This study will use autonomous recording devices to determine the statewide distribution and reproduction of red-headed woodpeckers and develop a protocol to monitor population trends and responses to habitat management.
MPRB will work strategically with allies and volunteers to collect baseline biodiversity data for urban parks to inspire stewardship and inform habitat restoration work.
Pilot the implementation of portable biochar kilns in natural resource management and restoration as a reduced carbon-emitting, biologically beneficial alternative to open pile burning when managing invasive trees and shrubs.
Compare the historic and contemporary flora of Minnesota's Big Woods to see whether all species are able to survive on a small fraction of the original area
Overall Project Outcome and Results
Minnesota prairies reliably produce bioenergy resources which largely go untapped. This project sought management practices to promote wildlife and habitat diversity on future working prairies used for bioenergy in Minnesota. It combined harvested areas with refuges and monitored wildlife populations and bioenergy potential in Minnesota grasslands, while developing protocols for future long-term work.
Garlic mustard is a non-native, invasive plant species that is severely threatening native plant communities and degrading wildlife habitat in forest and riparian zones throughout the state. The plant is considered the highest priority species for development of long-term management solutions such as biological control, which involves using natural enemies of a non-native species from its native region to control or reduce the impact of the species in the areas where they are invasive.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has been decimating ash trees throughout the Great Lake states and is currently advancing into Minnesota where it threatens the nearly 1 billion ash trees that occur throughout the state - the second most in any state. Loss of these trees would devastate ecosystems throughout Minnesota and have major economic impacts for the forest products industry as well as through the costs associated with treatment, removal, and replacement of lost trees.
This project consists of the design of a new marina/dock complex on Birch Lake in Babbitt Minnesota. The City will own and operate the marina/dock complex.
This project consists of expanding the existing Birch Lake Recreation Area to add a new 22 acre campground that will include 49 campsites for recreational vehicles and tent campers.
This project consists of expanding the existing Birch Lake Recreation Area to add a new 22 acre campground that will include 49 new campsites that will accommodate recreational vehicles/tents.
Invasive carp species, including silver carp and bighead carp, are migrating north up the Mississippi River and pose threats to the native fish and aquatic ecosystems of Minnesota rivers and lakes where they can become established. While individual carp have been found in Minnesota, it is not presently believed that there are established breeding populations in the state.
We will describe habitat use, diet, and activity patterns of bobcats and fishers to understand why bobcats kill female fishers and identify potential solutions to reverse the fisher population decline.
This full-scale pilot will evaluate supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) for managing PFAS in biosolids and water treatment residuals. SCWO can destroy PFAS in a variety of wastes and recover energy.
Sustainably built singletrack mountain bike trail connecting trail clusters that draws new visitors and becomes part of the NE Minnesota efforts to become a national destination for mountain biking.
The City of Brookston will be designing a campground, boat launch, and outdoor recreation area on the banks of the St. Louis River in northeastern Minnesota.
The City of Brookston will be building a campground, boat launch, and outdoor recreation area on the banks of the St. Louis River in northeastern Minnesota.
Brown marmorated stink bug is a terrestrial invasive species in Minnesota that was first discovered in 2010 and has been expanding its range since. It is a generalist plant pest that attacks more than 300 species of plants in natural, agricultural, and horticultural settings and is known for its unpleasant odor, large numbers, and propensity for home invasion. Proactive management approaches are available and in development that can be used to slow and potentially control brown marmorated stink bug populations.
Brown marmorated stink bug is a terrestrial invasive species in Minnesota that was first discovered in 2010 and has been expanding its range since. It is a generalist plant pest that attacks more than 300 species of plants in natural, agricultural, and horticultural settings and is known for its unpleasant odor, large numbers, and propensity for home invasion. Proactive management approaches are available and in development that can be used to slow and potentially control brown marmorated stink bug populations.
Bugs Below Zero raises awareness about the winter life of bugs, inspires citizens and classrooms to unlock secrets of stream food webs, and engages new citizen scientists in research.
We will partner with urban municipalities and school districts to support planting of climate-resilient tree species. Activities include planting trees, gravel bed nursery creation, tree assessment and mapping, and community.
MAISRC will launch 12-16 new or continuation projects aimed at solving Minnesota’s AIS problems using a competitive RFP process, informed by an annual research needs assessment and stakeholder consultation.
MAISRC will launch 10-14 high-priority projects aimed at solving Minnesota's AIS problems using a rigorous and collaborative process. The science will be delivered to end-users through strategic communication and outreach.
This project will build a sustainable inter-agency private and public Camp Ripley landscape forest restoration program which includes:
Prescribed Fire (550 acres)
Habitat Restoration (90 acres)
Forest Management Plans (65)
While aspen is one of the most dominant forest types, predicted future conditions will negatively impact aspen growth. Increasing tree diversity can provide increase ecological and economic resilience.
Harmful ?forever chemicals? were recently discovered in rainbow smelt- what else are we missing? We seek to protect anglers and their families by uncovering unknown contamination threats to Minnesota fish.
On many public lands in northwest Minnesota, cattail growth has far exceeded the distribution recommended for optimum wetland wildlife habitat and a need for cattail control has become recognized. Cattails have also recently been demonstrated to have bioenergy potential.
