A class of insecticides known as systemic neonicotinyl insecticides has been identified as a potential factor in recently observed declines in pollinators, including the phenomenon amongst honeybees known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Previous research examining the effects of neonicotinyl insecticides on lab colonies of bumblebees found that exposure to these insecticides at various levels increased queen bee mortality and detrimentally altered bee behavior and production.
A 2017 workshop determined we don’t know enough about brainworm transmission to moose and what mitigation strategies are optimal. We’ve assembled a multidisciplinary team to tackle the highest research priorities.
Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are found in surface waters in Minnesota and nationally. CECs can cause adverse ecological and human health impacts, and occur as complex mixtures in the environment. One of the greatest barriers to addressing the problem of CECs is a lack of understanding of where these compounds come from and which sources dominate in different locations and at different times.
Cognizant to the needs of the stormwater community, a group that has engaged in stormwater research at the University of Minnesota (UMN) has developed a research program for the biennium that addresses pressing needs: a stormwater research roadmap and framework for priority needs, research required to improve stormwater pond maintenance, and information transfer related to these needs.
The Minnesota Zoo will develop educational displays and engaging, hands-on interactives to summarize scientific findings about moose decline in Minnesota. Information will be integrated online to increase accessibility for all.
Land and water conservation efforts require accurate information about land cover and land use. Minnesota’s land cover and land use data has not been updated since 2000 and so does not reflect changes since that time resulting from growth and development, agricultural production, or landscape cover. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are using this appropriation to conduct a statewide update and enhancement of land cover and land use data and make it freely available online for use by government and non-government organizations involved in land and water conservation.
This work order will provide the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) with assistance in assembling, graphics, geographic information system (GIS) maps, data synthesis, writing, formatting and editing the 5-year nutrient reduction strategy progress report and update and similar updates for the Sediment Reduction Strategy. The Sediment Strategy update also involves incorporation of modeling results and other technical information into the 2015 strategy document.
This project will result in updates to the Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) Calculator, creation of a water quality calculator based on the MIDS Calculator, and recommended updates to the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. The updated MIDS Calculator will be called MIDS Calculator Version 4 and the water quality calculator will be called MPCA Water Quality Calculator Version 1.
The goal of this project is to obtain key information needed to update the Nutrient Reduction Strategy based on watershed approach experiences over the past five years.
The goal of this project is to construct two executable Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) watershed models for the Minnesota River Headwaters and Lac qui Parle watersheds. The contractor will use the Minnesota River HSPF model application already developed by Tetra Tech as a starting point and will refine the model construction based on the details in this work plan. The contractor will produce HSPF models that, after calibration and validation, will readily be used to provide information to support conventional parameter Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
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.
Establish and monitor 120 acres of intermediate wheatgrass (Kernza), a new perennial grain crop, in vulnerable wellhead protection regions of Minnesota to profitability reduce nitrate leaching to drinking water.
Conservation of culture including art and local wisdom is one of the main missions of our organization. We operate in promoting and capturing values to create pride in Lao culture and identity, as well as create awareness of morality to the community as well. Our organization encourages and supports all cultures to develop, preserve and pass on the activities that we as an organization help operate with communities and outside agencies.
Partners: Carleton College and Veblen Farmstead. Preservation work at the Thorstein Veblen Farmstead National Historic Landmark, near Nerstrand, Rice County, Minnesota, will provide urgently needed stabilization and preservation of three outbuildings at the farmstead, including the original small barn, the large hay barn and the granary.The farmstead is a rare site that preserves and illustrates the pioneering immigrant experience on the prairie. People from across the country and from overseas have visited the property over the past several years.
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.
Veterans' Voices: Native Warriors will give Native American students in Minnesota the opportunity to hear memories and stories directly from Native American veterans from within their communities. Funds will also be used to create radio segments featuring the Native American veterans sharing their personal experiences in their own words. These segments will air statewide and be archived online giving all Minnesotans access now and in the future.
The objective of this project is to Plan and Execute a commemorative event for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and its Veterans.
Project Scope:
The scope of this project includes the planning, resourcing, staffing and executing the main event and 2-3 ancillary events which draw attention to Vietnam War Veterans. The project will focus on Minnesota Vietnam War Veterans (US and Allies).
Provide industrial, source reduction technical assistance to reduce nutrient discharge to wastewater treatment facilities through industrial process optimization. Document impact of nutrient reduction on wastewater operations and discharge quality.
This provides a project manager to work with regulated parties to identify new or more efficient ways of meeting standards at wastewater treatment facilities (municipal and industrial).
The goal of this project is to develop guidance for water quality parameter evaluation and calibration for Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) applications focused on dissolved oxygen (D.O.), nutrient, and algal simulation, along with a demonstration of the guidance by step-by-step application to D.O.-impaired Minnesota watersheds.
There are several models and tools that State agencies, university staff, and local government staff utilize to measure outcomes for pollution reduction benefits in agricultural watersheds in Minnesota. The mechanisms and scales at which these tools are built on are slightly to drastically different.
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.
