Funding through this appropriation enhanced 4,745 acres of wetland habitat. Four wetland/shallow lake infrastructure projects were competed that enhanced 1,020 acres and and another project restored 50 acres. Wetland management actions (wild rice seeding, a significant drawdown, and a major large prescribed burn) enhanced 1,997 acres. Work by the Region 3 Roving Habitat Crew enhanced 1,678 wetland acres through work on prescribed burns, drawdowns, herbicide applications, and removal of woody vegetation.
Ducks Unlimited spent 98% of this ML2018 OHF appropriation and completed the fee-title purchase of four land parcels totaling 607 acres for MNDNR, exceeding our 550-acre grant goals as follows: 233-acre Steinke Tract on the north side of 5,000-acre Marsh Lake on Lac Qui Parle WMA in Big Stone County; 64-acre Erickson Tract on Whitefield WMA in Kandiyohi County; 151-acre Kramer/Tenhassen Farms Tract on Seymour Lake WMA in Martin County; and 159-acre Stoderl Tract to create the new Stoderl Slough WMA in Murray County.
The Phase VII Habitat Restoration Program included an Orr Wetland Restoration, a Belshan Property Targeted Habitat Acquisition Project, and a Shell Rock River Streambank Restoration Project. As a result, 152 acres of habitat and wetlands were protected, enhanced or restored.
This project will complete an extension of the Shell Rock River Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) watershed model application through the year 2018. Compliance scenarios will be executed to address potential expansion of discharges from the Albert Lea Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
This project is for surface water assessment in the Shell Rock and Winnebago River Watershed including four stream sites and two lake sites. Waters of concern include Lime creek, Bancroft creek, Goose creek, a tributary to Fountain Lake, Albert Lea Lake and State Line Lake. The outcomes includes establishing baseline data for the associated sample site.
This project will conduct the second round of Intensive Watershed Monitoring (IWM) for the Mississippi River St. Cloud watershed. Partnering organizations intend to complete sampling of lakes and streams following the protocols and guidance set forth by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Watershed partners include Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Clearwater Watershed District, Sherburne SWCD, Stearns SWCD, Stearns County staff, and Wright SWCD.
To create a history mural at the Sherburne County Fair. The fair will collected photographs, dating back to the early day of the fair, to then be added to a mural by a commissioned artist.
The goal of the project is the reduction of nitrates in the groundwater by promoting and implementing best management practices and alternative management tools in the priority areas of Sherburne County. Practices included in the application are: Cover crops, irrigation water management , and nutrient management. Additional incentives included are for the Conservation Reserve Program. District Staff will also plant at least one acre of demonstration plots which will be highlighted at an annual field day.
To rehabilitate the original horse racing judges’ stand. The stand is the last relic of the 143 year old fair grounds and dates back to the late 1800’s. The stand is comprised of a first story entry and refreshment area, and an upper section for judging the races. It’s 360 degree observation of the track was made possible by its hexagon shape and large doors that could be lifted when needed on each side. This is the first stage of the multi-year restoration of this prized building and is an important part of the plan to initiate a daily educational program at the fair.
develop Park ID entrance signs at Regional Parks and Trails consisting of Design/Engineering, and phased construction of Park ID signs consisting of demolition, grading, landscaping, utilities, lighting, sidewalk, bituminous paving, curb and gutter, fencing, site equipment, amenities, and signs.
The Six Lakes subwatershed analysis will utilize previously completed watershed modeling to conduct subwatershed analyses for six high priority lakes that are closest to meeting state water quality standards or require protection due to high public use and declining water quality trends. This project will develop a long list of cost benefit ranked water quality best management practices based on concept design.
The Six Mile Creek Halsted Bay (SMCHB) Habitat Restoration program restored 2,488 acres of deep and shallow lake habitat by implementing the state's most ambitious program to manage common carp below the threshold where they damage lake ecosystems with three primary tactics:
The Children's Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids will build on recent enrollment momentum and further increase participation with its School Service Program, which takes down the economic barriers for visiting school groups. The Legacy grant will fund more educators and facilitators, curriculum development, scholarship aid, transportation assistance, art and teaching supplies, and the addition of a new exhibit to the museum.
