Natural resource management through MN Conservation Corps
County-wide. Host MN Conservation Corps crew to engage youth in natural resource management projects.
Jurisdiction-wide
Sec. 4. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL$15,763,000$16,141,000
(a) $15,763,000 the first year and $16,141,000 the second year are to be distributed under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.53, subdivision 3. The Metropolitan Council may use a portion of this appropriation to provide grants for metropolitan parks and trails of regional or statewide significance within the metropolitan area that are not eligible under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.53, subdivision 3.
(b) The Metropolitan Council shall submit a report on the expenditure and use of money appropriated under this section to the legislature as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195, by March 1 of each year. The report must detail the outcomes in terms of additional use of parks and trails resources, user satisfaction surveys, and other appropriate outcomes.
Involve and educate youth.
In 2013 the Conservation Corp of Minnesota (CCM) worked on over 20 different natural resource projects within the Regional Park and Trails System, totaling over 5,900 hours. Of those total hours, approximately, 1300 hours were assisting high school youth on natural resource projects and environmental education. The CCM crew completed activities such as invasive species removal, prairie seeding, prescribed burns, rainwater garden maintenance, teaching environmental education courses to the youth, and assisting with gardening and maintenance at the Tamarack Nature Center. The grant has been closed out.