impairments.

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

Ecosystem Services in Agricultural Watersheds
Subd. 3i     $247,000

Kylene Olson
Chippewa River Watershed Project
629 North 11th Street, Suite 17
Montevideo, MN 56265

Phone:  (320) 269-2139 ext. 116
Email:  kylene@chippewariver.org
Fax:  (320) 269-6593
Web: http://www.chippewariver.com/ & http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/

Appropriation Language
$247,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Chippewa River Watershed Project to develop local food and perennial biofuels markets coupled with conservation incentives to encourage farmers to diversify land cover in the Chippewa River Watershed supporting improvement to water quality and habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
The Chippewa River watershed faces many serious environmental problems such as water quality degradation, threats to biodiversity, and increased flooding. Agricultural practices have contributed to these problems, but they can also contribute to solutions. Through this appropriation, the Chippewa River Watershed Project and the Land Stewardship Project are collaborating to pilot an innovative approach that works with farmers to combine community-based markets for alternative crops and products with utilization of conservation incentives programs to achieve the level of landscape change needed to meet water quality goals and other environmental objectives.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Farmland Conservation in Minnesota
Subd. 3j     $100,000

Jennifer Jambor-Delgado
Farmers Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG)
360 N Robert St, #500
St. Paul, MN 55101

Phone:  (651) 223-5400
Email:  jjambor-delgado@flaginc.org
Fax:  (651) 223-5335
Web: http://www.flaginc.org/

Appropriation Language
$100,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Farmers Legal Action Group, Inc. to assess the implementation of applicable laws for preserving agricultural land and develop a comprehensive and systematic approach and policy tools to preserve agricultural lands.

Project Overview
Farmland preservation has a critical impact on the quality of Minnesota's natural resources, water quality and quantity, biodiversity, and economic, recreational, and cultural health. Farmland preservation is also central to natural resource conservation. However, the laws that affect farmland preservation are currently a patchwork of local, county, and state laws, many of which either ignore or deter efforts on agricultural lands that benefit natural resource conservation. The Farmers' Legal Action Group is using this appropriation to assess the effectiveness of current and potential laws, regulations, and policy tools used for preserving agricultural land in order to develop a comprehensive and systematic approach for preserving agricultural lands in Minnesota.

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

Identifying Critical Habitats for Moose in Northeastern Minnesota
Subd. 3k     $507,000

Ron Moen
UMD, NRRI
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN 55811

Phone:  (218) 720-4279
Email:  rmoen@nrri.umn.edu
Fax:  (218) 720-4328
Web: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/moose/

Appropriation Language
$507,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute to identify critical habitats for moose, develop best management habitat protection practices, and conduct educational outreach in cooperation with the Minnesota Zoo. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Moose are one of Minnesota's most prized wildlife species. Recently observed increases in mortality rates amongst some moose in northeastern Minnesota have led to concern that the population there may be starting a decline like that seen in the northwestern part of the state, where moose populations fell from over 4,000 to fewer than 100 in less than 20 years. Researchers from the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, are using this appropriation to determine what habitat factors may be responsible for increases in moose mortality rates in northeastern Minnesota in order to determine if it is possible to slow or prevent significant, long-term decline in the moose population there.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Subd. 4 Land, Habitat, and Recreation

Ecological Restoration Training Cooperative for Habitat Restoration
Subd. 4a     $550,000

Susan Galatowitsch
U of MN
1970 Folwell Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-3242
Email:  galat001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 624-3242
Web: http://www.consbio.umn.edu/SG/

Appropriation Language
$550,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for improving ecological restoration success in Minnesota by developing and offering training programs for habitat restoration professionals. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Restoration work is increasingly relied on as a conservation strategy in Minnesota even though project failure rates remain high. Although there are many competent professionals working in the field, the quality of work varies across the profession and lack of expertise contributes to failures, partly because there is currently a lack of professional restoration training available. In order to help improve the success rates of restorations, scientists and educators at the University of Minnesota's Department of Horticultural Science are using this appropriation to develop an ecological restoration education program and cooperative. The effort will make training opportunities for practicing restoration professionals available statewide and facilitate improved and increased communication amongst the restoration community.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Scientific and Natural Areas and Native Prairie Restoration, Enhancement, and Acquisition
Subd. 4b     $1,750,000

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/snas/index.html

Appropriation Language
$1,750,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire lands with high quality native plant communities and rare features to be established as scientific and natural areas as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 5, restore parts of scientific and natural areas, and provide assistance and incentives for native prairie landowners. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work program. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards as determined by the commissioner of natural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Minnesota's Scientific and Natural Areas (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 landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, and 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 3,200 acres in existing SNAs, to acquire an additional 80 acres to be added to the SNA system, and to provide technical assistance to private landowners of native prairie.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

State Park Improvements
Subd. 4c     $814,000

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/

Appropriation Language
$567,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for state park capital improvements and natural resource restoration. Of this amount, $250,000 is for solar energy installations in state parks and the remaining amount shall be used for park and campground restoration and improvements. Priority shall be for projects that address existing threats to public water resources. On July 1, 2010, the unobligated balance, estimated to be $200,000, of the appropriation for clean energy resource teams and community wind energy rebates in Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1, article 2, section 11, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 243, section 15, and extended by Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 16, is transferred and added to this appropriation. On July 1, 2010, the $47,000 appropriated in Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (f), for native plant biodiversity, invasive plant species, and invertebrates is transferred and added to this appropriation.

Project Overview
Several of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas will be receiving energy efficiency improvements, water quality enhancement upgrades, or additional visitor facilities. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to install photovoltaic energy generation equipment and solar-powered water wells, rehabilitate stormwater collection and storage systems, repair and stabilize stream bank erosion, and construct rustic camper cabins. A number of parks are slated for improvements, including St Croix State Park near Hinckley, Soudan Underground Mine State Park near Ely, and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park along the north shore of Lake Superior.

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

State Park Land Acquisition
Subd. 4d     $1,750,000

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/

Appropriation Language
$1,750,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire and preserve critical parcels within the statutory boundaries of 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 to 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 13 acres for Crow Wing State Park northeast of Brainerd, 160 acres for Scenic State Park north of Grand Rapids, 55 acres for Tettegouche State Park north of Silver Bay, and 19 acres for Split Rock Lighthouse State Park northeast of Two Harbors.

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

Protection of Rare Granite Rock Outcrop Ecosystem
Subd. 4e     $1,800,000

Thomas Kalahar
Renville SWCD
1008 W Lincoln Ave
Olivia, MN 56277

Phone:  (320) 523-1559
Email:  kalahar@yahoo.com
Fax:  (320) 523-2389
Web: http://www.renvilleswcd.com/ and http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/projects/Renville_rock-outcrops.pdf

Appropriation Language
$1,800,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, in cooperation with the Renville Soil and Water Conservation District, to continue to acquire perpetual easements of unique granite rock outcrops, located in the Upper Minnesota River Valley. $418,000 of this appropriation is for fiscal year 2010 and is available the day following final enactment.

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 700 acres of this endangered habitat in Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Redwood, Renville and Yellow Medicine counties.

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

Minnesota's Habitat Conservation Partnership Supplemental
Subd. 4f     $1,344,000

Joe Pavelko
Pheasants Forever (on behalf of all partners)
7975 Acorn Circle
Victoria, MN 55386

Phone:  (612) 532-3800
Email:  jpavelko@pheasantsforever.org
Fax:  (320) 354-4377
Web:  http://www.mnhabitatcorridors.org

Appropriation Language
$1,344,000 is added to Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (e), from the trust fund for the acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $308,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources for agency programs and $1,036,000 is for agreements as follows: $425,000 with Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; $50,000 with National Wild Turkey Federation; $164,000 with the Nature Conservancy; $102,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $200,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $45,000 with Friends of Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District; and $50,000 to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe 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 an authorized 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.

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 a supplement to 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. Earlier phases of this project have resulted in the protection, restoration, or enhancement of more than 100,000 acres throughout the state. Many of these projects matched Trust Fund money with non-state funds, stretching these dollars to provide a greater benefit to the state. This supplemental funding to Phase VI of this effort involves nine partners and is expected to result in the permanent protection of nearly 200 additional acres and restoration or enhancement of approximately 1,900 additional acres. Projects from the individual partners are listed below.

2d   Shallow Lake Assessment and Management (DNR)
2f   Shallow Lake Habitat Enhancement and Wild Rice Enhancement and Monitoring (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)
2h   Fisheries Habitat Restoration (DNR)
2k   Prairie Management (DNR)
2n    Campaign for Conservation (The Nature Conservancy)
2o   Working Lands Partnership (Friends of the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District)
2p   Bluffland Restoration (National Wild Turkey Federation)
3a   Shoreland Protection Project (Minnesota Land Trust)
3c   Shallow Lake Easements (Ducks Unlimited)
3d   Wetlands Reserve Program (Ducks Unlimited / USDA NRCS)
4b   Fisheries Land Acquisition (DNR)
4c   Critical Lands Protection Program (Trust for Public Land)
4f    Campaign for Conservation (The Nature Conservancy)

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2012
Overall HCP Work Program (For work programs of individual partner projects, click links directly above)

Metropolitan Conservation Corridors Supplemental
Subd. 4g     $1,750,000

Sarah Strommen
Minnesota Land Trust
2356 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone:  (651) 647-9590
Email:  sstrommen@mnland.org
Fax:  (651) 647-9769
Web:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/metroconservationcorridors

Appropriation Language
$1,750,000 is added to Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (f), from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for acceleration of agency programs and cooperative agreements. Of this appropriation, $1,750,000 is for agreements as follows: $890,000 with the Trust for Public Land; $485,000 with Minnesota Land Trust; $325,000 with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc.; and $50,000 with Friends of the Minnesota Valley for 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.

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. A partnership of eight state and non-profit organizations are working together in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and surrounding counties to protect, restore, and build connections between remaining natural areas and critical wildlife habitat to ensure their benefits are available for future generations. The work of these Metro Conservation Corridor partners is guided by the Minnesota Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan, Minnesota's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, and other local and resource-specific plans. This supplemental funding to Phase V of this effort involves four of the partners and is expected to result in the permanent protection of more than 175 additional acres and the restoration and enhancement of approximately 50 additional acres. Projects from the individual partners are listed below.

2.4   Lower Minnesota River Watershed Restoration & Enhancement Project (Friends of Minnesota Valley)
3.1   Critical Land Protection Program (Trust for Public Land)
3.2   Protect Significant Habitat by Acquiring Conservation Easements (Minnesota Land Trust)
3.3   Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Fee Title Acquisition (Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust)

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2012
Overall MeCC Work Program (For work programs of individual partner projects, click links directly above)

Conserving Sensitive and Priority Shorelands in Cass County
Subd. 4h     $300,000

John Ringle
Cass County Environmental Services Department
300 Minnesota Ave, Box 3000
Walker, MN 56484

Phone:  (218) 547-7241
Email:  john.ringle@co.cass.mn.us
Fax:  (218) 547-7429
Web:  http://www.co.cass.mn.us/esd/home_esd.html

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Cass County to provide assistance for the donation of perpetual conservation easements to protect sensitive shoreland parcels for long-term protection of recreation, water quality, and critical habitat in north central Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Cass County's 500+ high quality lakes provide habitat for fish and wildlife, recreation opportunities for Minnesotans, and they are the cornerstones for the region's local economy. However, the future of these water resources is threatened by increasing population growth and shoreland development. Cass County is using this appropriation to provide assistance to riparian landowners interested in permanently protecting critical shoreline areas through donation of perpetual conservation easements on their lands. County officials expect they will be able to help protect 1,200 to 1,500 acres of riparian land, including 3-5 miles of shoreland.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Reconnecting Fragmented Prairie Landscapes
Subd. 4i     $380,000

Steve Chaplin
The Nature Conservancy
1101 W River Pkwy, Ste 200
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone:  (612) 331-0750
Email:  schaplin@tnc.org
Fax:  (612) 331-0770
Web: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/minnesota/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$380,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Nature Conservancy to develop prairie landscape design plans and monitoring protocol involving local landowners and businesses to guide conservation, restoration, and related economic development. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Less than 1% of Minnesota's original tallgrass prairie remains today and what is left exists in scattered remnants. Restoration of healthy prairie ecosystems requires both protection and reconnection of remnants to create prairie-dominated landscape areas of 10,000-50,000 acres. However, it is unlikely such aims can be achieved without balancing desired conservation goals with an ability for local communities to utilize prairies for generating sustainable income. Through this appropriation the Nature Conservancy will work with the University of Minnesota and the local communities of two prairie landscapes in order to develop a framework for how prairie-based economic uses that balance with prairie conservation goals could provide sufficient return on labor and investment to sustain rural families and communities.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Subd. 5 Water Resources

Understanding Sources of Aquatic Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Subd. 5a     $640,000

Deborah Swackhamer
U of MN
Water Resources Center, 173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-0279
Email:  dswack@umn.edu
Web: http://wrc.umn.edu/people/deborahswackhamer/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$640,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify chemical markers to characterize sources of endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals entering surface waters in the Zumbro River Watershed. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other contaminants of emerging concern are increasingly being found in surface waters in Minnesota and elsewhere. These contaminants can cause adverse ecological and human health impacts. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the sources of these contaminants. Scientists at the University of Minnesota's Water Resources Center are using this appropriation to study these contaminants in the Zumbro River watershed in order to:

Help determine what contaminants are associated with specific land uses;
Identify methods for monitoring sources and loads of the contaminants;
Develop science-based recommendations for prevention, reduction, and remediation strategies.

Project due to be completed: 6/30/2013
Work Program

Managing Mineland Sulfate Release in Saint Louis River Basin
Subd. 5b     $270,000

Michael Berndt
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5378
Email:  mike.berndt@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-5939
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$270,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to map current sulfate sources and assess treatment options to minimize potential impacts of mercury on fish and wildlife from sulfate releases in the St. Louis River Basin. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Over a century of iron mining in northeastern Minnesota has left numerous waste rock piles, open pits, and tailings basins that appear to be the dominant sources of sulfate in the St. Louis River. This sulfate has become a recent environmental concern due to the possibility that one of the byproducts of its increased presence, methylmercury, may lead to mercury contamination in fish and other wildlife. Through this appropriation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota are evaluating the sources and fate of sulfate in the St. Louis River Basin in order to better understand its impacts and determine the best means for reducing or eliminating these impacts, particularly in environments where methylmercury is a byproduct of sulfate presence.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Ecological Impacts of Effluent in Surface Waters and Fish
Subd. 5c     $340,000

Paige Novak
U of MN
122 Civil Engineering Bldg, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

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

Appropriation Language
$340,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota in cooperation with St. Cloud State University to determine the chemical and biological fate of phytoestrogens in surface waters and the impacts on fish. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that are discharged into surface water from wastewater treatment plants and certain industrial facilities. Phytoestrogens mimic the hormone estrogen and can therefore interfere with normal biological development. For example, it is known that they can feminize male fish. However, the broader effects of phytoestrogens have not been studied and almost nothing is known about their long-term fate or persistence in the environment. Through this appropriation scientists from the University of Minnesota and St Cloud State University will collaborate to examine the persistence of phytoestrogens in surface waters and their effects on fish. Findings will be used to enhance wastewater treatment and help facilitate continued industrial development and production in Minnesota done in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Agricultural and Urban Runoff Water Quality Treatment Analysis
Subd. 5d     $485,000

Craig Austinson
Blue Earth County Drainage Authority
410 Jackson Street
Mankato, MN 56001

Phone:  (507) 304-4253
Email:  Craig.Austinson@co.Blue-Earth.mn.us
Web: http://www.co.blue-earth.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
$485,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for an agreement with the Blue Earth County Drainage Authority to reduce soil erosion, peak water flows, and nutrient loading through a demonstration model evaluating storage and treatment options in drainage systems in order to improve water quality. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Rising crop prices and the deterioration of old, existing agricultural drainage systems have led to increased demand for new and improved drainage systems. As these new drainage systems are constructed there is a unique and valuable opportunity to implement a fundamental shift in the way drainage systems interact with the landscape by integrating conservation practices that balance with agricultural economics considerations. The Blue Earth County Drainage Authority is using this appropriation to demonstrate a community-based water quality and treatment system in which landowners, local government, and state agencies will collaboratively implement an approach to drainage systems that improves water quality and wildlife habitat while replacing outdated drainage systems. This approach has the potential to be a model for future drainage projects across the state.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2014
Work Program

Assessing Septic System Discharge to Lakes
Subd. 5e     $594,000

Richard Kiesling
U.S. Geological Survey
2280 Woodale Dr
Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone:  (763) 783-3131
Email:  kiesling@usgs.gov
Fax:  (763) 783-3103
Web: http://profile.usgs.gov/professional/mypage.php?name=kiesling

Appropriation Language
$594,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of health for department activities and for an agreement with the United States Geologic Survey in cooperation with St. Cloud State University to develop quantitative data on septic system discharge of estrogenic and pharmaceutical compounds and assess septic and watershed influences on levels of contamination and biological responses in Minnesota lakes. The United States Geologic Survey is not subject to the requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other contaminants of emerging concern are increasingly being found in surface waters in Minnesota, including the state's lakes. Recent research surveying Minnesota lakes found that the most frequent occurrence of these chemicals was in lakes with a high density of septic systems. In river ecosystems some of these chemicals have been known to cause extinction of forage fish species and abnormal sexual development in other fish species, such as bass and walleye. However, little is known about how these compounds affect fish populations in lake ecosystems. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey, St. Cloud State University, and the Minnesota Department of Health will cooperatively use this appropriation to help assess which of these chemicals are most frequently present in lakes with high septic system concentration and determine whether native fish populations are being affected. Part of this appropriation will help pay for specialized equipment to study these chemical compounds, expanding the capability of the research laboratory at the Department of Health.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Evaluation of Dioxins in Minnesota Lakes
Subd. 5f     $264,000

William Arnold
U of MN
Dept of Civil Engineering, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:  (612) 625-8582
Email:  arnol032@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 626-7750
Web: http://www.ce.umn.edu/directory/faculty/arnold.html

Appropriation Language
$264,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to examine the concentration of dioxins in lake sediment and options to improve water quality in lakes.

Project Overview
The antibacterial compound triclosan is present in many consumer products, including soaps, toothpastes, lotions, and deodorants. Wastewater treatment does not completely remove triclosan or its derivatives and so the chemicals are discharged into surface waters. Once present in surface waters, sunlight converts triclosan and its derivatives into dioxins, a class of chemicals that are known to be toxic, carcinogenic, and persistent and accumulative in sediment and fish. Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Department of Civil Engineering are using this appropriation to study sediment samples in order to determine the current and historic levels of dioxins in the water and how much is attributable to triclosan and its derivatives. Findings will be used to make recommendations on how water quality can be improved and protected in the future.

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

Assessment of Shallow Lake Management
Subd. 5g     $262,000

Mark Hanson
DNR
Wetland Wildlife Group, 102 23rd Street NE
Bemidji, MN 56601

Phone:  (218) 308-2283
Email:  mark.hanson@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (218) 755-2604
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/shallowlakes/index.html

Appropriation Language
$262,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to evaluate the major causes of deterioration of shallow lakes in Minnesota and evaluate results of current management efforts. This appropriation is available until June 30,2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Minnesota's shallow lakes provide numerous benefits including clean water, hydrologic storage to limit flooding, recreational opportunities, and fish and wildlife habitat. However, the water and habitat quality of Minnesota's shallow lakes have been deteriorating over the past century. Through this appropriation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will coordinate with a number of partner organizations to evaluate the causes of deterioration along with the effectiveness of current management practices in five ecological regions of the state. Findings will be used to identify the most cost-effective approaches for maintaining and restoring shallow lakes and for developing region-specific guides for sustainable shallow lake management.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Assessing Cumulative Impacts of Shoreline Development
Subd. 5h     $300,000

Bruce Vondracek
U of MN
1980 Folwell Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-8748
Email:  bvondrac@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5299
Web: http://fwcb.cfans.umn.edu/personnel/faculty/vondracek/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate near-shore, in-water habitat impacts from shoreline development activities to assist in the design and implementation of management practices protecting critical shorelands and aquatic habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Near-shore areas of lakes are critical to the health of lake ecosystems because they contain a majority of the vegetation and are generally the spawning areas for fish. Increases in the rate and extent of shoreline development - including docks, boatlifts, and other structures - and disturbance from recreational activity may be having cumulative detrimental impacts on these ecosystems. However, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about these impacts and that has been hindering lake managers in their ability to guide landowners toward better practices. Researchers from the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Geological Survey are using this appropriation to study the cumulative impacts of shoreline development on aquatic habitat, water quality, and fish populations in order to develop a tool that can be used to help guide sustainable near-shore development. Approximately 100 lakes in Aitkin, Becker, Cass, Crow Wing, Douglas, Hubbard, Morrison, Otter Tail and Todd counties will be used in the study.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Trout Stream Assessments
Subd. 5i     $300,000

Leonard Ferrington
U of MN
219 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 624-3265
Email:  ferri016@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5299
Web: http://www.entomology.umn.edu/midge/People/Ferrington/Ferrington.htm

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess cold water aquatic insect abundance related to warming water temperatures as predictors of trout growth in southeastern Minnesota and assess options to minimize stream temperature changes. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Trout require streams with excellent water quality that are fed by groundwaters that keep streams cold in summer but ice-free in winter. Minnesota has more than 680 designated trout streams that represent a valuable natural resource having high economic, sport, and habitat importance. However, over the long term this resource is under threat from climate change, which will likely increase stream temperatures and could detrimentally impact trout behavior, reproduction success, and food sources, particularly the cold-adapted aquatic insects that are essential in winter diets of trout. This appropriation is enabling University of Minnesota's Department of Entomology to study the health of trout streams in southeastern Minnesota and how changes in stream temperatures could impact the diets and growth of trout populations.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Subd. 6 Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

Biological Control of European Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard
Subd. 6a     $300,000

Luke Skinner
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5140
Email:  luke.skinner@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-1811
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index.html

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the commissioner of agriculture to continue the development and implementation of biological control for European buckthorn and garlic mustard.This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
European buckthorn and garlic mustard are non-native, invasive plant species that have rapidly spread throughout Minnesota posing serious threats to native plant communities and degrading wildlife habitat in forests and riparian areas. The two plants are considered to be the species of highest priority for development of long-term management solutions, such as biological control, which involves using natural enemies of a non-native species from its native region to control or reduce the impact of the species in the areas where they are invasive. Introducing one non-native species to control another, though, is something that must be done with care so that the introduction doesn't have unintended consequences. This appropriation is enabling the Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture to continue to research and evaluate biological control options for European buckthorn and garlic mustard.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Ecological and Hydrological Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer
Subd. 6b     $636,000

Anthony D'Amato
U of MN
1530 Cleveland Avenue N
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-3733
Email:  damato@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 625-5212
Web: http://silviculture.forestry.umn.edu/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$636,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the potential impacts of emerald ash borer on Minnesota's black ash forests and quantify potential impacts on native forest vegetation, invasive species spread, and hydrology. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that has been decimating ash trees throughout the Great Lake states and is currently advancing into Minnesota, where it threatens ash forests that occur across much of the state. Of particular concern is the impact Emerald Ash Borer will have on the ecology and functioning of black ash swamps, which cover over one million acres in Minnesota and represent the state's most common ash forest type. Scientists at the University of Minnesota's Department of Forest Resources are using this appropriation to conduct a five year study that will assess the likelihood of this invasive insect extending into the black ash forests in the northern part of Minnesota and its potential impact on these marshy forest areas. Findings will inform management recommendations for mitigating the potential impacts of Emerald Ash Borer.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2015
Work Program

Healthy Forests to Resist Invasion
Subd. 6c     $359,000

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

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

Appropriation Language
$359,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the role of forest health management in resisting infestation of invasive species. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Invasive plants cause considerable ecological and economic damage in Minnesota and their control is often difficult to achieve in a long-term cost-effective manner. Although not immune from invasion, healthy forests may be somewhat resistant to invasion; therefore management aimed at maintaining, restoring, or enhancing key forest characteristics might be a useful strategy for slowing forest invasion. Scientists from the University of Minnesota's Department of Forest Resources will use this appropriation to study 80 different forest sites in order to determine the links between forest attributes and plant invasion. Findings will be used to make recommendations for how to best manage forests to resist invasive species.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Bioacoustic Traps for Management of Round Goby
Subd. 6d     $175,000

Allen Mensinger
U of MN - Duluth
1035 Kirby Dr
Duluth, MN 55812

Phone:  (218) 726-7259
Email:  amensing@d.umn.edu
Fax:  (218) 726-8142
Web: http://www.d.umn.edu/~amensing/toadfish.html

Appropriation Language
$175,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate bioacoustic technology specific to invasive round goby in Lake Superior as a method for early detection and population reduction. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
The round goby is an invasive fish that is rapidly spreading throughout the Great Lakes. One reason for its rapid expansion is that round goby outcompetes native fish through its ability to spawn throughout the spring and summer in contrast to native fish, which only spawn once a year. Interrupting this reproductive cycle in some way could be used to help halt further expansion of round goby and control existing populations. Scientists from the University of Minnesota - Duluth are using this appropriation to develop and test a method for trapping these fish using sounds that mimic those that male gobies use to attract females to the nest.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Subd. 7 Renewable Energy

Algae for Fuels Pilot Project
Subd. 7a     $900,000

Roger Ruan
U of MN
1390 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-1710
Email:  ruanx001@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 624-3005
Web: http://biorefining.cfans.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$900,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to demonstrate an innovative microalgae production system utilizing and treating sanitary wastewater to produce biofuels from algae. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Biomass-based energy holds important potential as a viable renewable alternative to non-renewable fossil-based energy supplies; however significant challenges to biomass energy technologies remain to be overcome before such a role can be achieved at a large scale. Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Biorefining, in partnership with the Metropolitan Council, are using this appropriation to develop, build, and test a pilot scale fuel production system that uses the nutrients in sewage wastewater to grow algae that can then be harvested to produce biodiesel. Additional benefits resulting from the system may include improved water quality, minimized freshwater and land use, reduced carbon emissions, and capture and recycling of plant nutrients. With additional research and development of this system it could potentially be implemented at other wastewater treatment facilities and adapted to other waste streams throughout Minnesota and beyond.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Sustainable Biofuels
Subd. 7b     $221,000

David Tilman
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
100 Ecology, 1987 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (612) 625-5740
Email:  tilman@umn.edu
Fax:  (612) 624-6777
Web: http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$221,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to determine how fertilization and irrigation impact yields of grass monoculture and high diversity prairie biofuel crops, their storage of soil carbon, and susceptibility to invasion by exotic species. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Perennial grasslands have the potential to provide Minnesota with locally grown energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality, and provide other important benefits. However, much remains unknown about how these crops will be impacted by factors such as climate change and invasive species. Through this appropriation, researchers at the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve will study how irrigation, fertilization, and climate warming impact perennial grassland biofuel crops in terms of yield, carbon sequestration, plant biodiversity, water quality, and susceptibility to invasive species. Findings will be used to develop methods for optimizing biofuel production, carbon storage, and habitat restoration.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Linking Habitat Restoration to Bioenergy and Local Economies
Subd. 7c     $600,000

Barb Spears
DNR
1200 Warner Rd
St. Paul, MN 55106

Phone:  (651) 259-5849
Email:  barb.spears@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 772-7977
Web: http://mndnr.gov/eco/habitat_biomass.html

Appropriation Language
$600,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to restore high quality native habitats and expand market opportunities for utilizing postharvest restoration as a bioenergy source. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
More than 7,000 acres of public and private lands needing restoration have been identified within 75 miles of St. Paul. Given the various emerging markets for woody biomass, a unique opportunity has been identified. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will use this appropriation to continue development of an innovative approach to improving lands by harvesting ecologically inappropriate woody vegetation and working with local markets to turn the resulting biomass into marketable products such as mulch, animal bedding, firewood, and wood pellets for energy generation. Funds raised from the sale of these products could then be used to expand this type of model into other areas of Minnesota. In addition to helping stimulate local economies, benefits of this approach also include enhanced biodiversity and effective utilization of woody material traditionally burned or landfilled.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs)
Subd. 7d     $1,500,000

MN COALITION OF RELCs
Web: http://www.earthsensealliance.org/

7d-1 ($350,000)
Joe Deden
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
28097 Goodview Dr
Lanesboro, MN 55949
Phone:  (507) 467-2437
Email:  director@eagle-bluff.org
Fax:  (507) 467-3583
Web: http://www.eagle-bluff.org/

7d-2 ($206,000)
Bryan Wood
Audubon Center of the North Woods
P.O. Box 530
Sandstone, MN 55072
Phone:  (320) 245-2648
Email:  bwood@audubon-center.org
Fax:  (320) 245-5272
Web: http://www.audubon-center.org/

7d-3 ($212,000)
Dale Yerger
Deep Portage Learning Center
2197 Nature Center Drive NW
Hackensack, MN 564529
Phone:  (218) 682-2325
Email:  portage@uslink.net
Fax:  (218) 682-3121
Web: http://www.deep-portage.org/

7d-4 ($258,000)
Karl Brown
Laurentian Environmental Learning Center
8950 Peppard Road
Britt, MN 55710
Phone:  (651) 621-6041
Email:  karl.brown@moundsviewschools.org
Fax:  (651) 621-7405
Web: http://www2.moundsviewschools.org/laurentian/

7d-5 ($240,000)
Todd Roggenkamp
Long Lake Conservation Center
28952 438th Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
Phone:  (218) 768-4653
Email:  todd@llcc.org
Fax:  (218) 768-2309
Web: http://www.llcc.org/

7d-6 ($234,000)
Kimberly Skyelander
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
6282 Cranberry Road
Finland, MN 55603
Phone:  (218) 353-7414
Email:  director@eagle-bluff.org
Fax:  (218) 353-7762
Web: http://www.wolf-ridge.org/

Appropriation Language
$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.

Project Overview
Six environmental learning centers located around the state - Audubon Center of the North Woods, Deep Portage Learning Center, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center, Long Lake Conservation Center, and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center - are using this appropriation to expand their use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation technologies at their facilities. Once implemented these technologies will be employed as demonstrations to be used in their educational curriculum for close to 85,000 visitors each year. These improvements may also be used as part of the New ERA (Energy Resource Advisor) program being developed by Winona State University that will offer adults a continuing education course intended to foster understanding and leadership of environmental sustainability in our communities, homes, and workplaces.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2012
7d1-Work Program: Overall Project Coordination and Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
7d2-Work Program: Audubon Center of the North Woods
7d3-Work Program: Deep Portage Learning Center
7d4-Work Program: Laurentian Environmental Learning Center
7d5-Work Program: Long Lake Conservation Center
7d6-Work Program: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

GOVERNOR VETO
Analysis of Options for Minnesota's Energy Independence
Subd. 7e     $143,000

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

Phone:
Email:
Fax:

$143,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for a life-cycle analysis of low carbon energy technologies available to implement in Minnesota.

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

Subd. 8 Environmental Education

Minnesota Conservation Apprenticeship Academy
Subd. 8a     $368,000

Steve Woods
Board of Water and Soil Resources
520 Lafayette Rd N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 297-7748
Email:  steve.woods@state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 297-5615
Web: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
$368,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources in cooperation with the Minnesota Conservation Corps or its successor to train and mentor future conservation professionals by providing apprenticeship service opportunities to soil and water conservation districts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and the final products delivered.

Project Overview
Many of the most experienced conservation practitioners at local soil and water conservation districts throughout the state are nearing retirement, and with their departure will go much of their practical, on-the-ground knowledge, experience, and skills. Meanwhile, college students seeking to be the next generation of conservation practitioners have knowledge of emerging technologies and other innovations that can improve and contribute to current conservation efforts. Through this appropriation the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources will work with the Minnesota Conservation Corps to find and place a total of 60 students in apprenticeship positions with county soil and water conservation district offices throughout the state. This unique program will provide an opportunity for interns to gain valuable in-the-field experience from current practitioners while sharing their knowledge with those practitioners about the newest ideas and solutions for meeting today's natural resource challenges.

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

Engaging Students in Environmental Stewardship through Adventure Learning
Subd. 8b     $250,000

Nicole Rom
Will Steger Foundation
2801 21st Avenue S, Ste 127
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Phone:  (612) 278-7147
Email:  nicole@willstegerfoundation.org
Fax:  (612) 278-7101
Web: http://www.willstegerfoundation.org

Appropriation Language
$250,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Will Steger Foundation to provide curriculum, teacher training, online learning, and grants to schools on investigating the connection between Minnesota's changing climate and the impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Climate change poses many challenges for Minnesota's future. To successfully engage people in overcoming these challenges it is important for them to have a developed sense of connection to Minnesota's ecosystems and an understanding of the immediate and long-term impacts climate change will have on them. Through this appropriation, the Will Steger Foundation will partner with a number of academic and civic organizations to develop an age appropriate program for students in grades 3-12 that ties Arctic explorer Will Steger's adventures with engaging content on Minnesota's natural environment, the short and long term impacts of climate change, and related student-led action projects.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Connecting Youth with Nature
Subd. 8c     $160,000

Carrol Henderson
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5104
Email:  carrol.henderson@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 296-1811
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/projects/digitalbridge.html

Appropriation Language
$160,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to hold teacher training workshops on the use of digital photography as a tool for learning about nature. The equipment must be provided from other funds.

Project Overview
Trends amongst youth are showing decreasing interest in the nature world and declining involvement in outdoor recreation. Some attribute these changes to increased usage of computers and other technology that compete for the attention of young people. Through this appropriation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with several organizations to build on this potential contributing factor as being part of a possible solution by expanding a successfully piloted environmental education program that uses digital photography as a bridge between technology and outdoor experiences. Outdoor nature photography workshops for at least 1,000 teachers and naturalists are being conducted throughout the state that provide guidance on how to use outdoor digital photography to enhance student learning on classroom subjects including math, science, geography, arts, and language arts.

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

Urban Wilderness Youth Outdoor Education
Subd. 8d     $557,000

Greg Lais
Wilderness Inquiry
808 14th Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone:  (612) 676-9409
Email:  greglais@wildernessinquiry.org
Fax:  (612) 676-9401
Web:

Appropriation Language
$557,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry to provide an outdoor education and recreation program on the Mississippi River. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
There has been a sharp decline in participation in outdoor recreation and education amongst urban youth. Some argue that youth who have meaningful outdoor education experiences are more likely to become engaged in environmental stewardship and invested in outdoor resources as adults. Wilderness Inquiry - in partnership with state and federal agencies, non-profits, and local school districts - is using this appropriation to expand an environmental education and recreation program that provides disadvantaged urban youth and families, some of whom have never even been on a boat, with hands-on educational and recreational experiences of the Mississippi River in 24 foot Voyageur canoes. Funds are enabling the program to serve an additional 23,000 urban youth and families in the Twin Cities metro area. Public school groups have day trips and overnight excursions available to them to augment their classroom learning, while other youth and families have access through community events.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Get Outside - Urban Woodland for Kids
Subd. 8e     $218,000

Bryan Murphy
City of Saint Paul, Dept of Parks and Recreation
400 City Hall Annex, 25 West Fourth Street
St. Paul, MN 55102

Phone:  (651) 266-6411
Email:  Bryan.Murphy@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 292-7405
Web: http://www.comowoodland.org

Appropriation Language
$218,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of St. Paul, Department of Parks and Recreation, to restore and develop an outdoor classroom for ecological education and historical interpretation at Como Regional Park in St. Paul. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Outdoor classrooms provide students and community members with an opportunity to have hands-on experiences learning about the environment and about core subjects like science, math, and social studies using nature as the base context. This appropriation will help the city of St Paul develop an outdoor classroom at Como Regional Park that will provide environmental education, historical interpretation, and habitat for native wildlife in an inner-city community where environmental learning opportunities are rare. The development plan calls for control of invasive species for the 17 acre area, gravel pathways and signs to help visitors travel and interpret the site, and outdoor study areas featuring coniferous forest, oak savanna, tall-grass prairie, sedge meadow, transitional woodland, and propagation gardens for native plants. Site planners will work to establish the area as a MN DNR School Forest.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Expanding Outdoor Classrooms at Minnesota Schools
Subd. 8f     $300,000

Amy Kay Kerber
DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:  (651) 259-5263
Email:  amykay.kerber@dnr.state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 259-5272
Web: http://www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to establish additional and enhance existing outdoor school forest and prairie classroom networks throughout Minnesota.

Project Overview
Since 1949 the School Forest Program has been providing Minnesota's K-12 students with outdoor classrooms where they can learn core subjects like math, science, and social studies outdoors using nature as the base context. Statewide there are currently 100 School Forests - which can also include prairie, wetland, and other natural areas other than forest - located in both urban and rural areas. This appropriation will help the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources establish 20 new school forests and provide better training and support services for teachers and school districts with existing forest areas.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]
Work Program

Integrated Environmental and Outdoor Education in Grades 7-12
Subd. 8g     $300,000

Jeff Ledermann
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone:  (651) 582-8602
Email:  jeff.ledermann@state.mn.us
Fax:  (651) 582-8876
Web: http://education.state.mn.us and http://www.seek.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$300,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of education in cooperation with the commissioner of natural resources to train and support grade 7-12 teachers to integrate environmental and outdoor education into the instruction of academic standards.

Project Overview
Trends amongst youth are showing declining participation in outdoor recreation, a decreased understanding of the natural world, and a shift to a more sedentary lifestyle. Through this appropriation, the Minnesota Department of Education is working to combat these trends while also improving the achievement of students in grades 7-12. Professional development and grants for innovative programs are being provided to help teachers use the environment and outdoors as a context for student learning in science, mathematics, social studies, and physical education.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013 [Extended in M.L. 2011, 1st Special Session]
Work Program

Project Get Outdoors
Subd. 8h     $15,000

Sara Grover
Project Get Outdoors, Inc.
Whitewater State Park, 19041 Hwy 74
Altura, MN 55910

Phone:  (507) 951-5885
Email:  sara.grover@yahoo.com
Fax:  (507) 932-5938
Web: http://mnprojectgetoutdoors.org/

Appropriation Language
$15,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Project Get Outdoors, Inc. to develop out of school programs connecting children to local nature experiences.

Overall Project Outcomes and Results
Project GO has developed a toolkit to help local communities design, implement, evaluate, and sustain free after-school and summer programs that introduce children to nearby public lands and outdoor activities and skills they can enjoy at these sites.

Through funds from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Project GO was able to assemble 50 Activity Backpacks and 32 Equipment Trunks for Project GO program leaders to use in their communities. Each program leader is issued a backpack to keep during their involvement with the Project GO program. The Activity Backpacks provide basic supplies to help leaders implement 100 or more different outdoor games, projects, and activities.

The Equipment Trunks focus on 16 different activities and are available for Project GO leaders to check out for free. These trunks are housed at Whitewater State Park for use in SE Minnesota and we anticipate the other set of 16 trunks will be housed out of Minneopa State Park for use by Project GO clubs in SW Minnesota.

At the time of this report, 14 backpacks have been issued. Equipment trunks are beginning to be checked out. Program leaders are excited to have these resources and so far, feedback has been very positive. The children are happy to have more diverse equipment and supplies to use while learning about the outdoors. We plan to evaluate the usefulness of these resources over the coming year via a program leader survey. One obstacle we are looking at is getting the equipment trunks to and from program sites that are farther from the storage site. We are hoping to develop a network of volunteer "runners" who would be reimbursed mileage for delivering and returning the equipment trunks when a GO site in a community such as Red Wing or Spring Grove desires to check out a trunk.

Project Results Use and Dissemination
The completed Activity Backpacks have already been issued to 14 sites. We will continue to help communities design Project GO programs that are unique as well as work with local staff at community organizations such as youth centers, school age child care programs, and other after school sites to introduce children in those programs to nature through our toolkit resources.

Since completing the assembly of the 50 Activity Backpacks and 32 Equipment Trunks, Project GO has formed a partnership with local public health and child care resource professionals to look at implementing our program into the larger child care centers that serve school age children during the after school hours. We are currently piloting this at a child care center in Caledonia and looking to work with two child care centers in Rochester. We will train the school age room staff at these centers to use our backpacks at least once a week. As an incentive for them to use the backpacks and journal their experiences, Project GO will provide a person to come out to their site no more than once a month to lead a hands-on nature activity using one of the Equipment Trunks. This new approach with child care centers will allow us to serve many more children. Project GO will be presenting at an upcoming Focus on the Child conference in Rochester, sharing this information with child care providers from across the southern region.

A number of colleges and college professors in SE Minnesota have expressed enthusiasm to connect their students to service learning, internship, and practicum experiences with Project GO. We have found that college students bring great enthusiasm to the program which the children really enjoy and in exchange Project GO is able to provide real world learning experiences for these students.

We are already looking to secure additional funds to purchase more backpacks, as we anticipate the first 50 will be issued within a year. The US Fish & Wildlife Service Winona District is eager to help us acquire another batch of backpacks.

FINAL REPORT

Project completed:  11/16/2010

Fishing: Cross Cultural Gateway to Environmental Education
Subd. 8i     $155,000

Ly Vang
Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in MN
1101 N Snelling Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone:  (651) 398-2917
Email:  lyvangaahwm@yahoo.com
Fax:  (651) 222-3599

Appropriation Language
$155,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota to provide environmental information and teaching skills to and increase participation of Southeast Asian communities through the gateway of fishing skills. Information on mercury in fish advisories must be included as part of the educational outreach. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
The number of people from other cultures and with other native languages is increasing in Minnesota. It is important for these new Minnesota residents to have knowledge of behaviors that best ensure protection of Minnesota's natural resources into the future. However, effectively communicating with people across cultures to change behaviors can be challenging. Through this appropriation, the Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization are partnering to use the common ground of fishing as a foundation for community outreach on environmental stewardship to Southeast Asian elders, youth, and families. Public events will be held that combine fishing and environmental education on topics including water quality, invasive species, lead-free tackle, mercury and other contaminants, fish consumption advisories, and fishing regulations.

Project due to be completed:  6/30/2013
Work Program

Minnesota WolfLink
Subd. 8j     $193,000

Jerritt Johnston
International Wolf Center
1496 Highway 169
Ely, MN 55731

Phone:  (218) 365-4695 x23
Email:  jjohnston@wolf.org
Fax:  (218) 365-3318
Web: http://www.wolf.org/wolves/learn/wolflink.asp

Appropriation Language
$193,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the InternationalWolf Center to develop interactive onsite and distance learning about wolves and their habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview
Wolves are an important part of Minnesota's ecosystems and natural history. Minnesota is one of the only places in the lower 48 states where wolves were not completely eliminated by the 1970's and the state has been at the center of wolf population recovery and range expansion ever since. Because of people's widespread interest in wolves, they also provide an important vehicle for educating about nature and the environment. The International Wolf Center in Ely will use this appropriation to expand an educational program to an additional 2,500 students that utilizes wolves as an interdisciplinary educational tool for K-12 students, their teachers, and others throughout Minnesota. The program uses live, interactive distance learning through video conferencing in conjunction with on-site kits to bring wolves directly into the classroom.

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

Online Field Trip of Minnesota River
Subd. 8k     $124,000

Kimberly Musser
MN State University - Mankato
184 Trafton Science Center S
Mankato, MN 56001

Phone:  (507) 389-5492
Email:  kimberly.musser@mnsu.edu
Fax:  (507) 389-5493
Web: http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu

Appropriation Language
$124,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota State University - Mankato to develop online educational materials on the Minnesota River for schools and outreach centers.

Project Overview
Considerable public funding and effort has gone into better understanding and restoring the Minnesota River, but the research is not always readily accessible or easily understood by the public. There is a need to bridge the information gap between researchers and the public to help improve environmental education about the river. The Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University - Mankato is using this appropriation to develop educational materials and a multimedia virtual field trip that showcase, in an engaging format, what natural resource experts have learned about this unique area of our state. The materials and virtual field trip will be available on the internet and at informational kiosks placed at the Treaty Site History Center near St Peter, the Regional River History Center in New Ulm, the Ney Nature Center near Henderson and the Clean Up the River Environment (CURE) Office in Montevideo.

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

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M.L. 2010 PROJECTS

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 Renewable Energy

Subd. 8 Environmental Education