The grant was to research content, write, design and fabricate 10 interpretive panels at six sites along the MN River Valley to better tell the stories of the MN River Valley, specifically of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862. This is Part 1 of an overall interpretation of sites related to the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862.
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.
This program initiates a comprehensive approach to protecting, restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat and water quality by working with willing landowners to establish permanent conservation easements totaling 620 acres along the Vermillion River and including North, Middle and South Creeks, the South Branch and their tributaries; the Cannon River and its primary tributaries within Dakota County (Dutch, Mud, Chub, Darden and Pine Creeks, and Trout Brook); and to acquire permanent easements on 84 acres along Marcott Lake in Inver Grove Heights, Lake Marion in Lakeville, and Chub Lake in Eu
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.
The Danebod Lutheran Church and Folk School commissioned the repair and restoration of a drawing by Jes Smidt. The 1918 drawing is a copy of a much earlier work by Lorens Frolich (840-935AD). The subject of the work is Queen Thyra Danebod, an important figure in Danish culture, for which the church and school are named.
The Dakota County Historical Society (DCHS) worked with a graphic designer to develop several templates for exhibit guides. The exhibit guides are short publications that promote and/or provide additional information about topics featured in DCHS exhibits and programs. Three different templates were developed, a two-sided 4" x 9" promotional card, a traditional three-fold brochure, and a booklet 5.5" x 8.5" that can be scaled in four-page increments. Each of these guides is immediately recognizable as a product of DCHS.
An exhibit was created as a 13-part rotating display highlighting medical care in Minneapolis and Hennepin County from the 1870's to the present. It was first shown at the Hennepin County Medical Center and was then placed in the Hennepin County Government Center Gallery in September, 2011.
The exhibit had been researched and developed by Hennepin Medical History Center volunteers using history center resources. Medical statistics were gathered, a diary-style storyline was created to run the length of the exhibit and objects were chosen for display.
Deer Creek has been identified as an impaired water body. This project will quantify the reductions in pollutant loading that would be necessary to bring water quality in the creek to an acceptable level. The project also includes collection of any additional data needed for stream channel modeling scenarios.
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.
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.
Build ADA compliant, year round, multi-purpose, paved trail and boardwalk around Empire Lake; Construct 2 camper cabins; Improve/replace Empire Lake dike outlet; Install benches & site furnishings; landscaping and MP-approved improvements. Includes design, engineering, construction & construction administration.
This is a legislatively mandated project. In order to receive $1,075,000 in water recreation account appropriations for enhancing public water access facilities in FY 2014 and FY 2015 respectively, the commissioner must develop design standards and best management practices specifically for improving water quality by avoiding shoreline erosion and runoff for water accesses.
To hire qualified engineers to develop design drawings for the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, in planning for installation at the Ames-Florida-Stork House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
