This project is a model for future drainage projects across the state and represents a fundamental shift in the way rural drainage systems interact with the landscape. This is a community-based water quality and treatment demonstration project in which landowners, local government, and state agencies have developed a watershed approach to improving water quality and replacing outdated drainage systems. The project will improve water quality, improve wildlife habitat, and develop a process for future projects by constructing water quality features within the 6,000 acre watershed.
The project team at the WCROC will model and evaluate alternative solar system designs that will maximize energy production as well as provide maximal benefits to cattle and farmers .
As an organization of African American visual artists, our purpose is to use the art inspired by our lived experiences to engage residents of traditionally white suburban communities in transformative conversations and activities that heal the breach and create mutual understanding. This project seeks funds to support AHHA! artists through a planning process that will empower them to present their creative visions of racial justice as a pedagogy that enriches the secondary school curriculum.
The Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District will partner with the Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association, Lake Associations, as well as other eligible community partners to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff and keep water on the land. A mini-grant program to install rain gardens and native vegetation buffers along shorelines of lakes with a completed "Lake Assessment" supported by previous BWSR funding or a TMDL Implementation Plan will be implemented.
To provide access to arts and heritage education to fairgoers. The Aitkin County Agricultural Society enhanced their portable stage by adding additional equipment and a sound system. The fair was able to welcome three artistic performers, including a bluegrass band, a clown, and a caricature artist and purchase interactive items that are used in the new agricultural education center.
The Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District will partner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and local volunteers to conduct water quality monitoring in high priority areas of the Upper Mississippi River Grand Rapids Watershed. Five lakes will be sampled, including Savanna, Shumway, Loon, Hay, and Washburn. Through this effort we will obtain information that will be useful in assessing the health of this watershed. This will be valuable in planning for future restoration and protection efforts that will ensure good water and environmental quality for Aitkin County.
The Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District will partner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and local volunteers to conduct water quality monitoring in high priority areas of the Upper Mississippi River (Brainerd) Watershed. Four lakes will be sampled, including Sheriff, Rabbit, French, and Section Twelve. Four stream/river sites will be monitored including the Rice River (2 sites), Ripple River, and Sissabagama Creek. Through this effort we will obtain information that will be useful in assessing the health of this watershed.
The grant allowed the Cokato Historical Society to hire a vendor to scan 817 8x10 glass plate negatives from the Gust Akerlund Photographic Studio's negative collection, housed at the Cokato Museum. The total size of the Akerlund Negative Collection is 14,017 images. Of that amount, 11,552 are of the rare and fragile glass plate negative variety.
At 410 acres, Lake Owasso is the largest lake in the Grass Lake Water Management Organization (GLWMO) and one of the most pristine. Maintaining the lakes water quality is a priority for the GLWMO. A long urbanized area along Aladdin Street in Roseville currently lacks stormwater features to remove pollutants and reduce water volume. The rainwater from this area drains directly to a wetland which is hydrologically connected to Lake Owasso. Adjacent to the residential area is a 0.5 acre parking lot which drains into a ditch which eventually enters the same wetland.
The project reduces salt pollution in three impaired lakes in the Alexandria area via an innovative source reduction strategy that protects water quality and could serve as a replicable model.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report that will help preserve the former Albert Pike Masonic Lodge, eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Albert Lea Lake Management project replaced the previous Albert Lea Lake fix-crest dam with a 3-in-1 structure that included a rock riffle dam, a lake level management structure, and an electric fish barrier. The benefits from this project include improved aquatic and waterfowl habitat, invasive species management, and improved desirable fish populations.
To hire qualified professionals to conduct a re-use assessment and prepare planning documents for the H. Alden Smith House, part of the Minneapolis Community and Technical College campus and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To stabilize 10 structural elements on the Alex Seitaniemi Barn, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and used as a cultural attraction.
To stabilize, repair, and restore log components on the Alex Seitaniemi Housebarn, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, preparatory to implementation of interpretative programming for the public.
To contract with qualified professionals to prepare construction documents for the preservation of the Alexander Faribault House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Alexander Ramsey House is an 11,000-square-foot mansion that was home to Minnesota's first territorial governor. The mansion contains approximately 14,000 original furnishings and has one of the most intact collections of Victorian-era artifacts in the Midwest.
Despite these assets and a sound public educational program, the site has experienced a steady decline in attendance. Arts and Cultural Heritage funding is supporting a project to understand the reasons for this decline.
To hire a qualified professional to conduct a condition assessment of the Alexander Faribault House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire qualified professionals to reinforce roof joists and seal the building envelope on the Alexander Faribault House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Renovate the Ramsey Falls pedestrian overlook according to developed architectural plans, provide erosion control and enhance public safety while viewing.
