This project will build network and the skill set of local resource professionals to do effective civic engagement work for water restoration and protection in Southeast Minnesota. The cohort will be administered through the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board (SE MN WRB) which is an area wide Joint Powers Board (JPB) established to help improve and protect the water resources of the area through coordinating local water planning efforts. This JPB has successfully administered water quality grants in the past that have positively impacted the water resources of this region.
This project includes project planning, coordination, stream reconnaissance, and begins the effort towards civic engagement/outreach components of the South Fork Crow River Watershed project. Phase I will focus towards the development of project teams, identifying stakeholders, developing an initial civic engagement strategic plan and conducting limited lake and stream monitoring.
This project approach will include monitoring and gathering of watershed information, assess the data, develop implementation strategies to meet standards and protect waters, implement water quality protection and restoration activities in the watershed. The goal of this project is to establish a framework, and to provide information and tools for local government and watershed organizations to engage the public in a manner that will lead to water quality improvement.
This project will complete an implementation plan, as required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, for the Zumbro River turbidity TMDL project. It will also revise the Zumbro River Watershed Management Plan (completed 2007) to ensure it continues to reflect local needs, incorporates new information, and develops more effective linkages with related local, state and federal government programs.
This project will provide baseline data through water monitoring, recording and analyzing the results of six unassessed rivers/tributaries, three unassessed lakes and five storm water outlets in the city of Mora which drain to the Snake River; promote and implement approved BMP’s.
This project will offer incentives to protect 80 acres of land in filter strips and highly erodible lands adjacent to the rivers; construct 9 sediment and water control basins or terraces; replace 35 open tile intakes and advocate wetland restorations and grassland easement programs; organize a Friendship Tour to bring together Minnesota farmers, county commissioners, farm organizations, local, state and federal agency personnel to experience the watershed, farming practices, discuss future project ideas and strengthen relationships; and upgrade 37 subsurface sewage treatment systems by off
-Strengthen community capacity to revitalization Dakota language in MN
-Nurture language skills of 15 Dakota language leaders
-Create safe and secure Dakota-speaking community-based working environment that actively engages 10 beginning to fluent speakers
-Grow speaking and teaching skills for 8 intermediate Dakota language learners
The Minnesota Historical Society will raise awareness of the significance of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 by communicating the experiences of people before, during and after the war.
Programs and resources related to the commemoration of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 include:
The Minnesota Historical Society Press (MHS Press) will continue to publish new books and also articles in Minnesota History magazine to help people further understand the complex history of the Dakota in Minnesota. Projects include:
The Minnesota History Center will invite the public to participate in programs that explore Dakota language and culture and also the history of the U.S.--Dakota War of 1862. Public programs will provide multiple perspectives on the war and give voice to Dakota history and identity through a variety of formats including lectures, films, tours and workshops.
Visit usdakotawar.org/events for a list of commemorative programs and events sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society and other organizations.
This exhibit, on view at the Minnesota History Center through Sept. 8, 2013, recounts the Minnesota war that tore apart lives, families and the Dakota nation. Visitors can view documents, images and artifacts related to the war, as well as hear heart-wrenching stories and learn about the broken treaties and promises that led to this disastrous chapter in Minnesota history. There are many, often conflicting, interpretations of events related to the war. The exhibit includes multiple viewpoints, as well as historical and contemporary voices.
Minnesota Historical Society staff will work to increase public awareness about the tragic events surrounding the war which had a profound impact on shaping our state. Staff will also increase public awareness of new Society inititatives and programs related to the war to ensure that students, teachers and the general public use and benefit from them.
To provide programming that tells the story of Dakota County's 160 years of settlement, Minnesota history and cultural traditions, through an entertaining tent show that combines story telling and original music. The show will be reminiscent of the 1900s era Chautauqua programs. It will be performed daily in the tent at Dakota City Heritage Village.
This project will provide cost share funding to community organizations and associations to construct medium-sized water quality conservation practices in Dakota County.
During this grant time frame, Dakota County was able to protect habitat through acquisition of seven parcels, totaling 409 acres. The fee title ownership of three of the parcels, totaling 197 acres, was transferred to the Minnesota DNR as part of establishing the new Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area in Hampton and Castle Rock townships.
Dakota Wicohan is a regional non-profit language support organization that seeks to revitalize the Dakota language in Minnesota to a living language. Dakota Wicohan’s long range strategic plan includes building a strong teacher base, recording speakers, developing teaching tools from filming fluent speakers, developing additional learning opportunities, as well as, long term educational plans. Their grant requested money to provide an interactive Dakota language learning camp for a minimum of 40 Dakota youth.
This mobile tour offers intriguing stories and reflections about historic sites along the Minnesota River Valley, the people who lived there and the lasting impact of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The tour can be accessed by calling 888-601-3010 from any location. A travel guide that includes a map of the mobile tour can be downloaded at www.usdakotawar.org/mobiletour. In FYs14 and 15, improvements were made to the media-rich smartphone version, tour wayfinding was enhanced and additional promotion occurred..
Partner: Dakota Eastman Productions.
"Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian" is a documentary that follows Kate Beane, a young Dakota woman, as she walks in the footsteps of her celebrated relative Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) to examine his extraordinary life. Biography and journey come together as Kate uncovers the remarkable life of Ohiyesa/Charles Eastman from traditional Dakota boyhood, through education at Dartmouth College, and in later roles as physician, author, lecturer, and Native American advocate.
To allow visitors of the Washington County Fair to experience life in the 1800s. The fair will offer children's games from the era, dancing demonstrations, and educational fashion shows which will feature styles from the 1800s along with explanations of an item's function and symbolism.
The objective of the grant is to develop a strategy and responsive plan for wide-spread public engagement with the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary during the first year it will be available on-line. Speakers of the Ojibwe language, beyond the group of Ojibwe elders in Minnesota with whom the University now collaborates with, may be encouraged to contact the University once the dictionary is online and wish to participate in the next stage of the dictionary’s development.
At Central Mississippi Regional Park, implement the master plan including design, engineering, and construction of trails, pedestrian/bicycle/vehicle circulation, landscaping improvements, ramps, stairs, and walls, buildings, stormwater management, historic resources, neighborhood connections, and natural habitat restoration.
Mississippi West Regional Park.?Design and construct new boat launch, improve existing roadway, fishing pier/ observation deck, utilities, landscape restoration, signs and site furnishings, plus associated permit fees and contingencies.MC Action on 06/27/2012 reduced the grant amount from $400,000 to $382,000.
Bruce Vento Regional Trail. Design development plans for trail development and connection, storm water management improvements and site amenities on trail from Buerkle Road to Hwy 96.
Bald Eagle Otter Lakes Regional Park. Design and construct an early learning center at Tamarack Nature Center, and pedestrian connections, landscape restoration, signage, and other site amenities.
Above the Falls Regional Park, design and construct trail loops, river access areas, landscapes, storm water management. Includes site furniture, landscaping, utilities, survey and site investigations, design, engineering, and project management.
Mississippi River Regional Trail. MnDOT identified and supported Mississippi River Regional Trail connection from Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul to the Mississippi River Trail in Dakota County. Design, engineering and construction for a combine
Initial project was Design and Construction of a trail bridge over County State-Aid Highway 19 for the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail. 2015 Legislature amended project to "save trail crossing". PAT Legacy (F14-15) matched with $1,040,000 in federal funds.
