DNR data show that fisher in Minnesota have declined 50% since 2000. Den sites may be limiting reproduction. We will test if den boxes can help the fisher population increase.
Construct 2.1 miles of paved trail between First Street in the City of Chaska and County Road 40 in the City of Carver on the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail.
This is a legislatively mandated project. In order to receive $1,075,000 in water recreation account appropriations for enhancing public water access facilities in FY 2014 and FY 2015 respectively, the commissioner must develop design standards and best management practices specifically for improving water quality by avoiding shoreline erosion and runoff for water accesses.
Partner: American Alliance of Museums
In fall 2013, 18 Minnesota teens partnered with 18 Palestinian teens in Jerusalem to study fashion, history and culture through a program called Design Diaries International. The girls researched textiles in the Minnesota Historical Society collections and the Palestinian Heritage Museum and worked with fashion designers to create garments, drawing on their research to express their unique identities. The girls shared what they learned through posts on Tumblr, a closed Facebook group, photo diaries, sketches and written reflections.
Asian carp pose a real and serious threat to Minnesota’s aquatic ecosystems. While there are a few instances of individual carp being found in Minnesota waters, including the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, it is not presently believed that there are significant established populations in the state. In order to quickly and effectively respond to threats posed by Asian carp in the future, though, detailed information about the fish themselves is needed.
This project will determine the historical distribution, abundance, and toxicity of the invasive blue-green alga, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, in Minnesota lakes using a combination of paleolimnological and contemporary monitoring techniques
This project determines ambient background per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) levels in urban and non-urban soils. This information will help Minnesota develop management strategies for PFAS contaminated soils.
The potential of neonicotinoid insecticides to initiate algal blooms will be tested by measuring the
occurrence of neonicotinoids and their breakdown products in Minnesota’s surface and ground waters.
This project will establish a surveillance system to monitor wildlife health in Minnesota through development of information management and analytical systems utilizing wildlife rehabilitation data.
This project is to develop a small cheap purification system for community drinking water facilities to remove toxic contaminants. The technology is highly efficient to improve current drinking water quality.
We propose to develop a genetic control tool that exploits the natural process of RNA silencing to effectively control zebra mussels without affecting other species.
Solar windows are a disruptive photovoltaic technology that virtually invisibly integrates with buildings. This renewable energy technology will increase photovoltaics adoption, reduce air pollution, and ameliorate climate change.
This project is to develop cheap clean solar energy by simple roll-to-roll manufacturing. Perovskite is a new photovoltaic material, very economical while maintaining high power conversion efficiency.
A biodegradable product will be developed to replace non-degradable petroleum based plastic used in vegetable and fruit production. This project, if funded, will revolutionize horticulture in Minnesota, and potentially worldwide.
Design and evaluate 10 market-based scenarios for perennial cropping systems and their potential to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Create awareness through thought-provoking videos, fact sheets, and presentations.
Develop strategies and practical tools to identify conditions that minimize impacts to soil across a wide range of conditions to promote regeneration of diverse forests, wildlife habitat, and timber availability.
3.5 mile long bituminous surface trail beginning at the intersection of Hwy 169 and County Road 88 to Ely. In Ely, connection will be made to existing Mesabi Trail.
Energy storage systems for farms will be developed using wind-generated ammonia. Novel ammonia fuel systems will be tested in a farm grain dryer and engine generator displacing fossil fuels.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has identified streamflow alteration as a key stressor on aquatic life, but the characteristics of streamflow alteration acting as stressors have not been identified in the MPCA Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) process. Without indices that characterize streamflow alteration, the MPCA cannot quantitatively associate metrics of aquatic life condition to streamflow alteration. The lack of quantifiable indices limits the ability of the MPCA to assess environmental streamflow needs for streams and rivers throughout Minnesota.
MNHS is developing new curricula, programs and resources to engage students in learning about Minnesota history. In FY16, a full review of online resources for the K-12 audience was completed and an action plan was put in place to update the content and design of these materials. In FY17, the Forests, Fields and the Falls website launched in a new format, making it more accessible to teachers and students using any platform or device. In addition, staff are working with Oliver Kelley Farm staff to create new curriculum on agriculture, history and STEM for K-12 teachers and students.
In FYs14 and 15, MNHS completed production of the Dred Scott Curriculum Kit and development of the Lumberjack Math Curriculum Kit.
* The Dred Scott curriculum kit uses videos and primary source activities that tell the story of slavery in Minnesota in the 19th century. The kit was produced at the end of FY14 and is currently being marketed to middle- and high-school teachers across the state.
* The Lumberjack Math Curriculum Kit uses math and primary sources to teaching about the logging industry in late-19th century Minnesota. The kit is will be produced in summer 2015.
Partner Organizations: Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame, Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation, Minnesota Aviation History and Education Center, and Northwest Airlines History Centre
AirSpace Minnesota (a coalition of independent aviation and aerospace organizations) worked to develop a formal partnership among organizations with similar missions to engage in long-range, strategic planning for coordinating future projects.
