All Projects

324 Results for
Recipient
City of Fairmont
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$175,000

Fairmont’s drinking water safety is threatened by high springtime nitrate levels. Fairmont intends to build an experimental passive biological treatment system to reduce nitrates that enter its source water supply.

Statewide
Recipient
Dakota Wicohan
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$197,000
Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$200,000

Natural springs occur throughout Minnesota and provide critical services for the state, such as creating trout streams and cool water fisheries, sustaining base flows in streams, creating unique ecological habitats, and maintaining the integrity of aquatic ecosystems against invasive species. In order to protect springs and the groundwater-dependent resources that depend on them, though, it is important to understand spring locations and status – information that is currently lacking in many areas of the state.

Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,500,000
Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$590,000

Privately owned lands exist within the designated boundaries of state parks throughout Minnesota. Purchase of these lands from willing landowners for addition into the state park system makes them permanently available for public recreation and enjoyment and facilitates more efficient management. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to acquire 87 acres in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, located northeast of Brainerd, and 17 acres in Whitewater State Park, located between Rochester and Winona.

Statewide
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$800,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$80,000
Fund Source

Group camps provide an opportunity for groups to camp together outside the traditional campground. Group camps are used by scout groups, church groups, social groups, and families. A need has been identified to add amenities to rustic group camps, such as electrical hookups, a picnic shelter, and in some instances, modern sanitation facilities.

Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,500,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,500,000

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Statewide
Fund Source

Replacement of picnic tables and fire rings at various state parks with safer, accessible options. To date, picnic table purchases have been completed for 39 (69%) of all state park and recreations areas. New fire rings have been purchased for 36 (74%) of all state park and recreation areas.

Statewide
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$400,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$392,850
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$889,116
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$620,884
Fund Source

This program funds unpredictable maintenance expenditures in State Parks such as storm damage, waterline repair, electrical system repair, erosion repair, utility system repair, and small site improvements.

Statewide
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$60,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$60,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$650,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$405,000
Fund Source

Provide trail rehabilitation and renewal on state park and forest trails, these are primarily non-motorized trails which due to funding priorities, have not had any significant maintenance for many years. This effort has provided a means to start addressing these trail needs and in doing so working on the most critical first. This has resulted in trail renewal work in 19 state forests and 15 state parks providing for more sustainable trails and better public safety and enjoyment.

Statewide
Recipient
DNR
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$567,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$47,000
2007 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$200,000

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Statewide
Recipient
LCCMR
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$59,297

n/a

Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$500,000
Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$590,000

Minnesota's Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Program is an effort to preserve and perpetuate the state's ecological diversity and ensure that no single rare feature is lost from any region of the state. This includes unique landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, or other unique biotic or geological features. These sites play an important role in scientific study, public education, and outdoor recreation.

Statewide
Fund Source

Replace non-accessible vault toilet risers with accessible vault toilet risers

Statewide
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$146,000
Fund Source

Replace worn and inaccessible picnic tables in state parks and state recreation areas. To date, picnic table purchases have been completed for 39 (51%) of all state park and recreations areas.

Statewide
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$54,000
Fund Source

Replace campfire rings in state parks and state recreation areas with accessible campfire rings. New fire rings have been purchased for 36 (47%) of all state park and recreation areas.

Statewide
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$50,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$50,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$40,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$40,000
Fund Source

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) each collect similar information on streams in Minnesota such as water quality, fish species presence, or the quality of fish habitat. For example, the DNR might sample stream fish to assess whether the agency’s management activities such as fishing regulations or stocking are creating good angling opportunities for the public, while MPCA might sample fish to assess whether a stream meets regulatory standards for a healthy fish community.

Statewide
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,550,000
2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,950,000
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,950,000
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,000,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,825,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,825,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$865,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$645,000
Fund Source

Stream flow information is essential for understanding the state of Minnesota's waters. Clean water funding has allowed the DNR to expand a network of stream gages that support planning and implementation for clean water protection and restoration. These gages are also used as part of the interagency Flood Forecasting/Warning System. This expanded stream gaging network has also significantly increased the real time data available to recreational water enthusiasts via the internet.

Statewide
Recipient
Twin Cities Public Television
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$147,000
Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,200,000

Minnesota’s environment is changing in response to a variety of stressors – including population growth, residential development, industry, agriculture, invasive species, and climate change – and the state’s iconic lakes, and the goods and services they provide (e.g., fishing and water recreation), are an important part of what’s being impacted. To manage effectively for these changes it is important to understand how the state’s many lakes respond to these stressors.

Statewide
Recipient
Martin County SWCD
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$495,000
Blue Earth
Brown
Cottonwood
Crow Wing
Faribault
Freeborn
Jackson
Lake
Le Sueur
Martin
Nicollet
Waseca
Watonwan
Recipient
MN DNR
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$132,000
Statewide
Recipient
University of St. Thomas
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,500,000
Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,500,000
Statewide
Recipient
Wilderness Inquiry
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,093,000

There has been a sharp decline in participation in outdoor recreation and education amongst youth, particularly in urban areas. Some argue that youth who have meaningful outdoor education experiences are more likely to become engaged in environmental stewardship and invested in outdoor resources as adults.

Statewide
Recipient
City of Vergas
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$290,000

Long Lake is a community asset for Vergas, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. This project will construct a trail bordering Long Lake, maintaining public access and restoring the shoreline.

Statewide
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$500,000
2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$465,000
2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$460,000
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$425,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$421,185
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$336,306
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$318,607
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$301,962
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$316,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$258,755
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$118,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$110,500
Fund Source

The Watershed Health Assessment Framework (WHAF) is a web-based tool for resource managers and others interested in the ecological health of Minnesota's watersheds. The framework uses five ecological components to organize and deliver information about watershed health conditions in Minnesota. The five components are hydrology, connectivity, biology, geomorphology, and water quality. Statewide GIS data from DNR and partner agencies are used to calculate health scores that reveal similarities and differences between watersheds.

Statewide
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$165,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$170,000
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$165,000
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$176,762
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$202,000
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$202,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$185,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$185,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$230,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$230,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$95,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$85,000
Fund Source

The DNR provides technical support related to the causes of altered hydrology and watershed management solutions. We use state-of-the-art models and statistical methods to look at cumulative impacts of drainage and land-use practices and determine the benefits of best management practices. This involves collaboration with multiple partners at multiple scales.

Statewide
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$350,000
2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$280,000
2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$285,000
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$285,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$280,000
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$260,000
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$248,238
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$223,000
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$223,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$190,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$190,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$235,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$235,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$190,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$180,000
Fund Source

This project delineates and maps watersheds (drainage areas) of lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands for the state of Minnesota and provides watershed maps in digital form for use in geographic information systems. These maps become the basis for clean water planning and implementation efforts.

Statewide
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,650,000
2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,435,000
2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,440,000
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,475,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,478,815
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,549,694
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,567,393
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,638,038
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,624,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,591,245
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,750,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,630,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,630,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,182,500
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$689,000
Fund Source

DNR regional clean water specialists and area hydrologists work with regional staff from other state agencies and with local partners to help identify the causes of pollution problems and determine the best strategies for fixing them. We collect and analyze stream channel stability and streambank erosion data to help identify root causes of certain water quality impairments in streams.

Statewide
Recipient
MN Land Trust
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,980,000
Fund Source

Fourteen conservation easements were completed by this program resulting in the protection of 1,962 acres of high quality wetland and associated upland habitat complexes and 78,596 feet (approximately 15 miles) of shoreland along priority lakes and rivers in west-central Minnesota. This program exceeded by 862 acres the amount proposed for the grant. Total leverage through donated easements by landowners is estimated at $1,209,700, all in excess of that proposed.

Douglas
Meeker
Otter Tail
Pope
Todd
Recipient
Minnestoa Land Trust
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,629,000
Fund Source

Protect 750 acres of high priority wetland habitat complexes in Minnesota’s Prairie/Forest-Prairie areas by securing permanent conservation easements within scientifically prioritized complexes using an innovative project ranking and payment system to maximize conservation benefit and financial leverage.

Otter Tail
Stearns
Todd
Recipient
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$500,000

Project goals include installation of a 200-kW White Earth community-owned solar garden reducing GHG emissions, increasing economic development through environmental education and solar workforce training, and improving energy resilience.

Statewide
Recipient
MN DNR
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$370,000

Wild bees are important for their pollination services and for their contribution to species diversity; for example, many prairie-grassland plant species require pollinators for seed production. However, while the importance of plant-pollinator interactions is well recognized, there are large gaps in our knowledge of Minnesota’s wild bees. The only statewide list of bee species was published in 1919 and it reported only 88 species, whereas it is currently estimated that there are approximately 350-400 native bee species in the state.

Statewide
Recipient
International Wolf Center
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$240,000
Statewide
Recipient
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$213,000

Youth Energy Summit (YES!) expands its successful model to improve local waterways by mobilizing over 20 youth-led teams in Minnesota communities to complete water quality related projects, moni-toring and reporting.

Statewide
Recipient
Wilderness Inquiry
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$450,000

There has been a sharp decline in participation in outdoor recreation and education amongst youth, particularly in urban areas. Some argue that youth who have meaningful outdoor education experiences are more likely to become engaged in environmental stewardship and invested in outdoor resources as adults.

Statewide