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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
This project will characterize unregulated drinking water contaminants at wells and intakes (which pump from groundwater, lakes, rivers), and to examine if they persist after standard public water system treatment.
Chippewa County will acquire 51 acres of riverine wetland/floodplain forest complex, floodplain and abandoned gravel pits along the MN River southwest of Montevideo.
This project will provide support to the MPCA's Chloride Reduction Program that offers training, resources, assistance, and tools to organizations and communities in reducing salt use and protecting water resources.
The purpose of the DNR Wildlife Health Program is to monitor wildlife populations for diseases, to provide information to support management decisions based on accurate information, and to minimize negative ecological, recreational, and economic impacts.
The Mississippi Landing Trailhead Park will help connect residents and visitors to the Mississippi River through recreation, education, and restoration; providing an accessible connection to the river for everyone.
