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M.L. 2015 Projects

MN Laws 2015, Chapter 76, Section 2 (beginning July 1, 2015)

For the FY 2016 and FY 2017 biennium (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2017), approximately $46.3 million is available each year (total = $92,674,000) for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. In response to the 2015 Request for Proposal (RFP) 152 proposals requesting a total of approximately $126.3 million were received. Through a competitive, multi-step process, 76 of these proposals, requesting a total of $74.9 million, were chosen to present to the LCCMR and 65 of those proposals were selected to receive a recommendation for funding to the 2015 MN Legislature.The Legislature adopted 63 of these project recommendations and replaced two of them with two new project appropriations on 05/18/15. The project appropriations adopted by the Legislature were signed into law by the Governor on 05/22/15.

LINKS TO:

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.

When available, we have provided links to web sites related to the project. The sites linked to this page are not created, maintained, or endorsed by the LCCMR office or the Minnesota Legislature.


MN Laws 2015, Chapter 76, Section 2

Subd. 03   Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information
03aCounty Geologic Atlas - Part A
03bCounty Geologic Atlas - Part B
03cMinnesota Biological Survey
03dMinnesota Biodiversity Atlas for Enhanced Natural Resource Management
03eUpdating the National Wetland Inventory for Minnesota - Phase V
03fCreating a Statewide Wetland Bird Monitoring Program
03gMinnesota Native Bee Atlas
03hReintroduction and Interpretation of Bison in Minnesota State Parks
03iEndangered Bats, White-Nose Syndrome, and Forest Habitat - RESEARCH
03jAssessing Contaminants in Minnesota Loons and Pelicans - Phase III
03kMovement and Seasonal Habitat Use of Minnesota Elk - RESEARCH
03lGenetic and Camera Techniques to Estimate Carnivore Populations - RESEARCH
03mAquatic and Terrestrial Reptile Habitat
03nDigitization of Historic Gullion Ruffed Grouse Research
03oEffects of Grazing Versus Fire for Prairie Management - RESEARCH
03pAssessing Ecological Impact of St. Anthony Falls Lock Closure
03qFoundational Dataset Characterizing Historic Forest Disturbance Impacts
03rHydrologic Effects of Contemporary Forest Practices in Minnesota - RESEARCH
03sHabitat Mitigation for Goblin Fern Conservation
 
Subd. 04   Water Resources
04aUnderstanding Water Scarcity, Threats, and Values to Improve Management - RESEARCH
04bBiofilm Technology for Water Nutrient Removal - RESEARCH
04cBiological Consequences of Septic Pollution in Minnesota Lakes - RESEARCH
04dPreventing Phosphorous from Entering Water Resources through Drain Tiles - RESEARCH
04eSoutheast Minnesota Cover Crop and Soil Health Initiatives
04fSoutheast Minnesota Subsurface Drainage Impacts on Groundwater Recharge - RESEARCH
04gUsing Hydroacoustics to Monitor Sediment in Minnesota Rivers - RESEARCH
04hAssessment of Irrigation Efficiencies in Benton County
04iShoreview Water Consumption and Groundwater Awareness Project
 
Subd. 05   Environmental Education
05aTrap Shooting Sports Facility Grants
05bConnecting Students with Watersheds through Hands-On Learning
05cZumbro River Watershed Recreational Learning Stewardship Sites
05dStudents Engaging Local Watersheds Using Mobile Technologies
05eMississippi River Water Journey Camps
 
Subd. 06   Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species
06aMinnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center - RESEARCH
06bEmerald Ash Borer Ecological and Hydrological Impacts - Phase II - RESEARCH
06cBiological Control of Canada Thistle - RESEARCH
06dPreventing a New Disease of Pines in Minnesota - RESEARCH
 
Subd. 07   Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy
07aRenewable and Sustainable Fertilizers Produced Locally - RESEARCH
07bReducing Emissions from Open Burning through Biomass Gasification
07cBuilding Deconstruction to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Solid Waste
 
Subd. 08   Methods to Protect, Restore, and Enhance Land, Water, and Habitat
08aPrioritizing Future Management of North Shore Trout Streams
08bPropagating Native Plants and Restoring Diverse Habitats
08cPreserving and Protecting Minnesota Native Orchid Species
08dAcceleration of Minnesota Conservation Assistance - Final Phase
08eMetro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Prairie, Forest, and Savanna Restoration
08fMetro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Enhancing Restoration Techniques for Improved Climate Resilience and Pollinator Conservation
08gMinnesota State University Moorhead Prairie and Riparian Restoration and Monitoring
08hImproving Community Forests Through Citizen Engagement
08iFlood Recovery on Sargent Creek Duluth Habitat Restoration
08jShoreland Protection for the Lower St. Croix River
08kRedwood and Renville Counties Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Master Plan
 
Subd. 09   Land Acquisition for Habitat and Recreation
09aState Parks and State Trails Land Acquisitions
09bMetropolitan Regional Park System Land Acquisition - Phase IV
09cSNA Acquisition, Restoration, Enhancement and Public Engagement
09dNative Prairie Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement Acquisition
09eMetro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Coordination and Mapping and Conservation Easements
09fMetro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Strategic Lands Protection
09gMetro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Priority Expansion of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
09hMetro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Wildlife Management Area Acquisition
09iMesabi Trail Development Soudan to Ely - Phase II
09jMulti-benefit Watershed Scale Conservation on North Central Lakes
09kConservation Easement Assessment and Valuation System Development
 
Subd. 10   Emerging Issues Account
10Emerging Issues Account
 
Subd. 11   Administration and Contract Agreement Reimbursement
11aLegislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
11bContract Agreement Reimbursement
 

MN Laws 2015 Chapter 76, Section 2

Subd. 03Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

County Geologic Atlases - Part A

Subd. 03a     $2,040,000 TF

Dale R. Setterholm
U of MN - MN Geological Survey
2609 Territorial Road
St. Paul, MN 55114-1009

Phone: (612) 626-5119
Email: sette001@umn.edu
Web: http://www.mngs.umn.edu
/index.html

Appropriation Language
$2,040,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Geological Survey to continue acceleration of the production of county geologic atlases for the purpose of sustainable management of surface water and groundwater resources. This appropriation is to complete Part A of county geologic atlases, which focuses on the properties and distribution of earth materials in order to define aquifer boundaries and the connection of aquifers to the land surface and surface water resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This award is the seventh dedicated to creating County Geologic Atlases statewide. Geologic atlases provide maps and databases essential for management of ground and surface water resources. The program currently produces nearly 5 atlases per year, and only 32 counties have not yet been started. An average county atlas requires about $400,000 and 3 to 4 years to complete. Projects in very large or distant counties, those with particularly complex geology, and those with challenging data sets take more resources and time. This award included work in Lake, St. Louis, and Hennepin counties, all of which required greater than average resources. However, of the 12 atlases we are currently working on 9 are past the halfway mark and a few are nearly finished. This grant funded work in Lake and St. Louis ($882,684), Olmsted ($152,975), Kandiyohi ($129,244), Hennepin ($372,668), Dodge ($102,057), Hubbard ($222,582), Becker ($136,284), and Aitkin ($40,791) counties. An additional $715 supported initiation of work in new project areas. At this time bedrock mapping in Lake and St. Louis counties is about two thirds complete, and glacial mapping is slightly more than half complete. Federal cost-sharing has been applied to this work each year. The Olmsted CGA bedrock map is about 80% complete, and the surficial map about 90% complete. In Dodge County both those maps are at the 90% mark. In Kandiyohi County the surficial map has been drafted, the bedrock topography is about 50% complete, and the bedrock geology is just starting. For the Hennepin CGA the bedrock map is complete, the surficial geology is complete, the bedrock topography is complete, and the mapping of sand bodies is about 40% done. Similarly, in Hubbard County all products are ready except the sand model. In Aitkin County field work was the focus.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Every atlas is produced in portable document format, as geographic information systems files, and in printed form. The digital files are compiled as a DVD, and are also available from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/57196, and via link from the MGS web page. Each project culminates with a meeting held in the project area to present the results to the county staff, and any other interested parties. At these meetings the products are described, access to the products is explained, and examples of applications of the products to common resource management situations are demonstrated. The products of subprojects in St. Louis and Lake counties are released in digital form immediately following technical review. When all the subproject areas are complete county-wide compilations will be created and distributed digitally and in print. The printed copies are shared with the county, who in turn can distribute them to libraries, schools, townships, and other agencies. They are also distributed by the MGS map sales office.

County Geologic Atlases - Part B

Subd. 03b     $2,000,000 TF

Jim Berg
MN DNR
Ecological and Water Resources Division
Box 25, 500 Lafayette Rd N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5680
Email: jim.a.berg@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.mndnr.gov

Appropriation Language
$2,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue acceleration of the production of county geologic atlases for the purpose of sustainable management of surface water and groundwater resources. This appropriation is to complete Part B of county geologic atlases, which focuses on the properties and distribution of subsurface water found within geologic formations mapped in Part A in order to characterize the potential yield of aquifers and their sensitivity to contamination. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

A geologic atlas provides essential information for management of Minnesota’s groundwater by identifying key areas to protect and ensure sustainable use. Accomplishments include completions of: Anoka (2016), Nicollet (2016), Sibley (2017), Renville (2017), Sherburne (2017), Clay (2018), Wright (2018), and Washington (2019), and progress toward completion of 15 other atlases.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

County groundwater atlases (County Geologic Atlas, Part B) provide information about groundwater to help citizens and organizations improve sustainable management of groundwater resources. Delineated and mapped aquifers, recharge areas, and springsheds are essential information to help guide management decisions.

The county groundwater atlases describe the hydrogeologic setting, water levels, chemistry, pollution sensitivity, and groundwater use in a county. It includes selected hydrogeologic cross sections indicating groundwater flow direction, residence time within aquifers and groundwater-surface water interactions.

Completed county groundwater atlases that were partially funded by this funding include the counties listed below. Some key conclusions include:

Anoka and Sherburne, and Washington counties:
The surficial and upper two to four buried sand aquifers (Anoka; Sherburne and Washington, respectively) are relatively sensitive to pollution. The lower buried sand aquifers and the top of bedrock (Anoka and Sherburne) have large areas that generally appear to be well protected. Elevated chloride and nitrate concentrations in groundwater were found throughout these counties. Elevated concentrations of naturally occurring manganese were detected in more than half of the samples in Anoka and Sherburne.

Nicollet, Sibley, Renville, Wright, and Clay counties:
The pollution sensitivity ratings of the surficial and upper one to three buried sand aquifers (Nicollet, Sibley, and Renville; Wright and Clay, respectively) are relatively sensitive to pollution. The deeper aquifers have mostly lower pollution sensitivity ratings across the interior of the counties with higher sensi¬tivity ratings in the Minnesota and Mississippi river valleys. Arsenic and manganese are naturally occurring elements of concern that are present in groundwater across these counties.

In Clay County, chemical analysis of groundwater samples indicates groundwater from buried aquifers in the western portion is some of the oldest and most isolated in the state. In Wright and Washington counties, chemical and other evidence shows lake and groundwater connections are common. Future atlases partially funded by this project include: Becker, Brown, Cass, Dodge, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Kanabec, Meeker, Morrison, Olmsted, Redwood, Wadena, and Winona counties.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

We created and presented educational workshops for all of the groundwater atlases that were completed during this funding period. Shorter presentations were also provided to the County Board of Commissioners for most of the completed Part B counties. Short presentations about the DNR part of the atlas program were made to county and other local staff during the completed Part A presentations. Other atlas related presentations included the Benton & Mille Lacs County SWCD, MPCA and non-atlas DNR staff, the Legislative Water Commission, and a state conference of township supervisors.

Technical articles for the Minnesota Groundwater Association (MGWA) for the completed atlases were published in issues of the MGWA newsletter (http://www.mgwa.org/news_letter/newsletter-back-issues/). Public notification of these completions was also provided to over 3000 subscribers through GovDelivery. Paper copies were sent out to the LCCMR Legislative Reference Library. Copies of the atlas are mailed to other interested stakeholders including USGS, local libraries, and state agencies.

Minnesota Biological Survey

Subd. 03c     $2,450,000 TF

Bruce Carlson
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5083
Email: bruce.carlson@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mbs/index.html

Appropriation Language
$2,450,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for continuation of the Minnesota biological survey to provide a foundation for conserving biological diversity by systematically collecting, interpreting, monitoring, and delivering data on plant and animal distribution and ecology, native plant communities, and functional landscapes.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota Biological Survey plant and vegetation surveys continued towards statewide coverage, focusing on the last counties in the state for MBS to deliver: St. Louis, Koochiching, Beltrami and Lake of the Woods. Over 1,000 rare and notable terrestrial and aquatic vascular plant species were documented with specimens. Over 200 vegetation plots were placed in representative or rare forests, wetlands and peatlands.

MBS continued towards statewide collection of lake aquatic plant surveys, focusing in central and north-central Minnesota counties and putting the total to 2,025 lakes in 48 counties. This effort provides highly-valued foundational data to broaden DNR efforts to establish indices of biotic integrity for Minnesota lakes.

MBS continued to collaborate on monitoring efforts in prairies and forests. Long-term monitoring of rare prairie plant species continued from previous biennia. Prairie vegetation monitoring continued in high-priority prairie sites subject to cattle grazing. Surveys to establish baseline conditions for forest plant and animal monitoring projects were initiated in northern, north-central and southeast Minnesota. All of these monitoring efforts were selected and continued for their relevance to goals and desired outcomes found in Minnesota prairie and forest management and conservation plans.

MBS continued in several west-central counties to target sites in Minnesota Prairie Plan core areas that had not previously been surveyed by MBS. This involves use of LiDAR and high resolution aerial photography not available when MBS first surveyed these counties in the 1980s and 1990s. Over 200 previously undocumented high quality sites were completed.

MBS compiled and entered field survey and monitoring data to MBS databases. MBS information systems improvements were made that enhance data integration and accessibility. MBS continues to provide leadership in the management and use of the DNR’s Native Plant Community database.

MBS provided survey and monitoring results to DNR and other partners and projects. MBS delivered a final manuscript to UMN Press for a new book on Minnesota sedges and rushes and completed major updates and improvements to the DNR Rare Species Guide (http://dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/index.html). MBS outreach included highly popular plant and native plant community field workshops throughout the state targeted at natural resource professionals and volunteers.

MBS Data Summary Table
Data Type # added since July, 2015 Total Since 1987
Rare species records (Biotics) (all taxa) 360 21,838
Rare aquatic plant species records 6 1,251
Lakes with MBS botanical surveys 42 2,025
Counties with MBS lake botanical surveys 2 48
Vegetation plots (relevés) 174 5,540
Sites of Biodiversity Significance GIS polygons* 8 10,732
Native Plant Community GIS polygons* 1,929 84,626
Plant specimens submitted to the University of MN Bell Museum 640 ~50,000 (source: Welby’s estimate, includes Heritage Program submissions too)
Exotic aquatic plant species locations** NA 302

Numbers reported based on data available on the Minnesota Geospatial Commons
**Encountered incidentally during the course of native aquatic plant surveys

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION
MBS data are stored primarily in the Division of Ecological and Water Resources information systems, which are increasingly linked to other databases in the MN DNR. In addition, MBS procedures, updates, recent maps, and links to related data are presented on the DNR website. Many GIS datasets are delivered to clients through the online data portal, Minnesota Geospatial Commons. MBS regularly provides vegetation plot data from the relevé database to researchers at academic institutions, other agencies and organizations. Data on rare species are available through agreements with the requesting agency and the DNR. For data on locations or rare features, a data request form is available via the web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nhnrp/nhis.html

MBS publishes and distributes survey results in a variety of formats for various audiences. Many products are available as enterprise datasets on the DNR website, including GIS shape files of native plant communities and MBS sites, native plant community field guides, and guides to sampling techniques such as vegetation plot data collection using the relevé method. MBS web pages are updated with new information and have links to associated resources.http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mbs/index.html

The DNR and Legislative libraries and other local information repositories (such as libraries within counties) have access to published products, including books, maps, reports, field guides and digital media. MBS has published several books and field guides.

Staff routinely make presentations that describe MBS methodologies and results to a wide range of audiences including county boards, local planning groups, citizen advisory groups, other biologists, land managers, and students. MBS staff provide local planners with ecological interpretations describing important sites of biodiversity identified during the Survey to assist with management plans.

Physical collections are deposited at Minnesota repositories, primarily at the University of Minnesota’s J.F. Bell Museum of Natural History and at the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul. As part of a larger network of museums and herbaria, these cooperators are essential to the documentation and sharing of MBS results. MBS and museum staff meet periodically to address curatorial, data management, and interpretive needs.

MBS also delivers data through an international organization, NatureServe, and also shares data with cooperators at colleges and universities.

Minnesota's Biodiversity Atlas for Enhanced Natural Resource Management

Subd. 03d     $340,000 TF

Keith Barker
U of MN - Bell Museum of Natural History
140 Gortner Laboratory,
1479 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-2737
Email: barke042@umn.edu
Web: http://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$340,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Bell Museum of Natural History to create a publicly accessible, online tool and repository that will electronically integrate over 600,000 existing biodiversity records, 300,000 existing images, and future data and associated imagery pertaining to Minnesota wildlife, plant, and fungi species in order to enhance research, guide field surveys, and inform conservation planning. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas project aimed to digitally capture, integrate and disseminate data on Minnesota’s plant and animal diversity and distributions, with a focus on specimens held by the Bell Museum, the state’s official museum of natural history. The result of this work, the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas (http://bellatlas.umn.edu/), makes the majority of these data specimen data available in one easily-accessible resource for the first time. The new Atlas includes data from over 326,000 specimens of nearly 9000 taxa (species and subspecies) collected from throughout Minnesota by museum curators and state biologists over the last 140 years. Importantly, this project has made georeference data (precise latitude and longitude coordinates) of nearly 223,000 Minnesota specimens available in an integrated platform that allows simultaneous mapping of specimens from distinct groups (e.g., birds and plants) interactively within the Atlas or with the user’s own application of choice. The Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas also provides access to a massive archive of specimen images (currently over 135,000), particularly of plants, allowing direct access for identification, collection of phenology and other data, and label verification. In addition to being served directly through the Atlas to agency partners and the public, all of these specimen data, along with all of the Bell Museum’s specimen data from other parts of the world, are now served directly to global biodiversity data resources including the National Science Foundation-funded iDigBio and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, which are critical resources for managers and research scientists around the world. The Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas is now a key resource providing critical data to resource managers and scientists both in Minnesota and globally. Future development of the Atlas will integrate additional specimen data from collections throughout Minnesota, as well as observational data collected by state agency partners and others, creating an even more powerful management tool and a permanent archive for these critical data.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The primary result of this work was production of the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas (http://bellatlas.umn.edu/), an online resource interactively serving data on specimen records of Minnesota plants and animals to agency partners, the public, and scientists and managers worldwide. This Atlas is the primary means of disseminating data on Minnesota’s biodiversity. Bell Museum curators have promoted use of this resource by: 1) interaction with and training of agency partners in use of the Atlas; 2) interviews with the media, including two radio interviews and at least two print interviews; 3) training of participants in the Minnesota Master Naturalists program in specimen data capture (through a related project , Mapping Change, within the Zooniverse citizen science platform) and use of the Atlas, and 4) promotion of the Atlas through electronic exhibits within the newly-opened Bell Museum.

Updating the National Wetland Inventory for Minnesota - Phase V

Subd. 03e     $1,500,000 TF

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

Phone: (651) 259-5165
Email: steve.kloiber@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn/eco/wetlands/nwi_proj.html

Appropriation Language
$1,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue to update and enhance wetland inventory maps for Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Updating the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) is a key component of the State’s strategy to ensure healthy wetlands and clean water for Minnesota. This effort is a multi-agency collaborative under leadership of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. These data are intended to replace the original 1980s NWI data. The NWI data provide a baseline for assessing the effectiveness of wetland policies and management actions. These data are used at all levels of government, as well as by private industry and non-profit organizations for wetland regulation and management, land use, conservation planning, environmental impact assessment, and natural resource inventories. The update project is being conducted in phases with data released for each region as it is finalized.

In this fifth phase of the overall effort, we provided updated wetland inventory maps for 20,385 square miles of northeastern Minnesota covering 15 counties in central and northern MN. With the completion of this phase, updated NWI data is now available for about 80% of the state.

The updated NWI were mapped in accordance with federal wetland mapping guidance. This update used spring aerial imagery acquired in 2013 and 2014, summer imagery acquired in 2015, and lidar elevation data as well as other ancillary data. Quality assurance of the data included visual inspection, automated checks for attribute validity and consistency, as well as a formal accuracy assessment based on an independent field data. Further details on the methods employed can be found in the technical procedures document for this project located on the project website (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/wetlands/nwi_proj.html).

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

All wetland map data and aerial imagery are available free of charge to the public. The data have been made available through the Minnesota Geospatial Commons (https://gisdata.mn.gov/) as well as through an online wetland viewer. A new wetland finder application will be deployed this fall to replace the previous wetland viewer. A copy of the data has also been provided to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for inclusion in the national wetland database.

Use of the NWI data is being promoted through a variety of channels. The DNR will be giving presentations about the NWI data at both the Minnesota Water Resources Conference and the Minnesota GIS/LIS Conference. We are also developing a communications plan to identify audiences, key messages, and various communications mechanisms (e.g. presentations, press release, websites, social media, etc.). The DNR’s communications effort will be timed to coincide with the release of the full statewide NWI update, which we expect in December 2018.

Creating a Statewide Wetland Bird Survey

Subd. 03f     $146,000 TF

Kristin Hall
Audubon Minnesota
1 Water St W, Ste 200
St Paul, MN 55107

Phone: (651) 739-9332 x116
Email: khall@audubon.org
Web: http://mn.audubon.org/

Appropriation Language
$146,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Audubon Minnesota to develop a statewide wetland bird monitoring program to enable long-term monitoring of the status of wetland birds and the health of their wetland habitats. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

We have successfully developed and implemented the Minnesota Statewide Marshbird survey over the course of this grant. We set out to achieve a coordinated and sustainable approach to marshbird monitoring using both paid and volunteer surveyors. The first two years of data collection were fully executed as presented in the proposed work plan. We also conducted a third “bonus” field season in 2018 using minimal management oversight and limited staff involvement to see how long-term management and implementation could work going forward. The overall goals of this project were met and in most cases exceeded. Some highlights include:

  • Engaging and retaining approximately 35 volunteers throughout the duration of this effort.
  • Surveying a total of 73 routes (over 776 survey points) throughout MN in 2016-2017.
  • Successfully collecting statistically rigorous data (defined as n>25 observations) on 9 of our 20 focal species
    • 4 primary species: American Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, Sora and Virginia Rail.
    • 5 secondary species: Marsh Wren, Sandhill Crane, Swamp Sparrow, Wilson’s Snipe and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
  • Evaluating species-specific wetland habitat associations at multiple spatial scales.
  • Assessing the sensitivity of marshbird occupancy (nine species) and abundance (three species) to anthropogenic disturbance variables (developed land, agriculture).
  • Determining the strength of association between marshbird occupancy (nine species) and abundance (three species) with ecoregion (Aspen Parklands, Boreal Hardwood, Prairie Parkland and Boreal Harwood Transition).
  • Currently working on the publication of this project and analysis for a peer reviewed, scientific journal.

Audubon continues to participate in the Great Lakes regional partnership focused on marshbirds and their habitat, with this project leading the way in analysis and adding to the overall dataset. This report highlights some of the results and recommendations of the statewide marshbird survey effort.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The results of this analysis are currently being drafted for submission to a scientific, peer reviewed journal. We will distribute the final accepted paper to the ENRTF for their records upon completion (anticipated in fall 2018) and highlight the write up on the Audubon MN website.

Minnesota Native Bee Atlas

Subd. 03g     $790,000 TF

Robert Blair
U of MN
1980 Folwell Ave, #200
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (651) 644-1591
Email: blairrB@umn.edu
Web: http://www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org

Appropriation Language
$790,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to supplement and enhance existing bee survey efforts by engaging citizens in helping to document the distribution and phenology of wild Minnesota bees and integrating data from all related bee survey efforts into a single publicly accessible, online tool and repository. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Minnesota Bee Atlas relied on volunteers to collect data on native bee distribution and diversity as well as previously unstudied nesting phenology. This data supplements existing information from the Minnesota DNR and UMN Insect Collection and can inform land management and policy decisions.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Although the plight of bees and other pollinators has been highlighted recently, the question of how bees are doing is complicated. There is still much to be known about which bees live where in Minnesota and their population status. From 2015 through 2019, volunteers documented over 25,000 bees in Minnesota as a part of the Minnesota Bee Atlas. They did this by submitting photos of bees to iNaturalist, adopting roadside survey routes to capture, identify and release bumble bees, and monitoring nesting blocks for stem-nesting bees.

Through this work, five species were documented that had previously not been recorded in Minnesota. While it’s difficult to know if they are new arrivals or just newly documented, Minnesota is at the northern end of the range for 3 of those species and could be evidence of shifting ranges.

Non-lethal bumble bee sampling led to documentation of additional populations of the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis). This data informs the US Fish and Wildlife Service species recovery plan.

The Bee Atlas documented nest structures and nest activity for stem-nesting bees that had not previously been recorded. This information may inform management decisions that would impact the amount of forage or nesting habitat available for bees as changes could be made at times when bees are less active.

Finally, the Bee Atlas engaged members of the public beyond volunteer participants when volunteers became active in their own communities. Volunteers shared their knowledge of bees and pollinator conservation with youth scout groups, 4-H youth, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and countless friends and neighbors.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

All records from the Bee Atlas can be found in publicly accessible databases, namely iNaturalist.org and the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas. Additionally, species-specific information such as seasonality, floral associations, and identification for bumble bees and stem-nesting bees can be accessed through the University of Minnesota Extension. All volunteer training documents are also found on this page.

Publications relating to this work have been published in the Journal of Melittology and The Great Lakes Entomologist.

Reintroduction and Interpretation of Bison in Minnesota State Parks

Subd. 03h     $600,000 TF

Edward Quinn
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 39
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5594
Email: edward.quinn@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html

Appropriation Language
$600,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to preserve American bison by reintroducing bison to Minneopa State Park and provide interpretive learning opportunities at Blue Mounds and Minneopa State Parks. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This project helps to preserve the genetics and population of American bison (Bison bison), a species classified as Near-Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and provide more and better opportunities for the public to learn about bison and prairie ecosystems. Eleven bison were reintroduced to Minneopa State Park in the fall, 2015. That population has now grown to 20 and will continue to expand until the population reaches about 40, the carrying capacity for the site. Annual Minneopa park attendance has increased approximately 70% since the bison were introduced. Further evidence of this increase is demonstrated by a 98% increase in annual permit sales compared to pre-reintroduction as well as a 66% increase in daily permit sales. Approximately 1,100 vehicles utilize the bison drive through in the park each week. Tours using the customized “safari” vehicle, which provides visitors with up-close opportunities to view bison and prairie at Blue Mounds State Park were initiated over Memorial Day weekend, 2018. Nearly 1,000 visitors had taken the tour through Labor Day with 98% saying they would recommend it to others. This project has received extraordinary amounts of publicity, from the initial stories posted about the re-introduction which were picked up by over 100 media outlets to continued TV and radio interviews and a MN Lottery spot that should start airing this fall.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Information about this project has been shared through a variety of communication tools. Approximately 290,000 visitors to Minneopa are able to experience the bison and prairie ecosystems through interpretive programs, signage and radio broadcast. Another 65,000 visitors to Blue Mounds State Park learn about bison and prairies through programs and signage with approximately 1,000 annually able to participate in “safari” tours out into the prairie for close-ups looks at bison and the prairie ecosystem. Stories about the initial reintroduction at Minneopa were disseminated by over 100 media outlets across the country. The project continues to be highlighted in television and radio interviews. A MN Lottery spot was recently filmed as well as a commercial with Explore Minnesota tourism.

Endangered Bats, White-Nose Syndrome, and Forest Habitat

Research Project

Subd. 03i     $1,250,000 TF

Richard Baker
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5073
Email: richard.baker@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nhnrp

Appropriation Language
$1,250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with the University of Minnesota and the United States Forest Service to survey and radio-track endangered bats to define and understand summer forest habitat use in order to minimize forestry impacts and mitigate white-nose syndrome disease impacts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Northern long-eared bat’s (NLEB) listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act prompted the DNR to undertake this project. The federal listing was in response to the impact of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) on bats throughout North America. WNS was detected in Minnesota in 2016, and NLEB hibernating in the Soudan mine subsequently declined drastically. The project first (Activity 1) compiled historic data to identify past distribution of NLEB. We next (Activity 2) deployed acoustic detectors throughout the forested region of Minnesota and found NLEB at over half of the detector sites. Bats most common in southern Minnesota were NLEB, big brown bat, red bat, little brown bat, and silver-haired bat. In northern Minnesota, NLEB, little brown bat, and silver-haired bat were most common.

In Activity 3, we used radiotelemetry to locate bat roost trees. We captured 1,202 bats, with little brown bat (37%), big brown bat (31%), and NLEB (17%) most common. Pregnant females were captured into the third week of July, with lactating females more common after the last week of June. Juveniles were captured from the 3rd week of June to the end of July. We tracked 83 female NLEB to 238 roost trees. Surprisingly, almost 80% of the time a roost tree was used for only 1 night before switching to a different roost tree, which meant females carried young to a different roost tree often. Maternity roost home range size for female NLEB was about 18 acres.

In Activity 4, we found that NLEB females roosted in 27 different tree species, with 90% of roosts in deciduous tree species and 10% in conifer species. Most roost trees were in upland forests. Aspen trees were used most in northern Minnesota, maple and aspen trees in central Minnesota, and oak in southern Minnesota. Female NLEB preferred roost trees surrounded by mature forest. Roost tree habitat in northern Minnesota is broadly distributed. In southern Minnesota, female NLEB selected a wider range of roost trees than in the north, probably reflecting the greater presence of agriculture and development. We mapped areas of Minnesota that should be suitable habitat for female NLEB while raising young, based on distribution of NLEB in Minnesota and forest characteristics.

Results of this project benefit Minnesota because we have identified roost tree habitat for NLEB that is critical for successful reproduction. We have identified when female NLEB are pregnant and lactating, and shown that young must be carried from one roost to another. The data collected in this project will enable development of management strategies to help recover the NLEB population, and can also be used for management of other bat species.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Over the 3 years of this project we disseminated information to several outlets as listed in the project work plan. Site level reports and annual reports have already been shared with LCCMR and with Resource Management Agencies. Technical Reports, and additional peer-reviewed papers that will be written based on data collected in this project will be used in to develop future management actions for the Northern long-eared bat, and other bat species that could be listed in the future in response to White Nose Syndrome. NLEB roost tree locations have been entered into the DNR’s Natural Heritage Information System. The results of this project are serving a critical role in the development of the Lake States Forest Bat Habitat Conservation Plan, a collaborative effort involving the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that will provide the basis for bat conservation efforts in the three states. A full list of reports can be found in the final report.

Assessing Contaminants in Minnesota Loons and Pelicans-Phase III

Subd. 03j     $141,000 TF

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

Phone: (651) 259-5104
Email: carrol.henderson@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$141,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue to assess the potential impact of petroleum, dispersants, and heavy metal contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on the wintering habitat of Minnesota's common loons and white pelicans using radiotelemetry, geolocators, and contaminant analysis.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 exposed Minnesota-origin loons and white pelicans to direct mortality and to cancer-causing pollutants called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DOSS). This study used radiotelemetry to study migration patterns of juvenile loons and to determine the extent of PAH and DOSS contaminants in live adult loons, loons found dead, and unhatched loon eggs.

Radiotelemetry efforts showed that juvenile loons migrate to the Gulf of Mexico in their first fall and then migrate to the northern Atlantic region offshore from Canada for their second summer and to the northeastern states and Ontario in their second year. They returned to the Gulf of Mexico each winter. Surviving birds wintered in the Gulf of Mexico where petroleum contaminants had settled offshore from Alabama and Florida. The subadult loons were expected to return to Minnesota for the first time in spring of 2017 but the last transmitter quit working in March of 2017.

A total of 17 of 22 juvenile loons marked with transmitters perished in their first two years and demonstrated that this species experiences high mortality in the first couple years of life.

Contaminant analyses revealed that 18 of 42 blood, feather, and fat samples from loons contained petroleum contaminants. Four of 29 unhatched loon eggs also contained PAH contaminants.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The telemetry and contaminant data collected in this study have been incorporated with the results of previous research to validate and justify a claim to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for $6 million in remediation funds from the BP settlement to carry out long term restoration efforts for loon and pelican conservation in Minnesota. This would be the first of up to five three-year claims for loon and pelican remediation funds for Minnesota.

Movement and Seasonal Habitat Use of Minnesota Elk

Research Project

Subd. 03k     $200,000 TF

Lou Cornicelli
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5202
Email: lou.cornicelli@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/index.html

Appropriation Language
$200,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to collect biological information about Minnesota elk, including movements and habitat use to enable long-term, sustainable management. This appropriation is contingent on a $50,000 match from state or nonstate sources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The results of this study represent some of the first scientific knowledge of elk in Minnesota. By monitoring 20 adult female elk for 2 years, we were able to characterize the extent to which the 4 subgroups of elk in northwestern Minnesota utilize the landscape. Additionally, we identified habitats preferred by elk across seasons. Annual home ranges of elk were large, ranging from 71 km2 and 112 km2. Seasonal home ranges for elk varied little during our study, with an average size of 48.5 km2. Elk primarily selected for forested habitats, particularly on Wildlife Management Areas. Elk utilized open areas in close proximity to forested cover, including agricultural crops such as legumes and cereal grains, and fallow fields. Based on the movements of GPS-collared elk, female elk do not interact with other females outside of their distinctive subgroups. Elk in northwestern Minnesota are non-migratory and maintained home ranges in the same general areas across the 2 years we monitored them. Our results provide specific information about the locations and movements of elk in Minnesota and habitats preferred by the species. This knowledge will enable managers to direct management to improve habitats most likely to be used by elk. Such efforts will improve the condition of elk and aid in minimizing elk-human conflicts.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Genetic and Camera Techniques to Estimate Carnivore Populations

Research Project

Subd. 03l     $200,000 TF

Ron Moen
U of MN - NRRI
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN 55811

Phone: (218) 788-2610
Email: rmoen@d.umn.edu
Web: http://www.d.umn.edu/~rmoen

Appropriation Language
$200,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota - Duluth for the Natural Resources Research Institute to use genetic sampling and remote cameras to improve monitoring of distributions and estimate population sizes of carnivore species.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota has 20 carnivore species, 3 of which are very rare. Current monitoring methods of summer scent station surveys, winter track surveys, and population modelling could be complemented by camera traps and genetic DNA analysis. We used camera traps to obtain 3,400 images of carnivores over 12,000 camera-nights. American marten, fisher, short-tailed weasel, wolf, red fox, and gray fox were most frequently photographed. Occupancy analysis showed habitats used by each of these species. Mark-recapture estimation of population size was not possible. Camera traps could include significant public involvement, as is being done by the Wisconsin DNR. A second outcome of camera trap data is testing a Random Encounter Model to determine if population densities can be estimated without identifying individuals.

We implemented sampling protocols to obtain hairs non-invasively from weasels and larger carnivores. Hair collection was less efficient than camera traps. Wolf scat collection in snow was unpredictable. However, DNA analysis identified individuals in the collected samples. Hair and scat collection is technically feasible but logistically difficult to implement.

A consistent conclusion from genetic sampling protocols is that the cost to obtain and analyze genetic samples, at present, would make it difficult to implement a mark/recapture population estimate for management on a large spatial scale. We did not fully expend the ENRTF funding because genetics collaborators were fully occupied with their own research. One tangible outcome of this project is that a genetic collaborator with time to do the analysis is critical.

The Minnesota Carnivore website has descriptions, pictures from the camera trap project, and historical harvest data in Minnesota and adjoining jurisdictions. The website will be updated periodically to provide new information—it is the only Minnesota-specific Carnivore website available. In addition, we will finish 4 Technical Reports and a peer-reviewed paper on occupancy modelling in Fall 2018.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

  1. Technical reports summarizing the entire project.
    1. Camera Trapping: Moen, R. and B. Houck. 2018. Monitoring Carnivore Populations in Northeast Minnesota with Camera Traps. NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR-2018/44. University of Minnesota Duluth.
    2. Weasel tube hair snares: Houck, B. and R. Moen. 2018. Use of Tube Hair Snares to Detect Weasels in Minnesota. NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR-2018/45. University of Minnesota Duluth.
    3. Cable-Restraint hair snares: Houck, B. and R. Moen. 2018. Use of Single-Capture Hair Snares to Detect Carnivores in Minnesota. NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR-2018/43. University of Minnesota Duluth.
    4. Wolf Scat Collection and Genetic Analysis: Moen, R. 2018. Genetic Analysis of Wolf Scats Collected from Snow. NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR-2018/51. University of Minnesota Duluth.
  2. Occupancy modelling manuscript. Houck, B. and R. Moen. 2018. Occupancy modelling of carnivores in northeastern Minnesota from camera trap data. Manuscript to be submitted for peer review.
  3. The Minnesota Carnivore website is currently located at https://champ.d.umn.edu/mc. It is being relocated to https://www.nrri.umn.edu/mc.

Aquatic and Terrestrial Reptile Habitat

Subd. 03m     $250,000 TF

Jennifer McGuire
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105

Phone: (651) 962-5221
Email: jtmcguire@stthomas.edu
Web: http://www.stthomas.edu/biology/research/biogeochemistry.html

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the University of St. Thomas in cooperation with the Three Rivers Park District to analyze the aquatic and terrestrial habitat for certain reptile species in urban lakes and to make specific recommendations to protect and enhance the habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

We collected and analyzed four years of water quality and habitat parameters in an urban lake. Conditional effects on turtle population dynamics were evaluated in three species using genetic and demographic data. Management and conservation recommendations were made to protect and enhance turtle populations and overall health of urban lakes.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Turtles are among the most threatened organisms in the world, with approximately 61% of the 356 modern species of turtles and tortoises listed as threatened, endangered, or already extinct. Little is known about how human alteration of habitats, including water chemistry in urban lakes, affects turtle behaviors. Human activities can lead to the addition of chemicals such as road salt and excess nutrients, increased aquatic sediment, and altered water flow patterns. Understanding how these changes affect turtles is critical for appropriate planning to balance human and wildlife needs.

Beginning in the summer of 2015, our team of ecologists, water-quality specialists, wildlife managers and students, conducted research at an urban lake in Plymouth, MN (Medicine Lake) studying population dynamics of Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta), Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), and Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera), three of the most widespread native turtle species in North America. We completed:

  • Turtle trapping and telemetry of 314 turtles
  • Genetic sampling to analyze population size and inbreeding
  • Spatial and temporal analysis of lake sediment and water quality
  • GIS analysis of turtle home range, habitat use, and water quality

These data were used to prepare recommendations (see final management report for details). Briefly, our data show it is important to protect and conserve diverse natural shorelines (with either sandy or vegetated habitat with locations for basking) to support diverse turtle communities. It is also important to balance human recreational needs with disturbance to basking or nesting sites, particularly for Spiny Softshell turtles that nested on the swimming beach. To maintain high genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding, aquatic connectivity between water bodies should be maintained and preserved. Finally, the impact of road salt should be limited via barriers, as our data show that these chemicals increased in the lake over the four year study, now reaching levels shown to produce aquatic toxicity and impaired food-web dynamics in other systems. Because dissolved salt is nearly impossible to remove from the water, limiting input BEFORE wildlife impacts are observed is critical.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Although the work provided here was the subject of academic publications, student projects, and graduate theses (see work plan for additional details), the main results use and dissemination was in providing specific recommendations for future management of Medicine Lake and communicating those to Three River’s Park District, the organization managing the lake (see final management plan).

We considered public engagement to be a very important aspect of this project. For social media outreach we created a Facebook page, Turtles of Medicine Lake, with over 150 organic followers. This page was updated with fun facts about the three species of turtles included in this project, relevant new research, and any other project updates that were appropriate. Additionally, we had media coverage from local news channels and local papers throughout the duration of the study. Eric Nelson from Channel 12 Local News and CCX Media filmed and aired a segment in July, 2016. Jeff Edmondson from Kare 11 covered all three years of the project and filmed and aired segments in August of 2016, 2017, and 2018. Sonya Goins from Channel 12 Local News and CCX Media came to the lake to film a segment covering the winter ice dive in March, 2018. And Lastly, Kristen Miller published an article in the Sun Post, also covering the winter ice dive in March, 2018. Bridging the gap between scientific research and the public is one of the most important aspects of science and we were successfully able to this for the Medicine Lake Urban Turtle Study.

Digitization of Historic Gullion Ruffed Grouse Research

Subd. 03n     $75,000 TF

Kent Montgomery
Central Lakes College
501 West College Dr
Brainerd, MN 56401

Phone: (218) 855-8155
Email: kmontgomery@clcmn.edu
Web: www.clcmn.edu

Appropriation Language
$75,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Central Lakes College to preserve the Gordon Gullion ruffed grouse data sets as permanent digital data files in order to improve accessibility to the information and inform forest wildlife conservation policies and practices.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Dr. Gordon W. Gullion is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on ruffed grouse. Dr. Gullion began his study of ruffed grouse ecology and habitat management in 1958 at the Cloquet Forestry Center, the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area and a privately owned Crow Wing Study Area.

More than 69,000 individual data records from his work exist on hard copy data cards today. These data document ruffed grouse habitat use throughout the year, food habits, reproductive success and mortality factors that provided the very foundation of ruffed grouse (and many other species) habitat and population management throughout much of the Great Lakes region.

Unfortunately, with Dr. Gullion’s sudden death in 1991, and the deterioration of the data cards, this information was at a point where it may have been lost forever – and with it an important chapter in the history of wildlife conservation in Minnesota - without conversion of the data to a more permanent medium. This project set out to transcribe 20,000 of these historic data cards into digital format and to develop of a data retrieval system that enables users to easily and efficiently navigate and retrieve data for specific analytical tasks from this electronic dataset. To assess this, a subset of Dr. Gullion’s uncompleted manuscripts were to be completed using the data retrieval system to test its effectiveness.

Approximately 21,500 records were transcribed and archived in a digital database (MySQL). Data from MySQL files are easily exported into many analysis and spreadsheet programs, including MS Excel that increases accessibility to the data. Two of Dr. Gullion’s manuscripts were reviewed using the archived data to determine the utility of the database. Additional funding provided by the Ruffed Grouse Society will allow digital transcription of the remaining 47,500 data cards. In addition, every data card will also be scanned front and back and a pdf version of each included in the database.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Work will continue under Ruffed Grouse Society funding to continue to modify the digital database for ease of access as new card types and the remaining data cards are included. Upon the completion of transcription and scanning, the original data cards, files cabinets, maps, and any other materials from Dr. Gullion’s collection currently housed at Central Lakes College will be returned to the Cloquet Forestry Center. The Center will also likely be the primary depository of the transcribed data and pdf images. Additional repository sites may include Central Lakes College, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota. Archived materials in these collections will be available for electronic dissemination to anyone requesting the information.

Effects of Grazing Versus Fire for Prairie Management

Research Project

Subd. 03o     $414,000 TF

Susan Galatowitsch
U of MN
2003 Upper Buford Cir, 135 Skok Hall
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-3242
Email: galat001@umn.edu
Web: https://fwcb.cfans.umn.edu/personnel/susan-galatowitsch

Appropriation Language
$414,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to compare the effects of conservation grazing and prescribed fire on tallgrass prairie plants and pollinators in Minnesota in order to inform and improve land management practices. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Without disturbance, Minnesota’s tallgrass prairies would transition to woodland and forest. Current management includes prescribed fire and conservation grazing to maintain prairie plant communities, with the assumption that pollinator communities will also benefit. While effects of fire on northern tallgrass prairie are well-documented, information has been lacking on effects of conservation grazing on vegetation and insects in Minnesota. To address this knowledge gap we evaluated vegetation, bees, and butterflies on burned or grazed remnant prairies in western Minnesota. Quantitative assessments of plant, bee and butterfly communities were based on randomly placed transects at each site; species lists were augmented by directed searches of the sites.

Of 328 plant species identified, 52 were found only on grazed sites and 57 only on burned sites. On a scale from 0 (weeds) to 10 (species found only in undisturbed remnant prairie), burned sites averaged 4.1 and grazed sites 3.7, which suggests that the grazed sites were a bit weedier than the burned sites.

Of 40 butterfly species observed, 30 were seen at both burned and grazed sites. Nine of the 40 species are reliant on native prairie. In general, species that were seen at more sites were also more abundant. Common species tended to be more abundant at burned sites and rarer species tended to be more abundant at grazed sites.

To date, 69 species have been identified from over 7,200 collected bees; a few taxonomically challenging specimens are as yet unidentified. Of conservation interest are the 11 species of bumble bees, three of which are listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN (Bombus fervidus, B. pensylvanicus, and B. terricola).

Burning and grazing favored varying communities of plants, bees, and butterflies, suggesting that each management type has a role in maintaining Minnesota’s prairie ecosystems. Results of our research are providing land managers with information necessary for them to be effective stewards of prairie plant communities and the pollinators that depend on them.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Assessing Ecological Impact of St. Anthony Falls Lock Closure

Subd. 03p     $125,000 TF

Kathleen Boe
Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership
2522 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

Phone: (612) 465-8780 x212
Email: kathleen.boe@minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org
Web: http://www.minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org

Appropriation Language
$125,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership to study the impact of altered river flow due to closure of the Upper Lock on the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls on the physical and biological characteristics of the river between the Coon Rapids Dam and Lock and Dam No. 1 in order to inform future river restoration efforts.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

On June 10, 2015, the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam was closed to navigation. This closure, and the resulting changes to navigation and dredging, is expected to alter the sediment dynamics of the Mississippi River between Coon Rapids Dam and Ford Dam. This project was undertaken to develop a baseline condition of the Mississippi River using physical, chemical, and biological indicators that can be tracked over time as the river's ecosystem responds to adjustments in management. Lessons learned from this project are expected to help develop a better understanding of the relationships between river management, hydrology, sediment dynamics and river ecology that can be applied to other river management scenarios.

The project team collected bathymetry, water chemistry, sediment, invertebrate, and mussel data to establish the physical, chemical, and biological condition of the river at the time of lock closure. They also sourced existing data from state and local agencies, such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), into a common database. The project team then critically evaluated the available physical, chemical, and biological data to identify key indicators of changes in river health.

No single indicator can provide a complete measurement of changes in the river. We suggest that monitoring within each category of data (physical, chemical, and biological) would allow for the most complete assessment of future river changes. In the physical category, bathymetry data would be an effective indicator to assess the impacts of stopping dredging on river habitat. In the chemical category, water quality data are relatively simple to monitor and are part of ongoing programs. In the biological category, mussels are publicly relatable and also integrate physical (habitat) and chemical (total suspended solids) parameters in their responses to the riverine environment.

A final report summarizing the findings entitled Assessing the Ecological Impact of Lock Closure will be submitted to the LCCMR.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Dozens, if not hundreds, of people and organizations are committed to the future of the Minneapolis riverfront. The results of a scientific study conducted at the time of the lock closure, a historic event by nearly any measure, is important for many of the planning and program efforts going forward. Accordingly, the study team took a multifaceted approach to dissemination of project results; these efforts will continue beyond the end of the actual grant period itself.

In-person presentations

Project staff took part in two events dedicated to disseminating the results of the study. Lead scientist Jane Mazack presented preliminary findings at the "Sip of Science" program at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis. Mazack and DNR scientist Mike Davis were part of a Riverfront Vitality Forum, presented by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership at the Mill City Museum.

Both presentations began from a foundational understanding that treated the lock closure as the latest in a long series of river manipulations that have taken place on the Minneapolis stretch of the river. The presentations then detailed the study's methodology, key components of what was being sought, and the preliminary results.

Digital/social media

The dissemination of project results through digital social media has been awaiting final development of project results. Project team members from the River Life program manage a blog "River Talk", as well as a digital map, the River Atlas and Twitter and Facebook feeds. We expect the map of project results to be posted to the River Atlas once the Atlas staff member returns from summer leave.

Social media feeds through Twitter and Facebook will likewise be activated through at least December 2016.

The report, as well as significant supplemental material and links to project data, will be posted on the River Life web site as well as the sites of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

River Life publishes a quarterly digital publication, Open Rivers: Rethinking the Mississippi River Planning is under way to have Issue 4, published in October 2016, focusing on the results and studies of the project.

Foundational Dataset Characterizing Historic Forest Disturbance Impacts

Subd. 03q     $200,000 TF

Michael Falkowski
U of MN
175 University Road
Colquet, MN 55720

Phone: (208) 218-726-6410
Email: mfalkows@umn.edu
Web: http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$200,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify forest disturbance impacts over the past forty years on water quality, wildlife demographics, and wood fiber supply in order to identify management strategies that better respond to disturbance impacts and improve and sustain forest resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Forest disturbance (arising from harvesting, fire, land conversion, etc.) has a fundamental impact on the health and resilience of multiple forest resources including water quality, wildlife habitat, and wood resources, among others. Recently the United States Geological Survey made a revolutionary decision by allowing open access to a historic archive of Landsat satellite data dating back to 1972, providing a new opportunity to assess historic forest disturbance (type, timing, and patterns). The objective of this project was to utilize the historical satellite images to characterize >40 years of Minnesota forest trends and disturbance patterns, and provide spatial mapping resources for a variety of local forest management and research applications. After the necessary processing to compile the Landsat imagery in a way that would allow the data to be comparable through time, we created models to produce annual (1973-2015) state-wide maps of canopy cover. These maps allow for the characterization of forest resources at a given point in time, as well as the monitoring of forest change and recovery trends, providing a valuable and versatile dataset for a variety of Minnesota users. For the second part of this project, we focused on the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province, which contains much of the public and forested lands of Minnesota, where we utilized additional Landsat data to map the most recent abrupt disturbance events over time. We further enhanced the disturbance map by classifying the disturbance agent (harvest, land conversion, fire, wind, flooding), as well as providing information about the year, duration, and magnitude of each event. Currently we are working with several collaborators to input our mapping products to address a variety of forest management, wildlife habitat, and water quality assessment applications.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Our initial publication from this project, entitled “Extracting the full value of the Landsat archive: Inter-sensor harmonization for the mapping of Minnesota forest canopy cover (1973–2015)” was published in Remote Sensing and Environment in March 2018, and is already providing a valuable resource for fellow researchers through our approach for incorporating rarely integrated early Landsat MSS imagery to time series analyses for the creation of >40 years of annual forest attribute mapping. While only recently published, the paper has already received 4 citations in peer reviewed publications and boasts 423 reads on research focused social media platform. We were invited to present this work through a webinar for the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analyses National Research Techniques Band (recording available at: https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/prjhzov1f5fi/ ), and continue to utilize the valuable state-wide data set presented in this publication for our disturbance mapping efforts and various forest, wildlife, and water resources applications.

We have worked with, and continue to work with, several collaborators to provide our canopy cover and disturbance mapping products for a variety of forest management, wildlife habitat, and water quality assessment applications. In addition to providing mapping resources to UMN moose biologists to assess habitat use and movement, we are also currently working with wildlife researchers from UMN-Duluth to incorporate our canopy cover and disturbance mapping products in a project assessing the impacts of harvest intensities and the quantity and spatial arrangement of retained tree canopy on avian and small mammal communities across a chrono-sequence of harvest ages. We have also provided initial harvest maps to contractors working with the MN PCA, to incorporate into a watershed planning tool for assessing forestry best management practices and impacts on water quality.

We have presented our work to a variety of research groups, local managers, and state and federal agencies throughout the project time period, and we continue to disseminate our results and mapping products to a variety of audiences to ensure that our products can provide vital additions to existing projects and management planning needs. We also continue to explore additional applications of the data and are working to compile manuscripts related to utilizing the disturbance products to assess various forest ecology and resource management questions and issues.

Hydrologic Effects of Contemporary Forest Practices in Minnesota

Research Project

Subd. 03r     $150,000 TF

Diana Karwan
U of MN
1530 Cleveland Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-2774
Email: dlkarwan@umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$150,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to install hydrologic monitoring stations to collect water quantity and quality data from lands managed for timber production to better understand the relationship between harvest practices and water resources and related responses to changing climate and other disturbance factors in order to inform forest management practices. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

In forested landscapes, runoff amount and timing and sediment concentration and load are major water quality concerns. Previous studies on the effects of forest harvesting practices on water resources in Minnesota and throughout the Lake States region were conducted decades ago and their results have been widely applied beyond the conditions under which they were conducted. To facilitate effective, science-based forest management decisions, water quantity and quality information associated with contemporary forest harvesting practices is needed. To increase data on the hydrologic effects of contemporary forest management, we monitored stream discharge and water quality from early August 2016 to July 2018 at two river locations along the West Swan River in St. Louis county – one upstream and one downstream of ~100-acre growing season timber harvest. Average streamflow was approximately two times greater at the downstream site than the upstream site during the pre-harvest phase and increased to three times greater during the monitored post-harvest period. At the upstream site, average (± standard deviation) total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations remained relatively constant throughout the study (pre-harvest: 18.53 ± 21.49 mg/L; post-harvest: 19.81 ± 12.16 mg/L) whereas TSS concentrations at the downstream site very slightly increased from 22.13 ± 14.73 mg/L in the pre-harvest phase to 25.56 ± 24.85 mg/L in the post-harvest period.

Overall, this two-year data collection project quantified the variability of river flow and water quality as Total Suspended Solids concentrations. The variation water quality with approximately one year of pre- and post- timber harvest data showed slight differences that, for the most part, remain within the overall variability of pre-harvest conditions. Meaning that while the harvest had a nominal effect, this was seen only very local in space and near in time to the harvest. This relatively short case study provides data that is otherwise uncollected in this region. The results highlight the need to collect further data within the region and state to quantify the larger spatial effects of timber harvesting on water quality. In particular, additional efforts are needed to determine how site-level timber harvest effects scale up in space and factor into water quality planning at the watershed and/or hydrologic unit scale (e.g. in the Total Maximum Daily Load or One Watershed One Plan assessment and planning efforts).

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

In the granting period, preliminary results of this project have been presented in 7 formal talks given by Dr. Karwan and Dr. Rose, as listed below. In addition to formal presentations, information learned from this project has been incorporated into teaching and broader conversation with forest management professionals by Dr. Karwan. First, Dr. Karwan provides forest hydrology instruction to silviculturists in the U.S.D.A. Forest Service National Advanced Silviculture Program every summer in Cloquet, MN. Lessons learned from this project, including working in mid-sized rivers and examining the effects of harvesting beyond small watersheds, are discussed as a part of this program. Second, information generated as a result of this project has been shared by Dr. Karwan as an invited participant to two groups affiliated with the State of Minnesota: (1) a 2018 panel convened to inform the research direction of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and (2) in meetings with a Technical Advisory Committee to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s team working to represent forestry Best Management Practices in hydrologic model scenarios (HSPF – SAM). Finally, work on this project formed the basis of an internship experience for two female high school students in Dr. Karwan’s lab through the YWCA Minneapolis Girls Inc. Eureka! Program – a multi-year program for girls focused on STEM. In June – July 2018, two students assisted with water quality sample processing and traveled to the field site associated with this project. This experience formed a 4-week internship in which the high-school students experienced a STEM job first-hand and learned about both work in STEM fields and a university setting.

Upon completion of this project, we now have additional data and results to present. We are looking forward to doing this through venues that bring together scientists with forest and landscape managers, such as the annual Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (SFEC) Forestry and Wildlife Research Review and the regional meetings of the National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, a timber industry group, which take places in the Great Lakes region in the spring/summer of odd years. Furthermore, data from this project can be incorporated into graduate research and further work on the watershed functioning of northern MN forests.

Habitat Mitigation for Goblin Fern Conservation

Subd. 03s     $61,000 TF

Bobby Henderson
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
115 Sixth St NW, Suite E
Cass Lake, MN 56633

Phone: (218) 784-8620
Email: bobby.henderson@llojibwe.org

Appropriation Language
$61,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to examine goblin fern populations, a threatened species in Minnesota, in relation to habitat degradation and to develop long-term habitat mitigation and species conservation strategies. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Goblin fern (Botrychium mormo) is a tiny, cryptic species of fern from the Great Lakes region of North America. The species once occurred throughout rich sugar maple and basswood forests of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, but in recent times has become exceedingly rare and vulnerable throughout the entirety of its historic range. The primary goals of this project were to (1) evaluate habitat conditions and environmental factors influencing the decline of goblin fern populations; (2) quantify projected population extirpation rates for all recorded populations across Leech Lake Reservation, including Chippewa National Forest.

  1. Habitat conditions were assessed by the degree of worm damage at each location and assigned an IERAT rank of 1-5 (1 = non-wormed, 5 = extremely wormed). Each site was also assigned a habitat ranking of 1-5 (1 = prime, 5 = non-extant); which directly correlates with the probability of goblin fern presence/absence at each location.
  2. Our estimates of Minnesota goblin fern extirpation are consistent with previous publications; in fact our estimates indicate a significant increase in extirpation rates when compared to older publications addressing habitat issues and concerns.

Though startling, our study provides current published information about the loss of critical habitat, and subsequent decrease in occurrence and abundance of this state threatened species across its native range within Minnesota. With exception to the driftless area in southeastern Minnesota, there are no earthworm species native to the state, especially the rich maple and basswood forests of northern Minnesota. Contrary to long held belief, earthworms, especially those known as “crawlers”, cause irreparable damage to the forest floor and soil. As a result, much of the vital habitat required for the survival of goblin fern has become seriously degraded and fragmented across the north woods of Minnesota.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Our abstract was submitted for peer review in June 2018. Upon receiving comment, review and revisions were made to the abstract, which was submitted in July 2018, and ultimately accepted for publication. The published article has been disseminated amongst select individuals within Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Chippewa National Forest, Superior National Forest, and Ottawa National Forest for the purpose of developing and implementing improved habitat conservation measures. Additionally, all data collected from the project were shared with the USFS, Chippewa National Forest for the purposes of updating database records.

Subd. 04Water Resources

Understanding Water Scarcity, Threats, and Values to Improve Management

Research Project

Subd. 04a     $234,000 TF

Bonnie Keeler
U of MN
1954 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-8905
Email: keeler@umn.edu
Web: http://z.umn.edu/keeler

Appropriation Language
$234,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to model and map statewide water scarcity and abundance; assess water-related risks to industry, municipalities, and ecosystems; and quantify the economic values of changes in water quality and quantity in order to inform long-term water sustainability strategies. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

We used advanced techniques to create the best available foundational climate change projections for Minnesota. Results show consistent or increased annual precipitation, but changing timing of rainfall, more intense rain events, and longer dry spells. We project winters with several fewer weeks of frost, and summers with significantly more days above 95°F.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

We created high-resolution climate change projections for Minnesota using the best available techniques. State agencies, local governments, private sector engineers, and other climate data users will be able to build freely off the foundational data we have created to make plans that are more prudent for the future of Minnesota. To ensure our results were not sensitive to any one model or year, we averaged the results of five models and further averaged the results over four 20-year scenario periods, 1989-1999 historical, 2040-2059 moderate emissions, and 2080-2099 moderate and high emissions. This gives us confidence that observed changes are the result of long-term changes and not the weather on a single year or model.

The overall trend for the state found in previous global modeling is for a warmer at wetter future. Our work adds local nuance not possible in global models. We find that the timing of precipitation will change, with more precipitation in the spring and early summer, more intense rain events, and longer dry spells between events. The north shore region of the state had the most pronounced increase in both quantity and intensity of precipitation by the end of the century. Infrastructure in the region will have to contend with twice as much precipitation in May, already among the wettest months, and up to 50% more precipitation in the largest 5-day rainfall total in an average year. Corn and soy yields declined by as much as 25% in the majority of scenarios and regions. We also project up to 30 additional days with highs 95°F or hotter.

We also assessed if climate change and increased water withdrawals could lead to water scarcity in the state. We did not find evidence for broad-scale scarcity, but we do highlight watersheds that may consider shifting some of their withdrawals to surface water. We also note that further research is required to capture short-term depletion local effects of withdrawals on surface features.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Due to the universal applicability of climate to humans and the environment, we invested extra effort in preparation for disseminating this work. We surveyed practitioners to identify the types of climate data that are most needed to make decisions and manage resources in the state. We have publicized this work in numerous presentations, including the Clean Water Council, the Department of Health, the Department of Natural Resources and county level managers. We are also working to make much of the underlying data produced as a part of this research readily available to the public. Because the raw data is often challenging for non-specialists to work with, we invested considerable resources in interpreting the results in the accompanying final report.

For scientific audiences, in addition to the underlying data, we are planning three publications and at least one conference presentation based on this work. We already have plans to include these data in other research on irrigation trends and drinking water management in Minnesota.

Finally, as with most of our work, we will write a brief, accessible blog post to highlight and share this work with a broad audience. /p>

A Novel Biofilm Technology for Water Nutrient Removal

Research Project

Subd. 04b     $281,000 TF

Bo Hu
U of MN
1390 Eckles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-4215
Email: bhu@umn.edu
Web: http://www.bbe.umn.edu/People/Hu/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$281,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a simulated lichen biofilm system that can be used to remove pollutants and recycle nutrients from storm water runoff and polluted lakes, ponds, and lagoons. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Nutrient pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from urban and agricultural fields is the leading cause of water quality issues in Minnesota. We proposed a novel biofilm technology to remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from water, based on a concept of a “simulated lichen biofilm”, mimicking the natural symbiotic lichen ecosystem, for efficiently removing and recovering nutrients and pollutants, by introducing a supporting matrix, binding filamentous fungal strains and microalgae. Different strain combinations, types of wastewater, reactor designs, and operational parameters were investigated. After laboratory scale experiments, the pilot demonstration was tested at the Sarita Wetland close to St Paul Campus of UMN and the pond next to the Frank and Sims Yard Waste Collection Site in East St Paul. Based on the results from the porotype model testing using a rotating paddle wheel design in Sarita wetland, we can conclude that the biofilm can be operated between 96-120 h with P removal efficiency of 80 %, N removal efficiency of about 66.2% and COD removal efficiency of about 74%, and needs replacement of biofilm for the next batch of operation. More future work is needed to address some technical challenges as it is applied in the field, including the competition from local microalgae in the wastewater, very effective in heavily polluted water while not effective with much diluted water nutrient pollution, and the biofilm as a food attraction to many insects, leading to the disintegration of biofilm. The technology developed from this project will contribute to a solution for both rural and urban communities to handle water sites polluted by nutrients. When communities can effectively manage their nutrient pollution in water systems, public health and the environment are adequately protected while the community has the management structure in place over the long-term.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Even though a final applicable solution is still in needs of more research and development, we have presented our research in many national and local conferences, several publications either in press or in submission.

We published three journal articles and made a list of presentations to disseminate our research results and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund was acknowledged at each of the presentation and paper publications. We also reached large amount of undergraduate students and high school teachers via the teaching module developed form this project. The project generates some excitement from both the scientific community and industry. The technology developed from this project, together with the information obtained from the techno-economic analysis, can be beneficial to local communities to eventually find a solution for nutrient pollution issues. Besides the academic dissemination, a video of showcasing the pilot-scale testing system at Sarita Wetland will be posted on the group website for general public access. Below are the list of papers and publications and we are preparing for another two manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

Biological Consequences of Septic Pollution in Minnesota Lakes

Research Project

Subd. 04c     $364,000 TF

Heiko L. Schoenfuss
St. Cloud State University
720 Fourth Ave S WSB-273
St Cloud, MN 56301

Phone: (320) 308-3130
Email: hschoenfuss@stcloudstate.edu
Web: http://web.stcloudstate.edu/aquatictox/

Appropriation Language
$364,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for St. Cloud State University to assess the presence of possible sources of contaminants of emerging concern in Minnesota lakes in order to determine their effects on fish health, understand the potential contribution from septic systems, and inform options for remediation and prevention to protect Minnesota lakes from these contaminants in the future. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

All activities proposed for the current study have been completed. The addition of a fifth lake and expansion from 16 to 20 study sites has provided a wealth of chemical and biological data that provide multiple avenues for further analysis and study. Pore-water sampling at all 20 lake sites has been completed and the samples have been analyzed for the presence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs). In addition, composite surface water samples from all five lakes were collected and analyzed. Composite pore-water samples were also collected and analyzed. Synoptic sampling of septic seepage flow into ground water was completed in the final year of the study.

The chemical analysis of all samples has been completed and included pore-water, surface water, composite samples and laboratory water samples for confirmatory water chemistry. In total, well over 1,000 analyses were conducted to assess the presence and quantify the concentrations of CECs in Minnesota waters. These analyses revealed several key findings. First, CECs are ubiquitous in pore-water samples. Second, concentrations of CECs are higher in sites closer to lakeshore septic systems. Third, in addition to household-source signatures (i.e., CECs most likely used in households and as personal care products), some pore-waters also contain agricultural signatures (i.e., presence of pesticides in pore-water). Fourth, CECs are also ubiquitous in lake surface water -likely as result of incoming ground water flow.

The biological consequences of CEC exposures were evaluated using a combination of field and laboratory assessments. Native sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) were captured near twenty field sites in which pore- and surface water chemistry was assessed for the presence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) (Activities 1 and 2). In addition, hatchery-reared sunfish were exposed to mixtures of CECs derived from the pore-water measurements. We also exposed larval and adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in the laboratory to pore water (larvae only) and CEC mixtures. These analyses revealed several key findings. First, male fish taken from septic seepage-influenced lake sites and male fish exposed in the laboratory responded by producing the egg-yolk protein vitellogenin – a well-established biomarker of exposure to estrogenic CECs. Second, larval fathead minnows exposed to either pore water collected from field sites or to a comparable mixture of CECs were less likely to survive than control larvae. Third, higher concentration CEC mixtures, matching those observed in lake pore-water produced subtle adverse biological effects. The biological findings identify CECs as a source of concern for the health and sustainability of Minnesota fish populations in lakes impacted by septic seepage.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

One peer-reviewed manuscript has been published, and two additional manuscripts are in preparation. In addition, results of the current study were disseminated widely in a series of presentations at regional and international scientific conferences.

Preventing Phosphorous from Entering Water Resources Through Drain Tiles

Research Project

Subd. 04d     $505,000 TF

Kenneth Valentas
U of MN
1479 Gortner Ave, 140 Gortner Labs
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (763) 595-0365
Email: valentas@umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$505,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a new nanocomposite material made from biomass that is designed to adsorb phosphorus, nitrogen, and pesticides from storm water and drain tile runoff discharge for recycling back to agricultural lands. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The effective production of food and fiber relies on fertilizers to provide plant nutrients and pesticides to control weeds, insects, and plant diseases that interfere with the yield and marketability of crops. In the fields, these do an important job, but when they run off into surface or groundwater they can pose a threat to water quality and raise environmental issues. The impact of pesticides on water quality’ is a technically complex subject. Phosphorus, from fertilizers, is often the limiting nutrient in aquatic ecosystems and the main culprit in eutrophication. Once these chemicals enter our waters it is virtually impossible to remove them. The objective of this research was to determine if an engineered hydrochar, fabricated from inexpensive agricultural residues, would remove phosphorous, nitrates and pesticides from agricultural drainage waters. Our early research indicated that certain metals could be incorporated into chars to remove phosphorus and nitrates from dilute solutions. Subsequently, many experiments were performed with a wide range of biomass from corn stover to manures and with various potential activating metals.

Significant outcomes:

  • Lanthanum (a transition metal) modified corn stover hydrochars have best phosphorus removal capacity in range of 25-45 mg of P/gram char from a 50ppm solution
  • Zinc chloride modified bio-hydrochar sorbs nitrates comparably to activated carbon
  • Lanthanum modified bio-hydrochar can simultaneously remove phosphorous and glyphosate from dilute solution
  • Chars will sorb pesticides if first subjected to post-thermal heat treatment (PTT) in an oxygen-free atmosphere
  • Dry biomass, like cornstover, can be converted directly by PTT to a biochar that will remove pesticides

These results provide a path forward in preserving the quality of our water resources by reducing the phosphorous, nitrates and pesticides that migrate to waterways through draintiles. The information generated here forms the basis for field trials leading ultimately to preservation of our aquatic ecosystems.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The University has expanded the scope of the original provisional patent to include broader claims. The new provisional patent is:U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/718,705 Title: METHOD FOR REMOVING PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS FROM AN AQUEOUS MEDIUM, on August 14,2018. This technology was developed with trust funds from our LCCMR project and any future revenues will be shared as required.

Southeastern Minnesota Cover Crop and Soil Health Initiatives

Subd. 04e     $253,000 TF

Matt Drewitz
Board of Water and Soil Resources
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000B
Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: (507) 344-2821
Email: matt.drewitz@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/soils/index.html

Appropriation Language
$253,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to promote cover crops as a means of protecting soil and water quality in southeastern Minnesota through training and education for local practitioners, economic analysis of implementation, and on-farm demonstration sites. This effort must be coordinated with the University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This project was very important in keeping the momentum going for cover crop and soil health awareness in Southeastern Minnesota. In 2014 when BWSR applied for the LCCMR grant, very limited outreach and awareness of implementing cover crops was occurring in Southeast Minnesota as well as Statewide. Over the last 4 years, the work of this project has helped keep cover crops and soil health on the forefront of innovative conservation in Minnesota. This project was successful in establishing cover crop demonstration sites, providing education and outreach through workshops and field days, and completing an economic analysis report of cover crops. The following includes the major accomplishments of this project:

Field Days: This project lead or assisted in sponsoring 9 different field days through the course of this project, which was the target goal for the project. A total of 575people attended these field days.

Workshops: A total of 832 people attended 11 workshops that were sponsored by this project, which exceeded our initial goal of 6 workshops.

Cover Crop Demonstration Sites: This project worked with 13 landowners to implement 2098 acres of cover crops over 2 years. These sites represented farmers from across the focus area using different farming methods and cover crop seed mixes

Soil Health Sampling and Method/Protocol Development: This project was important in working with our partners at USDA-NRCS and local SWCD staff to develop a sampling protocol for collecting soil samples for soil health analysis. Soil tests were collected at each of the landowner demonstration sites.

Cover Crop Economic Analysis: A report on the economics of cover crops based on data from the landowner demonstration sites was developed.

Partnership Development: This project was instrumental in bringing University of Minnesota, Federal, State, and local partners together to coordinate and ensure project success.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This project provided dissemination of information regarding soil health, cover crops, and alternative crops through the many workshops and field days that were outlined above. This project utilized the U of M Soil Health website, as well as many other local sources, to provide information about upcoming workshops and field days. See web link: https://extension.umn.edu/soil-and-water/soil-management-and-health" .

Specific new information that was developed and disseminated through this project include:

  • Cover Crop Economics Report by Dr. Bill Lazarus, U of M Applied Economics:
  • Updates to U of M Cover Crop Economics Spreadsheet tools,
  • Soil health testing results were supplied to each of the 13 cooperators,
  • Project updates on BWSR’s website, such as this BWSR Snap Shot article: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/news/webnews/december2016/1.pdf

Through this project over the last 3 years, BWSR has learned a lot about the positive impacts of soil health, the pros, cons, and risks of implementing cover crops into a farming operation, and what types of information farmers and local conservation practitioners are looking for. This project was instrumental in providing a basis for BWSR adopting cover crops as practice for our grant programs, helping provide insight into the development of the new BWSR/University of Minnesota joint venture with the Office for Soil Health, and was a precursor to a recently awarded Conservation Innovation Grant from the USDA-NRCS focusing on soil health metrics. BWSR is confident that the momentum created by this project will help move the State of Minnesota forward in developing new strategies for soil health that will lead to greater adoption of cover crops and other soil health practices.

Southeast Minnesota Subsurface Drainage Impacts on Groundwater Recharge

Research Project

Subd. 04f     $488,000 TF

Erik Smith
U.S. Geological Survey
2280 Woodale Dr
Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone: (763) 783-3136
Email: easmith@usgs.gov
Web: http://mn.water.usgs.gov

Appropriation Language
$488,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geological Survey to assess the relationship between agricultural drainage and water flow within the unique karst geology of southeast Minnesota to characterize the potential impacts of drainage on groundwater recharge and groundwater sustainability in the region. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This project investigated the effect of agricultural subsurface drainage on groundwater recharge rates at three different monitoring sites in southeastern Minnesota. The monitoring plots included two plots with an actively drained area, and a third undrained monitoring plot. Multiple piezometer transects were set up across these plots to characterize the unsaturated zone and shallow water-table flow using pressure transducers and soil moisture probes. From these piezometers, potential groundwater recharge rates were derived using three different methods: the RISE Water-Table Fluctuation (WTF) method, the DRAINMOD model, and the USGS Soil-Water-Balance (SWB) model. The entire study, with details on the data collection methods, was summarized in a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Scientific Investigations Report (SIR): https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205006). In summary, the primary method for estimating potential groundwater recharge rates was the RISE WTF method, with a mean recharge rate of 1.55 and 1.94 inches per year, respectively, for water years 2017 and 2018. When looking at recharge based on distance from the drain in the drained area, the subsurface drain did not affect potential recharge, although other factors such as variability in piezometer screen depths, piezometer construction, and specific yield variability could not be eliminated. Overall, there was a lack of agreement between the RISE WTF-based recharge estimates and the other two methods. These results were not remarkable, considering the fundamental differences in their methodologies. However, all three methods did show a fundamental difference between piezometers within the drained area and piezometers outside the drained area, including the third undrained monitoring plot. The drained areas show a lower overall potential groundwater recharge compared to the nondrained areas for all three estimates. These results require further studies for verification, but this study demonstrated that differences did exist between areas of an agricultural field with drainage and areas of a field without drainage.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Two publications and three data releases have resulted from this project:

  1. A U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report, summarizing the data collection methods, data summaries, details on the groundwater recharge modeling, and full analysis of the study results. The landing page and a pdf version of this report can be found at https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205006: Smith, E.A., and Berg, Andrew M., 2020, Potential groundwater recharge rates for two subsurface-drained agricultural fields, Southeastern Minnesota, 2016–18: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5006, 54 p.
  2. Minnesota Groundwater Association white paper, published in 2018, with Erik Smith (project manager) as the primary author. This white paper discussed the relations of drain tiles and groundwater resources. The white paper also discussed the historical significance of agricultural drainage practices, the recognized positive benefits and potential negative consequences of agricultural drainage practices, and the gaps in understanding of the connections between agricultural drainage and groundwater resources. The landing page and a pdf version of this report can be found at: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/70204196
  3. Three data releases, directly related to the models used for this study, have been published. Citations and web links to the landing pages:

    a) Smith, E.A., 2020, DRAINMOD simulations for two agricultural drainage sites in western Fillmore County, southeastern Minnesota: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P987N30U.

    b) Smith, E.A., 2020, Soil-Water Balance (SWB) model datasets used to estimate recharge for southeastern Minnesota, 2014-2018: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P90N4AWG.

    c) Smith, E.A., 2020, Potential groundwater recharge estimates based on a groundwater rise analysis technique for two agricultural sites in southeastern Minnesota, 2016-2018: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94LMOPP.

Using Hydroacoustics to Monitor Sediment in Minnesota Rivers

Research Project

Subd. 04g     $455,000 TF

Jeffrey R. Ziegeweid
U.S. Geological Survey
2280 Woodale Dr
Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone: (763) 783-3113
Email: jrziege@usgs.gov
Web: http://mn.water.usgs.gov/index.html

Appropriation Language
$455,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the United States Geological Survey to install hydroacoustic equipment on the lower Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers to improve measurement and monitoring accuracy for suspended sediment and enhance ongoing sediment reduction efforts by state, federal, and local agencies. This appropriation is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Excessive sediment in rivers degrades water quality, reduces aquatic habitat, increases need for navigation channel dredging, reduces recreational opportunities, and transports harmful contaminants. Lake Pepin, a naturally-formed lake on the Mississippi River, is filling in with sediment at a rapid rate compared to conditions prior to European settlement, and 85-90 percent of the sediment depositing in Lake Pepin comes from the heavily-cultivated Minnesota River Basin. However, we lack detailed spatial information within the watershed to focus sediment-reduction efforts. Therefore, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a project funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to better understand sources and sinks of sediment in the watershed upstream of Lake Pepin, which includes the Minnesota, St. Croix, and upper Mississippi Rivers. We sampled nine stream locations and developed surrogate relations between newly installed, continuous hydroacoustic sensors and collected suspended sediment samples. Data from this study allows determination of sediment loads for streams in the study area that are more accurate and at a higher spatial resolution of sampling sites than prior monitoring efforts. Higher gradient river reaches in upstream portions of the study area were consistent sources of sediment. Low gradient areas near river confluences were consistent sinks of sediment, storing more sediment in floodplain or lake environments than was input from upstream. In contrast, mid gradient areas were dynamic, generating sediment load in some conditions but storing sediment in other conditions. Channelized river reaches, latitudinal precipitation patterns, and inputs from sediment-laden tributaries in the southern part of the watershed likely contributed to fluctuating sediment dynamics in mid-gradient areas. The spatial density of continuous sediment monitors was critical to understanding the source/sink dynamics of sediment in the study area. Results of this study may help resource-management agencies target sediment-reduction efforts at areas within the watershed that act as sediment sources.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Results of this project will be disseminated in a number of ways. First, suspended sediment data collected at hydroacoustic streamgages in the study area are publicly available on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System (NWIS) data portal (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mn/nwis/sw). Second, real-time suspended sediment data has been made available through the USGS National Real-Time Water Quality website (https://nrtwq.usgs.gov/) for the Minnesota River at Fort Snelling State Park, Minn. (USGS streamgage 05330920), and real-time suspended sediment data will be added for a subset of project streamgages in the near future. Finally, project results will be summarized in a USGS Scientific Investigations Report (Groten and others, in review – draft files attached) that will be publicly-available for dissemination after official publication.

Results of this project have been presented to other agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Weather Service, and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District; funding through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund has been acknowledged during every presentation given. Furthermore, USGS scientists involved in this project have discussed ways to integrate results of the project into existing cooperative efforts between the USGS and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Finally, the project chief has been actively involved in discussions with the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, and the USGS Midwest Regional Office about ways to integrate project hydroacoustic streamgages into larger regional efforts to improve the health of the Mississippi River.

The results of this study may help the MPCA evaluate progress towards sediment reduction goals for Lake Pepin. For locations that were consistent sources of sediment throughout the study, implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on the landscape may reduce amounts of sediment entering the Minnesota River. However, locations that can change between sources and sinks for sediment likely indicate temporary storage in the Minnesota River and delayed transport to the Mississippi River. The timing and magnitude of in-channel sediment transport in these locations varies substantially with changes in weather and streamflow. Without continuous monitoring of sediment in these dynamic locations, the effects of in-channel sediment transport would be difficult to quantify, complicating efforts to evaluate long-term progress towards sediment reduction goals.

Assessment of Irrigation Efficiencies in Benton County

Subd. 04h     $431,000 TF

Gerry Maciej
Benton Soil and Water Conservation District
14 Second Ave W
Foley, MN 56329

Phone: (320) 968-5300 x3
Email: gerry@soilandwater.org
Web: http://www.soilandwater.org

Appropriation Language
$431,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Benton Soil and Water Conservation District to develop and implement a decision support system to increase irrigation efficiencies and provide outreach on irrigation best management practices. Software developed with this appropriation must be available in the public domain. Project efforts should be coordinated with the Department of Natural Resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Several areas in Minnesota exist where groundwater use exceeds sustainable levels or is approaching a sustainability threshold. One those areas is Little Rock Creek in Benton and Morrison Counties. The overall goal of this project was to provide new tools and expertise to overcome sustainability issues in Little Rock Creek and provide these tools to others facing similar sustainability problems throughout many parts of Minnesota. This project successfully created an online, mobile-friendly, Conservation Irrigation Decision Support System and Irrigation Scheduling Assistant that increases irrigation efficiencies and confidence in irrigation water management. The major outcomes and results from this project include:

  1. Real-Time Conservation Irrigation Decision Support System (CIDSS): Three DNR monitoring stations on Little Rock Creek were upgraded with satellite telemetry equipment. The CIDSS illustrates real-time graphs of Little Rock Creek’s stream flow and temperature along with their associated environmental thresholds. Conservation Irrigation Tips were developed for short- and long-term conservation measures that allows irrigators to make condition appropriate irrigation decisions.
  2. Increasing Irrigation Efficiency: An online, mobile-friendly irrigation scheduling assistant was created. Input was taken from a local stakeholder group to integrate GIS-based NEXAD daily rainfall estimates into the scheduler that improves field-by-field reliability. We had successful adoption of irrigation water management in the project area. Over the past four growing seasons, irrigation management was practiced on 9,728 acres. In 2018, the software was expanded to a 5-county area of East Ottertail instance, and has been used on 139 fields covering 27,258 acres.
  3. Improving Soil Health: Technicians provided expertise to producers on soil health practices to increase soil organic matter, conserve soil moisture, and to improve nutrient cycling on the sandy irrigated soils, as well as, reducing wind and soil erosion. A total of 454 acres of soil health practices have been implemented within the project area.
PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This project was able to educate many people about new up-to-date irrigation water management tools. The irrigation scheduling tool and CIDSS for the Little Rock Creek Groundwater Area is available online at http://ima.respec.com/. The East Ottertail instance that include the 5-county expanded areas of Hubbard, Becker, Wadena, Ottertail and Todd Counties is also available online at http://ima.respec.com/ The project’s new online irrigation management scheduler is highlighted on local SWCD’s websites, such as www.soilandwater.org and http://www.eotswcd.org/irrigation-scheduler/. A online demo trial of the irrigation scheduler is available to the public to try and to see what the tool has to offer. Promotional banners of the Irrigation Management Assistance were made for the local SWCD’s where the current software is offered. Weather station and evapotranspiration data is available at www.agweathernetwork.com. Water flow and stream temperature for Little Rock Creek is currently available to the irrigators using the scheduling assistant within Little Rock Creek Groundwater Area.

Shoreview Water Consumption and Groundwater Awareness Project

Subd. 04i     $54,000 TF

Mark Maloney
City of Shoreview
4600 Victoria St N
Shoreview, MN 55126

Phone: (651) 490-4651
Email: mmaloney@shoreviewmn.gov
Web: http://shoreviewmn.gov

Appropriation Language
$54,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Shoreview to provide biweekly water consumption data to at least 400 residential households for a two-year period to determine whether additional groundwater can be conserved with greater awareness of consumption data. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The City of Shoreview is a suburb of approximately 26,000 people in the northeast metro area of the Twin Cities. Like many metropolitan municipalities, Shoreview supplies drinking water to residents and businesses via groundwater wells instead of surface water resources. Recent attention concerning the sustainability of groundwater resources in Minnesota is well documented and could pose a serious threat to future availability. Because of this threat, Shoreview decided to implement new initiatives to encourage water conservation in an attempt to conserve water resources. In 2015 the City applied for an LCCMR grant. Originally, Shoreview intended to use the grant to start reading water meters monthly, as opposed to quarterly, while also implementing a program called Know-Your-Flow that would provide a group of 400 resident volunteers with an at-home wireless Badger meter reader that displayed water use instantly inside the home. The goal of the increased meter reading frequency paired with the instant meter readers was to increase resident awareness of how much water was being used in their homes on a more frequent basis. The hope was that if water use were brought to the attention of residents more often, it could encourage conservation behaviors.

In March of 2016, city staff amended the grant to add an additional water conservation program, the behavioral water efficiency software company WaterSmart Software (WaterSmart), to the project. WaterSmart is a software platform that gathers publicly available data on water consumption, property and home metrics such as lot size and number of bedrooms, as well as climate data in order to provide individualized mailed “water reports” that compare each participant’s use to average and reduced water users within Shoreview. Sample email and print water reports are included with the supplemental attachments to this report. WaterSmart also provides residents with an online portal through which to view and update their property information in order to get a more accurate comparison. Shoreview continues to bill for water service on a quarterly basis. But, with now reading all water meters monthly, access to the online portal allows residents to keep up to date on their water use patterns between billings. The City added the WaterSmart program with the same hypothesis that increased water use awareness could lead to water conservation practices.

In order to test the hypothesis, the City and WaterSmart began a study that examined the effects of resident access to the WaterSmart online portal and mailed water reports on their water usage. A sample of single family residences in Shoreview were excluded from the program and labeled the “control group”. All other single family residences, including the 400 Know-Your-Flow volunteers, were given access to WaterSmart’s online portal and started receiving mailed water reports on their individual use. Over the course of 18 months, data on water use for both the control group and the group with WaterSmart access has been collected. Figures showing the difference in water use between the two groups are available in the supplemental attachment to this report. Based on the study, the City saved 4.1 million gallons of treated groundwater between January 2017 and June 2018. Four million gallons translates to an approximate 1% savings in total water use across Shoreview. The savings can be attributed to access to the WaterSmart program. This was determined by evaluating the amount of water used by the control group residents compared to residents who were given access to WaterSmart tools and outreach.

The initial results are encouraging because they suggest that increasing the amount and frequency of access to a resident’s water usage can lead them to conserve more water. Because of current conversations surrounding groundwater resource availability and conservation, and the fact that many Minnesotans are serviced by groundwater, the results of this project could be significant. If providing residents with more frequent access to their water use data can encourage conservation, other water suppliers could use similar techniques to achieve similar results. This would benefit Minnesota and Minnesotans by helping to preserve valuable groundwater resources while also helping shape environmental stewardship behavior in both children and adults.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Outreach on Shoreview’s water conservation programs funded through this grant included press releases at the start of the project announcing both the Know-Your-Flow program and then the WaterSmart program. It should be noted that the exception to all dissemination activities in this section is the WaterSmart control group. They did not receive any mailings or other outreach described separate from press releases and city-wide newsletter articles. To start the programs, each eligible residence was mailed a welcome letter and instructional materials. The Know-Your-Flow group also received a Badger meter reader device. No other outreach was done for the Know-Your-Flow program as the City changed directions and began focusing on WaterSmart because the program could be offered to more residents. For the WaterSmart program, eligible participants were sent a pre-launch survey along with their welcome letter. A sample of this survey is included in the supplemental materials for this report. The survey asked residents about their thoughts on Shoreview’s water utility as well as their level of satisfaction and understanding. A summary of the pre-launch survey results is also included in the supplemental materials. As the program progressed, all single family residences in Shoreview who were not part of the control group received periodic individualized water reports at a rate of approximately 4 per year. These residents also had access to their online water conservation portal, specific to their residence. Examples showing the interface for the portal on both mobile and desktop devices are included in the supplemental materials. In addition to individual outreach, the City also published articles about the program in two editions of the ShoreViews community newsletter, mailed to all residents. City-wide outreach was limited due to the presence of the control group that excluded some from the program.

After a year’s worth of portal access and water reports, all eligible residences were sent another, this time post-launch, survey. That survey and a presentation of the results are included in the supplemental materials for this report. Based on the surveys, residents in Shoreview had overwhelmingly positive things to say about their levels of satisfaction with their water utility, and they felt as though they understood their water use. In the second survey, a comparison was done between the pre-launch and post-launch survey results. Changes in results between the two surveys were attributed to WaterSmart access because the program was the only change made between the first and second surveys. Post-launch survey results showed that 88% of residents were satisfied or very satisfied with the value of water services in Shoreview, and 91% felt that the City helped them better understand their water use. These percentages had increased from 79% and 78% respectively since the pre- launch survey, highlighting the value of Shoreview’s WaterSmart program for residents.

City staff has given several presentations to other municipalities and natural resource management groups in Minnesota about the WaterSmart program and preliminary results from the efficiency study. Based on these meetings, several other groups have expressed interest in WaterSmart and similar programs. The City has not yet shared the results of the project efficiency study with residents because the control group is still in effect and not all residents can opt-in to the program. Staff currently plans to continue the study through summer of 2019 and then start broader outreach on the value of WaterSmart and increasing knowledge and accountability in residential water use. The City is also currently considering making the online portal available to irrigation and commercial accounts as well as residential. Shoreview finds great value in all water conservation programs implemented through this grant, and has quantified over 4 million gallons saved to date. Staff plans to continue with WaterSmart portal and water report access through summer 2019 for those that are currently eligible. After the study is complete, Shoreview hopes to allow portal access to all residents so that outreach on the program can be more uniform.

Subd. 05Environmental Education

Trap Shooting Sports Facility Grants

Subd. 05a     $132,000 TF

 
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Appropriation Language
$132,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for trap shooting sports facility grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 87A.10.

Connecting Students with Watersheds through Hands-On Learning

Subd. 05b     $400,000 TF

John P. Lenczewski
Minnesota Trout Unlimited
PO Box 845
Chanhassen, MN 55317

Phone: (612) 670-1629
Email: jlenczewski@comcast.net
Web: http://mntu.org/

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Trout Unlimited to provide hands-on learning focused on water quality, groundwater, aquatic life, and watershed health stewardship. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Youth are increasingly becoming disconnected from the natural environment we live in. This lack of connection follows students into adulthood and impacts their ability to make well informed decisions about their environment. Most environmental education programming fails to adequately reinforce ongoing lessons through real-life applications outdoors. To remedy this, the program used field days to reconnect students with water, aquatic life, groundwater systems, and watersheds by getting them outdoors and providing hands-on learning experiences. Students were also exposed to outdoor recreation to encourage lifelong, tangible connections to aquatic ecosystems.

The program also utilized the Trout in the Classroom curriculum, which placed aquariums in classrooms so students could actively follow the development of trout from egg to juvenile. During this process, monitoring and scientific discovery took place and it was used as a spring board for fieldtrips to streams and as a focal point for reinforcing learning about watersheds, water quality and ecology. Fall field days preceded the fish rearing component of Trout in the Classroom and raised fish were released by students as part of spring field days. More than 2,000 students from 49 classrooms participated in these hands-on field days outdoors. This year-long program combined field studies and classroom visits, allowing students to apply the principles learned outdoors with realistic applications. Another 5,000 students in these schools participated in other aspects of the program.

More than 2,000 students were encouraged to develop lifelong, tangible connections to aquatic ecosystems through school day introductions to fishing skills and fishing. Students and families were offered fishing clinics and mentorship opportunities outside of school.

Minnesota will benefit from students’ increased awareness of their role in sustaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, especially as they carry a sense of stewardship forward into adulthood.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Press advisories were issued for most field days and for three student summits. Many field days, and all summits, received good television coverage. Many newspapers also reported on the program. Minnesota Trout Unlimited highlighted this education program each year at the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo in St. Paul, and featured an article on its accomplishments in each issue of its statewide newspaper (5,000 to 8,000 copies were distributed three times each year).

Zumbro River Watershed Recreational Learning Stewardship Sites

Subd. 05c     $300,000 TF

Brett Ostby
Zumbro Watershed Partnership, Inc.
12 Elton Hills Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Phone: (507) 226-6787
Email: admin@zumbrowatershed.org
Web: http://www.zumbrowatershed.org

Appropriation Language
$300,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Zumbro Watershed Partnership to develop at least six recreational and educational sites on the Zumbro River with water quality demonstration elements and interpretative signage designed to encourage adoption of water protection practices. No more than 15 percent of this appropriation may be spent on site and construction consultation, planning, and design. Any plantings or restoration activities conducted with this appropriation must use native plant species according to the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Zumbro River and its tributaries flow through mostly private lands. Consequently, we have a population disconnected from this shared natural resource and relatively uninformed about its ecology, water quality challenges, flooding issues, and recreational uses. The ultimate goals of the Recreational Learning Sites were to reconnect citizens to this resource and encourage citizens to invest in its conservation. The Zumbro Watershed Partnership (ZWP) cooperated with local and state governments and non-profit organizations, including the Minnesota DNR, the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa and the University of Minnesota Extension, to enhance recreational access to the Zumbro River at eleven existing sites in six communities across four counties. Through a series of engagement events, we worked with communities to address local needs; for example, we built canoe landings in Pine Island, fire pits in Wanamingo and a hiking trail in Oronoco. These and other sites received natural plantings, stone benches, picnic tables and other amenities. Enhancements were intended to make the river more inviting. A series of permanent education kiosks were distributed among sites in each community. Education kiosks provided basic information about watershed science, ecology, land use history, recreation and actionable ways to improve water quality and mitigate flooding. This project benefited Minnesotans by enhancing the Zumbro River State Water Trail and community parks with regional significance, such as the Douglas Trail Head in Pine Island. Though substantial community engagement, this project benefited ecosystem management by focusing local governments and citizens on how they can improve public lands and waters. It also benefited ecosystems by planting trees, forbs and grasses native to Minnesota. This project provided concise and regionally-specific information about the Zumbro Watershed that can be the basis for productive engagement among informed citizens, governments and organizations.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The recreation focused panels and the map panels that georeferenced other Recreational Learning Sites are the best tools that the ZWP created for dissemination. Many are placed in locations where visitors are likely to traverse. Beyond that, the ZWP continues to promote this project with Facebook posts and by maintaining a specific page for this project, easily accessed through our homepage (http://zumbrowatershed.org)

Splash Screen: SciGirls Exploring Watersheds Using Mobile Technologies

Subd. 05d     $147,000 TF

Joan Freese
Twin Cities Public Television
172 Fourth St E
St. Paul, MN 55101

Phone: (651) 229-1339
Email: jfreese@tpt.org
Web: http://www.tpt.org

Appropriation Language
$147,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Twin Cities Public Television to deliver an experiential, project-based educational program using mobile technologies to empower at least 200 middle school students in 4-H programs to engage in understanding and protecting local water resources.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Splash Screen: Students Engaging Local Watersheds Using Mobile Technologies environmental education pilot was designed to foster stewardship of water resources in middle school youth living in urban Minnesota communities. Ran in partnership with urban 4H clubs in the Twin Cities and Duluth, the project combined Place Based Education (project based learning experienced outside the classroom alongside community experts) with Mobile Learning, or education that uses portable technology, to teach about watersheds.

Project goals were for participating youth to:
  • understand the importance of water resources in their community;
  • be able to describe the major features of their local watershed;
  • develop a basic understanding of some ways that humans can help and/or hurt this important resource;
  • become acquainted with storm water runoff and what people can do to prevent it; and
  • experience environmental advocacy first-hand by developing a public information campaign to share with their peers, family, and community, educating them about their watershed.

A total of 20 educators in Duluth and St. Paul were trained in: Splash Screen hands-on curriculum (Project Wet activities); place-based education, including working with community experts; and mobile technology. Bi-monthly webinars were held to provide updates and hear feedback from sites. Additionally, TPT and 4H held in-person meetings for educators prior to implementation for updates and technology distribution.

Two 4-H programs in Duluth and eleven in the Twin Cities implemented the Splash Screen curriculum during the spring and summer of 2016, reaching 107 youth participants with 25 hours of hands on learning per student.

Summative Evaluation of Splash Screen was conducted by the Science Museum of Minnesota's Evaluation and Research in Learning group and measured the overall impact of the project on the educators and youth compared to project outcomes. The evaluation was guided by four questions, three aligned with project outcomes for educators and one aligned with project outcomes for youth. Project evaluation results, which showed that overall the project was more successful at addressing educator outcomes than it was at addressing youth outcomes, will guide TPT and 4H as the project staff plans scale-up of the program for youth. (See Splash Screen Summative Evaluation for an overview of the project evaluation.)

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, Twin Cities PBS hosted a Splash Screen event at the station for project participants to share their watershed media project with family, friends, and community members. Youth presented a total of 9 final projects from 5 project sites, sharing their media-rich projects and discussing the importance of urban watersheds health for Minnesota communities

In addition, SciGirls staff presented at TIES 2016 Education Technology Conference on Monday, December 12, 2017, in downtown Minneapolis. The session, titled Splash Screen: Engaging Local Watersheds Using Mobile Technologies, was attended by approximately 50 teachers, technology integrationists, and other education professionals from the formal education sector.

Here is a description of our offering:
Combine Place Based Education (project based learning experienced outside the classroom alongside community experts) with Mobile Learning to teach about watersheds. You will be given apps and other resources for environmental education, technology integration strategies and lessons learned from the pilot and evaluation done by the Science Museum of Museum. Splash Screen is a pilot project created by Twin Cities PBS in partnership with Urban 4H with funding provide by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, that is designed to foster environmental stewardship of water resources in youth living in urban Minnesota communities.

While our project is now officially closed, TPT and Urban 4H are looking for funding opportunities to provide scale-up of the pilot program.

Mississippi Water Journey Camps

Subd. 05e     $25,000 TF

Beth Mercer-Taylor
U of MN
1954 Buford Ave
325 LES Building
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-9430
Email: bethmt@umn.edu
Web: http://waterjourneycamps.blogspot.com/

Appropriation Language
$25,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to design and pilot two week-long summer camps for youth ages 6 to 11 focused around clean water and the Mississippi River and designed to get children outdoors exploring and engaged with the natural environment and creating educational materials to help their communities protect water quality.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Mississippi River Water Journey Camps get children ages 6-11 outdoors exploring water connections between the built and natural environment, doing wetland plantings, and teaching the public about water systems and how to improve water quality. The grant funded development of a toolkit and first year support for two one-week summer camps: “Water Journey: Drink” and “Water Journey: Rain,” held twice each at the Institute on the Environment, at St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota as part of the University Recreation & Wellness Summer Youth Program. The camps adapt an existing arts/science adventure approach called Earth System Journey that engages youth with the infrastructure connecting daily water use to what happens at the other end of the pipes, in order to make conservation lessons relevant to students’ experience. This reflects environmental education needs for place-based education, bridging actions with impacts, getting kids outdoors, and engaging learners as real-world contributors.

The project goals were achieved. The evaluation report shows increased camper water system knowledge, stewardship attitudes and skills. This impacted 55 campers in summer 2016, with estimated 128-224 more campers reached in the coming four years of camp that the toolkit makes possible. While future camps are funded through camp tuition, support from the Institute on the Environment will continue. The project successfully demonstrated a model for formal and informal educators and increased public awareness of water issues and education methods. Outreach deliverables include a website, video, GIS story maps, summer art/science exhibit, and numerous educator and public presentations including at the 2016 EcoExperience. Inspired by this project, three education grants have been proposed including one in northern Minnesota, with one awarded so far. The model supports emerging approaches for integrated water management and education across public works and natural resource management organizations. Learn more and see all reports at http://waterjourneycamps.blogspot.com.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

A key outcome for Water Journey Camps is continuation of the program without LCCMR grant support in the summer for 2017, when 44 new children participated in four week-long camps that closely followed the model established in 2016. Another 3 years of camps are planned. In 2017, revenues from camp fees paid by each child, along with scholarships for low-income children, offset most of the costs, including staff pay, field trips, transportation and expendable art supplies like papers and beads. The bulk of art, science and photography supplies purchased in 2016, with LCCMR funds, were used again in 2017. The art and science “kit” should serve Water Journey Camps for at least 3 more years. Water Journey Camps is now a well-established and sustainable program that will ultimately reach more than 200 campers over 5 years.

Another outcome of Water Journey Camps is learning gains made by the campers themselves. The Evaluation Report details results of pre and post-camp surveys filled out by the children, with help from counselors for the youngest children. This survey data indicates gains in awareness of how we use water, knowledge of where water comes from and importance of water stewardship. In end-of-camp reflection on their experience, campers indicated more comfort with and interest in STEM projects, as they enjoyed 1) water quality testing and analysis, 2) learning about and planting plants and 3) crafting questions for professionals working in water systems. The art projects and mapping experiences were highlights for many campers. The Youth Program leaders offered informal feedback that parents were pleased with what their children learned. Water Journey Camps were the favorite of several children who enrolled in multiple camps at the University of Minnesota.

A Toolkit is now available on the Water Journey Camps website, aimed at serving teachers and informal educators interested in the approach to learning about water in a particular place or using specific projects. The Toolkit is itself an outcome of the grant. It is flexible enough to allow for replication of the entire overall concept of Water Journey Camps, the use of one or more of the projects in a class period or field trip, or the addition of a new element - such as story maps, photography, planting or tracking pipes – in an existing lesson. The website and materials available have been or will be shared with hundreds of educators through conference presentations and networking sessions as well as web and social media outreach done by IonE. The conferences include the Minnesota Association for Environmental Education (MAEE) meetings in 2016 and 2017, the Minnesota Educator’s Academy annually in October as well as the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) in Pella, Iowa in late September, 2017, and on a national stage at the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) annual conference in October, 2017. AASHE invited Beth Mercer-Taylor to serve on its first panel on K-12 sustainability summer programs supported by campus sustainability units.

As a key partner, the Institute on the Environment (IonE) gained the unexpected benefit of expansion into new water and K-12 programming as a result of Water Journey Camps. IonE’s provision of significant staff support, no-cost space and a beautiful public gallery space for display of camp maps, art and science projects made more IonE staff and faculty keenly aware of the power of an art, science and storytelling approach to learning about water. The energy of the campers and their learning about water systems inspired the staff and faculty as well as many visitors attending meetings and events at IonE. In the last week of June, 2017, immediately after the camps were completed, over 100 educators saw the Water Journey Camp displays, including nearly 60 attending the Climate Generation Summer Institute at IonE and 45 attending a national workshop on Sustainability & Diversity in Higher Education at IonE. Water Journey Camps contributed to IonE staff and faculty expanding their engagement in water related and K-12 programming, including:

  1. a new stewardship project starting in fall, 2017 at Sarita Conservation Area;
  2. an partnership between IonE and the “Water Bar” where flights of local tap waters are served to students and community partners;
  3. placement of 5 high school interns from the City of St. Paul Right Track program at IonE in summer 2017, including 3 assisting with Water Journey Camps;
  4. hosting the Climate Generation Summer Institute for educators.

Subd. 06Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center

Research Project

Sec. 6a     $5,000,000 TF

Rob Vennette
U of M - Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC)
1992 Folwell Avenue
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 301-1405
Email: venet001@umn.edu
Web: http://www.mitppc.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$5,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center established in Laws 2014, chapter 312, article 13, section 44, to conduct research to prevent, minimize, and mitigate the threats and impacts posed by invasive plants, pathogens, and pests to the state's prairies, forests, wetlands, and agricultural resources. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2023, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Project Overview

Terrestrial invasive species are species that are not native to a location and that pose critical ecological and economic challenges once they become established in that location. They come in the form of plants, animals, insects, pathogens, and microbes that can cause harm to natural habitat, urban landscapes, and agricultural systems. The problems posed by terrestrial invasive species continue to grow as existing infestations expand and new exotic species arrive, many of which are poorly understood. New ideas and approaches are needed to develop solutions and to stay on top of emerging threats. The University of Minnesota is using this appropriation to help launch a new interdisciplinary Terrestrial Invasive Species Research Center charged with using scientific findings to support policy-making, application, and resource management practices that address the terrestrial invasive species affecting Minnesota. The center will coordinate initiatives focused on prevention of establishment, early detection and rapid response, development of new control methods and technology, integrated pest management, and minimizing non-target impacts of control. Proven tools and techniques developed at the center are intended to be implemented statewide as applicable.

Sub-Projects M.L. 2015, Subd. 06a:

  • 01: Garlic Mustard Biocontrol: Ecological Host Range of Biocontrol Agents - $600,000
  • 02: Mountain Pine Beetle, Phase II: Protecting Minnesota - $442,982
  • 03: Biological Control of the Soybean Aphid by Aphelinus Certus - $479,859
  • 04: Decreasing Environmental Impacts of Soybean Aphid Management - $570,000
  • 05: Optimizing Tree Injections against Emerald Ash Borer - $318,927
  • 06: Distribution and Traits of the Fungal Pathogen Fusarium Virguliforme that Influence Current and Future Risk to Soybean and Other Legumes in Minnesota - $383,651
  • 07: Tools to Distinguish Native from Exotic Reed Canary Grass - $263,273
  • 08: Accurate Detection and Integrated Treatment of Oak Wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum) in Minnesota - $356,382
  • 09: Characterizing Dispersal of Larval Gypsy Moth to Improve Quarantine Regulations - $35,000
  • 10: Management Strategies for the Invasive Spotted Wing Drosophila - $477,541
  • 11: Will Future Weather Favor Minnesota's Woody Invaders? - $526,000
  • 12: Developing Robust Identification Assays for Amaranthus Palmeri in Seed Mixture - $208,230
  • 13: Terrestrial Invasive Species Prioritization - $71,461
  • 14: Improved Detection and Future Management of Leafy Spurge and Common Tansy using Remote Sensing, Mechanistic Species Distribution Models, and Landscape Genomics - $70,812
  • 15: Expansion of the Terrestrial Invasive Species Prioritization - $92,141
  • 16: Effects of Puccinia species complex on common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) - $26,908
  • 17: Studies of entomopathogenic fungi for effective biocontrol of the emerald ash borer, Phase 2 - $33,000
  • 18: Incorporating adaptation into forecasts of range shifts with climate change - $33,000
  • 19: Genetic control of invasive insect species: Phase 3 - $50,000
  • 20: Making revegetation as part of buckthorn management feasible in Minnesota - $40,000

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) funded 20 research sub-projects through this appropriation to better protect Minnesota lands from the harmful effects of 14 priority invasive species, such as garlic mustard, soybean aphid, and oak wilt. MITPPC discoveries improved TIS management across Minnesota.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

MITPPC funded 20 research sub-projects, in full or in part, through this appropriation, producing new techniques and technologies to protect Minnesota’s lands from 14 high priority terrestrial invasive species (TIS). Four sub-projects are highlighted as examples:

  • Garlic mustard biocontrol (Roger Becker, George Heimpel, and Jeanie Katovich, leads). This team completed host range testing and climatic assessments for two European weevils that feed on garlic mustard. Results supported petitions to the federal government to approve the release of Ceutorhynchus scrobicolis, a crown-feeding weevil, and C. constrictus, a seed-feeding weevil. If federal agencies decide that releases would be safe, these weevils will transform garlic mustard management across Minnesota.
  • Soybean aphid detection and management (Robert Koch, Aaron Lorenz, and Demoz Gebre-Egziabher, leads). This team discovered an approach to accurately detect economically damaging infestations of soybean aphids from drone-based images and bred the first-ever aphid-resistant soybean lines that are also suitable for Minnesota growing conditions. These results should reduce insecticide use on Minnesota’s 7 million acres of soybeans.
  • Oak wilt detection and management (Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Rebecca Montgomery, and Jennifer Juzwik, leads). This team developed techniques to reliably detect oak wilt in images collected by drones or satellites. The team discovered robust methods to distinguish oak wilt from other oak stressors. This new detection technology will improve early detection efforts along the expanding invasion front for the disease in central Minnesota.
  • Spotted wing drosophila economics and management (Mary Rogers, William Hutchison, and Gigi DiGiacomo). This team quantified a $2-7 million annual loss to Minnesota raspberry producers from spotted wing drosophila, determined that the pest likely overwinters locally in protected microhabitats, and demonstrated that exclusion netting provides a cost-effective management approach without the need for insecticides. Results are being readily adopted.

Discoveries from MITPPC researchers make TIS management more timely, effective, and reliable across Minnesota.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

MITPPC emphasized the dissemination of findings. MITPPC teams published results in 49 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, such as the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, PLoS One, Ecology and the Environment, HortTechnology, and the Journal of Economic Entomology. Research teams brought their research directly to interested parties through over 170 presentations. Additionally, MITPPC, the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the University of Minnesota amplified communications through a variety of internal publications and social media (Twitter, website, YouTube channel) which also garnered significant interest in the local media.



Sub-Project 01: Garlic Mustard Biocontrol: Ecological Host Range of Biocontrol Agents - $600,000 TF

Roger Becker
U of M - Department of Agronomy and GeneticsC
411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 625-5753
Email: becke003@umn.edu
Web: http://appliedweeds.cfans.umn.edu/personnel
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

We were integral in the release of Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis in Canada, the first biological control agent for garlic mustard in North America. We moved closer to federal regulatory approval to release C. scrobicollis and C. constrictus in the United States. When achieved, these will offer the first viable control of garlic mustard in Minnesota woodlands.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Garlic mustard poses significant threats to our forest ecosystem. Research supported by this grant develops effective biological control of garlic mustard in Minnesota, the United States, and Canada, offering the first viable control option for this troublesome invasive plant. We gained a recommendation that Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis be considered for a release in the U.S. from the APHIS PPQ Technical Advisory Group. In follow-up consultation between USDA-APHIS-PPQ and USFWS, questions were generated that were intended to expedite writing the Biological Assessment for C. scrobicollis. Funding from this grant enabled us to address those questions with specific research on three federally listed species. COVID-19 altered our timeline, yet we will be submitting the third edition of the response in August 2021. This funding supported Entomology PhD candidate Mary Marek-Spartz analyze predictive tools used to determine the expected range of biological control insects introduced to a new region, define specific biological thresholds of C. scrobicollis, and develop a novel biennial stage-structured plant-herbivore population model. She improved the accuracy of this model through data generated in our monitoring efforts funded from this grant. Also supported on this grant, Project Scientist Dr. Katovich further defined the vernalization requirements for a garlic mustard which will greatly improve the accuracy of the projected range of garlic mustard in the US, a key factor in determining the risk of introducing specific biological control insects to North America. Additionally, she completed host specificity testing for C. scrobicollis and made significant progress towards completing the registration package for C. constrictus. We have a draft of the petition for the release of C. constrictus for biological control of garlic mustard. Due to technical difficulties in rearing threatened and endangered species out of their normal habitats, we will complete the few species needed at CABI, Delémont CH.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Knowledge gains have been distributed widely through professional and land manager meetings. Additionally, we presented our findings to our colleagues at the triennial International Symposium on the Biological Control of Weeds, hosted in 2018 by our cooperators from CABI, CH. Generations.py is a software program publicly available with a novel biennial component enabling modelers to improve predictions of the dynamics and biology of biennial organisms. We played a key role in the first release of a biological control insect for garlic mustard in North America. Additionally, four to six papers will be published in professional journals. A petition for the release of C. constrictus will be submitted to USDA APHIS PPQ TAG this fall or early next spring.

Sub-Project 02: Mountain Pine Beetle, Phase II: Protecting Minnesota - $444,982 TF

Brian Aukema
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
432A Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Ave
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-1847
Email: baukema@umn.edu
Web: https://www.entomology.umn.edu/faculty-staff/brian-aukema
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Repeated surveys did not find mountain pine beetle in Minnesota. Scant few individuals were captured dispersing far from active infestations in western states. We found that local bark beetles and predators do not optimally recognize the insect’s chemical signals, however, suggesting that such components of invasion resistance might be low.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Surveys over the course of this project did not detect any mountain pine beetle in Minnesota. Although absence data cannot rule out inappropriate lure choices, testing of a new lure within the Black Hills of South Dakota where mountain pine beetle is endemic found that the conventional lure worked well. No improvements were noted when testing a new formulation. Long distance dispersal transects revealed that mountain pine beetles can be captured up to 30 miles away from active tree-killing outbreaks, but these singletons represented a fraction of a fraction of the population. Dispersal pressure was much lower in the last year of the project when beetles returned to endemic levels, which is the norm in western forests for decades at a time. Thus, we expect that the risk of mountain pine beetle reaching Minnesota by blowing from infestations in the Black Hills of South Dakota, which is approximately 500 miles away from the nearest mature pine forests in Minnesota, is extremely low. If mountain pine beetle was to arrive in Minnesota, it would have to establish into an environment with new flora (species of pines) and fauna (other species of bark beetles as well as their predators) to which it had never been exposed. The only species of pine common to the Black Hills and Minnesota is Scots pine; exposures to the fungus that mountain pine beetle carries revealed strong localized responses of Scots pine to the inoculation sites with defensive chemicals known as monoterpenes. Surveys of Minnesota’s community of bark beetles, competitors, and predators responding to lures of mountain pine beetle in comparison to similar in the Black Hills revealed nuanced, regional variations in responses, but overall strong fidelity to cures of predators associated with local prey. Thus, we expect that predators or competitors in Minnesota would not optimally recognize the aggregation pheromone of mountain pine beetle. In one case with direct comparative tests in the Black Hills, we noted that one of the most common bark beetles that would potentially compete with mountain pine beetle in Minnesota, Ips grandicollis, avoids the lure of mountain pine beetle. We did note a few mountain pine beetles in traps baited with the aggregation pheromone of Ips grandicollis when the traps were placed far from active infestations of mountain pine beetle. This finding suggests that mountain pine beetle could respond to such pheromones as a “last-ditch” effort to find habitat during endemic periods where there are insufficient numbers to mass-attack, colonize, and kill large trees. If true, mountain pine beetle could find an endemic niche in Minnesota’s pine forests. Because we still lack knowledge about how mountain pine beetles persist in endemic states, and whether colonization densities might actually be lower in other species of Minnesota’s pines if they have lower defensive responses, continued vigilance against mountain pine beetle as a threat to Minnesota’s pine forests is warranted.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

We have published one scientific paper from this work, with four more moving toward publication with peer-reviewed journal targets. We gave numerous regional, national, and even presentations as venues such as the Entomological Society of America, the IUFRO Conference on Biological Invasions in Forests, the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, North Central Forest Pest Workshop, Western Forest Insect Work Conference, Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference, the Sustainable Forest Education Cooperative, State Forest Health Cooperators, Northern Advanced Silviculture Program, Minnesota Forest Industries, and MN Department of Natural Resources Forestry Team.

Sub-Project 03: Biological control of the soybean aphid by Aphelinus certus - $479,859 TF

George Heimpel
U of M - Department of Entomology
1980 Folwell Ave
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-3480
Email: heimp001@umn.edu
Web: https://www.entomology.umn.edu/faculty-staff/george-heimpel
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Results of this study indicate that the parasitoid Aphelinus certus provides sufficient mortality of soybean aphids to substantially decrease the need to apply insecticides against this pest.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Prior to the year 2000, the approximately seven million acres of soybeans in Minnesota suffered very little insect damage and were seldom subjected to insecticide applications. This changed with the arrival of the soybean aphid from Asia during that year. This aphid rapidly became the most important insect pest of soybeans due to its ability to substantially lower soybean yield when present at high densities on plants. This led to a ‘new normal’ that included widespread insecticide use in soybeans in Minnesota, with areas in excess of one million acres sprayed in bad aphid years. While predatory insects were capable of suppressing populations in some years, this level of control was not consistent. We noted the arrival of a new natural enemy of soybean aphid in Minnesota in 2011, however – the parasitoid Aphelinus certus – that appeared to have the potential to be a game changer. This insect lays its eggs into soybean aphids, and the developing larvae kill the aphids from within. Our main objective was to determine the extent to which this parasitoid could control populations of soybean aphids below the level that necessitates insecticide use. We also hoped to elucidate agronomic strategies that could lead to increased control by this parasitoid. Based upon a combination of laboratory, field and theoretical studies, we were able to show that A. certus is indeed capable for suppressing soybean aphid densities below the threshold levels that farmers use to initiate insecticide use. Our theoretical simulations suggested that such control occurs in approximately 10% of fields during a given year. These studies also pointed to overwintering success of the parasitoids as a critical factor determining the strength of aphid suppression. It therefore stands to reason that any agronomic factors that increase overwintering success improve the parasitoid’s capability of suppressing soybean aphid.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This research led to new analytical tools to analyze the ability of the parasitoid Aphelinus certus to control populations of the soybean aphid. It also provided novel information on the primary overwintering site of the parasitoid (within soybean fields) and aspects of its overwintering and diapausing strategy. This information can be used to predict when A. certus adults will emerge in a given field season. Lastly, the research quantified the extent of control provided by this parasitoid and generated novel hypotheses for how control can be improved.

We generated an analytical tool using a stage-based matrix modeling approach and published it in an open access Journal. This model can be modified based on environmental and life-history characteristics for this or similar host-parasitoid systems and the underlying R code is available upon request from the authors.

Sub-Project 04: Decreasing Environmental Impacts of Soybean Aphid Management - $570,000 TF

Dr. Robert Koch
U of M
1980 Folwell Ave
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-6771
Email: koch0125@umn.edu
Web: https://www.entomology.umn.edu/faculty-staff/robert-koch
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Management of soybean aphid relies on applications of broad-spectrum insecticides. This work aimed to decrease insecticide use and ameliorate associated environmental impacts through development of aphid-resistant soybean and advancement of remote scouting.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The invasion of US soybean by the soybean aphid resulted in dramatic increases in insecticide use, which has increased production costs for farmers and environmental and human-health risks. This proposal takes a two-pronged approach (preventative and therapeutic) to improve management of the soybean aphid through decreased insecticide input, which will result in increased environmental and economic sustainability of soybean production. Integration of preventative and therapeutic pest management tactics is fundamental to integrated pest management (IPM). For preventative management, we advanced the development and availability of aphid-resistant soybean. This included advancement of numerous resistant soybean lines already in the soybean breeding pipeline, including commercial release of one line. Furthermore, numerous crosses were made to incorporate different combinations of aphid-resistance genes into soybean lines, and to test and advance them through the pipeline. Novel research was also performed to examine the variability in susceptibility of aphid populations to these aphid resistant lines. For therapeutic management, we advanced the ability to use remote sensing for soybean aphid through a series of field experiments and technological advancements. Through caged experiments and open-field experiments, we documented that aphid-induced stress to soybean can be detected from drone-based sensors. In addition, through additional caged experiments we found that typical levels of defoliation (<5%) from another insect, the Japanese beetle, is unlikely to affect the ability to scout for soybean aphid; however, higher levels of defoliation (>33%) could impact scouting for soybean aphid. In addition, we built hardware to host new algorithms for autopilots used to guide small drones for accurate and safe pest management missions. We have tested the algorithm in simulation and by post-processing data collected from flight tests. These advancements will help farmers prevent soybean aphid outbreaks through the use of aphid-resistant soybean and to more effectively respond to outbreaks through efficient drone-based scouting.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

An aphid-resistant variety stemming from the work has become commercially available. Results of this project have been actively disseminated to stakeholders and the scientific community. Project results were shared in extension presentations to farmers and agricultural professionals throughout the life of this project and a video was created for stakeholders. A publication for stakeholders listed available resistant soybean varieties. Updates on this work were also shared at several scientific conferences. This work has led to scientific publications on remote sensing applications and technology (2019, 2020, 2021), and aphid-resistant soybean, and led to detection of a new soybean pest.

Sub-Project 05: Optimizing Tree Injections against Emerald Ash Borer - $318,927 TF

Brian Aukema
U of M - Department of Entomology
1980 Folwell Ave
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-1847
Email: BrianAukema@umn.edu
Web: https://www.forest-insects.umn.edu
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Emerald ash borer continues to spread and devastate Minnesota’s urban forests, but deploying the right types of insecticides to ash trees in the right ways can offer tree conservation and protection with minimal risk to non-target organisms such as bees that visit flowers and worms that decompose leaves.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that kills mature ash trees and has been spreading within Minnesota since its detection in 2009. Ash is a major component of many of Minnesota’s urban forests. Injections of insecticides into ash trees can preserve trees indefinitely, but raises concerns for non-target organisms in the environment such as bees and earthworms. For this study, we injected subsets of 1200 trees located in eight different cities in Minnesota with two different insecticides. We specifically tested products that were not neonicotinoids that have presented past risks to pollinators. Insecticides were injected into the trunks in summer of 2017, with periodic reapplications until 2020 while we measured crown health of each tree each summer until 2021. The original site selections were in cities with low pressure from emerald ash borer. We found over the four years of the study that injecting only half of the trees in a given site gave good protection to all trees. We were unable to determine, however, whether this associational protection (i.e., preservation of canopy in an untreated tree when proximate to a treated tree), winter mortality to EAB, or some combination of both was responsible for the site-wide excellent conditions that persisted five years after EAB was present in these communities. Measurements of tree phenology such as leaf out and leaf drop showed that insecticides did not alter the timing of such events. One of the insecticides, emamectin benzoate, showed excellent protection of ash seeds against seed weevils by the third year of the study, without affecting seed viability. We also canvassed the insect communities that visited the trees and harvested leaves for feeding trials with nontarget organisms, and measured chemical concentrations in the leaves. We found that insects communities were similar between treated versus untreated trees across seasons, that bees preferred visiting synchronously flowering plants such as flowering crab apples and rhododendrons versus ash trees, that trunk-injected chemicals were not reliably detected in all plant parts after injection, and that invertebrates such as worms showed no reduction in reproduction or feeding on treated leaves. As such, we concluded that detrimental effects of the insecticides tested on non-target organisms are not likely to be ubiquitous or widespread. In summary, when homeowners or communities are selecting a product to preserve urban ash trees, we recommend emamectin benzoate as a suitable and effective alternative to neonicotinoid-based products.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This work has been submitted for publication at two peer-reviewed journals, with two more submissions planned. The work has been presented at regional, national, and international venues including workshops and conferences such as the Shade Tree Short Course, the Entomological Societies of Canada and America, the IUFRO Conference on Biological Invasions of Forests, the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference, the USDA Interagency Annual Forum, and the North Central Forest Pest Workshop. A number of presentations were also given to local community forestry and resource manager groups throughout the project, and we enjoyed a high number of interactions with members of the public while working in their communities.

Sub-Project 06: Distribution and Traits of the Fungal Pathogen Fusarium Virguliforme that Influence Current and Future Risk to Soybean and Other Legumes in Minnesota - $383,651 TF

Dean Malvick and Kathryn Bushley
U of M - Department of Plant Pathology
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: 612-625-5282
Email: dmalvick@umn.edu
Web: https://plpa.cfans.umn.edu/people/faculty/dean-malvick
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project has discovered factors that influence the ability of the fungus Fusarium virguliforme to become established as a destructive pathogen on crops in new areas of Minnesota. The results are foundational to understanding this pathogen and contribute to managing the diseases it causes on soybean and other crops.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The fungal pathogen Fusarium virguliforme, which causes sudden death syndrome (SDS) on soybean and root rot of other legumes, is an expanding problem for crop producers in Minnesota. Our research team has made discoveries regarding the pathogen’s ability to spread and cause disease. First, a survey has confirmed the spread of the pathogen for the first time into seven counties in central and western MN. Second, studies of nutrient use suggest that F. virguliforme grows on a larger number of carbon and nitrogen sources than many other fungi in crop fields, likely giving it a competitive advantage. Analysis of competition between F. virguliforme and other fungi from crop fields revealed that while several fungi can inhibit its growth, multiple others are overcome by the pathogen, indicating it is a good competitor in soil and roots. Third, we determined it can survive to -40°C and thus its spread is not likely limited by cold temperatures. Fourth, in field and greenhouse experiments investigating host range, multiple crop species (black bean, pinto bean, kidney bean, and pea) showed symptoms of disease, and multiple other plant species were infected asymptomatically. Fifth, we completed a study and a publication on genetic and pathogenic variation among F. virguliforme populations in Minnesota and the Midwest. While genetic groups did not correspond to aggressiveness, three genetic clusters were identified, with two clusters likely contributing most to spread of this fungus. Sixth, we completed initial analysis of genomes from 35 isolates to investigate genes involved in pathogenicity and abilities to invade new environments. The projected trained one M.S. level and one postdoctoral level scientist, expanding expertise for addressing invasive plant pathogens. This project significantly advances fundamental and applied knowledge of F. virguliforme that can be harnessed for disease management and risk analysis by scientists, agricultural professionals, and crop producers.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This project has discovered multiple factors that influence the ability of F. virguliforme to spread and become established as a destructive pathogen on crops in new areas. Results have been presented via University of Minnesota Extension programs to key agricultural professionals and crop producers across Minnesota that contribute to managing this pathogen and the crop diseases it causes. Results have also been presented at scientific conferences and are being published in scientific journals.

Sub-Project 07: Tools to Distinguish Native from Exotic Reed Canary Grass - $263,273 TF

Neil O. Anderson
U of M - Department of Horticultural Science
286 Alderman Hall
1970 Folwell Avenue
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-6701
Email: ander044@umn.edu
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project used genetic techniques to find that most reed canarygrass in Minnesota is native to the state and not from Europe. Plant DNA was extracted from samples of reed canarygrass across the state. Due to this outcome, Tribal and State managers may choose to manage or preserve this species differently.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The goal of this project was to use molecular markers to determine native vs. exotic reed canary grass status in various locations across Minnesota growing along rivers (Des Moines, Minnesota, Mississippi, Red, Roseau, St. Croix), in fields, as commercially-grown cultivars (forage, ornamental), and preserved historic specimens in herbaria (<1940, presumed native) and a corollary set of samples from rivers in the Czech Republic as exotic comparisons (Activity 1); along Minnesota transportation corridors (highways) existing during the 1920s-1930s (Dust Bowl era) and Minnesota lakes (Bush, Cedar, Como, Phalen, Mille Lacs, Minnetonka, Square, White Bear) and Central Park (Activity 2). Due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, we were unable to get permission to collect along additional lakes. The number of plants analyzed totaled 3,430 (Activities 1,2). Plant DNA was extracted from each sample to determine genomic markers of short DNA sequences (2,889 highly differentiated single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs, out of 16,902 total markers) to distinguish native vs. exotic status. Genetic analysis of reed canarygrass showed that river populations are native Minnesota or North American types. Herbarium samples as well those from a native, unplowed field (Roseau, MN) were genetically similar to wild collections from five Minnesota rivers; forage cultivars in commercial fields (Roseau, MN) and along the Roseau River formed a separate group. The exotic central European populations were distinctly different from all native MN groups. Most variation is within (98.8%), rather than among (1.2%), populations, suggesting little divergence and a high level of shared genetic markers. Across the state, Minnesota rivers had 2-32 genetic variants present, some of which were shared among rivers. Thus, the majority of Minnesota reed canarygrass, while invasive, is native in origin and not exotic (European). Thus, based on this study, all of MN reed canarygrass is native; Tribal and State managers may choose to preserve this species.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION
Dissemination of native vs. exotic status of all Phalaris results from Activity 1 has been reported on the Department of Horticultural Science website (http://horticulture.umn.edu), that of the PIs (http://horticulture.umn.edu/directory/faculty/neil-oanderson), as well as in all PIs/co-PIs Experts at umn.edu links (https://experts.umn.edu/). As many as 11 abstracts were published in national and international meetings, along with corollary public posters sessions or seminar talks to varied audiences of academics, land managers, students, and/or the public-at-large. We have kept State and Tribal Land Managers informed on the native status of MN reed canarygrass and have initiated discussions on approaches to managing this native species yet invasive. The investment by the state on control measures for this invasive grass warrant careful consideration of best management approaches to maintaining the native genetic diversity yet not encouraging the invasive spread of this grass into managed areas. Results were also communicated to the scientific community in peer-reviewed journal articles.

Sub-Project #8. Accurate detection and integrated treatment of oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum) in Minnesota - $356,382 TF

Jeannine Cavender-Bares
U of M - Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences
1475 Gortner Avenue
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-6337
Email: cavender@umn.edu
Web: http://cbs.umn.edu/cavender-bares-lab/home
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project developed methods and approaches for better detection of oak wilt using spectroscopic technology and documented best practices to prevent spread of the disease.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Our team has made substantial progress on the development of methods and approaches for accurate detection of oak wilt in Minnesota forest using spectroscopic technology. We have also documented best practices for management efforts to prevent spread of the disease. Specifically, we have completed physiological experiments demonstrating the disease can be differentiated from other stress factors under controlled conditions (Activity 1). A manuscript on the greenhouse seedling experiment using leaf and whole plant spectroscopic data to differentiate oak wilt from bur oak blight and drought has been published in Tree Physiology. We have advanced analyses and ground-truthing of AVIRIS NG airborne imagery including model development and spectral index development for stress physiology in response to the oak wilt disease (Activity 2). In an outdoor field experiment using naturally growing oak saplings at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, oak saplings were inoculated with oak wilt and compared to healthy saplings using leaf and canopy spectroscopy. Results indicate that physiological disease symptoms can be readily detected using spectral sensors at both leaf and canopy scales using statistical models and simple indices from spectral features linked to physiological stress. Lastly, treatments were completed at 20 oak wilt sites with a new “double plow line” to prevent spread of the disease through root grafts. Initial assessments indicate the approach is highly effective, but a final determination will be made 5 years after treatment, beyond the life of this project (funding secured from USDA Forest Service). Two postdoctoral scientists, a technical scientist, a first-year graduate student and two undergraduate research assistants received training and mentoring during the project.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Our team has disseminated new knowledge from this project to local, regional, national and international audiences. A significant peer-reviewed publication has already come this project (Beth Fallon, Anna Yang, Cathleen Lapadat, Isabella Armour, Jennifer Juzwik, Rebecca A Montgomery, Jeannine Cavender-Bares. 2020. Spectral differentiation of oak wilt from foliar fungal disease and drought is correlated with physiological changes. Tree Physiology 40(3): 377–390, https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpaa005). Others are in development. The team delivered 11 talks, three posters, and one field tour to professional audiences. In addition, the project was featured in The Minnesota Daily and Market Science (scientific engagement at farmers’ markets).

Sub-Project 09: Characterizing Dispersal of Larval Gypsy Moth to Improve Quarantine Regulations - $35,000 TF

Brian Aukema
U of M - Department of Entomology
1980 Folwell Ave
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 612-1847
Email: BrianAukema@umn.edu
Web: http://www.forest-insects.umn.edu

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The European gypsy moth is an invasive insect that feeds on over 300 species of trees and shrubs. Management guidelines within a national quarantine recommend that wood products, such as timber being harvested and moved from the forest, are staged within a buffer zone area devoid of any host vegetation during harvesting operations. This buffer zone reduces the likelihood that late instar gypsy moth larvae will pupate nearby, emerge as adults, mate, and lay eggs on the wood. In practice, this buffer zone is 100 feet in radius, but this distance was established with limited understanding of the movement ecology of gypsy moth larvae. We conducted laboratory experiments at the University of Minnesota to determine how host type and food deprivation affected movement of gypsy moth caterpillars. During outbreaks, food can become scarce as larvae strip trees of foliage. Larvae were raised on one of five foods: oak, tamarack, Norway maple, sugar maple, or artificial diet. Subsets of larvae were also deprived of food for zero, 24, or 48 hours. After the food deprivation period, late instar larvae were placed on the servosphere. Larvae raised on oak, a preferred host, were unlikely to move unless starved. They moved farther and faster the longer they were starved. In contrast, when larvae were raised on less preferred hosts, they were more likely to move without prior starvation. These results suggest that feeding on optimal hosts provides gypsy moth larvae with the energy and nutritional requirements to move more quickly to more food when there is none immediately available. Thus, risks of larvae crossing a regulatory buffer zone may increase where an outbreak results in complete defoliation of preferred hosts. Results from this laboratory study were integrated with a federally-funded field study to inform best management practices of this invasive species in Minnesota.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This work has been shared with national regulatory officials at USDA APHIS who are revising the national gypsy moth management handbook at a time when the insect continues to invade Minnesota. This work was also been presented at two conferences with resource managers and other research staff:

Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference Oct 15-18, 2018. Rochester, MN. Wittman, J.T., Kees, A.M., and B.H. Aukema. Characterizing the movement behavior of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars using a servosphere.

ESA/ESC/ESBC Joint Annual Meeting Nov 11-14, 2018. Vancouver, BC. Wittman, J.T. and B.H. Aukema. Effects of host foliage on the movement behavior of larvae of gypsy moth Lymantria dispar.

Sub-Project 10: Management Strategies for the Invasive Spotted Wing Drosophila - $477,541 TF

Mary Rogers
U of M - Department of Horticultural Science
1970 Folwell Ave
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 624-8871
Email: roge0168@umn.edu
Web: http://fruit.cfans.umn.edu
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Our project developed new cost-effective methods to help growers manage damage and reduce yield loss caused by the invasive Spotted-wing drosophila in small fruit while reducing pesticide use. Additionally, we have gained basic knowledge on the behavior and flight capabilities of this pest that will contribute to future management strategies.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, SWD) is an invasive fly that lays eggs in intact, ripening fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. This pest has caused considerable economic losses for small fruit growers. First detected in MN in 2012, SWD threatens 750 acres of raspberries, strawberries, grapes, and blueberries, in addition to its 5,000 high tunnel operations statewide. At the start of our project, current control tactics were limited to repeat applications of broad-spectrum insecticides that failed to adequately protect fruit from infestation, in addition to posing risks to the environment. Additionally, we faced gaps in understanding the basic biology ad behavior or SWD, such as migration and overwintering in Minnesota, which hindered our ability to recommend appropriate management strategies. To address this, we proposed three goals: 1) develop SWD forecasting tool using local migration and overwintering data; 2) investigate efficacy of alternative management techniques; and 3) research economic impact and develop decision making tools. As a result of our work, we have indirect evidence showing that SWD may be overwintering and little evidence that the SWD has the flight capabilities for long-distance movement. We learned that physical exclusion can effectively reduce SWD damage and is cost-effective for small farms and reduces the need for insecticide sprays. Our work on biopesticides and novel repellants shows promising results in the lab but is less consistent in the field, warranting new methods to increase field efficacy. Economically, we found that SWD is responsible for at least $2 million in losses annually to raspberry growers alone, establishing the need for management for the statewide fruit industry, and growers can benefit from adopting physical exclusion and biological based pesticides. Our science-based management recommendations for this best improves overall sustainability of small fruit production in Minnesota.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Our project has resulted in six peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, eight academic presentations, over thirty talks to grower audiences and dozens of online newsletters, articles, and blog submissions, and a grower decision making tool. Grower recommendations are available on the FruitEdge website and archives on the UMN Extension Fruit and Vegetable News. Through this work, we have leveraged an additional $750,000 in federal funds to further develop sustainable production and pest management techniques for small fruit in Minnesota.

Sub-Project 11: Will Future Weather Favor Minnesota's Woody Invaders? - $526,000 TF

Peter Reich
U of M - Department of Forestry
220F Green Hall
1530 Cleveland Avenue North
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 624-4270
Email: preich@umn.edu
Web: https://www.forestecology.cfans.umn.edu
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Our findings tell the story of how exotic honeysuckle and buckthorn have invaded Minnesota forests, how and why new areas are likely to be invaded in the future, and how we may be able to mitigate invasion using native tree species.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, tatarian honeysuckle, and morrow’s honeysuckle are woody species that have been introduced to Minnesota forests from other continents. All four species frequently dominate forests and exclude native plant species. Warming temperatures and continued dispersal of these species are likely to significantly increase their abundance throughout Minnesota, especially in northern Minnesota. However, most effort by researchers and managers alike has been given to reactive measures against invasion instead of increased understanding of invasion processes and/or preventative measures. This project evaluated the climate sensitivity of these four invasive species in a way that provides for more accurate threat assessment of each throughout the state and provides tools for Minnesotans to potentially slow invasion into new areas and protect Minnesota’s forests. We analyzed growth rings of 274 trees to determine how quickly invasive species spread and characterize how native and invasive species have responded to past growing conditions. We found that growth rates of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle are most similar to native cherries and ashes in southern Minnesota, but that the invasive species already are growing much faster than those native species in northern Minnesota. Within a forest, we found that buckthorn tended first to invade hilltops and subsequently spread to low-lying areas at a rate of 3-4m yr-1 (slower than honeysuckle, which spread at 6 m yr-1). We experimentally assessed 10 native species in addition to the four invaders to determine which are favored by changing temperature and rainfall patterns (i.e. their responses to future climate). We found invasive and more southern native species to be favored by warming conditions in terms of their growth and survival, whereas more northern native species were often strongly disfavored. We established programs to detect current invasion at fine-scale spatial resolution and predict future invasion based on the findings above, and set up long-term experiments to test the ability of tree plantings to slow invasion into new areas.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Results from this project were disseminated through multiple avenues, including conference presentations, journal articles, and popular media. Principally, dissemination efforts focused on academic journals. We have submitted one manuscript detailing results from Activity 2 for peer review. Three other manuscripts related to the project are in preparation and will be submitted during the spring of 2022. We are also collaborating with National Geographic for a feature on work supported by this grant, primarily results associated with Activity 2.

Sub-Project 12: Developing Robust Identification Assays for Amaranthus Palmeri in Seed Mixture - $208,230 TF

Don Wyse
U of M - Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Crescent
St Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-7064
Email: wysex001@umn.edu
Web: https://agronomy.cfans.umn.edu/department-directory/donald-l-wyse
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project created a highly reliable test for detecting Palmer Amaranth, in individual plants and pools of seed. The test is expected to be commercially available and will be an important tool for Minnesota farmers, crop consultants, and agronomic specialists. Palmer amaranth can reduce corn and soybean yields by 80-90%.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Palmer Amaranth is an aggressive and prolific weed species that poses a major ecological and economic risk to growers in the state of Minnesota. Closely related to other pigweed species, Palmer has a far more severe impact on agricultural row cropping systems. Early identification of Palmer Amaranth is critical, as it has developed resistance to some of the most widely used herbicides; ALS-inhibitors, PPO-inhibitors, and glyphosate. Visual identification of Palmer Amaranth against other pigweed species is difficult, which has led to the use of genetic testing becoming the standard for identifying Palmer.

To address this emerging challenge we collected at team of weed science experts from the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This team developed an improved genetic test to maximize the robustness and reliability of Palmer Amaranth identification for both individual plants and bulk seed screenings. To achieve this, our team collected Pigweed samples across the United States as well as Mexico, South America and Africa. We extracted DNA samples from a total of 24 populations of Palmer amaranth and 42 non-Palmer pigweeds, resulting in DNA from over 2,000 individual plants. We sequenced more than 800 of these samples through the University of Minnesota Genomic center to search for genetic differences between Palmer and the other species. These differences served as a target for developing a set of genetic markers that can be used for species identification. Once developed the genetic markers were tested against 1,250 pigweed samples to assess their performance.

The final result is a highly reliable test for (>99.7% accuracy) for detecting Palmer Amaranth, both for individual plants and pools of seed. This test will be an important tool for Palmer control for Minnesota growers, crop consultants, and other agronomic specialists. The test is expected to be commercially available in 2020.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

TThis project resulted in the development of a robust, highly accurate and easy to use assay for the identification of Palmer Amaranth against other pigweed species. This assay is commercially viable, and a patent was filed for the two markers developed solely at UMN on March 27th, 2020 (Patent #63,000,946). Collaborators at Colorado State University has stated their interest in licensing the tests and offering them as part of a comprehensive Pigweed seed testing service.

This project has also resulted in the creation of a large body of genetic sequence data for Pigweeds assembled from across a wide geographic range. This data will be a valuable resource for future work on Palmer Amaranth and related pigweed species, and will be made publically available through NCBI.

Results of this project were shared at a seminar at Colorado State University, a session at a joint meeting of the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference and North American Invasive Species Management Association, and an Applied Plant Science seminar at the University of Minnesota. A YouTube video about the project was created for general audiences as well.

Active presence during regional Palmer Amaranth conference calls allowed us to keep neighboring states appraised of our progress and will be one avenue of announcement for when the Palmer identification test when it becomes commercially available.

A peer reviewed journal article is currently in writing to be submitted to Frontiers in Plant Science, and presentations are being prepared for sessions at two upcoming conferences: the Ecological Society of America in August 2020 and the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference in October 2020.

Sub-Project 13: Terrestrial Invasive Species Prioritization - $71,461 TF

Amy Morey
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (406) 698-7684
Email: morey041@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project produced written risk evaluations of 77 terrestrial invasive species requested for review by MITPPC stakeholders, and assisted with the 2020 update of the MITPPC prioritization analysis. Thorough review of species allows MITPPC to be dynamic and transparent in how it responds to emerging TIS threats and stakeholder concerns.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

In 2017, the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center undertook an expansive research prioritization to systematically evaluate threats posed by a wide array of terrestrial invasive invertebrates, plants, and plant pathogens and created the document, “Minnesota's Top 124 Terrestrial Invasive Plants and Pests: Priorities for Research,” which has provided guidance on funding MITPPC research projects in subsequent years. Since its publication, many terrestrial invasive species (TIS) have been suggested for further review by stakeholders. The movement of TIS into Minnesota and their potential harms calls for a thorough review of suggested species.

Following methodology developed in the 2017 document, this MITPPC project evaluated 77 plant, invertebrate, and plant pathogen species submitted for review by stakeholders. The results of each evaluation are incorporated into the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model used by MITPPC to rank and prioritize the TIS that threaten Minnesota’s terrestrial ecosystems. AHP is a form of multi-criteria decision analysis that makes the process of selecting the highest priority threats consistent and transparent. AHP has been used by many agencies and organizations to facilitate complex decision making. This project provided an update to the research priorities for the MITPPC 2020 call for proposals, which included ~45 new or re-reviewed species. Evaluations completed after the 2020 update will contribute to an anticipated 2022 prioritization update.

The project also enhanced and updated the evaluation of species such that multi-page documents are produced for each species to clearly outline the information used for characterizing the potential threat posed to Minnesota. Evaluation documents will be made available for stakeholder feedback. These changes allow MITPPC to continue to be dynamic and transparent in how it responds to emerging TIS threats and stakeholder concerns.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

During this project, evaluations of 77 species were conducted. Results from approximately 45 of these evaluations were analyzed and included in the 2020 updated prioritization, a summary of which can be found in the document "Minnesota’s Top Terrestrial Invasive Plants & Pests for Research: An Expanded Prioritization" (https://mitppc.umn.edu/invasive-species-prioritization). The remaining evaluations will contribute to an anticipated update to the research priorities in 2022. Evaluation documents are in the process of becoming publically available for feedback from MITPPC stakeholders on the MITPPC website (https://mitppc.umn.edu/invasive-species-prioritization).

Sub-Project 14: Improved Detection and Future Management of Leafy Spurge and Common Tansy using Remote Sensing, Mechanistic Species Distribution Models, and Landscape Genomics - $70,812 TF

David Moller and Ryan Briscoe Runquist
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
410 Biological Sciences
1445 Gortner Ave
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 624-1037 - David Moeller
Email: moeller@umn.edu - David Moeller
rbriscoe@umn.edu - Ryan Briscoe Runquist
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Cutting-edge deep learning computer models, large scale field experiment, and genomic analyses were used to improve predictions of invasive range expansion for leafy spurge and common tansy. In both species, we found substantial genetic and phenotypic evolution that may impact their invasive risk and change future strategic decision making.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

In our project, we used cutting-edge deep learning computer models, large scale field experiments, and genomic analyses to improve predictions of invasive range expansion for the two problematic weeds, leafy spurge and common tansy. In both species, we found substantial genetic and phenotypic evolution that may impact their invasive risk and change future strategic decision making. In the leafy spurge system, we built highly accurate detection models that leveraged publicly-available satellite imagery, which allowed us to predict occurrences across large landscapes. Predictions of this magnitude allow for rapid field detection and monitoring as well as the identification of environmental factors that promote leafy spurge invasion. Population genomics and trait analysis of leafy spurge further revealed that, despite relatively similar genetic variation across the expanding range, populations from different regions of the state may have evolved differences in germination niche. In the common tansy system, we focused on understanding potentially adaptive genetic and trait variation using growth chamber experiments and a large common garden experiment with climate manipulations. Data reveal important trait evolution occurred during range expansion which has the potential to impact further invasion and that may influence the response to climate change. Landscape genomic analysis of common tansy revealed that there are two distinct genetic clusters in Minnesota that are distinguished by changes in soil features and land usage.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Lake, T.A., R.D. Briscoe Runquist & D.A. Moeller. 2023. Chronosequence of invasion reveals minimal losses of population genomic diversity, niche expansion, and trait divergence in the polyploid, leafy spurge. Evolutionary Applications, in revision; https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.04.535556v2

Lake, T.A. Lake, R.D. Briscoe Runquist, & D.A. Moeller. 2022. Deep learning detects invasive plant species across complex landscapes using Worldview-2 and Planetscope satellite imagery. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation 8:875–889.

Briscoe Runquist, R.D., T.A. Lake, & D.A. Moeller. 2021. Improving predictions of range expansion for invasive species using joint species distribution models and surrogate co-occurring species. Journal of Biogeography 48:1693-1705.

Lake, T.A., R.D. Briscoe Runquist, & D.A. Moeller. 2020. Predicting range expansion of invasive species: pitfalls and best practices for obtaining biologically realistic projections. Diversity and Distributions 26:1767–1779.

Sub-Project 15: Expansion of the Terrestrial Invasive Species Prioritization - $92,141 TF

Amy Morey
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (406) 698-7684
Email: morey041@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu

Sub-Project 16: Effects of Puccinia species complex on common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) - $26,908 TF out of a budget total of $357,779

Pablo Olivera Firpo
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 625-9776
Email: oliv0132@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu

The remainder of the work continues under M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 5, Sec. 2, Subd. 06a - Subproject #2.

Sub-Project 17: Studies of entomopathogenic fungi for effective biocontrol of the emerald ash borer, Phase 2 - $33,000 TF out of a budget total of $342,273

Robert Blanchette
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 625-0202
Email: robertb@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu

The remainder of the work continues under M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 5, Sec. 2, Subd. 06a - Subproject #7.

Sub-Project 18: Incorporating adaptation into forecasts of range shifts with climate change - $33,000 TF out of a budget total of $598,107

Ryan Briscoe Runquist
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Email: rbriscoe@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu

The remainder of the work continues under M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 5, Sec. 2, Subd. 06a - Subproject #6.

Sub-Project 19: Incorporating adaptation into forecasts of range shifts with climate change - $50,000 TF out of a budget total of $599,362

Michael Smanski
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 624-9752
Email: smanski@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu

The remainder of the work continues under M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 5, Sec. 2, Subd. 06a - Subproject #5.

Sub-Project 20: Making revegetation as part of buckthorn management feasible in Minnesota - $40,000 TF out of a budget total of $525,000

Michael Schuster
U of M - Minnesota - MITPPC
1980 Folwell Ave
Hodson Hall Rm 219
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 625-6989
Email: schuster@umn.edu
Web: www.mitppc.umn.edu

The remainder of the work continues under M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 5, Sec. 2, Subd. 06a - Subproject #10.

Emerald Ash Borer Ecological/Hydrological Impacts - Phase 2

Research Project

Subd. 06b     $400,000 TF

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

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

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the first year 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 black ash forests and quantify potential impacts on native forest vegetation, invasive species spread, and hydrology. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2020, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Project demonstrates great vulnerability of Minnesota’s ash forests to emerald ash borer, including potential shifts from forested to marsh-like vegetation once ash trees have been killed. Promising strategies to mitigate these impacts through establishment of non-ash species using tree planting and other methods have been demonstrated through this project.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been decimating ash trees throughout the Lake States and is currently on the doorstep of the vast acreages of black ash in northern Minnesota. There are over one billion black ash trees in the state and loss of this species is expected to have significant cultural and ecological impacts across the region. This project was a continuation of the Ecological and Hydrological Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer project that received ENRTF funding in 2010 and was designed to increase our understanding of the vulnerability of northern Minnesota forests to EAB and develop appropriate strategies for increasing the resilience of these critical habitats to the impacts of this introduced insect. Results from this project indicate that loss of black ash will have significant impacts on the hydrology of these areas with overstory mortality resulting in an increased duration of flooding. These impacts are likely to be greatest in swamps occupying depressional or transitional hydrogeomorphic settings. Examination of 32 black ash wetlands across northern Minnesota indicated a region-wide lack of species capable of replacing black ash following EAB and point to an urgent need for active silvicultural intervention to establish non-host tree species in these wetlands. To this end, we monitoring survival of seedlings planted as potential replacement species over a nine-year period and found that the highest surviving species were American elm, swamp white oak, Manchurian ash, and hackberry. Another species showing promise is balsam poplar, which is readily planted from cuttings and may provide an operationally efficient strategy for establishing non-ash tree species in areas threatened by EAB. Collectively, this work has helped identify both the black ash wetlands most vulnerable to EAB impacts, as well as the forest conservation strategies most effective at mitigating these impacts.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The results of this project have been shared on numerous occasions with resource professionals, policy makers, citizens, and scientists over the past five years in efforts to inform forest conservation decisions regarding the impacts of emerald ash borer on black ash forests in Minnesota. These dissemination activities have included the development of case studies within the Great Lakes Silviculture Prescription Library highlighting key outcomes of this work. In addition, we have shared the results from this project with private forest landowners, and county, state, tribal and federal natural resource managers on numerous occasions, including through two Sustainable Forestry Education Cooperative webinars (September 15, 2015 and October 17, 2017) and presentations at the Upper Midwest Great Lakes Landscape Conservation Cooperative North Woods Work Group meeting at Sault St. Marie, MI June 28, 2016, and the Society of American Foresters National Convention in Madison, WI on November 3, 2016. The results of this work have also been shared directly with the Silviculture Program Coordinator for the Minnesota DNR to discuss ways in which the findings from this project can inform black ash management guidelines for the state of Minnesota (February 16, 2017). We co-organized the workshop, “Science and Management of Ash Forests after EAB” in Duluth, MN July 25-27, 2017 where results from this project related to hydrology and understory vegetation and associated management strategies were presented to over 200 resource managers, policy makers, and scientists from across MN, MI, WI and the northeastern US. Results of this project related to management strategies for minimizing emerald ash borer impacts were presented as part of the National Silviculture Workshop in Bemidji, MN May 21-23, 2019. This included a field tour for natural resource managers to the sites established under Phase I of this project with representation from the Minnesota DNR, several MN County Land Departments, Chippewa National Forest, Superior National Forest, Division of Resource Management for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, as well as foresters and scientists from across the US. The results of this project related to potential replacement species for planting to sustain the functioning of black ash wetlands following EAB were shared as part of a webinar “Integrating Assisted Migration into Adaptation Strategies for Northeastern Forests.” This webinar is part of the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science Forest Webinar series, with over 120 forest managers viewing the webinar, which is now archived online on YouTube. Finally, the project PI has served on the Minnesota DNR black ash management guideline committee since the inception of this project and has shared project results to influence the current recommendations for managing MN black ash forests in the face of EAB.

Publications resulting from this work are available for download from the USFS Treesearch website. Additional publications from this work that are currently in development will also be posted on this site and shared with LCCMR staff for dissemination.

Biological Control of Canada Thistle - RESEARCH

Research Project

Subd. 06c     $300,000 TF

Roger Becker
U of MN
411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Cir
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-5753
Email: becke003@umn.edu
Web: http://appliedweeds.cfans.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$300,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a biological control for Canada thistle, an invasive plant species in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Canada thistle is a serious threat to natural and managed ecosystems in Minnesota. In 1998, the Canada thistle biocontrol stem-mining weevil Hadroplontus litura was introduced into a limited area in Minnesota with a resulting decline in Canada thistle populations. Although showing a preference for Canada thistle, initial host range testing of H. litura revealed that it attacked other native thistles. Before continuing biocontrol efforts with additional H. litura releases in Minnesota, we wanted to clarify whether H. litura would attack thistles native to Minnesota. The two objectives of our research were: 1.) determine whether H. litura could feed, oviposit and complete development on native thistles, and 2.) determine the phenology of native thistles in relation to Canada thistle. In no-choice tests, female H. litura accepted all native thistle species for oviposition and was able to complete development to the adult stage on swamp, field, tall, Flodman’s and wavy-leaved thistle. In Hill’s and the federally threatened Pitcher’s thistle, no adults were found in development tests. However, since more than half of Hill’s and Pitcher’s thistle plants died during the course of the experiment and it is unclear whether the plants died as a result of H. litura attack or other causes. Delayed spring emergence on native thistles could temporally escape H. litura oviposition and afford some protection from H. litura. However, all tested native thistles could be attacked because they have shoots present when H. litura eggs are laid in the spring. In conclusion, we recommend that tests should be conducted in open field conditions to document the ecological host range of H. litura prior to the continued released of H. litura as a biocontrol agent of Canada thistle in Minnesota.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The following materials were disseminated and produced:

  • Becker, R.L. 2017. Update included as part of a broader presentation: Overview of Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Management in Minnesota. Iowa Invasive Species Conference. Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake, Moravia, Iowa. March 28 - 29, 2017
  • Becker, R. 2018. Update included as part of a broader presentation: Canada thistle in Minnesota Prairies: Now you see it, now you don’t. Webinar hosted by MIPN. International audience (Canada and US). 70 participants. Invited talk, of on 4 in a series. Feb 13 2018. Available online https://www.mipn.org/proceedings/restoration-webinar-series/
  • Katovich, E., R. Becker, M. Marek-Spartz. 2018. Host Specificity of Hadroplontus litura on native Cirsium Species. Proc. North Central Weed Science Soc. Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee, WI. Dec. 3–6, 2018. Poster (35)
  • Katovich ES, RL Becker, M Marek-Spartz, M Chandler, L Van Riper. 2016. Biological Control of Canada Thistle. UMISC. LaCrosse WI Oct 17-19. Poster.
  • Marek-Spartz, M., E. Katovich, R. Becker, M. Chandler, and L. Van Riper. 2018. Biological Control of Canada Thistle: Host Range of Hadroplontus Litura on Native Cirsium spp. Presentation at the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference. Rochester Convention Center, Rochester MN. Oct. 15-18, 2018.

Preventing a New Disease of Pines in Minnesota

Research Project

Subd. 06d     $371,000 TF

Robert Blanchette
U of MN
1991 Upper Buford Cir, 495 Borlaug Hall
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-0202
Email: robertb@umn.edu
Web: http://forestpathology.cfans.umn.edu/default.htm

Appropriation Language
$371,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to establish early detection for heterobasidion, an invasive root rot fungus, and develop efforts to prevent its spread and reduce its impact. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Heterobasidion root disease is a serious new pathogen of red and white pine that has been found in southeastern Minnesota. New diagnostic tools were developed, tested and successfully diagnosed samples with the pathogen. Selection of native fungi antagonistic to this pathogen were found and their biocontrol potential has been evaluated.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

A new invasive tree disease called Heterobasidion root disease is a serious threat to Minnesota’s red and white pines as well as other conifers. It is considered the most economically important disease of pines throughout the Northern temperate regions. In recent years, the pathogen has moved through Wisconsin and is now found on red pine in southeastern Minnesota. New molecular methods to identify the pathogen were developed and are being used to successfully identify the pathogen from field samples. Monitoring disease progression has been initiated and spores of the pathogen appear to be moving into new areas. Finding this disease early is essential so that control procedures can be initiated to limit the spread of this disease. Control methods for Minnesota have been evaluated and management guidelines were developed in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A series of videos on the biology and control of this disease as well as information on our research activities to find biocontrol agents were developed. These educational materials are being widely used by foresters and landowners in Minnesota as well as in other states. Although some control options are available, research was carried out to identify the possibility of new biocontrol methods that could be used. Native fungi that are antagonistic to the pathogen were tested for their potential use as biological control agents. Several were found to be effective and are ready for field testing. This work has helped to limit the spread of this pathogen in Minnesota and has provided new information on potential future biological control methods. The detection protocols that were developed have been found to be very effective for monitoring this pathogen and can now be adapted and used to survey for other invasive forest pathogens that may affect Minnesota’s trees.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

To disseminate important information obtained from the project we developed four videos that explain the identification, biology and management options for Heterobasidion root disease.

These videos provide resource managers and the public with needed information to identify the disease and the most current options for control. Collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in making these outreach materials has resulted in their widespread use and they have become an important resource for limiting the spread of this new invasive disease in Minnesota. Other scientific publications from project results are in the process of being published these include:

  • Surveys Results for Heterobasidion irregulare in Minnesota
  • Fungal community analysis of red pine stumps in managed stands across Minnesota
  • Antagonistic interactions between basidiomycete fungi and Heterobasidion irregulare

Subd. 07Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy

Renewable and Sustainable Fertilizers Produced Locally

Research Project

Subd. 07a     $1,000,000 TF

Alon McCormick
U of MN
421 Southeast Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: (612) 625-1822
Email: mccormic@umn.edu
Web: http://www.cems.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Morris West Central Research and Outreach Center and Twin Cities Campus to develop and demonstrate new technologies aimed at enabling renewable and sustainable production of ammonia for fertilizer in a localized manner. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

We can reduce the environmental impact of Minnesota farms, and provide practical assistance to them as well, by producing ammonia locally with renewable wind energy. This project demonstrated a new UMN technology that can make this economically feasible for Minnesota corn and small grain farms and coops. It also explored another technology that may find use in hydroponics.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Activity 1 demonstrated that UMN absorbent technology can pave the way to making ammonia sustainably for the farm, using renewable energy and with producing no greenhouse gas emission. This would reduce the environmental impact of Minnesota farms while also providing relief from stringent seasonal demand for ammonia. Numerous engineering and technoeconomic analysis publications and presentations - assisted also by the US Department of Energy ARPA-E - laid the foundation to develop intellectual property and seek potential future partners. For Minnesota farms, it is next most promising to focus on designing a single integrated reactor-separator module, safer and more efficient than to date, able to produce cheaper ammonia at the farm scale. We will next to seek support to pursue this direction to benefit the Minnesota environment.

Activity 2 explored plasma-generated ammonia and nitrates, showing potential for use in hydroponic irrigation streams providing on-demand fertilizer.

Activity 3 technoeconomic and policy analysis examined appropriate siting and planning of distributed ammonia production for the Minnesota agriculture, establishing important case studies that frame the challenge for the future. Data used was from WCROC’s existing wind-to-ammonia facility, demonstrating nationally and internationally the important of this nation-leading benchmark, and drawing interest in possible use of WCROC for a future US Department of Energy demonstration.

Activity 4 explored the question of whether hydrochar might be used to help prevent runoff of ammonia and nitrates from fields (in partnership with Prof. Ken Valentas’ project).

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Engineering publications that laid the foundation for intellectual property development. Presentations at major meetings (national and international ammonia and fertilizer meetings) and state, national and international meetings arranged with the UMN Office of Technology Commercialization, to pursue contacts and plans with prospective partners.

Workshops with possible Minnesota stakeholders convened by co-PI Steve Kelley (formerly UMN Humphrey School of Public Affairs; now, though, Minnesota Commerce Commissioner) to learn and address needs of farmers and local utilities.

News features and science outreach to help get the message out and stimulate further inquiries and discussion Website logging progress and literature resources as they grow from the team’s work: (https://wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/research-programs/renewable-energy/ammonia)

Reducing Emissions from Open Burning through Biomass Gasification

Subd. 07b     $268,000 TF

William Northrop
U of MN
111 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: (612) 625-6854
Email: wnorthro@umn.edu
Web: http://www.me.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$268,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources to characterize and promote distributed biomass gasification of wood waste as a means for producing renewable and sustainable energy in rural areas through a demonstration at the Department of Natural Resources regional office facility in New Ulm.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota forests produce 2.4 million tons of wood waste per year, a significant portion of which is burned in open piles or in large-scale gasification facilities to generate heat and power. However, open burning wastes energy and emits harmful pollutants while large-scale power generation facilities rely on transporting fuel long distances. This project demonstrated that a small-scale distributed gasifier-generator system could produce heat and power for remote rural areas while reducing harmful pollution. In laboratory tests conducted at the University of Minnesota, the research team found that small-scale gasification emitted fewer pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), soot, and carbon monoxide per amount of wood consumed than open burning and comparable emissions to large-scale wood energy operations. Further, due to clean engine combustion and production of biochar, small-scale gasification was found to achieve the lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to open burning, large-scale gasification and wood decomposition.

In the second phase of the project, the gasifier generator system was packaged into a weatherproof container and installed at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Southern Regional Office in New Ulm, MN. There it supplemented the facility’s installed photovoltaic solar array on winter mornings, offsetting 10-15 kW of utility purchased power used to operate geothermal heat pumps. The system’s performance at DNR supports small-scale gasification’s potential for use in remote applications like state park facilities. Although promising when operational, excessive DNR staff time was required to regularly start and maintain the system, and prepare dry fuel. Other operational deficiencies included internal clogging and equipment failures. To be viable for further deployment, additional development work must be done to realize a more reliable and automated system. Ultimately, this project proved that small-scale distributed biomass gasification, if improved, could be an environmentally and economically favorable alternative to open burning and large-scale gasification.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

To disseminate the results of the gasifier-generator emissions analysis, a graduate thesis explaining all elements of the project was completed. In addition, a paper emphasizing the applications and merits of distributed small-scale gasification using waste biomass was submitted to the journal Biomass and Bioenergy. Several tours were held at the DNR facility to showcase the gasifier offsetting the facility’s electricity costs and to discuss the benefits and challenges of biomass gasification technology. Finally, power output data from the gasifier operating during winter months was published to the DNR’s Energy Smart website http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/energysmart/.

Building Deconstruction to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Solid Waste

Subd. 07c     $1,000,000 TF

Part 1 - $845,000
Steve Thomas
The NetWork for Better Futures
2620 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Phone: (612) 325-7856
Email: sthomas@betterfutures.net
Web: hhttp://www.betterfuturesminnesota.com

Part 2 - $155,000
Victor Krause
U of MN - Duluth NRRI
5013 Miller Trunk Highway
Duluth, MN 55811

Phone: (218) 788-2769
Email: vkrause@d.umn.edu
Web: http://www.nrri.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$845,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Better Futures Minnesota in cooperation with the Northwest Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center and $155,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota - Duluth for the Natural Resources Research Institute to develop and test a model for implementing building deconstruction and material reuse as a competitive alternative to demolition for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing landfill waste, and providing job training. The project report must quantify and document greenhouse gas emissions reductions resulting from specific deconstruction techniques and materials reuses.

Part 1 - OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This project promoted building deconstruction as an alternative to demolition. The project also developed viable techniques for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diverting significant amounts of reusable and recyclable building materials from landfills. Construction and demolition debris is the second largest component of our waste stream; only 20-30 percent is recycled. Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a building, with the purpose of recovering materials for reuse or manufacturing into new products. Overall, material reuse reduces the industry’s consumption of virgin materials, helps preserve natural resources, and protects the environment from pollution related to extraction, processing, and disposal of raw materials.

The partners exceeded nearly all the expectations related to this project:

  1. 29 LCCMR-eligible properties were deconstructed.
  2. 303 unemployed people were trained and/or employed. 18 FTE positions were created.
  3. The partners compiled environmental impact data for the projects. Over 2,600 tons of building material was diverted from landfills. For projects in the Twin Cities, more than 85% of the waste was diverted and 5% of the materials were reused. It was difficult to achieve these diversion rates in Greater Minnesota due to the lack of building material recycling facilities.
  4. The environmental benefits generated by deconstruction compared to traditional demolition are significant. The practice of dumping a building into a landfill emits, on average, 248 metric tons of CO2 for each property demolished. Better Futures’ deconstruction work emitted on average just 51 metric tons of CO2.
  5. This project averted the emission of 5,288 metric tons of CO2. This decrease in CO2 emissions is equivalent to taking 1,114 cars off the road for one year. The social cost of this carbon offset is $190,548.

These activities and accomplishments confirmed the multiple benefits of building deconstruction. This approach for building removal reduces the release of harmful toxins and gasses to our air, water and land. Deconstruction also creates meaningful employment with opportunities for advancement in numerous industries. This process also preserves a wide range of fixtures and other materials that are in demand for reuse or repurposing.

But significant challenges hinder the financial viability of deconstruction since the current cost of demolition is artificially low. The existing price for demolition does not reflect the true environmental, health, economic, and social cost of burying material in landfills. The solution, based on the testing, work, and research completed under this grant is to adopt building material stewardship policies statewide.

Part 1 - PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Throughout the grant period, the partners were consistently engaged in promoting the practice of deconstruction and material reuse. Over time, the visibility of workers taking a part a building generated the most publicity and heightened the level of interest among the public. The actual work helped to highlight the futility and wastefulness of demolition and showcased a practical way to significantly reduce trips to a landfill. Homeowners emerged as the prime drivers for deconstruction of privately owned buildings. Accordingly, the partner’s revised its messages and materials to address a homeowners’ demands and concerns about demolition. An added advantage is homeowners secure a tax deduction for the materials donated to the partners. This tax benefit helps with making the case for deconstruction.

Part 2 - OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

NRRI partnered with Better Futures MN and Northwest Indian Community Development Center to promote building deconstruction as an alternative to demolition. Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a building, with the purpose of recovering materials for reuse or manufacturing into new products. This partnership hopes to bring awareness to Minnesotans that building deconstruction is a reliable way to manage our natural resources used for construction, and reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with disposal of demolition wastes.

NRRI activities during the project period:

  1. Assisted with the development of safe, cost-effective methods for the removal of materials to retain maximum value of items harvested. As an aid to the partners, a final report was generated by NRRI that covers a list of potential end uses for materials and suggests some methods for determining value for the various materials that were harvested during the project period.
  2. Provided training to participants from Better Futures and NWICDC to select quality materials, practice safety in the wood shop, build indoor/outdoor benches, and suggested methods to determine value of the items built. Participants learned additional skills to make themselves more marketable to future employers.
  3. Assisted with the promotion of building deconstruction across the state of Minnesota by participating in the assembly and presentation of several case studies with examples of the benefits of deconstruction; shared the case studies during meetings with county officials, at regional Green Building meetings, and at two conventions in Minneapolis and Duluth.
  4. Provided input to Ecotone Partners, who developed a tool for calculating yield and environmental impact of materials harvested from deconstruction. Reports produced using the tool provide information on greenhouse gas reduction, energy savings, reduced landfill use, and materials reused.
Part 2 - PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Over the course of the project, NRRI was consistently promoting deconstruction and material reuse by engaging the public during public tours at our facility in Duluth. A display was constructed from harvested materials that highlighted the value and the environmental impact of diverting materials from the landfill and reusing or converting them into usable commodities. NRRI engaged others through the use of social media to promote activities that the partners were involved with. Media events connected to specific projects in St. Louis County helped to showcase the positive impact offered through deconstruction by highlighting local job creation, landfill diversion, and the lack of material recycling and reuse in greater Minnesota.

Subd. 08Methods to Protect, Restore, and Enhance Land, Water, and Habitat

Prioritizing Future Management of North Shore Trout Streams

Subd. 08a     $416,000 TF

Lucinda B. Johnson
U of MN - NRRI
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN 55811

Phone: (218) 788-2651
Email: ljohnson@nrri.umn.edu
Web: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/staff/ljohnson.asp

Appropriation Language
$357,000 the first year is from the trust fund and $59,000 the first year is from the Great Lakes protection account to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota - Duluth for the Natural Resources Research Institute to identify key areas in North Shore streams that supply the cold groundwater essential to sustaining trout fisheries, in order to focus habitat restoration, protection, and management efforts on the areas that are most essential for long-term stream health and sustainability. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Since the last report we have used the stream temperature data collected by NRRI and DNR to develop models predicting the presence of groundwater and the presence of cold water in North Shore streams. Two different models were developed predicting: 1) presence/absence of cold-water features; 2) actual mean July mean, minimum and maximum July temperature. We then used a “weight of evidence” approach from these model predictions to predict the tributaries with a high probability of encountering a cold-water feature. Maps were developed to depict the location of these cold-water tributaries and reaches with cold-water features; a database was developed showing the location of sampled streams along with their status with respect to 1) observation of cold-water features; 2) existence of cold-water tributaries; 3) no cold-water features. In addition, we created stream temperature models for several tributaries, and used them to project future changes in stream temperature and studied the potential for mitigating temperature changes with increased riparian shading. Throughout this project a member of the angling community was embedded in the project planning meetings, participated in project meetings in which data and models were evaluated, provided perspectives on data and outreach products, and has assisted in the development of management recommendations. This individual will be assisting with further outreach to the angling community throughout the coming spring (2019).

Overall Project Outcomes

Water temperature is generally considered one of the primary physical habitat parameters determining the suitability of stream habitat for fish species, but climate change is threatening these cold-water habitats. The primary goal of this project was to provide the information to ensure that restoration and management are targeted at stream reaches essential to ensuring long-term sustainability of cold-water fisheries. Project goals were: (1) collect temperature data and map the locations of thermal refuges in “top tier” North Shore trout streams; (2) determine the environmental characteristics (flow, geology, and land use / land cover) associated with cold-water refuges, and predict areas most resilient to climate change; and (3) recommend actions to protect / manage these cold-water features. We developed an inventory and database of cold water tributaries and features in North shore streams based on manual surveys (n = 121 stream reaches; of which 83 were found to contain cold-water features), and continuous monitoring (n = 36 locations); developed empirical models predicting the probability of encountering a cold-water tributary or a reach with a cold-water feature; assessed the relative influence of climate versus riparian shading on stream temperature; developed management recommendations to promote the persistence of cold-water habitat under future climate conditions. Fishery personnel were involved throughout the project development and execution to help assess results and develop recommendations. Recommendations for future data needs included: depth to bedrock, extent of bedrock fracturing, more detailed map of Quaternary Geology. Additional temperature monitoring is recommended to include locations within and outside cold-water features. Management actions focused on restoring or enhancing riparian vegetation near high value streams with narrow channels, streams in smaller subcatchments, and, where groundwater seeps enter warmer channels, maintaining tree cover to preserve lower groundwater temperatures. Data will be posted on a public website for distribution (https://data.nrri.umn.edu/data/).

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

MN Trout Unlimited personnel have been involved in all aspects of this project, starting with the study design, development of sampling methods, site selection, data analysis / interpretation, and information dissemination. MN DNR staff were consulted extensively in site selection; data from MN DNR temperature surveys have been incorporated into modeling efforts. Personnel from the Minnesota Spring Survey were also consulted periodically to exchange site selection information.

We have given periodic talks to fishing organizations, attended fishing expos, and will meet with fishing organizations and DNR staff during the coming winter to further disseminate results and discuss recommendations. PI Johnson and student Jonathan Utecht made a presentation to the Arrowhead Fly Fishers group on February 16, 2015 to invite volunteers; they also attended two additional events at the Nemadji Water Fest in Carlton County (March 12th) and the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo (March 19-20) in St. Paul. Informal interactions between project personnel and the angling community occurred at MN Trout Unlimited and MN Steelhead Association meetings throughout the project.

Propagating Native Plants and Restoring Diverse Habitats

Subd. 08b     $495,000 TF

Ashley Brenke
Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District
923 N State St, Ste 110
Fairmont, MN 56031

Phone: (507) 235-6680
Email: ashley.martinswcd@gmail.com
Web: http://www.martinswcd.net

Appropriation Language
$495,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District for a cooperative 13-county effort by Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties to protect and expand native forest and prairie habitat for species in greatest conservation need in four regions of the state through collection and propagation of local ecotype native plants, habitat restoration efforts, and educational outreach. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2020, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project enhanced the number and variety of native plant species on sites across the state of Minnesota. By working with a variety of partners, we were able to reach citizens from the border of Iowa up to Lake Superior, and teach many people about the importance of native habitats.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota is blessed to have a variety of habitats all across the state. The Thirteen Counties project focused on improving those diverse habitats by restoring uncommon native plant species. This had a secondary benefit of also providing habitat for other at-risk species. Local sourced species were chosen for planting that matched the growing conditions on the restoration site. Species selection was made depending on local species availability and the characteristics of the sites.

Plant materials were collected locally from species that have little or no presence in restorations. Over 50,000 plants were propagated of 50 different species. Prior to establishing new native plant species on site, invasive species sometimes had to be removed. Restorations occurred on over 15 different sites across the state. Funds were directly used on sites in 4 different counties and technical assistance was provided to projects in 2 additional counties. While projects did not occur in 7 of the counties, project participants still heard updates about grant progress at regional meetings in southcentral Minnesota. The degree of invasive species removal varied from site to site. Some of the invasive species removed during this project were Common Tansy and Japanese Barberry. Resilient native species, such as Grass Leaved Goldenrod, were planted in place of the invasive species with the goal of being able to out-compete the invasive species long term. In Cottonwood County, for example, invasive buckthorn was removed and replaced with local dogwood shrubs.

Martin SWCD and project partners reached over 700 people (volunteers, students, etc.) through direct interaction at planting events and workshops. Thousands more were reached through social media, newsletters, radio, and local newspapers. Over 20 workshops and trainings were held as well. Some of the workshops were hands-on activities in the field, where others were more general topics in a classroom that focused on the difference between native and invasive species. Martin SWCD staff was able to share the knowledge they have gained about plant propagation from previous projects with other Southern Minnesota counties and with project partners at Crow Wing and Lake County SWCDs. The education transferred from experienced SWCD staff to new SWCD staff will be invaluable for years to come.

The most important achievement of this project is the number of people who learned more about habitats native to their region of the state. Individuals will take this knowledge and work on promoting and protecting native species in their own backyard, and pass it on for future generations to learn.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Activities under this project were disseminated using a variety of different methods. Restoration sites were shown on Facebook as well as in videos on YouTube. Project information was also shared with numerous school classes, local elected Boards, volunteer organizations (Rotary Club, etc.), conservation clubs and at County Fairs. This project work was also covered in local newsletters and websites of the partner Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Over the years of the project, there were also a number of media outlets covering project work.

Preserving and Protecting Minnesota Native Orchid Species

Subd. 08c     $167,000 TF

David Remucal
U of MN - Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Dr
Chaska, MN 55318

Phone: (612) 301-1838
Email: remucald@umn.edu
Web: http://www.arboretum.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$167,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for propagation and cultivation research to enable long-term conservation of at least 15 selected species of the 48 native orchid species in Minnesota. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota is home to 48 species of native orchids, 20% of which are on the state endangered species list. Even “common” orchids are generally regarded as rare. These plants are charismatic state treasures that evoke the imagination of Minnesota residents and people around the world. Orchid hunting – both photographing and poaching – has increased the threat to these plants while , in turn, increasing conservation efforts. Beyond poaching, orchids have a more complex relationship to their environment than many other plant species and are easily affected by local disturbances, especially those that change local groundwater levels and flows.

The Native Orchid Conservation Program (NOCP) at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) follows a vision unique to the U.S.: to conserve the genetics of all Minnesota orchid species and bring as many as possible to MLA to display. Building a seedbank for 15 of the state’s species was the initial objective and research to develop propagation techniques for all species is on-going. Some species have known growth-from-seed techniques; for most, however, that knowledge is unknown. As both conservation and propagation of seed efforts continue, the goal is to share information in order to encourage obtaining orchids for personal gardens through sustainable seed-produced orchids, rather than poached transplants (which have a high failure rate). Displaying these orchids is vital and will accomplish two goals: 1) show visitors the beauty of these treasured plants – plants they might otherwise never see due to the remote habitats they often occupy, and, 2) educate people about the importance of protecting these species and about their known successful propagation techniques.

While the NOCP and MLA are committed to long-term orchid conservation, success was achieved quickly within the project’s first phase, banking more species than expected. Through this process, it became clear that: there is untapped enthusiasm throughout Minnesota for orchid conservation, finding some species in the wild remains difficult, and there may be lower population numbers than expected for even the “common” species. We created a diverse genetic bank for nearly 1/3 of Minnesota’s species, covering much of the state, and have worked with nearly 2/3 of Minnesota’s species to research, establish, or further propagation. This advanced our work, allowing us to display some of our new orchids already, to the delight of MLA visitors. Our data will increase understanding of how these species are distributed across the state and provide locations of vital populations identified for conservation. Ultimately, as we bank seed and establish propagation techniques for each species and pair this work with an increased understanding of how each species lives in its natural environments we will better equip ourselves and others to keep these treasures on Minnesota landscapes for years to come.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Over the course of the granting period the public visibility of the Native Orchid Conservation Program increased steadily. With articles in magazines/newspapers, a story on MPR and social media posts, we engaged the public in multiple ways and the success bred interest across the state. The result was that we had people from around the state contacting us with offers to help, information about orchid populations in need, and requests to have us bank seeds on private landowners’ lands. This reaction from around the state was unexpected this early in the program and demonstrates both a real need for this kind of program and general support among Minnesotans. As we continue to establish this program and develop our strategy to educate visitors and the public, this broad base of support will allow us to continue to reach the farthest corners of the state. This kind of reach will allow us to share our work and Minnesota’s orchids with people who may not be able to visit the Arboretum and, interestingly, will also allow us to share our plant treasures with people around the world.

Conservation Assistance Acceleration Project

Subd. 08d     $1,000,000 TF

Tabor Hoek
Board of Water and Soil Resources
1400 East Lyon Street
Marshall, MN 56258

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

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for the final phase of a pilot program to provide grants to soil and water conservation districts and other units of local and state government for employment of staff to provide technical assistance to secure enrollment and retention of private lands in federal and state conservation programs. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This project has come to a close exceeding expectations and should be credited with stemming the loss of conservation acres in this state enrolled in the CRP program. This project has allowed the much needed local staff commitment to follow through on federal program assistance at a time when federal agencies have reduced staffing and cut budgets shifting workload to anyone left able to do the job all under tight deadline and ever changing program requirements. The existing SWCD structure in this state along with the expanded partnership at the local level with Pheasant Forever to hire, train, and support upwards of 40 full time equivalent staff positions in 53 county offices has made this all a reality. It will never be known the status of conservation acres in this state had this project not been in place, but it can be said with confidence that we would have lost acres at a higher rate. Project totals for the project period are 11,521 landowner contacts and 167,500 ac. enrolled in conservation. See Attachment C for result totals. For the first time in a while, MN did actually have a net gain conservation acres as can be seen in the updated Conservation Lands Summary. Specifically CRP grew by 70,000 ac. in the past year although is slated for some significant reductions again on Oct. 1, 2018. The future of this effort will continue under diverse funding sources to maintain the 40 fte’s and more of an emphasis is currently on the ongoing CREP initiative, not approaching 10,000ac. in enrollment.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The MN Conservation Lands Summary can be found at: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/easements/CLS_Statewide_Summary_August_2018.pdf and was recently updated 8/17/2018

Metro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Prairie, Forest, and Savanna Restoration Greater Metropolitan Area

Subd. 08e     $276,000 TF

Betsy Daub
Friends of the Mississippi River
101 East Fifth Street, Suite 2000
St Paul, MN 55101

Phone: (651) 222-2193
Email: bdaub@fmr.org
Web: http://www.fmr.org

Appropriation Language
$276,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Friends of the Mississippi River for Phase VIII of the Metro Conservation Corridors partnership to conduct restoration activities on at least 195 acres of forest and savanna and at least 60 acres of prairie to preserve and increase wildlife habitat in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work plan. A list of proposed restorations must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Friends of the Mississippi River improved 260 acres of forest, savanna and prairie habitat at six sites in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The sites are situated within the Mississippi River flyway, a corridor that is vital for migratory birds. Site restoration improved habitat connectivity for wildlife dispersal and enhanced the quality of habitat for native pollinators and Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Prairie restorations returned deep-rooted plant species to sites along the Mississippi River that help retain and filter water runoff. Removal of invasive woody plant species from forested sites re-established healthier woodlands, allowing native plant species to thrive.

Prairie restoration activities took place on 198 acres and included removal of non-native species, seeding of native plants, prescribed burns and mowing. At Spring Lake Park Reserve’s east prairie restoration, 41 of 69 species of native plants were detected, achieving a very diverse prairie. At the small two-acre Ole Olson prairie, 25 species of prairie plants replaced turfgrass, creating habitat for diverse pollinator populations. At Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, we had originally planned to burn 10 acres of prairie, but an unplanned wildfire in April 2018 burned 90 acres. While more than what was planned, the burn did help rejuvenate the prairie and maintain the area free of woody encroachment.

Forest restoration activities took place on 62 acres and included removal of invasive woody plants, treatments with herbicide, native plant seeding, hand-pulling invasive plants, and prescribed burns. At Hampton Woods WMA, where native woodland wildflowers were once sparse under the buckthorn canopy, they now proliferate following buckthorn removal. At Old Mill Park, a prescribed burn on the savanna in spring 2018, resulted in native prairie species returning to dominate the site with about 90% cover. The state-threatened kittentail population (Besseya bullii) population remains stable at the site.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The restoration projects received regular coverage over the three years, particularly in Friends of the Mississippi Rivers' outreach through newsletters and social media. We also received some good coverage in print media and on television.

Metro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Enhancing Restoration Techniques for Improved Climate Resilience and Pollinator Conservation

Subd. 08f     $400,000 TF

Wiley Buck
Great River Greening
251 Starkey Street, Suite 2200
St Paul, MN 55017

Phone: (651) 665-9500 x15
Email: wbuck@greatrivergreening.org
Web: http://www.greatrivergreening.org

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening for Phase VIII of the Metro Conservation Corridors partnership to pilot and evaluate innovative restoration techniques aimed at improving the resilience of bur oak communities to changing climate conditions and enhancing prairie management to benefit pollinators with the help and engagement of citizen volunteers. Expenditures on restoration efforts are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work plan. A list of proposed restorations must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which point the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Greening and our partners Xerces, Maplewood Nature Center, and U of MN, advanced prairie and oak woodland restoration practices for vegetation and pollinators in multi-faceted fashion. We implemented quality restorations and enhancements, and gathered 12,000 data points, analysis of which is already guiding restoration, pollinator, and engagement practices. Improvements include a successful climate-resilient approach to oak restoration; using conservation haying to benefit prairie plants and pollinators; refining our approach to pollinator refugia, overwintering and nesting needs during restoration; improving student knowledge of native plants and pollinators; implementing citizen science practices for valuable data collection and outdoor citizen engagement; increasing our understanding of native pollinators’ macro- and micro- floral resource needs; improving pollinator habitat along trails; and documenting the federally endangered rusty-patched bumble bee. This program further accomplished 32 acres restored, including 6,000 bur oaks, 12,000 pollinator plants, and 45,000 milkweed seeds getting into the ground.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Dissemination of the results is also multi-faceted and robust, underway and promising to continue beyond the grant period. This includes the publication of a bee monitoring guide for citizen science, and five presentation-ready reports; five social media outreach avenues reaching thousands; eight conference presentations reaching over 400 professionals; partnering with five local government land-owning units; and active engagement of over 1,500 citizens, including 841 K-12 students, 45 Master Naturalists, 200 citizen scientists, and 235 restoration volunteers.

MSU Moorhead Science Center Restoration & Monitoring

Subd. 08g     $527,000 TF

Brian Wisenden
Moorhead State University
1104 Seventh Ave S
Moorhead, MN 56563

Phone: (701) 212-5801
Email: wisenden@mnstate.edu
Web: http://web.mnstate.edu/wisenden

Appropriation Language
$527,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for Minnesota State University Moorhead in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources to restore and monitor 160 acres of prairie and riparian habitat and develop and disseminate monitoring protocols. This appropriation is contingent upon the donation of a 60-acre parcel to Minnesota State University Moorhead from the Minnesota State University Moorhead Alumni Foundation and is available until June 30, 2020, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Tall grass prairie is critically endangered habitat. This project enlarged the Bluestem Prairie complex by 189 acres and restored the new area to prairie habitat. Faculty and students at MSUM monitored changes in ecosystem structure providing educational benefits for current students and training them for a future as restoration biologists.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Bluestem Prairie is Minnesota’s largest remnant tall grass prairie (6700 acres) comprising lands owned by The Nature Conservancy, Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota State University Moorhead. This project set out to achieve three goals: (1) acquire additional 189 acres of land contiguous with the complex, 100 acres of which were abandoned agricultural field and 89 acres comprised 60 acres of golf course fairways and 29 acres of riparian terrace forest, (2) collaborate with the MN DNR to restore 160 acres of land to tall grass prairie habitat, and (3) engage faculty and students at Minnesota state University Moorhead to monitor changes in the prairie community before, during and after restoration, to enrich undergraduate curricula, develop capacity for personnel interested in restoration biology, and develop and disseminate monitoring protocols for application to future restoration projects. In the five years since June 2015, we have successfully transferred ownership of the 189 acres of land to Minnesota State University Moorhead, restored 160 acres to tall grass prairie community and engaged 10 MSUM faculty, dozens of research students and many hundreds of undergraduates in concepts and practical skills in conservation ecology. This work has resulted in establishment of a customized GIS database at the site, active and ongoing field projects on microbial ecology, small mammal monitoring, comparison of C3 and C4 plant responses, and establishment of a nutrient network site. The results of these projects have been presented at local and regional meetings in the subdisciplines of faculty principle investigators. In addition, the ENTRF-funded prairie restoration project increased interest in the MSUM Regional Science Center as a regional research site for the study of prairie ecology from faculty at North Dakota State University, several of whom have now established long term research projects at the site.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Dissemination of project outcomes have been those presented by project faculty and their research groups at meetings of their respective professional communities in geosciences, ecology and management conferences. Dissemination of overall project description, outcomes and application to undergraduate pedagogy is forthcoming. Plans for final paper preparation were delayed by the covid-19 pandemic.

Improving Community Forests Through Citizen Engagement

Subd. 08h     $800,000 TF

Valerie McClannahan
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5283
Email: valerie.mcclannahan@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$800,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to design and pilot a program, including grants to communities, to mobilize citizen volunteers to protect, improve, and maintain local forests in communities around the state. Participation is open to any municipality in the state and participating municipalities will be selected through a competitive proposal process that will include representation from both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas of the state. Trees planted using this appropriation must be species that are native to Minnesota. A participating municipality must provide a match of not less than 25 percent, up to half of which may be in the form of in-kind support. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Twenty communities utilized funds to plant trees and purchase tools for volunteers to maintain planted trees. Communities implemented citizen engagement plans by hosting volunteer planting events, utilizing citizens for small tree pruning, monitoring the health of community trees, and conducting community tree inventory hours garnering a total of 10,518 volunteer.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Many communities are not prepared to adequately address declining canopy in Minnesota’s community forests. Without action, community forests in Minnesota will continue to decline, impacting air, water, public health, and the natural environment. This project is a model to protect and improve Minnesota’s community forests.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Funds assisted 20 (Ada, Aitkin, Arlington, Austin, Duluth, Ely, Fridley, Grand Marais, Hermantown, Hill City, Hutchinson, Mankato, Maple Grove, Marshall, North St Paul, Rochester, St James, St Paul, Shakopee, Winona) communities through engaging citizens in their community forest. Communities expended a total $437,035.98 in grant funds provided by Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Forest Service’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Communities utilized funds to purchase tools for volunteers to engage with their community forest, such as pruning shears for small tree pruning and binoculars to monitor for emerald ash borer. Communities also used funds to reforest areas of their communities planting 5,631 trees. These trees, maintained by volunteers for the next five years will intercept 1,328,922 gallons of stormwater and reduce 580,016 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Communities worked with partners to implement citizen engagement plans by hosting volunteer planting events, utilizing citizens for small tree pruning, monitoring the health of community trees, and conducting community tree inventory garnering a total of 10,518 volunteer hours.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Volunteer engagement training manuals (Appendix B, Appendix C), developed by the University of Minnesota, are tailored to meet the unique community forestry needs of individual communities. These training manuals will continue to be utilized as we expand our community forestry volunteer engagement.

Communities and partners utilized social media, community flyering, a television segment, presenting to community volunteer organizations, and newspaper articles to garner volunteer support and promote community accomplishments. Communities have been provided individual accomplishment and impact reports (Appendix A) to share with their citizens and their community leaders. Project impacts are in the process of being incorporated as accomplishments into the Minnesota Forest Action Plan.

In addition to conducting outreach to garner citizen volunteers and promote project impacts, communities have utilized outreach to provide education about community forests to encourage the care of trees.

WITHDRAWN - Flood Recovery on Sargent Creek Duluth Habitat Restoration

Subd. 08i     $300,000 TF

Christopher Kleist
City of Duluth
411 First St W, Room 211
Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: (218) 355-0598
Email: ckleist@duluthmn.gov
Web: http://www.duluthmn.gov

Appropriation Language
$300,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Duluth to re-establish stable and natural streambanks with riparian and aquatic habitat restoration on at least 5,400 linear feet of Sargent Creek in Duluth destroyed during the flood of 2012.

Shoreland Protection for the Lower St. Croix River

Subd. 08j     $190,000 TF

Deb Ryun
St. Croix River Association
230 S. Washington Street, Unit 1 PO Box 655
St Croix Falls, MN 54024

Phone: (715) 483-3300
Email: debryun@scramail.com
Web: http://stcroixriverassociation.org/

Appropriation Language
$190,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the St. Croix River Association to provide technical assistance to landowners, local governments, realtors, and developers on shoreland conservation and protection of the lower St. Croix River. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Lower St. Croix Wild and Scenic River (LSCWSR) is federally designated and state managed; it is about 52 miles long, and ¼ mile wide, and was the focus of this project. This heavily visited National Park is a high-quality fishery, offers spectacular natural views and has high recreational value. Development pressure has been constant. An insufficient understanding of the river’s unique protection status has led to conflicts and weakening of adherence to established rules designed to protect bluffs and shoreland.

The St. Croix River Association (SCRA) has worked to protect, improve and restore natural vegetation adjacent to the St. Croix River through educational workshops, resource creation, and strategic outreach to realtors, local governments, and landowners in the Riverway. Over 5,000 landowners received information about Riverway regulations and over 500 realtors attended workshops or presentations about Riverway protections, native plants, raingardens and scenic easements. SCRA presented at more than 35 city council meetings for ten local governments in the Lower Riverway and provided six training opportunities for over 170 local officials. The most significant resources created were The Landowner’s Guide to the Lower St. Croix Riverway, Best Practices for Zoning Applications in the Riverway, and a video about the Lower St. Croix River.

Development pressure remains constant, but SCRA has seen immense improvement in the collaboration between cities, landowners, and realtors to prioritize water quality and habitat as a result of this project. The resources created will continue to educate landowners about best practices and protections on the Lower St. Croix River, and are available online on SCRA’s website and at city halls, realty offices, watershed groups, the National Park Service, and the MN DNR.

Minnesotans are now able to easily access information about the Lower St. Croix River’s history, significance, and protections. Whether they live on the St. Croix, have considered purchasing property there, or simply enjoy visiting the Riverway, Minnesotans will know the story of the Riverway and the importance of upholding its unique protections. The results of this project reflect the power of education, collaboration, and communication between diverse stakeholders to work together to protect the river they love.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Materials Created

  • The Landowner’s Guide to the Lower St. Croix Riverway
  • Best Practices for Zoning Applications in the Lower Riverway
  • 3-minute animated video about Riverway history, significance, and regulations
  • Safe Harbor Earth Tone Color List
  • Riverway GIS layer hosted publicly

Outreach and Dissemination:

  • Over 3,000 copies of the Landowner’s Guide to the Lower St. Croix Riverway have been disseminated to landowners either directly or through local governments and realtors.
  • 1,000 copies of the Lower Riverway panel cards were distributed to businesses along the River
  • Over 50 presentations were given to landowners, realtors, and local governments about Riverway history, significance, protections, and best practices for landowner stewardship

Redwood and Renville Counties Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Master Plan

Subd. 08k     $75,000 TF

Scott Refsland
Redwood County and Renville County
105 Fifth St S, Ste 311
Olivia, MN 56277

Phone: (320) 523-3664
Email: scottr@renvillecountymn.com
Web: http://www.renvillecountymn.com/

Appropriation Language
$75,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Renville County in cooperation with Redwood County to develop a joint outdoor recreation and conservation master plan to guide future development and protect cultural, historical, and natural resources in the Minnesota River Valley.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The development of a Minnesota River Valley Recreation and Conservation Master Plan is complete and all deliverables in the contract with the consultant have been delivered. The development of this plan has resulted in a solid direction to advance the interests of improving the recreation and conservation opportunities in the valley. Once adopted by the Counties, this plan provides a prioritized list of action items to begin immediate implementation. This will hopefully result in an increased use and respect for the incredible resource that is shared by Renville and Redwood Counties.

The Master Planning process resulted in a large collection of public opinion from both local residents as well as those outside of the area. Our public meetings had many local residents and averaged an attendance of around 35 people per meeting. Our online survey collected 382 usable surveys from 42 different counties in Minnesota. The data collected from the public was necessary to create this plan, but will also provide many benefits for other efforts in the area for years to come.

The Master Plan is a catalyst for future conversation about how to invest in the Valley for ways to increase the value and benefits of valley resources for those who live in or visit the area. The shared vision in this plan creates a picture of what the Valley can become in the future.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

All outcomes have been completed with some amendments being made to Outcome 6. Throughout the course of this project it became clear that providing detailed cost estimates was overly ambitious and beyond the scope of this project. Strategies for prioritizing land use decisions and long term funding opportunities and project management were completed. We held one more public meeting than stated with an additional meeting to present the final plan to the public. Final Master Plan was printed and sent to the counties in June 2017 along with digital copies of all files created by consultant throughout this project.

Subd. 09Land Acquisition for Habitat and Recreation

State Parks and State Trails Land Acquisitions

Subd. 09a     $1,500,000 TF

Jennifer Christie
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5579
Email: jennifer.christie@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.mndnr.gov

Appropriation Language
$1,500,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire at least 335 acres for authorized state trails and critical parcels within the statutory boundaries of state parks. State park 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 plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund funding resulted in the Department of Natural Resources acquiring approximately 358 acres of land within the statutory boundaries of four Minnesota State Parks.

  • Acquired 147 acres in Minneopa State Park comprises and protects rare and endangered species such as the American bald eagle, western foxsnake, shovel sturgeon and small white ladyslipper are documented in this Minnesota River corridor.
  • Acquired 100 acres in St. Croix State Park. This acquisition provides needed access to the north end of the State Park. It will preserve unique and valuable wildlife habitat, and a trout stream on the property.
  • Acquired 109 acres in Myre-Big Island State Park to preserve many wetlands and a small oak grove. The land also contains a large restored prairie planed with local genotype seed.
  • Partially funded approximately 2 acres of land in Crow Wing State Park. This property provides protection of the Crow Wing River shoreline at the confluence of the Mississippi River.
PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

These project results and dissemination have been communicated through updated state park and state trail maps reflecting state managed land instead of private in-holdings, and are identified as public land open to be used and enjoyed by all visitors.

Signage at the above listed locations lists ENRTF as a funding source for these State Parks.

Metropolitan Regional Park System Land Acquisition Phase 4

Subd. 09b     $1,000,000 TF

Emmett Mullin
Metropolitan Council
390 N Robert St
St. Paul, MN 55101

Phone: (651) 602-1360
Email: emmett.mullin@metc.state.mn.us
Web: http://www.metrocouncil.org/Parks.aspx

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Metropolitan Council for grants to acquire at least 133 acres of lands within the approved park unit boundaries of the metropolitan regional park system. This appropriation may not be used to purchase habitable residential structures. A list of proposed fee title and easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation must be matched by at least 40 percent of nonstate money that must be committed by December 31, 2015, or the appropriation cancels. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Metropolitan Council along with Washington County and Three Rivers Park District acquired three properties to increase recreational opportunities for the Regional Parks System. These critical acquisitions protected nearly a half mile of St. Croix River shoreline and 122 acres of high-quality natural resource land in Washington and Hennepin Counties.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Metropolitan Council works with the Regional Park Implementing Agencies to protect critical lands and provide recreational opportunities for the Regional Parks System. This $1,000,000 ENRTF project was matched with $666,000 in Council funds and $555,000 in local Agency funds to purchase three properties for the Regional Parks System.

Washington County acquired a 4.5-acre property for Big Marine Park Reserve and a 102-acre property for St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park with partial funding from this project. These properties contain critical habitats including wetlands, hardwoods, mixed forest, open meadow, and oak savanna. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park previously protected 3,800 feet of St. Croix River shoreline. With the addition of this 102-acre parcel, the park now protects 5,000 contiguous feet of St. Croix River shoreline. Three Rivers Park District acquired a 16-acre property for the Kingswood Special Recreation Feature with funding from this project. This acquisition protected 850 feet of shoreline on Little Long Lake, one of the few untouched, pristine lakes left in the metropolitan area.

Acquiring these properties permanently protects critical natural resources while providing additional recreational opportunities for the region. All properties funded are inholdings or parcels that are included in master plan-approved park boundaries. The Regional Park Implementing Agencies work only with willing landowners when acquiring lands with ENRTF, and they focus on acquiring lands with high natural resources and habitat value that are at risk of being developed.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The Regional Park Implementing Agencies include the ENRTF sign/logo when they install visitor signs for these new park lands. The Agencies acknowledge ENRTF on their websites when appropriate, such as the Three Rivers Park District Kingswood Special Recreation Feature website funding section. In addition, the Metropolitan Council and the Regional Park Implementing Agencies acknowledge ENRTF for any media releases about the acquisitions.

SNA Acquisition, Restoration, Enhancement and Public Engagement

Subd. 09c     $4,000,000 TF

Ann Pierce
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5119
Email: ann.pierce@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/index.html

Appropriation Language
$4,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire at least 350 acres of 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 and improve at least 550 acres of scientific and natural areas, and provide technical assistance and outreach. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. 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, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Minnesota's most unique, intact ecosystems that house state threatened and special concern species were permanently protected as state Scientific and Natural Areas (519.3 acres). Habitat restoration (45 acres), enhancement (1,858 acres) and a variety of outreach, engaging citizens in ecological recreation, stewardship, and education activities, took place across the state.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Through this appropriation, 519.3 acres were permanently protected as state Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs). Protected through these parcels are a variety of Minnesota’s most unique intact ecosystems that house many of Minnesota’s state threatened and special concern species (see the parcel list for specific site details). Proactive landowner outreach took place in 12 strategically prioritized areas, 7 SNA conservation easements were monitored and the SNA Strategic Land Protection Plan gap analysis was refined to identify exceptional plant communities/species that still need protection for SNA to reach its goal of ensuring that Minnesota's natural heritage is not lost from any ecological region of the state.

Habitat restoration and enhancement activities took place across the state on SNAs. Activities included 45 acres of habitat restoration (see restoration evaluations included with final report), 772 acres of invasive species control, 332 acres of woody control, 652 acres of prescribed burning, 102 acres of prescribed haying, site development work at 51 SNAs, completion of 11 Adaptive management Plans and ecological monitoring at 49 SNAs and 1 proposed SNA. Knowledge gained through monitoring will enable managers to improve management of SNAs for the Species in Greatest Conservation Need, state special concern and state/federally threatened and endangered species that call these habitats home.

Outreach activities through this appropriation brought the SNA Facebook page to nearly 5000 page likes and the total monthly reach, for example, in April 2018 was 72,730. The SNA Flickr social media channel facilitated sharing of high quality photos with 67 members sharing over 991 photos. Five “Nature Notes” e-newsletters were delivered reaching over 5,673 subscribers. From March 1, 2017 through February 2018, 99 events were held involving over 990 people. As of June 2018, there were 149 SNA Site Stewards. These stewards submit reports on their observations and assist with management tasks.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The SNA website was updated throughout this appropriation as needed, including listings of new volunteer events. Information on SNAs and activities through this appropriation were posted on the SNA Facebook page which achieved nearly 5,000 page likes. Included with this final report is an SNA Facebook Metrics Report from April-June 2018. The SNA Flickr social media channel was used to encourage high quality photo sharing with 58 members sharing 991 photos. Five Nature Notes e-newsletters were delivered during this timeframe reaching over 5,673 subscribers.

Native Prairie Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement Acquisition

Subd. 09d     $3,325,000 TF

Judy Schulte
MN DNR
1241 East Bridge Street
Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Phone: (507) 637-6016
Email: judy.schulte@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$3,325,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire native prairie bank easements on at least 675 acres, prepare baseline property assessments, restore and enhance at least 1,000 acres of native prairie sites, and provide technical assistance to landowners. Of this amount, up to $135,000 must be deposited in a conservation easement stewardship account. Deposits into the conservation easement stewardship account must be made upon closing on conservation easements or at a time otherwise approved in the work plan. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Permanently protected 1,107 acres of high-quality historically undisturbed native prairie, which house state and federally threatened species, state special concerns species, Species in Greatest Conservation Need and a wide variety of pollinators. Prairie enhancement (1,130 acres), outreach, monitoring and research activities were implemented across the state to improve prairie habitat.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Through this appropriation, 1,107 acres of high quality dry hill, mesic and wet prairies, which house state and federally threatened species, state special concerns species, multiple Species in Greatest Conservation Need and a wide variety of pollinators, were permanently protected through 12 Native Prairie Bank conservation easements (see attached parcel list for more details). Protection efforts, through this appropriation and other Native Prairie Bank appropriations, preserve some of the best remaining native prairie in the state for current and future MN Citizens benefit. These remaining native prairies function at a significantly higher level and provide habitat to more species of insects, birds, reptiles and mammals than reconstructed/restored prairie. Additionally, 12 Baseline Property Reports and 22 monitoring events were completed through this appropriation. Stewardship funds for the 12 closed Native Prairie Bank easements were enrolled into the Conservation Easement Stewardship Account and 3 appraisals were conducted as an easement valuation best management practice.

A total of 221 acres of invasive species control and 909 acres of prescribed burns were completed to improve prairie quality throughout the prairie region of the state. Adaptive Management Monitoring was completed on 14 Native Prairie Banks and specific research was conducted to evaluate the impact of grazing on secretive marsh birds. Knowledge gained through this monitoring and research will help landowners, DNR land managers and partner agencies improve the management of native prairie and wetlands.

DNR Prairie Specialists participated in 7 outreach events, providing prairie protection, restoration and enhancement education. DNR Prairie Specialists also engaged 163 different priority prairie landowners to discuss protection and management options for their property. Ten Prairie Stewardship Plans were written by contractors, approved by DNR Prairie Specialist and provided to the landowners.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Ten Prairie Stewardship Plans were written by contractors, approved by SNA Prairie Specialists and provided to landowners. These plans will help guide native prairie landowner’s enhancement activities for well over a decade. All outreach activities completed as part of this appropriation had the ENTRF logo present on any documentation or displays.

Attached is the Waterbird Response to Conservation Grazing in Western Minnesota Tallgrass Prairies summary of the research conducted through this appropriation to assess impacts of grazing on waterfowl and other wetland and grassland birds. The results of this study will be distributed to members of the conservation community in several ways. Agency and conservation organization staff hold a grazing webinar at the end of every other summer with DNR hosting and covering these results this year. Marissa, the grad student who took lead on this research had a poster at the recent MN Wildlife Society meetings and we will encourage her and/or her graduate advisor Dr Todd Arnold to present the final results at this year’s meeting. Last, the information will be shared among Prairie Conservation Plan partners this fall. The information will be useful to DNR and USFWS staff as we continue to write new grazing plans and modify existing plans. As with any good research project, the results of this study point to additional questions that agency staff and researchers can address in the coming years.

Metro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Coordination and Mapping and Conservation Easements

Subd. 09e     $515,000 TF

Wayne Ostlie
Minnesota Land Trust
2345 University Ave W, Ste 240
St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone: (651) 917-6292
Email: wostlie@mnland.org
Web: http://www.mnland.org

Appropriation Language
$515,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Land Trust for Phase VIII of the Metro Conservation Corridors partnership to provide coordination and mapping for the partnership and to acquire permanent conservation easements on at least 120 acres of strategic ecological landscapes to protect priority natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. 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 plan. Up to $40,000 may be used for coordination and mapping for the Metro Conservation Corridors. All conservation easements must be perpetual and have a natural resource management plan. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

In this eighth phase of the Metro Conservation Corridors the Minnesota Land Trust (MLT) sought to protect 120 acres of critical habitat through conservation easements within designated Metro conservation corridors. To facilitate this outcome, MLT implemented a competitive RFP process (a revision of the MMAPLE framework developed for the ENRTF-funded Avon Hills program in Stearns County) to solicit bids from interested landowners within areas of high biological value targeted for the program. A framework for scoring and prioritizing bids was developed for the Metro Corridors program that placed emphasis on a set of ecological criteria (size of habitat to be protected, condition of the habitat, and ecological/protection context within which the parcel lies) and cost. Along with their proposal for inclusion into the program, landowners identified the funding level necessary for their participation.

The Land Trust utilized an array of strategies to effectively target landowners within priority areas, ranging from direct mail to face-to-face meetings and web-based methods (Facebook and web postings). Subcontracts were entered into with Anoka Conservation District, Isanti SWCD, Sherburne SWCD, and Washington Conservation District to conduct landowner outreach within priority areas.

Three properties were projected under this phase of the program. In total, 158 acres of high-quality habitat were protected through conservation easement, including 14,152 linear feet of undeveloped shoreland. This ENRTF grant leveraged $71,850 though landowner donation of easement value and support provided by partners toward the costs of easement project development and acquisition, equivalent to roughly 14% of the overall project budget. Though a large portion of project funding was left unspent MLT was able to exceed protection deliverables while efficiently utilizing state funds to secure conservation easements on strategically-located parcels containing high-quality habitat which buffered, or connected to, protected habitat complexes.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

MLT also convened and led quarterly meetings of the MeCC partnership to review project accomplishments, share information related to each respective partner’s conservation work across the MeCC program area, and to strategically plan and coordinate conservation activities.

The MeCC web-based project database upgrade work was completed by the DNR during Spring 2016. A web-based map for public use can be accessed on the DNR’s website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/metroconservationcorridors/index.html. An upgrade to the MeCC web-based project database was completed under Phase VI was used and the MeCC corridor map was revised and posted for public use in early 2017.

Metropolitan Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Strategic Lands Protection

Subd. 09f     $750,000 TF

Robert McGillivray
The Trust for Public Land
2610 University Ave W, Ste 300
St. Paul, MN 55114

Phone: (651) 999-5307
Email: Bob.McGillivray@tpl.org
Web: https://www.tpl.org/our-work/minnesota

Appropriation Language
$750,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Trust for Public Land for Phase VIII of the Metro Conservation Corridors partnership to acquire in fee at least 35 acres of high-quality priority state and local natural areas in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. 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 plan. This appropriation may not be used to purchase habitable residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work plan. A list of fee title acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Trust for Public Land protected approximately 20 acres as an addition to the Minnesota DNR Crystal Spring SNA in Washington County. This strategic property will provide significantly safer public access to the SNA and contains high quality native plant communities and several rare species of birds and plants.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Located only 30 miles northeast of the Twin Cities in Washington County, Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) offers the region's 3.3 million residents a close-to-home opportunity to experience unique flora and fauna and beautiful views of the National Wild and Scenic St. Croix River. Acquired and created with help from The Trust for Public Land in 2015, the original 38-acre, state-owned SNA encompasses significant biodiversity, thriving communities of native plants, and habitat for several rare species of birds and plants. The SNA's dramatic geologic features include a scenic waterfall, steep rocky cliffs, a winding cold-water stream, thick old forests, and panoramic views of the National Wild and Scenic St. Croix River.

Utilizing the M.L. 2015 ENRTF MeCC appropriation, The Trust for Public Land acquired an additional 20.98 acres which it conveyed to the Minnesota DNR on October 24, 2018 as an addition to the Crystal Spring SNA. The Crystal Spring SNA Addition North property provides significantly safer public access to the SNA, and the land contains high quality native plant communities and several rare species of birds and plants.

Due to the funding provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, and the Reinvest in Minnesota Program (RIM), the 68 acre Crystal Spring SNA is permanently protected and available for all Minnesotans to enjoy.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION
A TPL project website has been created for the Crystal Spring SNA project.

Metro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Priority Expansion of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Subd. 09g     $500,000 TF

Deborah Loon
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust Inc
3815 East American Boulevard
Bloomington, MN 55425

Phone: (612) 801-1935
Email: dloon@mnvalleytrust.org
Web: http://www.mnvalleytrust.org

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc. for Phase VIII of the Metro Conservation Corridors partnership to acquire in fee at least 100 acres of priority habitat for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the metropolitan area, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, and portions of the surrounding counties. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards. Expenditures are limited to the identified project corridor areas as defined in the work plan. This appropriation may not be used to purchase habitable residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Minnesota Valley Trust was unable to bring any of the potential acquisitions to completion by the grant deadline. The funds are returned to the ENRTF.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota Valley Trust was unable to bring any of the potential acquisitions to completion by the grant deadline. Over the course of this grant, we worked with eight landowners interested in considering the sale of their land to us for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR). All were priority parcels delineated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

  • Minnesota Valley Trust completed fee title acquisition on three parcels for the Rapids Lake Unit of the MVNWR. We could not use this ENRTF grant because all three included buildings. Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) grants helped acquire two of the properties, along with private funds. The third was acquired with private funds as leverage to the OHF grant.
  • The landowner with property in the San Francisco Unit of the MVNWR was not satisfied with the appraised value and unwilling to continue discussions at that time. We anticipate we will be able to resume discussions in the future.
  • Minnesota Valley Trust is working with four landowners who expressed interest in possible sales to us for the Jessenland Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Extended flooding this year has delayed completion of two appraisals. The appraised values on the other two properties were lower than the sellers would consider at this time. Minnesota Valley Trust will continue working with these landowners.

The market is mixed for the various properties we have been pursuing. We were able to close on the properties with buildings, as they can be sMold for residential development and their values have recovered since the recession. But the properties in the floodplain of the Minnesota River have not recovered after dropping in value during the recession. Those landowners are unwilling to sell at the depressed values.

Because we could not complete any acquisitions, Minnesota Valley Trust is returning these grant funds to the ENRTF.

Metro Conservation Corridors Phase VIII - Wildlife Management Area Acquisition

Subd. 09h     $400,000 TF

Patrick Rivers
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5209
Email: pat.rivers@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for Phase VIII of the Metro Conservation Corridors partnership to acquire in fee at least 82 acres along the lower reaches of the Vermillion River in Dakota County within the Gores Pool Wildlife Management Area. Land acquired with this appropriation must be sufficiently improved to meet at least minimum management standards. This appropriation may not be used to purchase habitable residential structures, unless expressly approved in the work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The DNR, in partnership with Dakota County, acquired 169.59 acres of high quality habitat along the lower reaches of the Vermillion River on April 27, 2016. The acquisition consists of several disjoint parcels that are inholdings within the Gores Pool Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Vermillion River Complex. This was a high-priority acquisition for the Department of Natural Resources as the area is classified as an Outstanding Regionally Significant Ecological Area for documented colonial waterbird nesting and red shouldered hawks. The property includes more than one mile of river shoreline, high value wetlands and floodplain forest (red oak- sugar maple- basswood forest; silver maple floodplain forest) important for waterfowl, beaver and mink, whitetail deer and numerous other species including non-game species of special concern. Bald eagles and common snapping turtles are present; lake sturgeon and blue sucker occur in Mississippi River Pool 3 nearby. The acquisition reduced the WMA boundary by approximately one mile and resolves potential for boundary dispute.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This parcel will soon be designated as part of the statewide WMA system (anticipated in August, 2016). This process involves publishing a designation order in the State Registrar, and a news release announcing this and other recently acquired WMA lands. The news release will mention the use of Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund for the acquisition.

Mesabi Trail Development Soudan to Ely - Phase II

Subd. 09i     $1,000,000 TF

Bob Manzoline
St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority
111 Station Rd
Eveleth, MN 55734

Phone: (218) 744-2653
Email: bmanzoline@rrauth.com

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for the right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction of segments of the Mesabi Trail, totaling approximately seven miles between Soudan and Ely. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This segment, approximately 3 miles, of the Mesabi Trail starting from Highway 169 underpass to County Road 88 has been completed. We were able to construct the trail on portions of the former railroad grade, however, we ran into many road blocks from landowners that wouldn’t allow for the trail to be on their property. Several alternative routes were considered. Right-of-way, environmental permitting, trail design, engineering and construction were completed with the best available route for this paved segment of the Mesabi Trail. We also came across old culverts needing replacement and were able to complete the project within our budget.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Completing the Mesabi Trail segment from the Highway 169 underpass to County Road 88 required the following analysis criteria and steps: route alternatives analysis; historic/cultural resource; social, economic and environmental effects; agency coordination; reports, notices and hearings; wetland delineation and mitigation; and final outcome. Four alternative routes were considered and evaluated, with the best final route determined by the above analysis. There were many delays encountered after selecting the route, namely right-of-way acquisitions. Originally, we were looking to use the abandoned railroad grade for the majority of this trail segment. However, many landowners owned parcels along the grade not allowing for easements. We again needed to adjust our trail route and moved approximately 1.0 mile to be along the Highway 169 right-of-way. This in turn, needed further environmental wetland, impact evaluations and engineering. In the end, approximately 18 acres through 22 parcels were acquired with easements, fee title, lands that the Regional Railroad Authority purchased and Limited Use Permits required to be alongside the highway right-of-way. All were purchased with non-ENRTF funds. Other items not anticipated were two culverts needing replacement as they were deteriorating and required adequate water flow away from the trail and other landowner’s properties. Construction of the trail, COVID and personnel were other setbacks on completing this segment. With these unanticipated events, we were able to complete this trail project under budget. This segment of the Mesabi Trail near Ely, MN will be enjoyed by outdoor recreationalists for many years to come and are another segment closer to completing the continuous path of the Mesabi Trail from Grand Rapids to Ely.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This trail segment was discussed at a public meeting held for another segment of trail, known as “Camp Lake Road to Highway 1/169 Underpass,” and received recognition in the Ely Echo News. This trail segment has also been presented at local gatherings such as Ely Rotary, Ely City Council, Morse Township Board of Commissioners, Ely Chamber of Commerce, Ely Economic Development Authority and Visit Ely Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mesabi Trail news and updates are provided through a variety of media, marketing and publications. Web site is: Mesabitrail.com.

Multi-benefit Watershed Scale Conservation on North Central Lakes

Subd. 09j     $950,000 TF

Katherine DonCarlos
Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation
PO Box 124
Walker, MN 56484

Phone: (218) 547-4510
Email: kathyd@leechlakewatershed.org
Web: http://www.leechlakewatershed.org

Dan Steward
Board of Water and soil Resources
1601 Minnesota Drive
Brainerd MN 56401

Phone: (218) 828-2598
Email: dan.steward@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$950,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to secure permanent conservation easements on at least 480 acres of high-quality habitat in Crow Wing and Cass Counties. Of this amount, up to $65,000 must be deposited in a conservation easement stewardship account; and $54,000 is for an agreement with the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation in cooperation with Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District. Deposits into the conservation easement stewardship account must be made upon closing on conservation easements or at a time otherwise approved in the work plan. A list of proposed easement acquisitions must be provided as part of the required work plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Land conservation is a critical tool in the water plans of Crow Wing and Cass County. Limiting development within the watershed has multiple benefits that extend far beyond water quality protection. Science and geographic information system studies were used to strategically identify and prioritize the most significant lake watersheds on which to focus conservation efforts. This pilot project acquired five conservation easements protecting approximately 218 acres and 1,750 feet of strategic shoreland and forestland within the watersheds of priority recreational lakes in Cass and Crow Wing counties.

The focus was on 8 strategic “tullibee-refuge lakes” that are near 75% protection and where additional protection in the watershed can measurably move the needle of protection towards or to full 75% protection. These included notable lakes such as Ten Mile, Roosevelt, Thunder, Washburn, and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes –some of Minnesota’s premier recreational lakes.

BWSR’s RIM Reserve easement program has been a successful tool to protect environmentally sensitive land and water quality throughout agricultural regions of the state. In recent years, BWSR has received increasing requests from soil and water conservation districts for BWSR to make available a RIM tool in the forested region of the state.

Geographic data and existing technical criteria were used to identify parcels that would provide the highest conservation protection investment with a goal of 75% watershed protection. Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation focused on landowner recruitment including presentations at targeted lake association meetings, direct mail, landowner visit’s and a workshop. Applications were ranked based on the scoring criteria. Approved applications were integrated into the standard BWSR RIM process using soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) as local agents teamed up with easement acquisition expertise of BWSR staff. Long –term monitoring and enforcement will be provided by BWSR in partnership with the SWCDs.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Landowner outreach was conducted to provide information to landowners on the opportunity for conservation easements to protect land and preserve water quality. A press release announced two workshops which were hosted in May 2016 at the Crooked Lake Town Hall (Outing, MN) and the Ideal Town Hall (Pequot Lakes, MN).

Conservation Easement Assessment and Valuation System Development

Subd. 09k     $250,000 TF

Bonnie Keeler
U of MN
301 19th Ave. S.,
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone: (612) 625-8905
Email: keel0041@umn.edu
Web: https://www.hhh.umn.edu/directory/bonnie-keeler-0

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the effectiveness of existing conservation easements acquired through state expenditures at achieving their intended outcomes of public value and ecological benefits and to develop a standardized, objective conservation easement valuation system for guiding future state investments in conservation easements to ensure the proposed environmental benefits are being achieved in a cost-effective manner. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2018, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Our research sought to address a problem that conservation practitioners and the LCCMR face; how do we know that a proposed easement acquisition is a good use of resources? What benefits does it provide, and is it the best parcel to provide those benefits? We set out to understand existing approaches, and create a tool to complement their strengths and improve conservation targeting

After researching the methods state agencies and NGOs use to prioritize acquisitions in the state, we designed a tool to complement existing approaches in two ways. First, we observed that existing systems all use a rubric to score proposed acquisitions on a parcel-by-parcel basis. Detailed local knowledge gathered in site visits is important for decision-making, however, it is impossible to gather site-level data for the entire state. Valuable parcels will be missed without a statewide, landscape-level perspective. To complement existing rubrics, our approach scored over 300,000 privately held, undeveloped parcels to provide the context of how a proposed acquisition compares to all other parcels in the state.

Second, our approach created 11 environmental benefit metrics, designed to complement those used in existing prioritization systems. Our metrics combine spatial data to map not just where high quality natural resources are, but also where the public would benefit the most from conservation. For example, our bird watching metric considers where experts have identified as important bird habitat, and where the public actually goes to engage in bird watching. The resulting metric recognizes both important habitat, and where bird watchers go, but gives the highest scores to locations where both occur.

Our research provides conservation practitioners with the data and tools to quickly assess the environmental benefits of a parcel, and how those benefits compare to hundreds of thousands of other parcels in the state. By assessing all of the parcels in the state, practitioners will be able to identify the best parcel to meet their objectives and cost-effectively provide multiple benefits to all Minnesotans

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

We have been presented this research to conservation practitioners at organizations including:

  • UMN Natural Resources Research Institute (they agree to include our metrics in their spatial data atlas)
  • The Nature Conservancy Freshwater and Land teams
  • Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council working group on impact assessment
  • BWSR
  • DNR Easement stewardship working group
  • Authors of the MN Gulf nutrient reduction strategy
  • Minnesota Land Trust

We will continue to communicate with these groups to ensure they are able to make the most of our research products.

In addition to traditional outreach through presentations, we also produced a professionally developed website (pebat.umn.edu), with a particular focus on explaining our methods in a simple, non-technical way. While the site has online been online for a month, it has had 100 visits and 25 downloads of the tool. We will continue to track visits and downloads. Furthermore, will also be publishing an article on the UMN Institute on the Environment site that publicizes the research products from this project. It will be produced in the same style as the post we used to publicize the manuscript that was produced in activity 1 of this project: http://environment.umn.edu/news/new-study-conservation-investments-working-harder-minnesotans/

Subd. 10Emerging Issues Account

Emerging Issues Account

Research Project

Subd. 10     $1,000,000 TF

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

Phone: (651) 296-6264
Email: becca.nash@lccmr.mn.gov
Web: https://www.lccmr.mn.gov

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to an emerging issues account authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).

Sub-Projects M.L. 2015, Subd. 10:

  • 01: Avian Influenza Distribution, Evolution, and Impacts on Ring-Billed and Herring Gulls in Minnesota - $213,443
  • 02: Palmer Amaranth Detection and Eradication - $173,000
  • 03: Deer Movement Related to Potential CWD Prion Transmission - $449,557



Avian Influenza Distribution, Evolution, and Impacts on Ring-Billed and Herring Gulls in Minnesota - $213,443 TF

Marie Culhane
U of M
1988 Fitch Av.
St Paul, Minnesota 55108

Phone: (612) 624-7423
Email: grame003@umn.edu
Web: https://experts.umn.edu/en/persons/marie-r-culhane%28a6117d66-04f5-4716-bcf2-e10ac8984f87%29.html

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Our results varied among colony sites and seasons, but a consistent finding was that juvenile and hatch year birds had higher avian influenza virus prevalence than adults. Furthermore, swabs from the oropharynx and cloaca demonstrated a significant difference in avian influenza virus prevalence. Oropharyngeal swab testing yielded true avian influenza virus prevalence estimates of 23.55%, versus 10.64% for cloacal swab testing. These results suggest, as other studies have shown, that gulls more commonly shed avian influenza virus via the oropharyngeal route which may facilitate transmission to other species and have implications for surveillance strategies. Although our results indicate that gulls shed virus predominately through the oropharyngeal cavity it is important to consider the apparent prevalence bias of sampling only the oral cavity. If only oral cavities were sampled, our estimates of sample prevalence would have been negatively biased by 2.5% considering all sampled birds together. Using this approach, avian influenza virus detection would have been missed in 34 birds. This negative bias would have been highest at 6.4% if we conditioned the analysis on local birds, resulting in 86 missed detections. The negative bias would have been negligible for adults at < 1% yet would still result in 12 missed detections. This example supports the practice of swabbing both oropharyngeal and cloacal cavities for avian influenza virus surveillance efforts in gulls. If funding is limited, then oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs should be taken and pooled into one tube.

During our study, we identified only two H5 avian influenza viruses that were detected by subtype specific rRT-PCR and neither was confirmed as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus by gene sequencing. We further analyzed all swabs that tested positive for avian influenza virus with Ct values < 30 and subjected them to whole genome sequencing to further characterize the viruses detected and found H13N6, H13N8, and H13N2 viruses. Analyses of these genes showed that there was apparently no virus movement between wild gulls and domestic poultry in Minnesota in the time period studied.

The high AI virus prevalence within ring-billed gulls, particularly in immunologically naïve birds, warrants further targeted surveillance efforts of ring-billed gulls and other closely related species. Sequence analyses completed on the viral genes identified, suggest that our data group separately from highly pathogenic H5NX avian influenza viruses that devastated Minnesota poultry in 2015 which is interesting and suggests that gulls are not part of the poultry transmission cycle (see Figure 2 as an example). Additional analyses will be conducted and we look forward to further research using the data generated from this successfully completed project.

Sub-Project 02: Palmer Amaranth Detection and Eradication - $173,000 TF

Monika Chandler
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert St N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 201-6537
Email: Monika.Chandler@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/palmeramaranth.aspx
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Contaminated conservation seed mixes introduced Palmer amaranth to in Minnesota in 2016 and resulted in an agricultural emergency. This project intensively monitored Palmer amaranth, deployed control measures, and developed methods for ground and aerial surveys. By 2018 no Palmer amaranth was found in the conservation areas where the initial introduction occurred.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

We are very pleased that our methods to manage Palmer amaranth in conservation plantings have been very effective. At multiple plantings, hundreds of Palmer amaranth plants in 2016 in Lyon and Yellow Medicine counties were torched in the fall. This greatly reduced Palmer to a handful of plants in the summer of 2017. We followed up with prescribed fire in spring 2018 to kill Palmer seed in seedheads and seedlings. There were also hundreds of Palmer plants in Todd County found in fall 2017. We were helped at these Palmer plantings by frost killing plants before much seed was developed. As a result of our efforts and frost, no Palmer amaranth plants were found at these plantings in 2018. To improve Palmer amaranth detection, we continue to work on aerial survey and are testing aircraft, sensors and software. All of these efforts will continue with the Palmer amaranth detection and eradication project that received continuation funding for 07/01/18 – 06/30/20.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Presentations and Events

  • Chandler, M. gave a project update to MDA’s Noxious Weed Advisory Committee on February 8, 2018.
  • Presented Palmer amaranth identification and reporting at a public meeting on March 8, 2018 in Clarkfield, for a total of 9 presentation and outreach events during this project.
  • Palmer amaranth was included in two Weed ‘Em Out workshops held in Duluth (3/27/18) and Chaska (4/4/18) for 96 natural resource and road maintenance professionals.

Sub-Project 03: Deer Movement Related to Potential CWD Prion Transmission - $449,557 TF

Christopher S. Jennelle
MN DNR
5463 West Broadway Ave
Forest Lake, MN 55025

Phone: (651) 539-3310
Email: christopher.jennelle@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project provided a foundation for understanding deer movements in southeastern Minnesota that can facilitate spread of chronic wasting disease. Deer had westward movement trajectories, underscoring risk of CWD spread towards the Minnesota interior. In southeastern Minnesota, hunting is the primary source of mortality for yearling deer.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

We quantified dispersal and migratory movements of wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in southeastern Minnesota that are relevant to understanding the potential spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). After detection of CWD in fall 2016 in Fillmore County, we sought to determine potential pathways of CWD spread on the landscape via wild deer movements and estimate general causes of deer mortality in southeastern Minnesota. Since March 2018, we captured and fitted GPS collars to 226 deer and continue to monitor 72 animals. The main causes of mortality were hunting and vehicle collision in the yearling to 3-year-old deer composing our sample, which underscores the importance of harvest management as a valuable tool to control CWD in southeastern Minnesota. Average annual survival for females and males was 0.73 and 0.54, respectively, and these low survival estimates likely reflect effective liberalized harvest regulations within the study area to manage CWD.

We found that 26% of females and 43% of males dispersed between their natal and adult home range, and surprisingly 15% of females and 6% of males underwent seasonal migration between summer and winter ranges. The average dispersal distance for females and males was 20.0 km and 22.8 km, respectively, while that for migratory females and males was 12.8 km and 17.7 km, respectively. We also observed extreme dispersal distances of 116 km and 97 km, respectively, for a female and male. Both sexes tended to disperse westward, although a pattern was unclear for migratory animals. Deer were more likely to avoid agricultural landscape during dispersal and migration, although we did not observe consistent habitat characteristics along movement paths. The southwest to northwest trajectory of dispersal movements underscores increased risk of CWD spread to the Minnesota interior. This information will be vital for prioritizing and guiding CWD management efforts in and around southeastern Minnesota.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Over the course of this project, we have had 23 articles, interviews, or media reports pertaining to this study. MNDNR staff have given at least 14 professional presentations regarding this study to state, federal, and University audiences. We have also created a dedicated webpage devoted to providing background and updates to this study. We have outreached to over 250 private landowners in southeastern Minnesota as part of the process of obtaining permission to access private property for deer capture and GPS-collaring efforts. We have provided regular updates and interactive maps to participating landowners, interested citizens, and hunters who have submitted harvested collared deer to us. We are in the process now of creating an interactive map of select study deer to go live on our webpage that will allow the public to better engage with the amazing movement data we have collected thus far. We have written three DNR agency reports of this project thus far, and are in the process of writing manuscripts for publication. We will continue to collect data for deer with active GPS collars, and we intend to collar about 45 additional deer in early 2021 as a final cohort for this study.

Subd. 11Administration and Contract Agreement Reimbursement

Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)

Subd. 11a     $1,072,000 TF

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

Phone: (651) 296-6264
Email: susan.thornton@lccmr.mn.gov
Web: https://www.lccmr.mn.gov

Appropriation Language
$1,072,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for administration in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09, subdivision 5.

Contract Agreement Reimbursement

Subd. 11b     $135,000 TF

Katherine Sherman-Hoehn
MN DNR
500 Lafayette Rd, Box 10
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5543
Email: Katherine.sherman-hoehn@state.mn.us
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$135,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources at the direction of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for expenses incurred for contract agreement reimbursement for the agreements specified in this section. The commissioner shall provide documentation to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources on the expenditure of these funds.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

This appropriation was used to support the ENRTF contract management program, which ensured that ENRTF grantees expended grant funds in compliance with state law, session law, approved work plans, and Office of Grants Management grants policies.

The DNR Grants Unit managed 59 grants active in FY 2016. In FY 2017, the Grants Unit managed 67 active grants.

Between 7/1/2015 when the services began and 06/30/2017 when they ended, the DNR Grants Unit:

  • Made 270 reimbursements to grantees totaling $6,186,311.59
  • Prepared and executed 21 ML 2016 grant agreements
  • Published 6 editions of the quarterly newsletter for all grantees
  • Billed 976 hours at the FY 2016 professional services rate of $59.00/hr
  • Billed 1,245 hours at the FY 2017 professional services rate of $62.00/hr
  • Monitored all grants in compliance with Office of Grants Management policies.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION
Project personnel were in frequent contact with appropriation recipients and LCCMR staff. Information was disseminated through manuals, training sessions, orientations, meetings, memos, letters, emails, newsletter, and phone.