The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) developed the Chippewa River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report in 2016 that addresses impairments 48 separate impairment listings for 16 stream reaches and 25 lakes in the watershed. The purpose of this project is to support the development of TMDLs for additional streams reaches and lakes that were not previously completed. MPCA has identified 12 waterbodies with aquatic recreation or aquatic life impairments that need to be addressed through the development of new TMDLs.
The Chippewa River Watershed Project (CRWP) will work with the Minnesot Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to conduct watershed pollutant load monitoring at four sites in the Chippewa River watershed and one site in the neighboring Pomme de Terre River watershed to aid the MPCA in measuring and comparing regional differences and long-term trends in water quality. Our goal is to collect quality data and complete load calculations for five sites using the MPCA's Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network (WPLMN) established protocols.
This project will complete a comprehensive and sustainable Major Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies report for the Chippewa River, its tributary streams, and the many lakes in the Chippewa River watershed that is understandable and adoptable by local units of government and residents.
Rising temperatures and increased precipitation contribute to decreased oxygen and increased methane in Minnesota lakes and wetlands. We will identify impacts on water quality and methane emissions, providing management guidance.
Minnesota Trout Unlimited enhanced in-stream and riparian fish and wildlife habitat in and along coldwater streams located on public lands and Aquatic Management Areas. We completed all 9 projects originally proposed and three additional. Contracting efficiencies and leveraging of other funding allowed us to add two habitat enhancement projects in southeast Minnesota and another segment on the Sucker River in northeast Minnesota. We enhanced 10 more acres of habitat than originally proposed and increased leverage by $121,700 (67%).
Voyageurs Conservancy will connect 17,000 Minnesotans to the state's only national park through standards-aligned K-12 education, career-building fellowships, and enhanced programs that engage diverse audiences in the park's conservation.
Wilderness Inquiry will expand its work to provide a continuum of outdoor experiences for youth, adults, and families in communities across Minnesota by:
We will showcase the tree industry and the artistry of chainsaw craftsmanship. We would like to showcase the Native American culture that was original to this area. We are looking for historical story telling and setting up a teepee and relevant site at the fair. The sheep presentation includes educating fairgoers about the history of sheep, caring for and raising sheep, shearing the sheep to harvest the wool and then discussing the outcome of selling the wool and what is created with what the sheep produces. We may do farm animal historical presentations.
This year we propose to contract with a character named Jacques La Christian, who is portrayed by David Popilek, a French voyageur from the 1800's who will tell stories of the wilderness and provide exhibits of historic Minnesota.
The Minnesota County Geologic Atlas program is an ongoing effort begun in 1979 that is being conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Geological Survey and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This portion, called Part B and conducted by the DNR, analyzes water samples to understand water chemistry and sensitivity to pollution.
We hope to have: Curtis Ingvoldstad, chainsaw artist; Jenny Leonard, presentation on raising chickens; and Neal Anderson/Brad Schloesser on raising sheep and sheep shearing and cultural heritage; and polka music by The Wendingers.
We propose to use the Legacy grant funds to hire Homeward Bound Theatre Company's "Alfy's World of Robotic Puppets." These robotic puppets stroll around the fairgrounds and talk to the children about many agriculture-related topics.
