Browsing by Subject "Cook County, Minnesota"

Now showing 1 - 13 of 13
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    Cook County and Grand Marais Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Plan
    (2012) Cook County
    This planning document is heavily focused on energy requirements and future energy planning. There is little mention of water or other natural resources, although habitat and bird migration is discussed in the context of wind energy. Key points are summarized below. Summary: The energy planning process included a survey with 28 questions to solicit information concerning awareness of energy issues, attitudes toward energy issues, and what respondents had done to address these issues. Respondents overwhelmingly viewed movement toward use of renewable energy as very favorable and indicated a willingness to pay a premium of about 6% for renewable energy. Energy profile information was gathered for both Cook County and Grand Marais showing how, where, and how much energy is currently being used. This information was used to develop and prioritize the Plan's Goals, Strategies and Action Steps, and will be useful for measuring Energy Plan progress, and changes in energy use over time. The first phase of the study has been completed. It addresses the availability of forest biomass for energy production in Cook County; options for biomass combustion technology for small, medium, and large systems; and financial implications of converting to biomass energy in various Cook County settings. In a related effort, a bird migration study was undertaken by the Natural Resources Research Institute to assess the possible detrimental effects of locating wind turbines in the North Shore bird migration corridor. The study suggests that wind turbines located in Cook County, especially within 1 mile of the shore, might result in significant bird mortality. A list of goals, strategies and action steps are presented. No other water-related content was identified in the planning document and appendices.
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    Cook County and Grand Marais Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Plan Appendices
    (2012) Cook County
    This is a series of annexes to the final report, and containing the following materials: Public Survey Results (Powerpoint presentation); Energy Toolbox Resources; Biomass Phase I Report Executive Summary; and Wind Feasibility Study. As noted in the previous document, there is little mention of water resources.
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    Cook County Land Use Guide Plan Update: Sense of Place & Desired Future Condition
    (2015) Cook County
    This three-page pdf summarizes the desirable attributes of Cook County, with numerous direct and indirect references to water resources and the coastal areas, for example: “The Physical Setting: A Wild Land Cook County’s blend of diverse natural resources and features, including its climate, attracts people to visit and live in the county and is the foundation for most of its economic activity. The county’s distinctiveness is founded upon its relatively low levels of development and population that are enhanced by a sense of undeveloped wildness and remoteness expressed, in part, by the presence of Lake Superior, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and other large tracts of publicly accessible land. This is furthered by its unique mix of seacoast and forest and lakes and mountains, its large expanses of relatively intact ecosystems, and its relatively unpolluted setting. Although the depth of individuals’ understanding of and reaction to the physical setting may vary, there is a broadly shared acceptance of the inherent value of these features and the need to sustain them into the future.”
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    Cook County Local Energy Project - Project Resume
    (2015)
    This item contains descriptions of events and projects, with details regarding dates and funding, for aspects of the Cook County Local Energy Project: Project Resume. Dates span 2008-2016.
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    Cook County Plan - Common Ground
    (1997) Cook County
    This pdf contains brief descriptions of core areas (population, demographic trends, natural resources, economy) and a summary of a citizen survey. Of note, seasonal and permanent residents did not differ significantly in their responses.
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    Cook County Plan - Guiding Principles
    (1997) Cook County
    This document contains 87 points that govern planning and economic development for Cook County. A sense of balance is emphasized in implementing the plan, recognizing that some points may be in conflict with each other.
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    Cook County Plan - Implementation
    (1997) Cook County
    This pdf contains pages 42-55 of the 1997 county plan. It is a sort of primer, listing and briefly describing a number of tools and instruments that might be used by Cook County to implement its plan. These include ordinances, design reviews, public health codes, zoning and other techniques.
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    Cook County Plan - The Future Cook County
    (1997) Cook County
    This document gave a clear vision in 1997 of how citizens want the Highway 61 corridor and the City of Grand Marais to appear in the year 2015. The proximity of Lake Superior, preservation of coastal wetlands, management of septic systems, and an undeveloped feel to Highway 61 reflect deep connectivity to water and forested habitat in the region.
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    Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District Biological Sampling for the Poplar River Quality Assurance Project Plan
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2007) Breneman, Dan; Brady, Valerie; Johnson, Lucinda B
    Benthic macroinvertebrate and habitat sampling evaluations will be conducted at locations chosen to represent the most common instream and riparian conditions. A best effort was made to minimize bias from either direct or indirect landscape alterations when selecting sampling locations. Sampling sites outlined below (see Bl. Study Design) are proposed based on several parameters (e.g., biological, geomorphological, etc.), but logistical considerations including best available access will influence site selection. Sampling protocols will follow standard operating procedures outlined by the NRRI-UMD Microscopy Laboratory standard operating procedures for field collection, laboratory sample processing, and data analysis (NRRI/TR-1999/37). All procedures outlined in the NRRI document are subject to change to respond to MPCA guidance and field conditions.
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    Executive Summary - Cook County Economic Analysis
    (2007) Cook County Planning Commission
    This document analyzes various human and economic development indicators and in general is a well-documented and well-written report. However, there is little mention of public or private use of water resources or other natural resources except for tourism. Key points are reproduced below: "Decades' long declines in logging, fishing and mining have made Cook County a one-factory community, and that factory is tourism. Tourism accounts for over 80% of the economy, making Cook County more dependent on tourism, by far, than any other Minnesota county. Until the late 1990s, tourism continued to grow, propelling growth in employment and sales. Due to a lack of resources to invest in relevant public infrastructure or broaden tourism beyond snow-based recreation activities during the seven month low season (mid-October through mid-June), the economy of Cook County has stagnated and become highly seasonal. Lodging visitation, the engine of tourism in Cook County, has not grown since 1999, resulting in parallel stagnation at restaurants, bars, retail shops, recreation facilities and other businesses. The total dollars flowing through the economy fall to 35% to 55% of peak summer sales levels from mid-October through mid-June. This economic weakness affects the entire County. Businesses are forced to take out credit lines to survive. Too few year-round positions with benefits are available, and seasonal unemployment is high. The County has been unable to attract or retain younger workers or families, or provide adequate housing, public transportation or other community infrastructure." This report gives a concise history of settlement in the area. Little or no mention is made of pre-settlement or current Native American use of the county. Focus is on the seasonality of tourism, with policy recommendations for economic development and investment.
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    Hydrology and Water Quality of the Grand Portage Reservation, Northeastern Minnesota, 1991-2000
    (2002) Winterstein, Thomas A
    This is a technical geo-hydrologic study of water resources on the Grand Portage Reservation. There are few references to human uses of water resources, or to anthropogenic factors. The abstract with key points are extracted and reproduced below. Abstract: “The Grand Portage Reservation is located in northeastern Cook County, Minnesota at the boundary between Minnesota, USA, and Ontario, Canada. Between 1991 and 2000 the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a series of studies, with the cooperation with Grand Portage Band of Chippewa, to describe the water resources of the Grand Portage Reservation. Ground water moves primarily through fractures in the bedrock, probably in three ground-water systems: local, regional, and deep. Lake Superior is thought to be the discharge point for brines in the deep ground-water flow system. The watersheds in the Grand Portage Reservation are small and steep; consequently streams in the Grand Portage Reservation tend to be flashy. Lake stages rise and fall with rainfall. The pH of water in the Reservation is generally alkaline (pH greater than 7.0). The alkalinity of water in the Reservation is low. Concentrations of major ions are much greater in ground water than in spring water and surface water. The ionic composition of water in the Reservation differs depending upon the source of the water. Water from 11 of the 20 wells sampled are a calcium-sodium-chloride type. Water from wells GW-2, GW-7, and GW-11 had much greater specific conductance concentrations of major ions compared to the other wells. Some spring water (SP-1, SP-3, SP-4, SP-6, and SP-8) is calcium-bicarbonate type like surface water, whereas other spring water (SP-5 and SP-7) is similar to the calcium-sodium-chloride type occurring in samples from about one-half the wells. The major chemical constituents in surface water are bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium. Measured tritium and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) concentrations in water samples from springs and wells were used to determine the recharge age of the sampled water. The recharge ages of two of the wells sampled for tritium are before 1953. The recharge ages of the remaining 10 samples for tritium are probably after 1970. The recharge ages of seven SF6 samples were between 1973 and 1998.”
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    Schroeder Township: Planning for the Future
    (2004) Schroeder Township Planning Commission
    This is a document intended to support planning by residents and local officials. The citizens of Schroeder developed this document as their contribution toward full implementation of the county’s “Land Use Guide Plan for Cook County, Minnesota”, and is intended to guide the Cook County Office of Planning and Zoning and the Cook County Board of Commissioners in all subsequent decisions impacting land use in Schroeder Township. Key passages are extracted and reproduced below. “The purpose of this document is to provide the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County Office of Planning and Zoning with citizen-based input into the revision of the ‘Land Use Guide Plan for Cook County, Minnesota (1997) as it pertains to Schroeder Township. Schroeder recognizes its unique sense of place on the North Shore, and seeks to create a functional blend of residential and business uses while maintaining and complementing the scenic characteristics of the area. Schroeder is a unique community within Cook County. Our town possesses: • Historical significance as one of the original townships in Cook County and the presence of the Schroeder Area Historical Society. John Schroeder, the town’s namesake, ran a significant lumber harvesting operation in the area. • Natural characteristics such as the Cross River, Baraga’s Cross, Two Island River, Temperance River State Park and Sugarloaf Interpretive Center, as well as the Natural Forests which surround the township. • Recreational opportunities abound such as: hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail. There are many boating and fishing opportunities from public access to Lake Superior at Taconite Safe Harbor and Baraga’s Cross or from one of the many inland lake accesses. The Lake Superior Water Trail, a kayak and canoe route, also passes through the area. The town park with picnic facilities is situated at scenic Baraga’s Cross. County, township and forest roads are frequent leaf and bird-watching routes, including the noteworthy Moose Drive Fall Color Tour Loop. Construction of the paved Gitchi-Gami Bike trail will connect the town of Schroeder with the town of Tofte and eventually connect the entire length of the North Shore from Duluth to Grand Portage for bicyclists and in-line skaters.” Water-related planning notes include the following points: “E. Special Areas: 2015 Conditions for Interior Waterways: • The Township recognizes the environmental sensitivity of the interior lakes, rivers and streams and recommends lot sizes and densities be designed for long term environmental sustainability based on the site conditions and the natural physical limitations of the area. 2015 Conditions for Forest Service and DNR Lands: • Public lands continue to be managed for the benefit of public recreational and economic concerns, maintaining the current blend of motorized and non-motorized access opportunities and encouraging all users to be wise stewards. • The Township supports conforming with current zoning on all privately held lands within these public lands.”