M.L. 2025 Projects

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$1,441,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for Bemidji State University to collect baseline deer demographic, movement, and habitat use data prior to elk restoration to better inform management of both elk and deer populations on the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding areas.

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$298,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to investigate Minnesota walleye strain physiology and disease responses to warming water and to build a tool to guide adaptive management of walleye in a warming climate.

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$809,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate how wolves, winter severity, and habitat affect deer mortality and survival across space and time within the Voyageurs region.

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$247,000 the first 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 determine anticoagulant rodenticide exposure rates and concentrations in Minnesota bobcats and fishers, factors influencing exposure risk, and negative effects of rodenticide exposure on carnivore health.

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$386,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota to make the museum’s Minnesota mollusk specimen collection available for research and education by identifying and organizing all relevant specimens and digitizing their data.

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$316,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a harvest-scheduling model that integrates wildlife habitat metrics with timber production objectives in the forest planning process for more sustainable forest landscape level outcomes.

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$413,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the National Audubon Society, Upper Mississippi River office, to conduct a breeding marsh bird survey and provide state and federal agencies with an assessment of marsh bird population status and wetland habitat. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$242,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Society to restore imperiled wood turtles by increasing remnant populations, quantifying effectiveness of habitat management strategies, establishing baseline information on disease prevalence, and creating a new decision support tool for prioritizing future conservation actions.

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$216,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to create a centralized and accessible database of wildlife movement data from prior trust fund-supported studies and demonstrate tools biologists can use to analyze these data to benefit Minnesota wildlife.

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$234,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Minnesota Zoological Society to expand the statewide Motus wildlife tracking system network into southwestern Minnesota and the north shore to guide the conservation of imperiled grassland and boreal migratory birds and other wildlife. This appropriation may also be used to develop outreach and interpretive materials for Motus sites.

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$186,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to collaborate with wildlife organizations and community scientists to survey the biodiversity and distribution of ticks in Minnesota and create a publicly accessible GIS dashboard to share results and potential disease implications with the public and wildlife managers.

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$563,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to expand and assess hunter participation in monitoring scavenger use of deer gut piles, assess small mammal occurrence and contaminant and disease exposure risk at offal sites, and study how messaging impacts hunters’ use of lead ammunition.

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$424,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to collect data on the year-round habitat use and migratory movements of green herons, assess potential factors leading to population decline, and identify conservation strategies to benefit the green heron and other wetland-dependent bird species.

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$955,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural History, to acquire a CT-scanner, scan Bell Museum organismal specimens, create 3D prints from the scans, and share the data and prints through environmental education and research programs. The CT-scanner purchased with this appropriation must prioritize use by and be made available cost free to other Minnesota-focused researchers for the duration of this appropriation. This appropriation may also be used for equipment, tools, and supplies needed to acquire, install, and use the scanner and print 3D models of scanned organisms. Net income generated as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

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$563,000 the first 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 evaluate bear, bobcat, and coyote habitat use, activity, and diet in Duluth and surrounding areas to map hotspots for human-carnivore conflicts and fill knowledge gaps to reduce conflicts. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$1,260,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey, to continue to produce geologic atlas maps and databases to inform management of ground and surface water. 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.

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$250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to construct species distribution models that predict presence and abundance of native rough fish species and identify potential areas for protection, additional monitoring, or restoration across the state. This appropriation may also be used to build an interactive mapping tool and share results.

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$772,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness to work with collaborators to aggregate research, data, and other information about the impacts of climate change on the habitat and wildlife of northeastern Minnesota into a publicly available, web-based database. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$750,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, to collaborate with wildlife rehabilitation organizations and other wildlife health professionals throughout Minnesota to enhance the state’s health and disease surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts.

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$331,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to merge aircraft and satellite LiDAR data to build a model and an interactive real-time web dashboard of forest boundaries that provides business-ready information about statewide forest fragmentation and degradation due to human activities and natural disasters.

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$590,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to pioneer low-mortality methods for monitoring bee populations and to investigate nest habitat materials and antimicrobial properties in cooperation with community scientists and management agencies. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$312,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to use existing LiDAR and recurring aerial photographs to determine state grassland acreage and change over the last twenty years, evaluate key drivers of wetland change, and use technology to improve Minnesota’s wetland monitoring.

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$390,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate a combination of prescribed fire, brush mowing, and targeted conservation grazing to develop ready-to-use management strategies for public land managers to mitigate woody species encroachment and increase biodiversity and carbon sequestration in public grasslands.

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$1,255,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris to establish data collection systems and methods at sentinel farm sites, develop and evaluate best management practices, and provide outreach and training to farmers to encourage adoption of precision agriculture technologies that reduce fertilizer and chemical use and improve water and air quality.

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$621,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to map the aggregate resource potential in the state of Minnesota and to make the information available in print and electronic format to local units of government to support informed land-use decisions and resource conservation.

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$900,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to continue efforts to create a framework for long-term wild rice monitoring for conservation and collaborate with tribal and non-governmental organizations to collect additional data, improve collection and analysis methods, and develop a statewide estimate of wild rice abundance and coverage.

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$2,146,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Forever Green Initiative to fund research projects to develop new perennial and winter-annual crops to protect water, wildlife, soil, other natural resources, and the climate. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2030, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$568,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop population dynamics, habitat use, and food web models for Minnesota gars and bowfins and conduct outreach to inform conservation and management and serve as a template for study of Minnesota’s other native rough fish species.

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$595,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to use decade-long comprehensive lake, watershed, and weather data and high-resolution climate models to understand lake-specific drivers of water quality and predict the effects of future warming on harmful algal blooms across Minnesota.

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$423,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to use long term monitoring data to determine the relationship between zooplankton communities and ecosystem services like fisheries health and water quality and develop biotic indices for lake health.

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$255,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to demonstrate performance of climate-adaptive tree species and study land manager and public perceptions of these species to identify the best species and risk tolerance for future plantings in metropolitan areas of Minnesota.

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$675,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to map the locations and survey the biological diversity and water quality of Lake Superior coastal rock pools. This appropriation may also be used to develop outreach materials and host programs on rock pool understanding and conservation.

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$2,007,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for state and tribal biologists to work collaboratively to estimate survival and fecundity of yearling and 2-year-old moose in northeast Minnesota to inform future management efforts. Of this amount, $841,000 is for an agreement with the 1854 Treaty Authority. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2031, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$249,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to map historical and current bumblebee distribution and develop an identification tool using molecular barcodes and an online resource hub to improve conservation of Minnesota’s native bumblebees.

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$120,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess trace metal contamination from collected residential yard waste, finished compost, and compost leachate in municipal yard waste recycling programs.

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$322,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate the movement of chronic wasting disease in Minnesota waters, assess the risk of spread, and share results with wildlife and watershed managers.

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$994,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Freshwater Society to partner with the Mayo Clinic to educate well owners and family health providers about the geologic occurrence and risk of arsenic in drinking water. This appropriation is also to provide free arsenic testing to well owners in Southeast Minnesota.

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$1,258,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to propagate, rear, and restore native freshwater mussel populations and the ecosystem services they provide to Minnesota waters; to evaluate reintroduction success; and to inform the public on mussels and mussel conservation.

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$1,362,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to evaluate drivers that contribute to the formation of nuisance and toxic algal blooms in relatively pristine and protected lakes across Minnesota.

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$274,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program in Duluth to develop and train a network of community-based volunteers to track chloride and harmful algal blooms in rural Minnesota lakes.

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$386,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Water Resources Center to enhance Clean Sweep Programs, identify the pollutants present in street sweeping materials, explore material reuse options, and quantify benefits of enhanced street sweeping. This appropriation may also be used to coordinate county and regional collaborations, develop resources, and provide training to increase targeted street sweeping practices to reduce non-point source pollution to Minnesota’s water resources.

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$220,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify degradation of cyanobacterial toxins by sunlight to understand how increasing frequency of harmful algal blooms and changing environmental conditions influence toxin persistence in natural waters.

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$390,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to study how wastewater treatment systems can be improved to more effectively biodegrade mixtures of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other contaminants of emerging concern and protect Minnesota’s water resources.

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$454,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Water Resources Center to conduct on-farm and model-based research and develop guidance for watershed planners and land managers to effectively use soil health management to achieve water storage and water quality goals.

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$650,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, to develop a software program that predicts the fate and movement of contaminants, such as PFAS, chloride, nitrate, and pathogens, in Minnesota’s fractured aquifers.

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$300,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to research how land use and toxicity affect the accumulation of microplastics and associated contaminants of concern in stormwater ponds and the wildlife that use stormwater ponds.

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$297,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate the ability of selected enzymes and combinations of enzymes to biodegrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in pesticides and design a pilot-scale biofilter for effective elimination of PFAS from water.

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$243,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to develop a watershed model to identify potential hydrologic and water quality impacts to the Lower St. Croix River over the next 75 years and inform future planning and management in the watershed.

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$300,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to use existing monitoring data to evaluate the effects of wetlands and riparian buffers on stream and river biodiversity and biological condition and develop tools and materials to inform the public and natural resource managers.

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$427,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, to construct a reduced-scale physical model of Mississippi River Pool 1 and Lock & Dam 1 and adjacent upstream and downstream reaches, analyze water flow and sediment movement under various pool management strategies, and share results with the public to inform decisions on the future management of the lock and dam.

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$453,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to conduct lab- and field-scale tests of a novel bioreactor technology for removing nutrients from agricultural drainage and disseminate results to farmers and the public.

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$419,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop adaptable microplastic sampling and detection methods, develop a public-access database, and leverage citizen scientists to survey microplastic pollution throughout the state to allow for data-driven risk management decisions and solutions.

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$468,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify and characterize prairie plant microbiomes and study the potential of native prairie microbes to provide nitrogen for agricultural crops and reduce industrial fertilizer use and nitrate contamination of water.

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$247,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program to provide technical assistance to businesses to cost-effectively reduce industrial and commercial chloride use in communities with high chloride effluent concentrations.

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$198,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a pilot water budget framework to identify sensitive areas in Minnesota where net water withdrawals have a significant impact on surface and ground water.

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$1,336,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Bay West LLC to develop biofilm treatment technology and demonstrate field-scale removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated groundwater. A fiscal management plan must be approved in the work plan before any trust fund dollars are spent.

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$506,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to quantify the abundance of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants in Minnesota, determine how microplastics affect wastewater treatment plant performance, and evaluate how different wastewater treatment processes alter microplastics.

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$358,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a small, cheap, and easy-to-use system to detect arsenic and nitrate and determine if well water is safe to drink.

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$272,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a method to recover useful salts from concentrated saline waste to increase the economic sustainability of high water-recovery softening, sulfate removal, and industrial wastewater treatment.

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$130,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Glacial Hills Elementary School to create interactive natural playground and landscaping features for children and provide environmental education programming outside of regular school hours.

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$700,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Camp Fire Minnesota to provide needs-based scholarships for Minnesota youth to attend state-standards-aligned environmental and outdoor education programs.

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$712,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Hamline University to continue the teacher field school program that trains teachers how to connect academic content with environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation, and outdoor recreation. This appropriation is also to pilot a train-the-trainer model for nature-based-education practices.

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$330,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for North Hennepin Community College to collaborate with k-12, higher education, and outdoor organizations to increase environmental education, leadership, internship, and career opportunities for underrepresented college and high school students.

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$249,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to increase participation in natural resources conservation and restoration efforts and careers through volunteer, internship, and youth engagement activities, with a focus on diverse audiences that more accurately reflect local demographic and socioeconomic conditions in Minnesota.

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$3,992,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center to partner with four other accredited residential environmental learning centers in Minnesota to provide needs-based scholarships to K-12 students statewide for immersive multiday environmental learning experiences.

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$415,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Pioneer Public Broadcasting Service to produce, distribute, and promote new episodes of a statewide public television series that inspires Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and to restore and protect the state's natural resources.

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$678,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Conservation Corps to expand a conservation corps program developed to provide natural resources career development opportunities for indigenous young adults and cultivate an enduring action-based conservation ethic through the integration of traditional knowledge, nature immersion, and the implementation of conservation and restoration practices in the field.

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$225,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Reuse Minnesota to provide curriculum-based opportunities for students to learn about the reuse economy, reuse skills, and other opportunities to reduce waste. This appropriation may also be used to align materials to state standards and translate materials to additional languages.

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$247,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with River Bend Nature Center to lead a coalition of educational partners and culturally specific organizations to expand recognized environmental education curriculum, provide conservation base career exploration, and job placement for diverse communities in southern Minnesota.

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$225,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center to provide environmental education to Minneapolis urban youth through the Camp Parsons Mississippi Summer program that fosters connections to nature and encourages responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

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$247,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Baztec Fishing & Outdoors to create fishing and hunting education, training, and opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities in Minnesota. All fishing tackle purchased with this appropriation must be lead-free. A fiscal management plan must be approved in the work plan before any trust fund dollars are spent.

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$491,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Climate Generation to convene community gatherings and partner with institutions and organizations across the education sector to develop a roadmap on how to build capacity for equitable and accessible sustainability and climate education programs that align with the Minnesota Climate Action Framework.

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$643,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Minnesota Science Teachers Association to provide professional development for Minnesota science teachers statewide in environmental and earth science content to strengthen environmental education in schools.

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$400,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina to use community-based partnerships and communications platforms to host outdoor events and conduct educational outreach focused on Latine and BIPOC communities about the need to protect Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.

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$712,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the Nongame Wildlife Program to provide three wildlife conservation, action-based outdoor educational opportunities to engage needs-based schools, young adults, and communities underrepresented in natural resources through the Bird by Bird, Empowering Pathways into Conservation, and Community Science programs.

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$228,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for The Raptor Center to deliver standards-based environmental education featuring live raptors through school programs and community events across Minnesota.

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$250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for Bemidji State University to conduct educational outreach directed at hunters and anglers to increase awareness of lead-free options for big game hunting, small game hunting, and fishing as a means of reducing wildlife exposure to lead.

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$1,091,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Headwaters Science Center to expand access to environmental science education in northern Minnesota and leverage partnerships between rural and urban organizations to deliver culturally relevant, hands-on learning experiences to underserved students.

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$5,771,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center to conduct high-priority projects aimed at solving Minnesota's aquatic invasive species problems using rigorous science and a collaborative process. This appropriation may also be used to deliver research findings to end users through strategic communication and outreach. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$942,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to compare the effectiveness of invasive cattail treatment methods and provide recommendations for managers to maximize benefits of conservation dollars for native wetland plants and wildlife. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2031, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$561,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to identify lake-specific watershed protection targets and management practices needed to maintain coldwater fish habitat threatened by warming temperatures and increasing extreme rain events and integrate this information into conservation planning tools.

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$535,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris to evaluate emerging solar system designs and its integration with vegetable and livestock production systems to maximize energy production and benefits to farmers.

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$550,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to use current and historic pine needles as a low-cost method to assess statewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in ambient air.

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$1,050,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop and test advanced polymeric membranes for capture and reuse of carbon dioxide at industrial sources.

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$726,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop a novel charge-swing catalytic condenser that will enable the low-cost production of hydrogen from water using rural electricity for on-the-farm energy storage or renewable diesel and ammonia fertilizer.

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$5,167,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Board to provide reimbursements to offset the processing fees for the public to divert organic materials from landfills and produce renewable natural gas through anaerobic digestion and sequestration of carbon into biochar. Net income generated as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$3,155,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of St. Cloud to install a green hydrogen production, storage, and fueling station that provides a renewable, carbon-free, alternate fuel source to decarbonize community transportation and manufacturing sectors. This appropriation may also be used to convert city fleet and public transit vehicles to hydrogen fuel. Net income generated as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$1,086,000 the first year is from the trust fund. Of this amount, $518,000 is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and $568,000 is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance the Minnesota PlantWatch program to improve the conservation of Minnesota’s natural resources and support community scientist-driven rare plant surveys and seed banking and preservation.

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$250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to restore a degraded pasture to grassland as a model for climate-resilient pollinator habitat, provide interpretive signage, education, and community engagement, and conduct species monitoring. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2031, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$250,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Hennepin County to develop a publicly available interactive map of natural systems, create a centralized clearinghouse of data and best practices toolkit, and provide documentation and ongoing technical assistance for local communities with limited resources to manage complex natural resources challenges. Net income generated as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

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$2,254,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Ducks Unlimited Inc. to collaborate with livestock farmers to establish native grassland wildlife habitat and enhance native forages on working lands to improve ecological, economic, and climate resiliency. Notwithstanding subdivision 13, paragraph (e), restoration efforts may be undertaken on private lands but must occur on properties enrolled in long-term agreements to protect and maintain the restored areas in conformance with approved restoration and grazing plans as approved in the workplan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2031, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$223,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Great River Greening to assess the growth and survival of previously restored bur oak ecotypes to inform techniques for improved climate resilience. This appropriation may also be used to enhance the previous plantings and disseminate results of the study to practitioners, students, landowners, and others. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$532,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail Association to renew Superior Hiking Trail bridges, boardwalks, and trailheads to increase user safety, improve the user experience, and protect adjacent land and water.

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$735,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Three Rivers Park District to improve water quality and shoreline fishing access through shoreline stabilization and construction of accessible trails and fishing platforms within Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.

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$1,066,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to use interdisciplinary research in biology, nanotechnology, chemistry, and genetic engineering to develop technology to remediate soils contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This appropriation may also be used to convene stakeholders to coordinate and advance PFAS remediation research in Minnesota. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

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$247,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to test and refine a biotechnology approach to remove mercury from the food chain in Minnesota's lakes and rivers and potentially make fish consumption in Minnesota safer. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

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$208,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Restoravore to assess the use of native hay and pasture mixes to benefit biodiversity, soil health, and Minnesota farmers. A fiscal management plan must be approved in the work plan before any trust fund dollars are spent.

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$646,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to thoroughly investigate the impact of forest floor duff fires on soil dynamics, nutrient cycles, invasive shrubs, earthworms, and root systems to improve fire management for Minnesota’s forest preservation. This appropriation may also be used to develop an outdoor lab-scale duff burning device.

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$1,400,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Shakopee to restore Minnesota River shoreline at Huber Park by regrading and establishing native vegetation to protect fish and wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, and provide public access to the river. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$669,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Lower Phalen Creek Project to conduct citizen-science natural resource data collection events, recruit and train volunteer site stewards, and enhance habitat at Wakan Tipi and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary.

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$547,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the University of St. Thomas to use experimental bee lawn installations on corporate campuses, combined with landscape modeling and employee surveys, to determine potential ecological, economic, and societal benefits of widespread commercial lawn habitat transformation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$243,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, to assess an alternative riparian adaptation restoration strategy involving excavation and planting of riparian shrubs to traditional approaches. This appropriation may also be used for outreach materials and educational activities.

Appropriation Language
$242,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to improve wildlife habitat, enhance recreational experiences, and restore an area of urban parkland in Minnehaha Park to an oak savanna ecosystem. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Appropriation Language
$321,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to evaluate new insect management techniques and key factors for predicting future infestations to protect and preserve trees from native eastern larch beetle infestations.

Appropriation Language
$819,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to restore and enhance areas of turf-dominated, eroding, and low habitat value lakeshore that impacts the water quality of Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes.

Appropriation Language
$450,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of agriculture to provide grants to organizations in Minnesota to develop enterprises, supply chains, and markets for continuous living cover crops and cropping systems in the early stage of commercial development. This appropriation is exempt from the income repayment requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section116P.10, paragraph (c).

Appropriation Language
$2,717,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dakota County to rehabilitate the historic Waterford Bridge for the Mill Towns State Trail, restore and enhance upland shoreline, forest, and prairie habitats, and develop a trailhead and recreational access to the Cannon River.

Appropriation Language
$1,325,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for environmental review and permitting, and to engineer, design and construct a segment of the Mesabi Trail beginning at the intersection of Main Street and Forestry Road in Aurora toward Hoyt Lakes.

Appropriation Language
$500,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Eden Prairie to construct a retaining wall and restore adjacent remnant prairie along the maintenance trail at Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area to mitigate ongoing erosion and protect native habitat and plant communities.

Appropriation Language
$4,769,000 the first 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. This appropriation is exempt from Subdivision 13, paragraph (k).

Appropriation Language
$148,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Battle Lake to design and construct a boardwalk over city land for the protection of wetlands and to increase community access to natural areas and wildlife habitat.

Appropriation Language
$1,978,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Olmsted County to enhance the park’s water access and ADA accessibility for boating, fishing, and viewing while creating new user-friendly and accessible amenities for individuals and families. This may include new fishing docks or piers, restored shoreline, improved parking, and ADA accessible access to an existing kayak and canoe launch.

Appropriation Language
$1,104,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the scientific and natural areas (SNA) program to conserve Minnesota’s most unique places and rare species and strategically acquire lands that meet criteria for SNAs under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Appropriation Language
$907,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Scandia to engineer, design, and construct a bike and pedestrian trail to connect recreational, cultural and environmental resources in Scandia to the state Gateway Trail. Funding is also to create and install educational interpretive signage about wetlands and rain gardens near the trail.

Appropriation Language
$1,120,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dakota County to restore prairie, woodland, and shoreline habitat and design and install trails, birding and picnic areas, and other recreational amenities to enhance the visitor experience and stewardship at Lake Byllesby Regional Park. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Appropriation Language
$867,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Dakota County to develop a pollinator promenade with accessible natural surface paths, native plantings, and interpretive signage at Thompson County Park. This appropriation may also be used to conduct stream restoration to enhance visitor experience and provide stormwater storage, sediment and nutrient reduction, and increased habitat and species diversity within the park. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Appropriation Language
$2,312,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Duluth to construct a new building and accessible parking for the Thom Storm Chalet and Outdoor Recreation Center at Chester Park to expand high-quality outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities that enhance youth and family understanding of the importance of natural resource protection, conservation, and preservation. Net income generated as part of this appropriation may be reinvested in the project if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the work plan as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

Appropriation Language
$155,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Duluth to develop accessible trails and remove invasive species to enhance outdoor recreation and education opportunities that promote conservation of raptors and preservation of natural resources at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve.

Appropriation Language
$1,122,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Otter Tail County to construct, in accordance with the Echo Bay County Park Master Plan, access roads, trails, parking, and bathroom facilities that create designated public access and use corridors for outdoor recreation and limit natural resource impacts in Echo Bay County Park.

Appropriation Language
$529,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Chaska to acquire property that contains remnant Big Woods for the protection of Minnesota forests and wetlands and to increase community access to natural areas.

Appropriation Language
$2,984,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources to an emerging issues account authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).

Appropriation Language
$280,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources, at the direction of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, for expenses incurred in preparing and administering contracts, including for the agreements specified in this section.

Appropriation Language
$4,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for administration in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09, subdivision 5. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2027. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.11, paragraph (b), Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.281, applies to this appropriation.

Appropriation Language
$3,000 the first year is from the trust fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for the website required in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision 10.