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M.L. 2020 Projects

On June 25, 2021, the Legislature adopted 74 LCCMR recommendations as tentatively recommended in 2020, provided additional funds to one tentative recommendation, reduced funds for one tentative recommendation, and modified one other. They also added 9 additional appropriations, primarily using unspent funds from prior appropriations that would otherwise return to the Trust Fund, totaling $3,932,000. On June 29, 2021, 86 appropriations were signed into law by the Governor as M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5, with $61,387,000 from FY21 and $3,932,000 recaptured from prior fiscal years, for $65,319,000 total appropriations.

Minnesota Session Laws - 2021, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5 (beginning July 1, 2021)

M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5

Other Formats of the M.L. 2021 projects (2020) adopted by the Legislature and signed by the Governor:

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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 2021First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5, Section 2

Subd. 03Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

Geologic Atlases for Water Resource Management (ID: 2020-074)

Subd. 03a     $2,000,000 TF (FY2021)

Barbara Lusardi
U of MN - MN Geological Survey

Phone: (612) 626-5119
Email: lusar001@umn.edu
Web: https://www.mngs.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$2,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey, to continue producing county geologic atlases to inform management of surface water and groundwater resources. This appropriation is to complete Part A, which focuses on the properties and distribution of earth materials to define aquifer boundaries and the connection of aquifers to the land surface and surface water resources.

Expanding Minnesota Ecological Monitoring Network (ID: 2020-023)

Subd. 03b     $800,000 TF (FY2021)

Holly Bernardo
MN DNR - Ecological and Water Resources Division

Phone: (651) 259-5134
Email: holly.bernardo@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ewr/index.html

Appropriation Language
$800,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to improve conservation and management of Minnesota's native forests, wetlands, and grasslands by expanding the partially established long-term Ecological Monitoring Network that will provide critical knowledge of how ecosystem dynamics and conditions change through time.

County Groundwater Atlas (ID: 2020-009)

Subd. 03c     $1,125,000 TF (FY2021)

Paul Putzier
MN DNR - Ecological and Water Resources Division

Phone: (651) 259-5692
Email: paul.putzier@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ewr/index.html

Appropriation Language
$1,125,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue producing county geologic atlases to inform management of surface water and groundwater resources for drinking water and other purposes. This appropriation is for Part B, to characterize the potential water yields of aquifers and the aquifers' sensitivity to contamination.

Foundational Hydrology Data for Wetland Protection and Restoration (ID: 2020-026)

Subd. 03d     $400,000 TF (FY2021)

Jennie Skancke
MN DNR - Ecological and Water Resources Division

Phone: (651) 259-5721
Email: jennie.skancke@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ewr/index.html

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to improve wetland protection, management, and restoration in Minnesota by completing the partially established long-term Wetland Hydrology Monitoring Network that will provide critical knowledge of wetland hydrology dynamics. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Voyageurs Wolf Project – Phase II (ID: 2020-067)

Research Project

Subd. 03e     $575,000 TF (FY2021)

Joseph Bump
U of MN - College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Phone: (612) 624-2255
Email: bump@umn.edu
Web: https://cfans.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$575,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to study summertime wolf predation on deer, moose, and other species in the Voyageurs region to inform management of wildlife. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Expanding Restoration And Promoting Awareness Of Native Mussels (ID: 2020-025)

Research Project

Subd. 03f     $489,000 TF (FY2021)

Seth Stapleton
Minnesota Zoological Society

Phone: (952) 431- 9443
Email: seth.stapleton@state.mn.us
Web: http://mnzoo.org/

Appropriation Language
$489,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden to promote mussel conservation by rearing juvenile mussels for reintroduction, researching methods to improve growth and survival in captivity, and encouraging public action to benefit water quality. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Improving Pollinator Conservation by Revealing Habitat Needs (ID: 2020-032)

Subd. 03g     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

Colleen Satyshur
U of MN - College of Biological Sciences

Phone: (608) 215-0679
Email: csatyshu@umn.edu
Web: https://cbs.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to use citizen scientists and novel analyses to determine the nesting and overwintering needs of wild bees to allow more specific protection and enhancement of pollinator habitat across the state.

Bee Minnesota - Protect Our Native Bumblebees (ID: 2020-003)

Research Project

Subd. 03h     $650,000 TF (FY2021)

Declan Schroeder
U of MN - College of Veterinary Medicine
1365 Gortner Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 626-1916
Email: dcschroe@umn.edu
Web: www.cvm.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
$650,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to protect native bee health by investigating the potential to mitigate against pathogens that may be transmissible between honeybees and wild bees and by promoting best practices to beekeepers and the public. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Our goal was to assess if Minnesota native bee pollinators were at risk of disease transmission (pathogen Spillover) from honeybees. We found that honeybees and bumblebees have distinct virus communities and while they do share the same habitat, this has not resulted in widespread transmission and infection in bumblebees.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Our goal is to protect native pollinators from risk of disease transmission and population declines. By screening and possibly neutralizing bee pathogens (if needed) we wish to promote best management practices to maintain honeybee health and prevent pathogen spillover into native bee populations. Native bumblebees, Bombus spp., are important pollinators of wild flowering plants and crops such as tomatoes and berries, and are appreciated for their beauty. Unfortunately, five of Minnesota’s twenty-three species of native bumblebees are considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. The potential of pathogen spillover from the western honeybee to other insects is well established. New variants should inevitably emerge following a host expansion, yet to our knowledge no study has shown this within this honeybee to bumblebee transmission system. To investigate the outcome of viral spillover, we sequenced the RNA virus communities of sympatric honeybee (n = 389) and common eastern bumblebee, Bombus impatiens (n = 117), over three years. Distinct virus communities (viromes) occurred within each bee species throughout the study duration, with honeybee viruses forming a minor fraction of the bumblebee virome. Viruses shared by both bees shared over 98 % nucleotide identity, and no bumblebee-specific strains of honeybee viruses occurred, as expected if spillover led to a true host expansion involving bumblebee-bumblebee transmission. We conclude that the honeybee viruses, namely deformed wing virus (DWV), black queen cell virus, and sacbrood virus, were present in the bumblebees due to environmental exposure or dead-end spillover, and not spillover host expansion. We also observed that other potential pathogen spillover species such as Nosema was also present in both bee species but the sequence identity could not speciate the type of Nosema present. Therefore, we could not resolve whether Nosema spillover was occurring in Minnesota bees. Finally, the therapeutic anti-DWV agent proved ineffective in our lab based studies.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Dissemination of our project outcomes have been and will continue to be posted on our Bee Minnesota website (https://beeminnesota.umn.edu/).

We prepared a manuscript on the viral spillover aspect of the project, entitled: "Virome compositions indicate that viral spillover is a dead-end between the western honey bee and the common eastern bumblebee" to Communications Biology (Nature journal) for review. The preprint is available here: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4802694/v1

Dr. Schroeder has presented and continues to be invited to speak on the outcomes of this ENTRF funded work at local, regional and national beekeeping meetings.

Bobcat and Fisher Habitat Use and Interactions (ID: 2020-005)

Research Project

Subd. 03i     $400,000 TF (FY2021)

Michael Joyce
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI

Phone: (218) 788-2656
Email: joyc0073@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth to identify potential solutions to reverse the fisher population decline through better understanding of habitat, diet, and activity patterns of bobcats and fishers.

Healthy Prairies III: Restoring Minnesota Prairie Plant Diversity (ID: 2020-030)

Research Project

Subd. 03j     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

Ruth Shaw
U of MN - College of Biological Sciences

Phone: (612) 624-7206
Email: shawx016@umn.edu
Web: https://cbs.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to improve Minnesota prairie resiliency by increasing locally sourced seed availability and diversity, evaluating use of beneficial microbes in prairie restorations, and assessing adaptation and adaptive capacity of prairie plant populations.

Freshwater Sponges and AIS: Engaging Citizen Scientists (ID: 2020-027)

Research Project

Subd. 03k     $400,000 TF (FY2021)

Venugopal Mukku
U of MN - Crookston

Phone: (218) 281-8097
Email: mukku002@umn.edu
Web: https://www.crk.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, to use citizen scientists to study the geographic distribution, taxonomic diversity, and antifouling potential of freshwater sponges against aquatic invasive species.

Do Beavers Buffer Against Droughts and Floods? (ID: 2020-016)

Research Project

Subd. 03l     $168,000 TF (FY2021)

Steve Windels
National Park Service - Voyageurs National Park

Phone: (218) 283-6692
Email: steve_windels@nps.gov
Web: https://www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm

Appropriation Language
$168,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Voyageurs National Park to analyze existing data sets to determine the role of beaver populations and beaver ponds in buffering the region against droughts and floods.

Enhancing Bat Recovery by Optimizing Artificial Roost Structures (ID: 2020-022)

Research Project

Subd. 03m     $190,000 TF (FY2021)

Ed Quinn
MN DNR - State Parks and Trails Division

Phone: (651) 259-5594
Email: Edward.Quinn@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_trails/index.html

Appropriation Language
$190,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to improve the survival of bats by identifying characteristics of successful artificial bat roost structures and optimizing the structures for bat use and reproduction. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Tools for Supporting Healthy Ecosystems and Pollinators (ID: 2020-064)

Subd. 03n     $198,000 TF (FY2021)

Jessica Petersen
MN DNR - Ecological and Water Resources Division

Phone: (651) 259-5130
Email: jessica.d.petersen@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ewr/index.html

Appropriation Language
$198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to create a pollination companion guide to the Department of Natural Resources' Field Guides to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota for conservation practitioners to better integrate plant-pollinator interactions into natural resource planning and decision-making.

Conserving Black Terns and Forster's Terns in Minnesota (ID: 2020-007)

Research Project

Subd. 03o     $198,000 TF (FY2021)

Annie Bracey
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI

Phone: (218) 341-9021
Email: brace005@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth to assess the distribution and breeding status of black tern and Forster's tern and to make conservation and restoration recommendations to improve the suitability of habitat for these two bird species in Minnesota.

Subd. 04Water Resources

Managing Highly Saline Waste from Municipal Water Treatment (ID: 2020-037)

Research Project

Subd. 04a     $250,000 TF (FY2021)

Natasha Wright
U of MN - College of Science and Engineering

Phone: (612) 219-3540
Email: wrigh677@umn.edu
Web: https://cse.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a cost- and energy-efficient method of managing the concentrated saline waste from a municipal water treatment plant to increase the feasibility of using reverse osmosis for centralized water softening and sulfate removal. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Technology for Energy-Generating On-site Industrial Wastewater Treatment (ID: 2020-062)

Research Project

Subd. 04b     $450,000 TF (FY2021)

Paige Novak
U of MN - College of Science and Engineering

Phone: (612) 626-9846
Email: novak010@umn.edu
Web: https://cse.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$450,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to improve water quality and generate cost savings by developing off the shelf technology that treats industrial wastewater on-site and turns pollutants into hydrogen and methane for energy. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Microplastics: Transporters of Contaminants in Minnesota Waters (ID: 2020-040)

Research Project

Subd. 04c     $425,000 TF (FY2021)

Lee Penn
U of MN - College of Science and Engineering

Phone: (612) 626-4680
Email: rleepenn@umn.edu
Web: https://cse.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$425,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to study how several types of common microplastics transport contaminants of concern in Minnesota waters.

Developing Strategies to Manage PFAS in Land-Applied Biosolids (ID: 2020-013)

Research Project

Subd. 04d     $1,404,000 TF (FY2021)

Summer Streets
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Phone: (651) 757-2761
Email: summer.streets@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
$1,404,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to help municipal wastewater plants, landfills, and compost facilities protect human health and the environment by developing strategies to manage per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in land-applied biosolids.

Quantifying New Urban Precipitation and Water Reality (ID: 2020-055)

Research Project

Subd. 04e     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

Joe Magner
U of MN - College of Science and Engineering

Phone: (612) 626-0875
Email: jmagner@umn.edu
Web: https://cse.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to better guide storm water management by evaluating the groundwater and surface water interactions contributing to high water tables and damage to home basements and underground infrastructure in urban areas.

Innovative Solution for Protecting Minnesota from PFAS Contamination (ID: 2020-034)

Research Project

Subd. 04f     $250,000 TF (FY2021)

Bill Keegan
Dem-Con
13020 Dem Con Dr
Shakopee, MN 55379-7200

Phone: (952) 224-7102
Email: billkeegan@dem-con.com
Web: https://dem-con.com/

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dem-Con Companies to demonstrate a new technology for protecting the state's drinking water and natural resources by eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from point source discharges. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10, related to royalties, copyrights, patents, and sale of products and assets.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Given that it is unclear when the regulatory environment will be stabilized, Dem-Con is withdrawing our current project from LCCMR and returning the funds for reallocation to other projects benefiting Minnesota.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

With the uncertain regulatory environment around PFAS in Minnesota and Federally, this project has not started and is on indefinite hold until the regulatory requirements are determined. It is difficult, if not impossible, to build a treatment system while treatment standards continue to change.

Given that it is unclear when the regulatory environment will be stabilized, Dem-Con is withdrawing our current project from LCCMR and returning the funds for reallocation to other projects benefiting Minnesota. We are hopeful that we will be able to submit a new application at a future date once the regulatory environment is determined. Thank you for your consideration and support of our project.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Given that it is unclear when the regulatory environment will be stabilized, Dem-Con is withdrawing our current project from LCCMR and returning the funds for reallocation to other projects benefiting Minnesota. We are hopeful that we will be able to submit a new application at a future date once the regulatory environment is determined. Thank you for your consideration and support of our project.

Expanding Protection of Minnesota Water through Industrial Conservation (ID: 2020-024)

Subd. 04g     $178,000 TF (FY2021)

Laura Babcock
U of MN - School of Public Health

Phone: (612) 624-4678
Email: lbabcock@umn.edu
Web: https://www.sph.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$178,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota technical assistance program in partnership with the Minnesota Rural Water Association to provide technical assistance to businesses to decrease industrial and commercial water use in communities at risk for inadequate groundwater supply or quality.

Subd. 05Environmental Education

Statewide Environmental Education via Public Television Outdoor Series (ID: 2020-059)

Subd. 05a     $300,000 TF (FY2021)

Cindy Dorn
Pioneer Public Television
1 Pioneer Drive
Granite Falls, MN 56241

Phone: (320) 289-2622
Email: cdorn@pioneer.org
Web: https://www.pioneer.org/

Appropriation Language
$300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pioneer Public Television to produce approximately 25 new episodes of a statewide outdoor public television series designed to inspire Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and restore and protect the environment.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Pioneer PBS produced 26 new episodes of Prairie Sportsman, a statewide television series designed to inspire Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and protect our valuable natural resources. Broadcast in 2022 and 2023, the two 13-episode seasons feature a wide range of topics filmed throughout the state.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Pioneer PBS produced 26 new episodes of Prairie Sportsman, a statewide television series designed to inspire Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and to restore and protect our valuable natural resources. Broadcast in 2022 and 2023 from late January to mid-May, the two 13-episode seasons were filmed at locations throughout the state and feature a wide range of topics targeted to a diverse audience. “Evergreen” episodes are produced to engage and enlighten audiences for years to come through rebroadcasts and online viewing. The two seasons feature 28 environmental science and conservation stories and 26 outdoor sports and recreation stories. In addition, third segments feature a trivia series on how to identify look-alike native and invasive species, how to stop AIS spread, advances in AIS research, a Minnesota state symbols series, sustainable wild food foraging series, and segments on outdoor-themed art and photography.

Many Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund projects have been featured on Prairie Sportsman over the past two seasons including stories on protecting wood turtles in southeast Minnesota, reintroducing native mussels, restoring prairie and oak savanna habitats, promoting pollinator-friendly habitats, researching and stopping the spread of AIS, supporting educational programs of The Raptor Center and Trout Unlimited, promoting outdoor access through trails and fishing piers, evaluating plants that could absorb road salts, and research into fox and coyote populations increasing in urban areas. The ENRTF story “Conflicting Canines” received an Upper Midwest Emmy award, and “Mike’s Muckets,” “Save the Turtles,” “Raptor Rescue” and “Rock Snot Invasion” received Emmy nominations.

As part of this project, Pioneer PBS also produced two stand-alone videos. “Thanks a Billion Minnesota” highlights Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund projects that have been featured on Prairie Sportsman over the past six seasons. “Stewardship Starts at Home” features ways individuals can protect and restore natural resources.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Prairie Sportsman airs on all Minnesota PBS stations’ main channels, the Minnesota Channel, and online. Each episode, including rebroadcasts, airs 26 times during the year for a total of 676 airings during the two-year project. Stories are heavily promoted on social media and distributed to public agencies, learning centers, outdoor and civic organizations, educational institutions and other groups for public outreach and education. “Thanks a Billion Minnesota” airs on Pioneer PBS November 12 and the segment, “Stewardship Starts at Home,” will air during Prairie Sportsman’s 2024 season. Both will then be available online and distributed to all Minnesota PBS stations.

Minnesota Freshwater Quest: Environmental Education on State Waterways (ID: 2020-041)

Subd. 05b     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

Julie Edmiston
Wilderness Inquiry
1611 County Road B West, Ste 315
St. Paul, MN 55113

Phone: (612) 676-9400
Email: julie@wildernessinquiry.org
Web: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Wilderness Inquiry for approximately 10,000 underserved Minnesota youth to explore and improve local waterways using the place-based and hands-on Minnesota Freshwater Quest environmental education program.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Wilderness Inquiry’s Freshwater Quest engaged 8,833 youth across all regions of Minnesota. Using place-based outdoor environmental education, this project inspired the next generation of stewards of Minnesota’s natural resources, helping to preserve our state's outdoor economy and the vibrancy and health of our environment and residents.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Engaging with the natural world is a key aspect of stewardship and crucial to the health and wellbeing of communities and natural resources. Research shows that for children, direct experiences in nature are the primary determinant in developing a stewardship ethic as an adult (White, 2006). Many youths are prevented from accessing these experiences due to financial, geographic, and experience-based barriers. By combining opportunities for meaningful outdoor engagement with connection to a community of learners and explorers, Wilderness Inquiry’s Freshwater Quest creates accessible, affordable, and engaging experiences with nature that increase stewardship in the outdoors and invest in the health and vibrancy of Minnesota’s natural resources.

Wilderness Inquiry connected 8,833 diverse students to place-based, educational outdoor experiences across the state. The Freshwater Quest brought classroom learning to life with hands-on science and environmental education activities. Students conducted experiments to learn about water quality and watersheds, endangered species, and the significance water has to all living creatures. View the Freshwater Quest here.

This project also developed a network of partners including schools, educators, parents, state and local governments, indigenous-led organizations, and local outdoor clubs, all invested in the development of Minnesota’s next generation of environmental stewards. Through these partnerships this project promoted equity and inclusion in the outdoors. For many participants, Canoemobile and the Freshwater Quest provided a foundation for environmental stewardship through their first immersive experience in the outdoors.

Programs were evaluated using the tool “Hello Insight” to measure program success in increasing social-emotional learning (SEL) capacities, which is foundational to youth experiencing positive wellbeing and academic outcomes. Overall, youth program participants reported that Wilderness Inquiry’s staff excelled at providing a safe and supportive experience and pushed young people to try hard and do their best. A detailed report and evaluation results can be found on our website.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Project updates were shared about the Freshwater Quest to our wide network of diverse partners, stakeholders, and media outlets over the course of this project’s timeline. Some examples of this include: facilitating virtual professional development opportunities for MN educators, participating in MN Teach Outdoors! with over 50 MN educators, direct marketing outreaches, and media releases. After a media release, The Timberjay wrote a story about students from Tower-Soudan and Northeast Range experiencing the Canoemobile. Wilderness Inquiry also shared about the Freshwater Quest in our 2022 Year on Review on our website. The Freshwater Quest is also accessible to all Minnesotans.

Teach Science: Schools as STEM Living Laboratories (ID: 2020-061)

Subd. 05c     $250,000 TF (FY2021)

Kristen Poppleton
Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy

Phone: (612) 278-7147
Email: kristen@climategen.org
Web: https://www.climategen.org/

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy to prepare students for the challenges and careers of the future by connecting new science standards, renewable energy, and STEM opportunities in teacher trainings, classroom demonstrations, and program support across the state.

Mentoring Next Generation of Conservation Professionals (ID: 2020-038)

Subd. 05d     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

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 second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust, Inc., to provide paid internships and apprenticeships for diverse young people to learn about careers in the conservation field from United States Fish and Wildlife Service professionals while working at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

“Mentoring the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals” employed 16 emerging professionals in full-time developmental positions over two years on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Participants worked alongside USFWS professionals in conservation biology, visitor services, community outreach and environmental education as they learned, built skills, and explored conservation careers.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Four participants became integral members of the team through their two-year apprenticeships at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The two Conservation Biology Apprentices co-led the design and implementation of numerous habitat projects, conducted biological surveys, assisted with educational programs on the Refuge, and helped write an environmental assessment. The two apprentices in Visitor Services and Outreach coordinated the Refuge’s social media and website, helped manage visitor centers, planned events, delivered interpretive programs and engaged community partners.

Twelve participants held one-year internships in Environmental Education (EE) through the project (four each during three terms September 2021 – May 2024). The Educators delivered programming to 6,500 students, families, and teachers annually on the Refuge, in the schools and libraries, and (during the pandemic) virtually. They supported partner schools and teachers, coordinated volunteers, co-led interpretive programs, and engaged the public in the visitor centers and on Refuge trails.

A core objective and outcome of Mentoring the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals is to enable interns and apprentices to explore career opportunities in the conservation field. They participate in numerous trainings, build skills, shadow and network with professionals in the field. Through this project, most participants identified their desired professional future and secured their next opportunity, which included permanent positions with a federal, state or nonprofit conservation agency, or admission to a graduate program in the conservation field.

As FWS match, the Refuge’s High School Internship program (DUCKS) engaged 36 students in paid internships (part-time during the school year and full-time during the summers). Interns were introduced to the conservation field through numerous and varied activities, including ice fishing, snowshoeing, paddling, Refuge education programs, native seed collection, invasive species removal, and job shadowing.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The Minnesota Valley Trust’s website (https://www.mnvalleytrust.org/) prominently features the “Mentoring the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals” program and funding from the ENRTF, as recommended by the LCCMR.

Recruitment materials for the internship and apprenticeship opportunities are available on the Trust (https://www.mnvalleytrust.org/careers) and Refuge websites, as well as through Refuge social media and partner organizations.

A program led by our Community Outreach Apprentice that connected new Minnesotans to nature through fishing was featured in the following Minnesota Public Radio News -- https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/09/13/new-program-connects-english-language-classes-with-minnesotas-green-spaces.

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Supplemental Teaching Staff (ID: 2020-036)

Subd. 05e     $225,000 TF (FY2021)

Luke Reese
City of Austin
1304 21st St. NE
Austin, MN 55912

Phone: (507) 437-7519
Email: luke.reese@hormelnaturecenter.org
Web: http://www.ci.austin.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
$225,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Austin to expand the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center environmental education program beyond the city of Austin to students in southeastern Minnesota for three years.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Over three years, funding from the ENRTF through the LCCMR enabled the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to engage over 4,500 students outside Austin and provide 50% more summer programming. Curricula designed to foster environmental ethics reached many additional families, contributing to the protection of Minnesota’s natural resources.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, operated by the City of Austin and funded by taxpayers, focuses on environmental education for local students. In 2017, a new interpretive center was completed, enhancing classroom space and establishing the center as a regional hub for exploring and learning about nature. The primary obstacle to expanding environmental education opportunities was the lack of funding for additional staff.

Funding from the ENRTF through the LCCMR enabled the hiring of an additional naturalist and an intern each year for three years. This initiative aimed to engage more school groups from outside Austin and increase summer programming. The center believes that fostering a connection to the natural world through education is crucial for encouraging the protection of natural resources.

The new naturalist built relationships with various schools and districts, providing their students access to the center's curricula. The goals included reaching at least 250 classes, with 80 being new opportunities for schools outside Austin, and an estimated 1,600 additional students each school year. By the second and third years of the grant, these goals were surpassed, with 1,687 students participating in 91 additional classes during the 2022-23 school year, and 1,924 students in 94 additional classes in 2023-24.

With the additional staff, summer programming increased, with 46 classes scheduled in summer 2023, a 50% rise from previous years. However, extreme drought and poor air quality led to the cancellation of some activities. In June 2024, the final month of the grant, 22 outdoor education classes were held, setting the pace for the summer.

This project underscores the demand for environmental education, with funding from the ENRTF enabling the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to expand its offerings. Investments in children today will help protect Minnesota naturalist resources in the future.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

We have acknowledged the ENRTF on our website (https://www.hormelnaturecenter.org/education-programs.html), in our newsletter (https://www.hormelnaturecenter.org/summer-classes.html), and during radio interviews about regional school visits. This recognition also appears in our annual report, at city council and parks and recreation board meetings, at Friends of the Hormel Nature Center meetings, and in outreach to schools (see attached brochure). We consistently use attribution language and the ENRTF logo where appropriate. As we launch a second project, we will soon issue a media release highlighting the success of the first three years of this program.

375 Underserved Youth Learn Minnesota Ecosystems by Canoe (ID: 2020-001)

Subd. 05f     $375,000 TF (FY2021)

Beth Becker
YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities

Phone: (612) 330-3070
Email: beth.becker@ymcamn.org
Web: https://www.ymcamn.org/

Appropriation Language
$375,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities to connect approximately 375 underserved and diverse teens from urban areas and first-ring suburbs to environmental sciences in the natural world through canoeing and learning expeditions with experienced outdoor education counselors. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

YES! Students Take on Water Quality Challenge - Phase II (ID: 2020-069)

Subd. 05g     $199,000 TF (FY2021)

Shelli-Kae Foster
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

Phone: (320) 354-5894
Email: shelli-kae@yesmn.org
Web: http://www.prairiewoodselc.org

Appropriation Language
$199,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center to mobilize local watershed stewardship efforts in approximately 20 communities through student-driven action projects.

Engaging Minnesotans with Phenology: Radio, Podcasts, Citizen Science (ID: 2020-021)

Subd. 05h     $198,000 TF (FY2021)

Sarah Bignall
Northern Community Radio, Inc.
260 NE 2nd St
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone: (218) 326-1234
Email: sbignall@kaxe.org
Web: https://www.kaxe.org/#stream/0

Appropriation Language
$198,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Northern Community Radio, Inc., in partnership with the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to build the next generation of conservationists using phenology, radio broadcasts, podcasts, and an online, interactive map interface to inspire teachers, students, and the public to get outside and experience nature.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Engaging Minnesotans with Phenology project empowered over 89 educators and 2,500 students to connect deeply with nature. By airing 749 student reports and producing weekly podcasts, we inspired communities to engage with the outdoors, fostering a new generation of conservationists and strengthening Minnesotans’ connection to their natural environment.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Engaging Minnesotans with Phenology project aimed to deepen Minnesotans’ connection to the natural environment through education and community engagement. Phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals, is a powerful tool to foster environmental awareness and stewardship. This project sought to inspire a broader understanding of phenology, particularly among educators, students, and the general public, with the ultimate goal of cultivating a new generation of conservation-minded citizens and strengthening community ties to the environment.

To achieve this, the project trained over 89 educators through 15 workshops and 13 follow-up visits. These workshops, led by experts John Latimer, Stephan Carlson, and Charlie Mitchell, provided educators with the tools and knowledge to incorporate phenology into their curriculum. Approximately half of these workshops were day-long events, while the rest were shorter sessions integrated into larger environmental conferences. The workshops received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and as a result, an estimated 2,500 students and 15 additional schools are now benefiting from these lessons. This number is expected to grow as more teachers continue to incorporate phenology into their classrooms.

KAXE, a community radio station, played a pivotal role in promoting and expanding the project’s reach. The station aired 749 student reports on phenology across 119 weekly episodes, along with 48 interviews with environmental scientists and 156 other phenology-related episodes. These segments, hosted by Heidi Holtan and John Latimer, were also made available through the Phenology podcast and the KAXE website.

Additionally, the project developed an interactive website in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. This platform, along with 5,000 phenology calendars were distributed to K-12 teachers and community members, provided valuable resources for observing and understanding seasonal changes.

Overall, this project successfully engaged thousands of Minnesotans in phenology, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and promoting long-term environmental stewardship.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

During this project, we launched the Season Watch Newsletter, featuring Phenology Podcast episodes, local news, nature guides, learning resources, and updates from the KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook group. Over 100 editions were released, growing from 164 to 635 subscribers, with a 66% open rate and 16% click rate. The University of Minnesota’s Season Watch website also launched at seasonwatch.umn.edu, offering extensive local phenological data and resources. Additionally, over 5,000 phenology calendars were distributed to K-12 students and community members, and phenology reports aired on KAXE, streamed online, and were made available as podcasts.

Driving Conservation Behavior for Native Mussels and Water Quality (ID: 2020-017)

Subd. 05i     $191,000 TF (FY2021)

Carol Strecker
Minnesota Zoological Society

Phone: (952) 431-9568
Email: carol.strecker@state.mn.us
Web: http://mnzoo.org/

Appropriation Language
$191,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Garden to develop research-supported strategies to engage the public in specific conservation behaviors to improve water quality and native mussel health across the state.

Workshops and Outreach to Protect Raptors from Lead Poisoning (ID: 2020-079)

Subd. 05j      $133,000 TF (FY2021)

Julia Ponder
U of MN - Raptor Center

Phone: (612) 624-3431
Email: ponde003@umn.edu
Web: https://www.raptor.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$133,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, Raptor Center, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and other conservation partners, to provide hunters with outreach and workshops on alternatives to lead hunting ammunition, including copper ammunition as an alternative, and to promote voluntary selection of nontoxic ammunition to protect raptors and other wildlife in Minnesota from accidental lead poisoning caused by ingestion of ammunition fragments.

Subd. 06Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) - Phase V (ID: 2020-043)

Subd. 06a     $5,000,000 TF (FY2021)

Robert Venette
U of MN - MITPPC

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

Appropriation Language
$5,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to support the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center to fund approximately 15 new, high-priority research projects that will lead to better management of invasive plants, pathogens, and pests on Minnesota's natural and agricultural lands. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Protect Community Forests by Managing Ash for Emerald Ash Borer (ID: 2020-054)

Subd. 06b     $3,500,000 TF (FY2021)

Valerie McClannahan
MN DNR - Forestry Division

Phone: (651) 792-5125
Email: valerie.mcclannahan@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/index.html

Appropriation Language
$3,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to reduce emerald ash borer by providing surveys, assessments, trainings, assistance, and grants for communities to manage emerald ash borer, plant a diversity of trees, and engage citizens in community forestry activities. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Biological Control of White-Nose Syndrome in Bats - Phase III (ID: 2020-004)

Research Project

Subd. 06c     $440,000 TF (FY2021)

Christine Salomon
U of MN - College of Pharmacy

Phone: (612) 626-3698
Email: csalomon@umn.edu
Web: https://www.pharmacy.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$440,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to continue assessing and developing a biocontrol agent for white-nose syndrome in bats.

Applying New Tools and Techniques Against Invasive Carp (ID: 2020-002)

Subd. 06d     $478,000 TF (FY2021)

Brian Nerbonne
MN DNR - Fish and Wildlife Division

Phone: (651) 259-5789
Email: brian.nerbonne@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishwildlife/index.html

Appropriation Language
$478,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to apply new monitoring, outreach, and removal techniques and to continue work with commercial anglers to protect Minnesota waters from invasive carp.

Emerald Ash Borer and Black Ash: Maintaining Forests and Benefits (ID: 2020-020)

Research Project

Subd. 06e     $700,000 TF (FY2021)

Alexis Grinde
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI

Phone: (218) 788-2747
Email: agrinde@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$700,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to use ongoing experiments to determine statewide long-term emerald ash borer impacts on water, vegetation, and wildlife; to determine optimal replacement species and practices for forest diversification; and to develop criteria for prioritizing mitigation activities. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Testing Effectiveness of Aquatic Invasive Species Removal Methods (ID: 2020-063)

Research Project

Subd. 06f     $110,000 TF (FY2021)

Valerie Brady
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI

Phone: (218) 788-2753
Email: vbrady@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$110,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth to test how well boat-cleaning methods work, to provide the Department of Natural Resources with a risk assessment, and to provide recommendations for improving boat-launch cleaning stations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Invasive Didymosphenia Threatens North Shore Streams (ID: 2020-035)

Research Project

Subd. 06g     $197,000 TF (FY2021)

Mark Edlund
Science Museum of Minnesota - St. Croix Watershed Research Station

Phone: (701) 317-4245
Email: medlund@smm.org
Web: https://www.smm.org/scwrs

Appropriation Language
$197,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota to evaluate the recent spread, origin, cause, and economic and ecological threat of didymo formation in North Shore streams and Lake Superior to inform management and outreach.

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

Storing Renewable Energy in Flow Battery for Grid Use (ID: 2020-073)

Research Project

Subd. 07a     $250,000 TF (FY2021)

Bryan Herrmann
U of MN - Morris
600 East 4th Street
Morris, MN 56267 -->

Phone: (320) 589-6038
Email: herrmanb@morris.umn.edu
Web: https://morris.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, on behalf of the Morris campus, to analyze the potential of adding a flow battery and solar energy generation to the University of Minnesota Morris's existing renewable-energy-intensive microgrid.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The project storing renewable energy in a rural area is demonstrating the use of advanced battery chemistries to focus use cases around load leveling, peak shaving, and market services. Expansion of the solar PV system and efforts to enhance grid stability and a foundation for renewable energy implementation in Minnesota.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The project was designed to improve renewable energy integration and grid stability at UMN Morris through the development of a large-scale demonstration of advanced battery chemistries and installation of a solar PV system. The primary objective is to optimize energy management within a community-scale grid by leveraging renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

The installation of the solar PV system will be completed soon. This enhancement enables more comprehensive research on integrating solar energy with battery storage, providing consistent power throughout the day and night. The near completion of this solar array represents a key milestone in our project, setting the stage for further studies on renewable energy management.

In parallel, significant progress has been made in the RFP and battery chemistry selection phase for advanced energy storage systems. We have also leveraged OATI’s analysis and insights from their report to guide our strategy. We have established connections with leading national labs, including Pacific Northwest National, Oak Ridge National, Sandia National, and the Department of Energy, to leverage their expertise in advanced battery chemistries. Additionally, we are evaluating battery options based on data analysis from our current generation assets, including solar and wind, as well as energy usage patterns. The preliminary use case for the battery system focuses on load leveling and peak shaving, which aligns with the university’s needs and will be Otter Tail Power's default strategy. Additionally, Otter Tail Power is exploring the potential to leverage the battery in the MISO market for ancillary services and energy arbitrage.

Overall, the project’s outcomes are expected to provide valuable insights into renewable energy integration including experience for the utilities supporting Minnesota’s energy transition efforts. The findings will inform future policy and management decisions, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy grid that is less carbon intensive.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Results of the project have been disseminated through university communication channels, social media, and industry forums. Hundreds of people have visited campus and learned about our battery project and the solar expansion. Key updates, including the solar PV system and progress on the RFP process for advanced battery chemistries, have been shared to inform and engage stakeholders; continuing as the project advances. A large sign announces the solar project including the ENRTF logo. The goal is to have the project's findings accessible to the public, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, contributing to the broader energy transition initiatives in Minnesota.

Eco-Friendly Plastics from Cloquet Pulp-Mill Lignin (ID: 2020-018)

Research Project

Subd. 07b     $193,000 TF (FY2021)

Simo Sarkanen
U of MN - College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Phone: (612) 624-6227
Email: sarka001@umn.edu
Web: https://cfans.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$193,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to reduce environmental pollution from plastics by creating eco-friendly replacements using lignin from the pulp mill in Cloquet, Minnesota. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Diverting Unsold Food from Landfills and Reducing Greenhouse Gases (ID: 2020-014)

Subd. 07c     $130,000 TF (FY2021)

Julie Vanhove
Second Harvest Heartland
7101 Winnetka Ave N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

Phone: (651) 209-7984
Email: arog@2harvest.org
Web: jvanhove@2harvest.org

Appropriation Language
$130,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Second Harvest Heartland to prevent food from going to landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping businesses donate unsold prepared food to food shelves.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

During the grant period, we collected over 400,000 pounds of prepared and perishable foods that helped to serve our partners and diverted food waste from landfills. We enrolled 150 new donors to the program and 29 agencies that can receive donations.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

While we were not able to get back to pre-Covid levels of engagement for this program, we found many new partners and expanded our relationships with others. During the grant period, we collected over 400,000 pounds of prepared and perishable foods that helped to serve our partners and diverted food waste from landfills. We enrolled 150 new donors to the program and 29 agencies that can receive donations. St. Paul Public Schools has been one of our most engaged partners, which has led us to connect with and start donation programs with several other school districts. Overall, this project has resulted in less organic material being put into landfills, lower greenhouse gas emissions through this reduction, increased amounts of food going to hungry and food-insecure Minnesotans, and the establishment of a new framework for food rescue partners to continue reductions into the future. We continue to look at new and innovative ways of increasing these donations and how the donations make it to our partners using both donor volunteers and middle mile volunteers. We remain focused on increasing partners and donations available and ensuring that the capabilities of the Meal Connect platform are widely known.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

We highlighted the work of this project in several ways - web stories featuring donors (D'Amico, VA Medical Center, and St. Paul Public Schools) and agencies (Ascension Place). We also distributed 45 media kits to existing and potential donors that acknowledge ENRTF as we are onboarding new partners.

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

Pollinator Central: Habitat Improvement with Citizen Monitoring (ID: 2020-050)

Subd. 08a     $750,000 TF (FY2021)

Rebecca Tucker
Great River Greening

Phone: (651) 272-3982
Email: rtucker@greatrivergreening.org
Web: https://www.greatrivergreening.org/

Appropriation Language
$750,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to restore and enhance approximately 400 acres of pollinator habitat on traditional and nontraditional sites such as roadsides and turf grass from Hastings to St. Cloud to benefit pollinators and build knowledge by engaging approximately 100 citizens in monitoring the impact of habitat improvements. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Strategic Habitat Program (ID: 2020-071)

Subd. 08b     $750,000 TF (FY2021)

Dan Shaw
Board of Water and Soil Resources

Phone: (612) 236-6291
Email: dan.shaw@state.mn.us
Web: https://bwsr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$750,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for building a new initiative to strategically restore and enhance approximately 1,000 acres of diverse native habitat to benefit multiple insects through grants, cost-share, and outreach. Notwithstanding subdivision 14, paragraph (e), restorations and enhancements may take place on land enrolled in conservation reserve program and reinvest in Minnesota easement programs. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Lignin-Coated Fertilizers for Phosphate Control (ID: 2020-077)

Research Project

Subd. 08c     $250,000 TF (FY2021)

Eric Singsaas
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI

Phone: (218) 788-2648
Email: esingsaa@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$250,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth to test a new, natural, slow-release fertilizer coating made from processed wood to decrease phosphorus runoff from farmland while also storing carbon in soils. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Implementing Hemp Crop Rotation to Improve Water Quality (ID: 2020-031)

Research Project

Subd. 08d     $700,000 TF (FY2021)

Keith Olander
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities - Central Lakes College

Phone: (218) 894-5163
Email: keith.olander@clcmn.edu
Web: http://www.clcmn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$700,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System for Central Lakes College to evaluate how hemp crops reduce nitrogen contamination of surface water and groundwater in conventional crop rotations and demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of hemp production. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Developing Cover-Crop Systems for Sugar Beet Production (ID: 2020-012)

Research Project

Subd. 08e     $300,000 TF (FY2021)

Anna Cates
U of MN - College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Phone: (612) 625-3135
Email: catesa@umn.edu
Web: https://cfans.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop agronomic guidelines to support growers adopting cover-crop practices in sugar beet production in west-central and northwest Minnesota.

Native Eastern Larch Beetle Decimating Minnesota's Tamarack Forests (ID: 2020-047)

Research Project

Subd. 08f     $398,000 TF (FY2021)

Brian Aukema
U of MN - College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Phone: (612) 624-1847
Email: BrianAukema@umn.edu
Web: https://cfans.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$398,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to understand conditions triggering eastern larch beetle outbreaks and develop management techniques to protect tamarack forests from this native insect. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Habitat Associations of Mississippi Bottomland Forest Marsh Birds (ID: 2020-029)

Research Project

Subd. 08g     $275,000 TF (FY2021)

Rob Schultz
National Audubon Society

Phone: (612) 385-8114
Email: rob.schultz@audubon.org
Web: https://mn.audubon.org/

Appropriation Language
$275,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the National Audubon Society, Minnesota office, to evaluate habitat associations of bottomland forest birds in response to restoration actions to better target restoration efforts for wildlife. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Peatland Restoration in the Lost River State Forest (ID: 2020-048)

Subd. 08h     $135,000 TF (FY2021)

Torin McCormack
Roseau River Watershed District

Phone: (218) 463-0313
Email: rrwd@mncable.net
Web: http://www.roseauriverwd.com/

Appropriation Language
$135,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Roseau River Watershed District to collect physical attribute data from drained peatlands, incorporate the data into a decision matrix, and generate a report detailing peatland restoration potential throughout the Lost River State Forest.

Prescribed Burning for Brushland-Dependent Species - Phase II (ID: 2020-052)

Research Project

Subd. 08i     $147,000 TF (FY2021)

Rebecca Montgomery
U of MN - College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Phone: (612) 624-7249
Email: rebeccam@umn.edu
Web: https://cfans.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$147,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to compare the effects of spring, summer, and fall burns on birds and vegetation and to provide guidelines for maintaining healthy brushland habitat for a diversity of wildlife and plant species.

Pollinator Habitat Creation Along Urban Mississippi River (ID: 2020-051)

Subd. 08j     $129,000 TF (FY2021)

Lisa Mueller
Friends of the Mississippi River

Phone: (715) 222-8267
Email: lmueller@fmr.org
Web: https://www.fmr.org/

Appropriation Language
$129,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Friends of the Mississippi River to remove invasive plants and replace them with high-value native species at three urban sites along the Mississippi River to improve habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Increase Golden Shiner Production to Protect Aquatic Communities (ID: 2020-033)

Subd. 08k     $188,000 TF (FY2021)

Amy Schrank
U of MN - Duluth - Sea Grant

Phone: (612) 301-1526
Email: aschrank@umn.edu
Web: http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
$188,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Sea Grant in Duluth to identify and demonstrate best methods for in-state production of golden shiners to address angler demand while reducing the risk of introducing and spreading invasive species and to communicate findings through reports, manuals, and workshops. Production of shiners in this project must not take place in wetlands.

Restoring Turf to Native Pollinator Gardens Across Metro (ID: 2020-078)

Subd. 08l     $197,000 TF (FY2021)

Maryann Passe
Wilderness in the City
1249 Balsam Trail E
Eagan, MN 55123

Phone: (612) 414-1667
Email: maryannp@wildernessinthecity.org
Web: https://www.wildernessinthecity.org/

Appropriation Language
$197,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Wilderness in the City to transition turf to native gardens for pollinator habitat, establish long-term volunteer stewardship networks, and help connect diverse populations with nature throughout the metropolitan regional park system. A letter of commitment from the respective regional park implementing agency must be provided before money from this appropriation is spent at a regional park within the agency's jurisdiction.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Turf to Pollinator Gardens Project transformed six areas of turf grass into diverse pollinator plantings in parks across the metro. The gardens serve as demonstration sites to inspire park visitors to restore some of their home yards to pollinator beneficial native plantings.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Across the state, high-quality pollinator habitat has been declining, contributing to our current pollinator crisis. In the metro region, nature-based regional parks meant to preserve quality natural areas have seen land transition to mowed turfgrass or otherwise lose their diversity of native plants, limiting available food sources and nesting sites for native pollinators. We saw an opportunity to work directly with community members to restore native plants to regional parks through pollinator gardens designed to inspire all park visitors to create space in their home landscapes to support pollinators.

The completed gardens in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maplewood, Eagan, and Coon Rapids add up to 50,000 square feet of new pollinator habitat in areas that were previously turfgrass and other invasive species. Over the course of installing the gardens, we hosted 37 planting and maintenance events that engaged around 550 community volunteers of all ages. Among these volunteers were students from 4 different schools and 5 youth employment programs. Beyond the in-kind time contributed by volunteers, our project partners contributed nearly $60,000 in matching funds and staff hours to enhance the parklands with pollinator habitat.

These new gardens may have a small footprint in comparison to the size of the regional parks, but their installation in highly visible areas of the parks brings park visitors closer to the beauty of our Minnesota native plants and pollinators. Between the highly designed nature of the gardens and the educational signage with information on where you can go to learn more, we hope that park visitors will feel inspired to join the movement of reintroducing native plants to their landscape. Supporting native plants in our parks, neighborhoods, and communities has a lasting and restorative effect on soil and water quality and improves habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Design and planting templates were created in partnership with Blue Thumb Partners, Park Staff, and in the case of Keller Lake, Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi staff. Educational signage to highlight the plants in the garden and techniques for planting for pollinators at home were created and installed. Primary promotion of the project was through active social media posts, including accounts of park partners, blog posts, and webpages established on the Wilderness in the City and Metro Blooms’ websites.

Lawns to Legumes (ID: 2020-076)

Subd. 08m     $118,000 TF (FY2021); Also see Subd. 20b

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

Phone: (612) 236-6291
Email: dan.shaw@state.mn.us
Web: https://bwsr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$118,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for demonstration projects that provide grants or payments to plant residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes to protect a diversity of pollinators. The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this section. Grants or payments awarded under this section may be made for up to 75 percent of the costs of the project, except that in areas identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as areas where there is a high potential for rusty patched bumble bees to be present, grants may be awarded for up to 90 percent of the costs of the project.
The following amounts, estimated to be $880,000, are transferred to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for demonstration projects that provide grants or payments to plant residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes to protect a diversity of pollinators. The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this clause. Grants or payments awarded under this clause may be made for up to 75 percent of the costs of the project, except that in areas identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as areas where there is a high potential for rusty patched bumble bees to be present, grants may be awarded for up to 90 percent of the costs of the project:
(1) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $380,000, in Laws 2016, chapter 186, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph (b), Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition; and
(2) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $500,000, in Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), Developing RNA Interference to Control Zebra Mussels.
(d) Transfers and Availability
The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Lawns to Legumes Program is focused on building a movement to support at-risk pollinator species. The project resulted in nearly 3000 high diversity residential plantings covering, 4.6 million square feet, and a large numbers of DIY projects across Minnesota inspired and guided by the program.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Phase Two of the Lawns to Legumes Program was extremely successful on building the current momentum to further engage residents across Minnesota to establish pollinator habitat and expands into community parks and school landscapes. Minnesota residents proved that they care about our at-risk insects and are motivated to assist through offering up their own property to establish their habitat. The Individual Support grant received over 26,000 applications, funding was provided, and habitat was created on 2613 parcels of land in Minnesota in Phase 2 of this program. Individual Support recipients contributed $434,636 in match. Through the competitive Demonstration Neighborhood Grant (2020-076) 5 grants were funded, participants reported implementing 98 projects creating 84,751 square feet of habitat in community and residential places. The grantees for Demonstration Neighborhood also leveraged over $23,748. We have also seen large numbers of DIY projects being implemented through residents using program technical resources and participating in the program outreach and education. We have nearly three-quarters of a million visits to the program websites demonstrating the reach and momentum of the program.

By the Numbers

  1. 26,262 residents applied for assistance from all 87 of Minnesota’s counties.
  2. Around 4.6 million square feet (105 acres) of high diversity urban habitat was planted as part of nearly 3000 plantings.
  3. 40% of the projects were completed in environmental justice areas of Minnesota.
  4. Participants contributed about 1.03:1 match for their projects.
  5. Nearly 2,500 people participated in program workshops and presentations.
  6. Over 350 volunteer coaches were involved assisting nearly 840 grantees
  7. A community of practice website called The Hive was established for grantees to support each other.
  8. Over 60 local organizations collaborated on the program.
  9. Three-quarters of a million visits to program

                                                      

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Outreach and education was an important component of the Lawns to Legumes Program to help build a movement to protect pollinators. A large number of resources were incorporated into the Board of Water and Soil Resources Lawns to Legumes Program website including a popular “Planting for Pollinators Habitat Guide” and many planting templates and lists of plant species beneficial to pollinators. The Blue Thumb Partnership played a key role in assisting the Individual Support component of the program and they developed a Program webpage and grantee guide to help guide residents through the process of applying for individual support.

Subd. 09Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

DNR Scientific and Natural Areas (ID: 2020-015)

Subd. 09a     $3,000,000 TF (FY2021)

Judy Elbert
MN DNR - Ecological and Water Resources Division
500 Lafayette Rd Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 391-3168
Email: judy.elbert@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ewr/index.html

Appropriation Language
$3,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the scientific and natural area (SNA) program to restore, improve, and enhance wildlife habitat on SNAs; increase public involvement and outreach; and strategically acquire high-quality lands that meet criteria for SNAs under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, from willing sellers.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Protected Dry Mesic Oak (Red Maple) Forest with exposed granite outcrops home to several state Species in Greatest Conservation Need and a wide variety of other species. Restored and enhanced over 1,111 acres across 58 SNAs. Co-hosted the 2022 Natural Areas Conference with over 300 attendees from 32 states.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) are public lands representing the state’s best hope for protecting rare features and averting biodiversity loss. This appropriation strengthened the “science” in SNA through monitoring-based habitat enhancement, citizen-science action and outreach, and strategic acquisition to protect high-quality natural lands. Over 1,111 acres across 58 SNAs had restoration and enhancement activities take place, this includes prairie reconstruction, terrestrial and woody invasive species control, prescribed disturbance (e.g. prescribed fire, haying, grazing), and other site improvement work. Ecological, compliance, and adaptive management monitoring was completed on 32 SNAs. Knowledge gained through this monitoring will help managers and partners improve management of the native plant communities and rare species within SNAs.

From January 2023 to December 2023, 46 interpretive events were held on SNAs across the state with nearly 1390 volunteer hours worked by over 330 volunteers, and over 2700 interpretive event attendees. Many of the in-person on-site events were hosted by our volunteer site stewards, a community which grew to 180 individuals (at 139 SNAs) volunteering their time as the designated local liaison reporting observations and assisting with land-management activities. The 2022 Natural Areas Conference, co-hosted by DNR’s SNA Program, took place September 6-9th in Duluth. This conference brought in 300+ attendees from 32 states. SNA and MBS staff highlighted Minnesota SNAs and the ENRTF during 7 sub-sessions and 4 field trips.

An addition to Quarry Park (LCCMR ID 24-145-001, Submitted 8/14/24), closed on December 23, 2023 for a total of 79.9 acres. This addition was funded by the ML19, ML20 and ML21 ENRTF SNA appropriations (41.9 acres was directly funded through this ML20 appropriation). The Quarry Park addition is a mature hardwood forest―Southern Dry Mesic Oak (Red Maple) Forest with exposed granite rock outcrops.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The SNA website and events calendar were updated frequently. The SNA Facebook channel achieved 11,300 followers. The SNA Program contributed content to the DNR’s Instagram channel, with posts twice per month to DNR’s agency-wide Instagram channel. Through this appropriation, 4 issues (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter 2023) of the Nature Notes e-newsletters were delivered to 14,000 subscribers. Acknowledgement of the ENRTF was included in all project communications per LCCMR’s guidelines.

Private Native Prairie Conservation through Native Prairie Bank (ID: 2020-053)

Subd. 09b     $2,000,000 TF (FY2021)

Judy Schulte
MN DNR - Ecological and Water Resources Division

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

Appropriation Language
$2,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to provide technical stewardship assistance to private landowners, restore and enhance native prairie protected by easements in the native prairie bank, and acquire easements for the native prairie bank in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, including preparing initial baseline property assessments. Up to $60,000 of this appropriation may be deposited in the natural resources conservation easement stewardship account, created in Minnesota Statutes, section 84.69, proportional to the number of easement acres acquired.

Minnesota State Parks and State Trails Inholdings (ID: 2020-044)

Subd. 09c     $3,500,000 TF (FY2021)

Shelby Kok
MN DNR - State Parks and Trails Division

Phone: (651) 259-5590
Email: shelby.kok@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_trails/index.html

Appropriation Language
$3,500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to acquire high-priority inholdings from willing sellers within the legislatively authorized boundaries of state parks, recreation areas, and trails to protect Minnesota's natural heritage, enhance outdoor recreation, and promote tourism.

Grants for Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas (ID: 2020-028)

Subd. 09d     $2,400,000 TF (FY2021)

Audrey Mularie
MN DNR - State Parks and Trails Division

Phone: (651) 259-5549
Email: audrey.mularie@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_trails/index.html

Appropriation Language
$2,400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to solicit, rank, and fund competitive matching grants for local parks, trail connections, and natural and scenic areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019. This appropriation is for local nature-based recreation, connections to regional and state natural areas, and recreation facilities and may not be used for athletic facilities such as sport fields, courts, and playgrounds.

Mississippi River Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Mussel Reintroduction (ID: 2020-046)

Subd. 09e     $1,800,000 TF (FY2021)

Adam Arvidson
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board

Phone: (612) 230-6470
Email: aarvidson@minneapolisparks.org
Web: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/

Appropriation Language
$1,800,000 the second year is from the trust fund. Of this amount, $1,549,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and $251,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources to restore lost habitat and reintroduce mussels in the Mississippi River above St. Anthony Falls. This work includes creating habitat and species restoration plans, implementing the restoration plans, and monitoring effectiveness of the restoration for multiple years after implementation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2027, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Minnesota Hunter Walking Trails: Public Land Recreational Access (ID: 2020-042)

Subd. 09f     $300,000 TF (FY2021)

Scott Johnson
Ruffed Grouse Society

Phone: (412) 860-3481
Email: scottj@ruffedgrousesociety.org
Web: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/

Appropriation Language
$300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Ruffed Grouse Society to improve Minnesota's hunter walking trail system by restoring or upgrading trailheads and trails, developing new walking trails, and compiling enhanced maps for use by managers and the public.

Turning Back to Rivers: Environmental and Recreational Protection (ID: 2020-065)

Subd. 09g     $1,000,000 TF (FY2021)

DJ Forbes
The Trust for Public Land

Phone: (651) 999-5325
Email: dj.forbes@tpl.org
Web: https://www.tpl.org/

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Trust for Public Land to help local communities acquire priority land along the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Minnesota Rivers and their tributaries to protect natural resources, provide buffers for flooding, and improve access for recreation.

Metropolitan Regional Parks System Land Acquisition - Phase VI (ID: 2020-072)

Subd. 09h     $1,000,000 TF (FY2021)

Jessica Lee
Metropolitan Council

Phone: (651) 602-1621
Email: jessica.lee@metc.state.mn.us
Web: https://metrocouncil.org/

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Metropolitan Council for grants to acquire land within the approved park boundaries of the metropolitan regional park system. This appropriation must be matched by at least 40 percent of nonstate money.

Minnesota State Trails Development (ID: 2020-045)

Subd. 09i     $994,000 TF (FY2021)

Kent Skaar
MN DNR - State Parks and Trails Division

Phone: (651) 259-5636
Email: kent.skaar@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_trails/index.html

Appropriation Language
$994,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to expand high-priority recreational opportunities on Minnesota's state trails by rehabilitating, improving, and enhancing existing state trails. The high-priority trail bridges to be rehabilitated or replaced under this appropriation include, but are not limited to, those on the Taconite, Great River Ridge, and C. J. Ramstad/Northshore State Trails.

Elm Creek Restoration - Phase IV (ID: 2020-019)

Subd. 09j     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

Heather Nelson
City of Champlin
11955 Champlin Drive
Champlin, MN 55316

Phone: (763) 923-7120
Email: hnelson@ci.champlin.mn.us
Web: https://ci.champlin.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Champlin to conduct habitat and stream restoration of approximately 0.7 miles of Elm Creek shoreline above Mill Pond Lake and through the Elm Creek Protection Area.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Elm Creek Restoration Phase IV was an in-stream habitat restoration project that included 5,300 linear feet of stream bank restoration upstream of Mill Pond in the City of Champlin. The project spanned from the Josephine Nunn pedestrian bridge to just passed the Elm Creek Crossings Bridge.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Elm Creek is an impaired water with low dissolved oxygen. This project restored existing eroded stream banks, which will reduce downstream sedimentation, and constructed improvements to provide habitat structure. Construction crews used large equipment during frozen conditions to construct features for this project that included root wads, boulder vanes, toewood, boulder clusters, rock weir,s and riffles. These features were designed to enhance aquatic species’ habitat, including sensitive species such as Blanding's Turtle. The riparian areas of the creek were restored with native planting buffer using native seeding that will filter sediments and nutrients from direct runoff. Overall, the project reduced the amount of total suspended solids and total phosphorus deposited into the Elm Creek and ultimately Mill Pond. Additionally, installation of features like the rock riffles introduce oxygen to the stream which improves dissolved oxygen. This project has preserved the habitat along the Elm Creek and provided an amenity for the community to access for recreation.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Project updates were provided to the public using the city's social media, quarterly Champlin Chronical newsletter, through staff updates at City Council work session meetings and Environment Resources Commission meetings. Dissemination information is provided in the attachment tab. A sign depicting funding by the LCCMR was posted near the Elm Creek Crossing Bridge.

Superior Hiking Trail as Environmental Showcase (ID: 2020-060)

Subd. 09k     $450,000 TF (FY2021)

Lisa Luokkala
Superior Hiking Trail Association

Phone: (218) 834-2700
Email: lluokkala@superiorhiking.org
Web: https://superiorhiking.org/

Appropriation Language
$450,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail Association to rebuild damaged and dangerous segments and create a new trail segment of the Superior Hiking Trail to minimize environmental impacts, make the trail safer for users, and make the trail more resilient for future use and conditions.

Upper St. Anthony Falls Enhancements (ID: 2020-066)

Subd. 09l     $2,800,000 TF (FY2021)

Kjersti Monson
Friends of the Falls

Phone: (612) 836-8266
Email: kjersti@duvalcompanies.com
Web: www.thefalls.org

Appropriation Language
$2,800,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Friends of the Lock and Dam in partnership with the city of Minneapolis to design and install green infrastructure, public access, and habitat restorations on riverfront land at Upper St. Anthony Falls for water protection, recreation, and environmental education purposes. Of this amount, up to $600,000 is for planning, design, and engagement. No funds from this appropriation may be spent until Congress directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to convey an interest in the Upper St. Anthony Falls property to the city of Minneapolis for use as a visitor center. After this congressional act is signed into law, up to $100,000 of the planning, design, and engagement funds may be spent. The remaining planning, design, and engagement funds may be spent after a binding agreement has been secured to acquire the land or access and use rights to the land for at least 25 years. Any remaining balance of the appropriation may be spent on installing enhancements after the Upper St. Anthony Falls land has been acquired by the city of Minneapolis.

Whiskey Creek and Mississippi River Water Quality, Habitat, and Recreation (ID: 2020-068)

Subd. 09m     $500,000 TF (FY2021)

Tim Terrill
Mississippi Headwaters Board
322 Laurel St.
Brainerd, MN 56401

Phone: (218) 824-1189
Email: timt@mississippiheadwaters.org
Web: http://mississippiheadwaters.org/

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Mississippi Headwaters Board to acquire and transfer approximately 13 acres of land to the city of Baxter for future construction of water quality, habitat, and recreational improvements to protect the Mississippi River.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Thirteen acres were acquired by the city of Baxter to develop a stormwater pond that will capture 400 acres of drainage from Hwy. 371 and surrounding impervious surfaces. ENRTF funds were used for acquisition and Clean Water Funds were used to build the pond.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The project started out looking to acquire 13.8 acres on a former golf course in the city of Baxter. While working through the process, a phase one environmental study found that the contaminant mercury was located on the property, and the acquisition could not move forward until it was remediated. The city of Baxter, Crow Wing SWCD, and MHB met with various state partners and LCCMR staff to look at options, and a plan and pathway was developed to ensure remediation on the site using a private and public funding portfolio that didn't involve ENRTF funds. Once funding was acquired, the process of remediation began, and the mercury was removed from the site and placed in a hazardous waste landfill. The Mississippi Headwaters Board and the city of Baxter were then able to work together and get the necessary paperwork done, and the acquisition was completed. During the process, 0.8 acres was omitted out of the acquisition due to the difficulties with wetland influence on the stormwater pond construction. Following the acquisition, construction began on the stormwater pond, and it was completed using Clean Water Funds in the fall of 2023. Seeding will take place in the Spring of 2024.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The Mississippi Headwaters Board held a biennial conference in the fall of 2023 in which this project was highlighted under the agenda title of a stormwater and recreational benefit project. Over 60 state and local elected officials, committee members, and agency personnel attended this meeting to see a comprehensive overview presentation of how partners worked with the LCCMR to complete the fee-title acquisition and restoration of this site. Project partners along with state fund recognition was given during the presentation, and drone footage was provided to show the audience an overall view of the project.

Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail (West Segment) (ID: 2020-049)

Subd. 09n     $2,600,000 TF (FY2021)

Matthew Yavarow
Otter Tail County
505 South Court Street, Suite 1
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Phone: (218) 998-8470
Email: myavarow@co.ottertail.mn.us
Web: https://ottertailcountymn.us/

Appropriation Language
$2,600,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Otter Tail County to construct the west segment of the 32-mile Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail that will connect the city of Pelican Rapids to Maplewood State Park.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Otter Tail County with the help of funding provided by LCCMR were able to build a 7.02-mile multi-modal trail system that connects the city of Pelican Rapids and residents of Otter Tail County to Maplewood State Park. This infrastructure allows people to get outside and enjoy the natural environment.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Otter Tail County was able to create a multi-modal trail corridor by constructing the West Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail. This trail connection from Pelican Rapids to Maplewood State Park enhances the recreational opportunities by connecting one of the most racially-and ethnically-diverse rural communities in outstate Minnesota to the state park. Maplewood State Park is a significant environmental destination for visitors and residents alike, as it hosted over 154,000 visitors in 2017 alone. Residents and visitors are now provided with a low cost and safer off-road option in order to commute between Pelican Rapids to Maplewood State Park. This trail corridor also provides for a safer alternative route for residents to be outside and enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities and enjoy nature while improving their health by walking, bicycling, roller blading, and running. This trail corridor does not allow the use of motorized vehicles during the non-snowy months, but we are working with the local snowmobile clubs to have the corridor groomed for snowmobile usage during the winter. The Pelican Rapids High School men's and women's cross-country teams use the trail as a training ground for their sport, as the trail provides a safer corridor for them to train away from vehicular traffic on the roadways. During the upcoming 2024 construction season, the final segment of the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail will be constructed through Maplewood State Park that will then connect the communities of Pelican Rapids to Perham by a multi-modal trail.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Otter Tail County has created and placed wayfinding maps at kiosks along the Trail. The ENRTF logo is used on the kiosks and on the County website on the segment-specific pages of the Trail. Otter Tail County will also be creating a trail promotional video in the spring of 2024, which will also display the ENRTF logo.

Crow Wing County Community Natural Area Acquisition (ID: 2020-011)

Subd. 09o     $400,000 TF (FY2021)

Tom Strack
Crow Wing County
322 Laurel St
Brainerd, MN 56401

Phone: (218) 824-1138
Email: tom.strack@crowwing.us
Web: https://crowwing.us/

Appropriation Language
$400,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Crow Wing County to acquire approximately 65 acres of land adjacent to the historic fire tower property to allow for diverse recreational opportunities while protecting wildlife habitat and preventing forest fragmentation. Any revenue generated from selling products or assets developed or acquired with this appropriation must be repaid to the trust fund unless a plan is approved for reinvestment of income in the project as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

We acquired nearly 70 acres of private land adjacent to our historic fire tower county park, protecting and buffering the park from nearby development as well as providing additional area for the park to be expanded and protecting the natural resources in the area.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

We acquired a historic fire tower and the 40 acres it sits on from the MN DNR in 2018. The property was surrounded by private land on three sides and a county road on one side. This project allowed us to acquire the private land on two sides creating more of a buffer and allowing us to expand the park and protect the natural resources. We acquired an additional three private parcels (67.5 acres) adjacent to the original 40 acre park boundary, making the total county park approximately 107.5 acres in size. This was a very straightforward land acquisition project. We purchased 40 acres from Carl Boberg, and another 27.5 acres from a family trust. County residents and visitors can now enjoy the 100+ acre park, year round, free of charge. It’s conveniently located right off Highway 371 and it’s our highest use park, averaging about 50 vehicles per day. The park includes interpretive signs about the area’s natural resources to help educate folks on land management.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Now that we’ve completed the land purchase, we will create new trails on the property, and we’ll update our maps to reflect the new trails as well as the new park boundary. These maps are available on our county website as well as in our office in a large recreation focused display, free for customers to grab anytime. We also provide maps to local chambers of commerce when requested.

Rocori Trail - Phase III (ID: 2020-057)

Subd. 09p     $1,200,000 TF (FY2021)

Pete Weber
Rocori Trail Construction Board

Phone: (320) 685-3653
Email: pweber@coldspring.govoffice.com
Web: https://www.rockvillecity.org/

Appropriation Language
$1,200,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Rocori Trail Construction Board to design and construct Phase III of the Rocori Trail along the old Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail corridor between the cities of Cold Spring and Rockville.

Mesabi Trail: New Trail and Additional Funding (ID: 2020-039)

Subd. 09q     $1,000,000 TF (FY2021)

Bill Dahl
St. Louis & Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority

Phone: (218) 744-6150
Email: bdahl@rrauth.com

Appropriation Language
$1,000,000 the second 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 constructing the Mesabi Trail beginning at the intersection of County Road 20 and Minnesota State Highway 135 and terminating at 1st Avenue North and 1st Street North in the city of Biwabik in St. Louis County. This appropriation may not be spent until all Mesabi Trail projects funded with trust fund appropriations before fiscal year 2020, with the exception of the project funded under Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph (g), are completed.

Ranier Safe Harbor and Transient Dock on Rainy Lake (ID: 2020-056)

Subd. 09r     $762,000 TF (FY2021)

Sherril Gautreaux
City of Ranier

Phone: (218) 286-3311
Email: cityofranier@frontiernet.net
Web: https://raniermn.govoffice2.com/

Appropriation Language
$762,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Ranier to construct a dock that accommodates boats 26 feet or longer with the goal of increasing public access for boat recreation on Rainy Lake. Any revenue generated from selling products or assets developed or acquired with this appropriation must be repaid to the trust fund unless a plan is approved for reinvestment of income in the project as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Crane Lake Voyageurs National Park Campground and Visitor Center (ID: 2020-010)

Subd. 09s     $3,100,000 TF (FY2021)

Jim Janssen
Town of Crane Lake

Phone: (218) 340-0867
Email: jim@voyagaire.com
Web: http://www.cranelaketwp.com/

Appropriation Language
$3,100,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the town of Crane Lake to design and construct a new campground and to plan and preliminarily prepare a site for constructing a new Voyageurs National Park visitor center on land acquired for these purposes in Crane Lake. Any revenue generated from selling products or assets developed or acquired with this appropriation must be repaid to the trust fund unless a plan is approved for reinvestment of income in the project as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Chippewa County Acquisition, Recreation, and Education (ID: 2020-006)

Subd. 09t     $160,000 TF (FY2021)

Scott Williams
Chippewa County

Phone: (320) 226-2653
Email: swilliams@co.chippewa.mn.us
Web: https://www.co.chippewa.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
$160,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Chippewa County to acquire wetland and floodplain forest and abandoned gravel pits along the Minnesota River to provide water filtration, education, and recreational opportunities.

Sportsmen's Training and Developmental Learning Center (ID: 2020-058)

Subd. 09u     $85,000 TF (FY2021)

Ray Sogard
Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association
P.O. Box 367
Hibbing, MN 55746

Phone: (218) 969-3425
Email: mfztapresident@gmail.com
Web: http://www.mnforesttrappers.com/

Appropriation Language
$85,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association to complete a site evaluation and master plan for the Sportsmen's Training and Developmental Learning Center near Hibbing. Any revenue generated from selling products or assets developed or acquired with this appropriation must be repaid to the trust fund unless a plan is approved for reinvestment of income in the project as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Minnesota Trappers Association used these funds to complete a site evaluation, master plan, and cost estimate for constructing and outfitting a Sportsmen's Training and Developmental Learning Center located on a 38 acre parcel owned by the Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association in Hibbing, MN.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The master plan details every aspect of this facility. The main building layout/concept details the indoor exhibit/banquet space that will accommodate 500 people, numerous exhibits, or multiple classrooms as needed. In addition, a commercial kitchen will have the ability and equipment needed to serve a large banquet or daily classrooms in need of nutrition. Further the mechanical, cold storage, retail, office, bathrooms, showers, and janitor space to assure this facility will accomplish the goals of the MFZTA. In addition, the site plan shows how the pond, bog walk, rustic campsites, outdoor classrooms, parking, and RV campsites will all fit. The cost estimates provide the blueprint for the MFZTA to pursue local, state, and Federal grants needed to make this facility a reality. This facility was inspired by a Wisconsin facility that has been successful because the convention is held the same week and month each thus allowing patrons to plan their vacations each year in order to participate in the experience. The MFZTA plans on doing the same. In addition, the partnerships that are being developed with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Delta Waterfowl, Pheasants Forever, The Grouse Society, Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association, Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Association, and others will promote the longevity and success of this facility. The master plan provides the blueprint that will allow us to teach individuals how the air, water, land, fish, wildlife and other natural resources interact to create the environment as we know it. Improved state policy is the goal.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The master plan details and defines the areas the MFZTA must now pursue to ensure success. Breaking the project into areas that grant writers can target grants that will ensure success. The master plan will be forwarded to all grant prospects in order that they have a clear understanding of what we are trying to accomplish. In addition signage promoting the LCCMR and ENRTF will be posted as grants become available, as well as promotional articles as they become available will be forwarded to the LCCMR.

Birch Lake Recreation Area (ID: 2020-097)

Subd. 09v     $350,000 TF (FY2021)

Robecca Jaeger
City of Babbitt
71 South Drive
Babbit, MN 55706

Phone: (218) 827-3647
Email: cityadmin@babbitt-mn.com
Web: https://www.babbitt-mn.com/

Appropriation Language
$350,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for a grant to the city of Babbitt to expand the Birch Lake Recreation Area by adding a new campground to include new campsites, restrooms, and other facilities. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The City of Babbitt has completed a new 22-acre campground in the Birch Lake Recreation Area that will includes 49 new campsites to accommodate recreational vehicles and tents. The completion of this project allows area residents and tourists from around the country.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The completion of the campground has provided 49 new ADA compliant campsites for a variety of camping activities and users. The new campground is located along the shores of Birch Lake,. one of the most heavily fished lakes in the Tower fisheries Management Area. The lake is 75% undeveloped and provides a Boundary Waters Canoe Area experience. Along with the new campsites, this project includes a new camp office as well as restrooms and showers. The campground is adjacent to ATV trails and an existing paved pedestrian/hiking trail that connects to the downtown of Babbitt and continues to the Mesabi Trail. As a part of this project, the City of Babbitt extended city water, sewer and electrical services to the campground. The campground is also adjacent to a new boat landing and new road access that was constructed by the city in 2018. This project was planned, designed, and constructed due to the lack of camping sites in the Babbitt area as well as in Northern Minnesota. The total cost of this project was approximately $5,000,000. The funding partners for this project included the LCCMR, MN State Bonding Bill, Iron Range Resources (IRRRB) and the City of Babbitt. The campground opened the spring/summer of 2023.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The City of Babbitt conducted numerous public meetings through the planning, design funding, and construction phases of this project. The project’s updates were discussed in regular council meetings and were open to the general population. The City of Babbitt also updated all of the funding partners during the design and construction phases of the project. At the project site, in at least two (2) locations, signage will be constructed and shall remain in order to identify project name, scope, and parties that funded the project. These signs will include the verbiage “Funding for this project.

Subd. 10Emerging Issues Account; Wastewater Renewable Energy Demonstration Grants

Emerging Issues Account; Wastewater Renewable Energy Demonstration Grants (ID: 2020-080)

Subd. 10      $1,095,000 TF (FY2021)

Becca Nash
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources

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

Appropriation Language
$1,095,000 the second year is from the trust fund to an emerging issues account authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d). Money appropriated under this subdivision must be used for grants in consultation with the Public Facilities Authority for renewable energy demonstration projects at wastewater treatment facilities.

Subd. 11Contract Agreement Reimbursement

Contract Agreement Reimbursement (ID: 2020-008)

Subd. 11      $135,000 TF (FY2021)

Katherine Sherman-Hoehn
MN DNR - Grants Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 259-5533
Email: katherine.sherman-hoehn@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/passthrough/index.html

Appropriation Language
$135,000 the second 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 preparing and administering contracts for the agreements specified in this section. The commissioner must provide documentation to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources on the expenditure of these funds.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES 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.

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 72 grants active in FY 2021. In FY 2022, the Grants Unit managed 116 active grants.

Between July 1, 2020 and June 30 2022, the DNR Grants Unit:

  • Made 296 reimbursements to grantees totaling 16.122 million dollars.
  • Finished implementation of fully electronic contract and payment request process and implemented a streamlined reimbursement process for low-risk organizations.
  • 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.

Subd. 20Transfers

Unprecedented Change Threatens Minnesota's Pristine Lakes (ID: 2020-070)

Research Project

Subd. 20a1      $482,000 TF (Transfer from M.L. 2019, Subd. 08c)

Mark Edlund
Science Museum of Minnesota

Phone: (612) 965-6946
Email: medlund@smm.org
Web: https://www.smm.org/scwrs

Appropriation Language
The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed for its original purpose is transferred as follows:
(1) $482,000 is transferred to the Science Museum of Minnesota to determine how, when, and why lakes in pristine areas of the state without obvious nutrient loading are experiencing algal blooms;
(d) Transfers and Availability The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

Wastewater Pond Optimization (ID: 2020-084)

Subd. 20a2      $700,000 TF (Transfer from M.L. 2019, Subd. 08c)

Joel Peck
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd. N
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651) 757-2202
Email: joel.peck@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed for its original purpose is transferred as follows:
(2) $700,000 is transferred to the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in partnership with the Minnesota Rural Water Association and the University of Minnesota's technical assistance program, to implement a program to optimize existing pond wastewater treatment systems to increase nutrient removal and improve efficiency without requiring costly upgrades;
(d) Transfers and Availability The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

It is clear that sites using the Steady State Primary Method are achieving better treatment for phosphorus as compared to the baseline sites which were not interested or unable to implement this method. On average, sites using the Steady State Primary Method have 2.25 mg/L less effluent phosphorus.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Over the course of this project, the project team conducted outreach and site visits to roughly five wastewater pond sites every two weeks to share the steady state primary method operational strategy and other best practices to achieve better treatment for nutrients. As the project concludes, 23 sites were already implementing this method prior to a site visit through this project, 37 sites are newly implementing the method as a result of this project, 8 are planning to implement the method, 13 are interested and considering implementation, while 108 are not interested, 30 cannot implement, and 21 were not available for site visit. This is a total of 240 sites contacted and approached for assessment. The population count targets achieved are slightly different than proposed in the original grant document as the project team learned there were not that many to visit in the larger and medium category, so the team assessed as many as possible in those categories and then continued assessments in the small category.

We calculate that 668 pounds per year of phosphorus reduction as a result of this project from the 12 sites that implemented the method prior to 2024. There are an additional 21 sites implementing the method in 2024, which are also expected to find additional phosphorus savings.

Pond discharge monitoring report data was compared between pond sites using the Steady State Primary Method to a baseline of pond sites who responded with ‘not interested’ or ‘not available’ for assessment. The results show that the Steady State Primary Method seems to be having the intended impact of reducing effluent phosphorus in the pond sites that are using the method.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The project team is in the process of finalizing a case study to highlight the city of Lynd success story in utilizing the Steady State Primary Method to achieve much better nutrient treatment.

Additionally, the project team has presented its preliminary findings at Central States Water and Environment Association and Minnesota Wastewater Operators in February 2024.

Minerals and Water: Demonstration of Three Sulfate Reduction Technology Applications (ID: 2020-083)

Subd. 20a3      $300,000 TF (Transfer from M.L. 2019, Subd. 08c)

Meijun Cai
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI
5013 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN 55811

Phone: (218) 788-2686
Email: mcai@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed for its original purpose is transferred as follows:
(3) $750,000 is transferred to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for academic and applied research through the MnDRIVE program at the Natural Resources Research Institute to develop and demonstrate technologies that enhance the long-term health and management of Minnesota's mineral and water resources. Of this amount, $300,000 is to support demonstration of three sulfate reduction technologies for improved water quality, and $450,000 is for continued characterization of Minnesota iron resources and for developing next-generation technologies and iron products. This research must be conducted in consultation with the Mineral Coordinating Committee established under Minnesota Statutes, section 93.0015;
(d) Transfers and Availability The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project developed three sulfate reduction technologies—biological reduction, chemical precipitation, and ion exchange—through lab and field pilot testing. These methods reduce sulfate levels in industrial and municipal wastewater from 150 to over 3,000 mg/L to below 10 mg/L, protecting Minnesota's wild rice and ensuring environmental.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Minnesota has enforced a sulfate concentration limit of 10 mg/L for wild rice waters. Achieving this typically requires reverse osmosis, which is costly for industries and small municipalities. This project aimed to identify cost-effective technologies for sulfate treatment. Three technologies—biological reduction, chemical precipitation, and ion exchange— were developed and tested through laboratory and pilot studies to assess feasibility, operational parameters, and process optimization.

A biological treatment system, coupled with sulfide immobilization, treated wastewater with sulfate concentrations of 200-3,000 mg/L and varying characteristics (e.g. sulfate concentration, organic content, and hardness) under different operating conditions (e.g., flow rate, substrate dosing, and sulfur recovery methods), reducing sulfate levels to 20-30 mg/L at optimized operation conditions. Effluents from the biological treatment were further treated with chemical precipitation technology to meet the sulfate limit for wild rice water.

Chemical precipitation technology used barium chloride to react with sulfate, producing barite sediment to remove sulfate from water. This process was tested with two types of wastewater at a flow rate of 1-1.5 gallons per minute for about four months, reducing sulfate from 150-400 mg/L to 10-150 mg/L. Process parameters were refined for different water types and target effluent concentrations. Testing also indicated that this process could simultaneously remove sulfate and phosphate.

Ion exchange was tested using novel peat lignin-derived materials and a sulfate-selective strong base anion exchange (SBA) resin. The peat lignin material performed best at pH 4.75, while the SBA resin was most effective at pH 8.3, achieving a breakthrough capacity of 144 mg/g, removing sulfate to below 1 mg/L. Chloride levels were controlled at 230 mg/L, ensuring compliance with Minnesota regulations for recreational waters.

These findings provide guidelines for designing and operating plant-scale sulfate treatment systems.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

This project has produced materials of interest to a wide variety of stakeholders, including the researchers, the city councils, wastewater treatment plant operators, and the community. Among these products are presentations, posters, and publications. Sulfate treatment research results were presented at conferences (Minnesota Water Resources conference, The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration conference, and the International Mine Water Association conference, American Water Works Association, 2023 Water Network Virtual Poster Symposium) and department seminars at other universities (e.g. Moreover). NRRI organized a webinar on Sulfate Remediation Technologies for stakeholders including public agencies, industries, municipalities, tribal entities, and communities.

Minerals and Water: Next-Generation Technologies and New Iron Products (ID: 2020-085)

Subd. 20a3      $450,000 TF (Transfer from M.L. 2019, Subd. 08c)

Rodney Johnson
U of MN - Duluth - NRRI

Phone: (218) 788-2717
Email: rcjohnso@d.umn.edu
Web: https://www.nrri.umn.edu/

Appropriation Language
The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed for its original purpose is transferred as follows:
(3) $750,000 is transferred to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for academic and applied research through the MnDRIVE program at the Natural Resources Research Institute to develop and demonstrate technologies that enhance the long-term health and management of Minnesota's mineral and water resources. Of this amount, $300,000 is to support demonstration of three sulfate reduction technologies for improved water quality, and $450,000 is for continued characterization of Minnesota iron resources and for developing next-generation technologies and iron products. This research must be conducted in consultation with the Mineral Coordinating Committee established under Minnesota Statutes, section 93.0015;
(d) Transfers and Availability The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

Chloride Pollution Reduction (ID: 2020-086)

Subd. 20a4      $500,000 TF (Transfer from M.L. 2019, Subd. 08c)

Brooke Asleson
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Phone: (651) 757-2205
Email: brooke.asleson@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/

Appropriation Language
The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed for its original purpose is transferred as follows:
(4) $500,000 is transferred to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency for activities, training, and grants that reduce chloride pollution. Of this amount, $250,000 is for grants for upgrading, optimizing, or replacing water softener units. Priority for grants must be given to facilities needing improvements to comply with chloride water quality standards;
(d) Transfers and Availability The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

CWD Prion Research in Soils (ID: 2020-087)

Subd. 20a5      $336,000 TF (Transfer from M.L. 2019, Subd. 08c)

Tiffany Wolf
U of MN - College of Veterinary Medicine
1988 Fitch Ave 495 AnSci/Vet Med
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (612) 625-0492
Email: wolfx305@umn.edu
Web: https://www.cvm.umn.edu

Appropriation Language
The appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (c), Sauk River Dam Removal and Rock Rapids Replacement, in the amount of $2,768,000, no longer needed for its original purpose is transferred as follows:
(5) $336,000 is transferred to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to study chronic wasting disease prions in soils, including the assessment of sites where carcasses with chronic wasting disease have been disposed.
(d) Transfers and Availability The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

This project successfully initiated a groundbreaking line of environmental prion research at MNPRO, University of Minnesota, validating RT-QuIC for detecting chronic wasting disease prions in soils. Notably, it marked the first testing of prion contamination in Minnesota soils from Beltrami County, stemming from infected carcass materials.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious, 100% fatal neurological disease affecting deer, caused by prion proteins (a.k.a prions). Prions are resistant to degradation and can remain infectious in the environment for years. Following the identification of an area of Beltrami county public land where CWD-positive carcasses had been dumped, the contamination of the local environment by prions was a major concern. However, detection of prions in environmental samples, such as soils, is complex and few laboratories possess the capacity and expertise to analyze such samples. Therefore, a primary goal of this project was to establish the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO) as a leader in this emerging area of research. Specific objectives were to optimize methods for prion detection in Minnesota soils (Activity 1), and to conduct a baseline survey of prion contamination at the Beltrami County carcass dumpsite (Activity 2). Early soil profiles conducted by MNPRO demonstrated compounds known to contribute both to prion binding (e.g., clay minerals) and RT-QuIC interference (e.g., organic matter, such as humic acids). Consequently, a key focus was to optimize soil extraction and analytical protocols to minimize false positives in RT-QuIC. These efforts allowed us to conduct testing of soil samples collected in association with carcass materials at the dumpsite in 2021. Using RT-QuIC, we detected prion activity in 20% of the soils samples from within the dumpsite. No soil samples from outside the dumpsite perimeter tested positive. While we are confident that our research demonstrates prion contamination of dumpsite soil, we remain committed to validating our findings through alternative testing methodologies. As we refine our detection methods for environmental prion detection, we will integrate these advancements into our ongoing research to deepen our understanding of prion persistence and remediation in the environment.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Project activities and results have been shared with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local landowners in Beltrami Co., and both scientific and public audiences. Two manuscripts detailing this work are currently in preparation for scientific review and publication. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for ongoing and long term research at the Beltrami Co. dumpsite, paving the way for new proposals expected to be submitted for funding opportunities in 2025.

Lawns To Legumes Program Phase 2 (ID: 2020-076)

Subd. 20b      $880,000 TF (Transfers from multiple years); Also see Subd. 08m

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

Phone: (612) 236-6291
Email: dan.shaw@state.mn.us
Web: https://bwsr.state.mn.us

Appropriation Language
$118,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for demonstration projects that provide grants or payments to plant residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes to protect a diversity of pollinators. The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this section. Grants or payments awarded under this section may be made for up to 75 percent of the costs of the project, except that in areas identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as areas where there is a high potential for rusty patched bumble bees to be present, grants may be awarded for up to 90 percent of the costs of the project.
The following amounts, estimated to be $880,000, are transferred to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for demonstration projects that provide grants or payments to plant residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes to protect a diversity of pollinators. The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this clause. Grants or payments awarded under this clause may be made for up to 75 percent of the costs of the project, except that in areas identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as areas where there is a high potential for rusty patched bumble bees to be present, grants may be awarded for up to 90 percent of the costs of the project:
(1) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $380,000, in Laws 2016, chapter 186, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph (b), Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area Acquisition; and
(2) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $500,000, in Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), Developing RNA Interference to Control Zebra Mussels.
(d) Transfers and Availability
The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The Lawns to Legumes Program is focused on building a movement to support at-risk pollinator species. The project resulted in nearly 3000 high diversity residential plantings covering, 4.6 million square feet, and a large numbers of DIY projects across Minnesota inspired and guided by the program.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

Phase Two of the Lawns to Legumes Program was extremely successful on building the current momentum to further engage residents across Minnesota to establish pollinator habitat and expands into community parks and school landscapes. Minnesota residents proved that they care about our at-risk insects and are motivated to assist through offering up their own property to establish their habitat. The Individual Support grant received over 26,000 applications, funding was provided, and habitat was created on 2613 parcels of land in Minnesota in Phase 2 of this program. Individual Support recipients contributed $434,636 in match. Through the competitive Demonstration Neighborhood Grant (2020-076) 5 grants were funded, participants reported implementing 98 projects creating 84,751 square feet of habitat in community and residential places. The grantees for Demonstration Neighborhood also leveraged over $23,748. We have also seen large numbers of DIY projects being implemented through residents using program technical resources and participating in the program outreach and education. We have nearly three-quarters of a million visits to the program websites demonstrating the reach and momentum of the program.

By the Numbers

  1. 26,262 residents applied for assistance from all 87 of Minnesota’s counties.
  2. Around 4.6 million square feet (105 acres) of high diversity urban habitat was planted as part of nearly 3000 plantings.
  3. 40% of the projects were completed in environmental justice areas of Minnesota.
  4. Participants contributed about 1.03:1 match for their projects.
  5. Nearly 2,500 people participated in program workshops and presentations.
  6. Over 350 volunteer coaches were involved assisting nearly 840 grantees
  7. A community of practice website called The Hive was established for grantees to support each other.
  8. Over 60 local organizations collaborated on the program.
  9. Three-quarters of a million visits to program

                                                      

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

Outreach and education was an important component of the Lawns to Legumes Program to help build a movement to protect pollinators. A large number of resources were incorporated into the Board of Water and Soil Resources Lawns to Legumes Program website including a popular “Planting for Pollinators Habitat Guide” and many planting templates and lists of plant species beneficial to pollinators. The Blue Thumb Partnership played a key role in assisting the Individual Support component of the program and they developed a Program webpage and grantee guide to help guide residents through the process of applying for individual support.

Emerging Issues Account (ID: 2020-090)

Subd. 20c      $393,000 TF (Transfers from multiple years)

Becca Nash
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources

Phone: (651) 296-2406
Email: becca.nash@lccmr.mn.gov
Web: https://www.lccmr.mn.gov/

Appropriation Language
The following amounts, estimated to be $284,000, are transferred to an emerging issues account authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d):
(1) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $100,000, in Laws 2015, chapter 76, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (b), Propagating Native Plants and Restoring Diverse Habitats;
(2) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $50,000, in Laws 2016, chapter 186, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (c), Advancing Microbial Invasive Species Monitoring from Ballast Discharge;
(3) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $11,000, in Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (a), Connecting Youth to Minnesota Waterways through Outdoor Classrooms;
(4) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $43,000, in Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (e), Local Planning and Implementation Efforts for Bird Habitat;
(5) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $30,000, in Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), Optimizing the Nutrition of Roadside Plants for Pollinators;
(6) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $10,000, in Laws 2017, chapter 96, section 2, subdivision 8, paragraph (f), Prescribed-Fire Management for Roadside Prairies;
(7) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $20,000, in Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (a), Pilot Program to Optimize Local Mechanical and Pond Wastewater-Treatment Plants; and
(8) the unencumbered amount, estimated to be $20,000, in Laws 2018, chapter 214, article 4, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (e), Install and Evaluate an Invasive Carp Deterrent for Mississippi River Locks and Dams.
(d) Transfers and Availability
The transfers under this subdivision are effective June 30, 2021, and the transferred amounts are available until June 30, 2023.

Sub-Projects M.L. 2020, Subd. 20c:

  • 01: Emerging Issues Reducing Turtle Mortality (ID: 2020-099) - $249,000
  • 02: Emerging Issues Haskell Street CE Acquisition (ID: 2020-098) - $104,000



Sub-Project 01: Emerging Issues Reducing Turtle Mortality (ID: 2020-099) - $249,000 TF

Christopher Smith
Minnesota Department of Transportation
395 John Ireland Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (612) 741-7678
Email: Christopher.E.Smith@state.mn.us
Web: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/

Sub-Project 02: Emerging Issues Haskell Street CE Acquisition (ID: 2020-098) - $104,000 TF

Lisa West
Dakota County
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033

Phone: (952) 891-7018
Email: lisa.west@co.dakota.mn.us
Web: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Pages/default.aspx
SOUND BITE OF PROJECT OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

A 0.5-acre permanent natural area conservation easement was acquired by Dakota County from Haskell Street Conservation LLC on June 27, 2024, in West St. Paul that includes large oak trees and grassland areas that will be restored to permanent native vegetation and provide a desired neighborhood open space.

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

The Haskell Street Conservation LLC/McEllistrem family (LLC) property is located in West St. Paul where there are also several adjacent undeveloped and landlocked parcels. The late landowner's heirs wanted to preserve part of their childhood home as open space. The original parcel was split; and the LLC was established to manage the vacant lot. The City of West St. Paul enthusiastically supports this conservation easement as a way to preserve small neighborhood open spaces. Neighboring landowners also expressed interest in protecting portions of their land. The County hopes that protecting this parcel will trigger additional land protection of adjacent areas.

The LLC applied to enroll the vacant parcel in the Dakota County Land Conservation Program to permanently protect it from development, to preserve open space and restore the habitat. Through the acquisition of a 0.5-acre permanent natural area conservation easement, Dakota County helped the McEllistrems achieve their goals for this property and leave a conservation legacy for their family. The conservation easement is perpetual and is attached to the property deed, regardless of future ownership.

The specific outcomes of this conservation project include: permanent protection of open space in a densely populated, older residential area that can be viewed and enjoyed by all passers-by for generations; and the habitat will be restored to a natural state. Wildlife already congregates in this area, because of the wooded open lots adjacent and nearby; the easement will help preserve this wildlife habitat area.

The backbone of private land conservation in Dakota Count is the landowners who often forego significant compensation, because protecting their land is so important to them and their families. The County program, with the partial funding provided by the ENRTF, helps families achieve their vision for natural resource protection and environmental enhancement of the habitats on their property.

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

The permanent conservation easement includes installation of a County "Preserved Natural Area" sign and an LCCMR ENRTF sign in a visible location to inform passers-by of the protected land and the partial funding from the ENRTF. A depiction of the sign is attached, as well as an exhibit showing the easement area on the property.