This project consists of habitat restoration, water quality and fish passage improvements through the removal of the existing fixed elevation dam, construction of rock arch rapids and in-stream habitat restoration.
Minnesota Zoo, Parks, and TNC will use prairie restorations and Endangered Dakota skipper reintroductions to study factors supporting butterflies and develop foundational habitat management recommendations for Minnesotas imperiled prairie butterflies.
MNHS cares for more than 100,000 cubic feet of hard-copy government records and manuscript collections dating from the territorial period to the present. To access the vast majority of these holdings, researchers must currently visit the History Center or make other special arrangements. In FY16, MNHS began piloting small projects to develop and test workflow and to identify and plan equipment and space needs. In FY17, MNHS will add staff to begin responding to patron requests for manuscript and state archives digitization in advance of a full rollout of the scan-on-demand process next year.
MNHS has in its care over 100,000 cubic feet of hard-copy government records and manuscript collections dating from the territorial period to the present. To access the vast majority of these holdings, researchers must currently visit the History Center or make other special arrangements. In FY16, MNHS is piloting a unique "scan on demand" service for researchers that will allow them to request, either online or in person, the digitization of specific materials with the resulting images being put online for wide public access.
The goal of this work order is to make additions and enhancements to the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool best management practice (BMP) database and the methodologies used for the application of the BMPs.
This work will involve enhancing the capability of the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool to run more complex point source alternative scenarios, produce results and output in line with the recently developed Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) report standards, and general enhancements requested by users.
This work order will address the need for technical support and updates to the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool and PATH software based on training feedback. The trainings will include exercises focusing on improved and added functionality as well as the enhanced best management practice (BMP) database.
RESPEC will use the Processing Application Tool for HSPF (PATH) to construct the remaining 22 Scenario Application Manager (SAM) projects. SAM assists in understanding watershed conditions, and identifying priority areas and BMPs that will provide the greatest water-quality benefits for each dollar invested. The value of the tool is in its simplification of complex hydrologic and water quality model applications into transparent estimates of the significant pollutant sources in watershed.
The goal of this project is to provide three training sessions for the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) software and one training session for the Processing Application Tool for the Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model.
The contractor will provide 4 day-long training sessions for the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) and 2 Processing Application Tool for HSPF (PATH) sessions. The SAM tool’s framework currently consists of a pre-processor (PATH) for interactively translating HSPF model application files, a Geographic Information System (GIS) for best management practice (BMP) site selection, a BMP database with pollutant removal efficiencies and associated costs, and scenario analysis, optimization, and reporting capabilities.
The contractor will collect and process the necessary files needed to develop a Processing Application Tool for HSPF (PATH) and Scenario Application Manager (SAM) project for 30 HUC 8 watersheds in Minnesota. SAM provides a graphical interface to the Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model applications and expands the state’s investment in HSPF to a broader audience in support of the development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies and Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) reports.
The goal of this project is to develop forestry related best management practice (BMP) pollutant reduction/management efficiencies, costs, and management information applicable to Minnesota forests and incorporate these BMPs into the Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model Scenario Application Manager (SAM) tool. By incorporating forestry BMPs into the existing SAM tool, forestry related management scenarios can be evaluated for potential impacts on surface waters and can inform the development of watershed restoration and protection strategies.
The goal of this work order is to collect and process the watershed specific files needed to create the Scenario Application Manager (SAM) project files to apply the SAM software in selected major watersheds in Minnesota where an Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) model has been developed. This work order will also involve technical support for the SAM users who are applying the SAM projects.
The goal of this work order is to enhance the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) support tool in order to represent best management practices in a more physically based manner, improve point scenario representation and analysis, and support MPCA with training in the application of the enhanced functionality.
The contractor will provide 3 Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) training sessions in the fall of 2016 for use with Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model applications.
This funding will improve our collection of artifacts representing Minnesota's cultural heritage and create new forms of statewide cultural heritage educational opportunities for audiences of all ages.
To learn more about the Science Museum of Minnesota, click here.
Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas (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 landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, and other unique biotic or geological features. These sites play an important role in scientific study, public education, and outdoor recreation.
Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) habitat restoration and improvements (1000+ acres), increased public involvement, and strategic acquisition (700+ acres) will conserve Minnesota's most unique and rare resources for everyone's benefit.
Minnesota’s Scientific and Natural Areas (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 landforms, fossil remains, plant and animal communities, rare and endangered species, and other unique biotic or geological features. These sites play an important role in scientific study, public education, and outdoor recreation.
Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) strategic acquisition (~85 acres) will conserve Minnesota's most unique places and rare species for everyone's benefit.
Approximately 70 percent of all Minnesotans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Wells used for drinking water must be properly sealed when removed from service to protect both public health and Minnesota’s invaluable groundwater resources. The Minnesota Department of Health with the assistance of the Board of Water and Soil Resources protects both public health and groundwater by assuring the proper sealing of unused wells.” Clean Water funds are being provided to home owners as a 50% cost-share assistance for sealing unused private drinking water wells.
This education project will continue building the next generation of conservationists in Minnesota by engaging youths and adults in science and outdoor learning through radio, podcasts, newsletters and schoolyard exploration.
The project will develop a web application that provides suspended sediment concentration, sediment bedload, and annual total sediment load estimates to characterize the sediment load to Minnesota's rivers. This will be accomplished using a machine learning model developed from previously collected data. The results will help Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff evaluate Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) models and will assist in stressor identification.
This project will create and add a sediment component in the Stream Stats Program for Minnesota. This tool will be used by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Wwtershed program staff and local partners to estimate sediment inputs in stream networks statewide.
The goal of this project is to use the Watershed Data Integration Program (WDIP) Project to apply previous experience with business analysis to the MPCA’s efforts. Develop and document implications for the strategic approach of the business to Watershed projects, their communication and implementation plans to shift to the new strategy, and the daily processes of the business that will be required to change.
Advanced tools are needed which provide critical timelag and feedback information for making environmental policy decisions, as Minnesota prepares to launch the Groundwater Protection Rule and nutrient reduction strategies.
American Indian ceremonies were held at Historic Fort Snelling in November 2015, marking the 150th anniversary of the execution of Sakpedan (Shakopee) and Wakanozhanzhan (Medicine Bottle) at Fort Snelling. They were convicted by a military commission for their participation in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. MNHS provided a community meal for the Dakota community immediately following the ceremonies.
