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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OVERALL PROJECT OUTCOME AND RESULTS

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

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

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

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following materials were disseminated and produced:

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

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

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

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

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRO8eLmHqn0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4woY5IC40RA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_B6g45OGWU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7-jU5LzOgA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NRRI activities during the project period:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Materials Created

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

Outreach and Dissemination:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROJECT RESULTS USE AND DISSEMINATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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