We will compile all available data for Minnesota Trumpeter Swans and use these sources to model historical population abundance and predict future population dynamics.
The Minnesota River Basin Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models simulate sediment erosion and transport, however these models periodically need to be adjusted to be consistent with the most recent sources of information regarding sediment distribution and loading rates. The goal of this project is to refine the sediment source partitioning and simulation in the Minnesota River basin using all relevant available sources of information.
The Minnesota River Basin Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models, which simulate flow and pollutant transport, need to be refined to be consistent with the most recent external sources of land use, hydrologic response, and surface flow attributions. The primary goal of this work is to refine the hydrologic calibration in the Minnesota River basin.
The Society worked with Nancy O'Brien Wagner from Bluestem Heritage group to develop a new interpretive plan for the Eugene St. Julien Cox House's exhibits and programs. The National Association of Interpretation's recommendations were used as the framework for the new plan for this home that is listed in National Register of Historic Places.
Improvements and reconstruction of Locomotive Park, a National Historic Landmark, through interpretation signage at different locations on the site to tell the story of Mountain Iron mine and the miner's heritage in the community.
The Works Museum will design, fabricate, and install a new exhibit with partners from Minnesota's East African, Hmong, and Latinx communities that forwards elementary education goals and celebrates Minnesota's rich cultural diversity.
In order to more closely meet national museum standards, the MDC purchased the StEPS program and created a PastPerfect database that recorded information on 4,037 objects in their collections. Objects documenting Iron Range history were identified and inventoried. The inventory process included moving an object to a processing location, writing descriptions, researching the objects function and name, noting the objects location and then entering the data collected into the database. Then the object was re-packaged and returned to its home location.
A 1’ scale model of the gallery, developed a visitor traffic flow plan, developed specs for new exhibit walls/structures, researched & developed major exhibit themes & topic areas and developed preliminary activities for these topic areas. The exhibit design allows free movement within the gallery, allowing visitors to enter from either the south or the north door. Visitors move about freely with no dead-ends or backtracking required, which accommodates large groups of school children without diminishing their experience.
Banners, displays and educational tools were used to create an exhibit telling the history of the Iron Range through the personal narrative of 10 area residents. Research of these individuals was conducted using primary sources from the Iron Range including: oral histories, census reports, newspaper articles and maps. The life and times of each individual gives a perspective of the Iron Range from a specific time period and cultural climate.
Woody biomass energy systems have shown themselves to offer more locally-based, stable energy supplies for some communities. Itasca Community College is using this appropriation to design a renewable energy system based on woody biomass that will serve as a demonstration and educational tool in the region.
The Kairos Alive! Cultural Wisdom Immersion and Sharing Project collaborates with Centro Tyrone Guzman, Augustana Open Circle, Walker West Music Academy and outstate Developmental Achievement Centers to explore and exchange joyful cultural meaning through music, dance, song and story via 2-way Zoom webcast. Project explores cultural heritage and identity expression, and how it relates to the universality of human experience, in an environment of creative safety and intercultural exchange.
This project will gather watershed data necessary for the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan with parameter-specific thresholds that will maintain or improve water quality for the Kawishiwi Watershed.
In order to update a control system that had surpassed its life-expectancy and to maintain a proper museum environment, the SCHS upgraded the HVAC system control software and front end computer. They were replaced with a new KMC LAN controller and Total Control software. The new system provides improved emvironmental control and energy conservation.
Historic Knife River flooding has led to stream channel degradation. This degradation resulted in slumping streambanks, sediment discharge exceeding the total maximum daily load (TMDL) and the loss of instream trout habitat. This is LSSA's 6th LSOHC Grant proposal in the Knife River. Since the LSSA began grant work on the Knife River (2013), the DNR has observed a 215% increase in the adult steelhead population. Our LSOHC projects have also stabilized ~2 miles of stream channel, restored ~15,000 feet of streambanks and reduced annual sediment discharge by 700 tons.
The Knife River is a popular trout fishing river along the North Shore of Lake Superior. In 1998, it was listed as "impaired" by the MPCA for turbidity (being too muddy). In 2010, a Total Maximum Daily Load, or, water clean-up plan was approved. The major recommendations were to address peak flows (fast
Phase I work was conducted on the main Knife River and its Main West Branch tributary. Primary goals were met and these goals include: stream connectivity, riparian zone tree planting, stream assessment and black ash stand identification. • Stream Connectivity - repaired Second Falls on the main Knife River. • Tree Planting - two volunteer and one CCM projects where several thousand trees were planted.