Browsing by Subject "Taking Stock - Economic Development & Commerce"
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Item Breeding Bird Communities Across an Upland Disturbance Gradient in the Western Lake Superior Region(2007) Miller, Christina; Niemi, Gerald J; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Regal, Ronald RThe coastal region of western Lake Superior to examine relationships to human land use. Eighty-four species were detected and 50 were abundant enough to be included in data analysis. Monotonic quadratic regression models were constructed for these 50 species by using species counts as the dependent variable and the proportion of human conversion of the landscape (residential, agriculture, and commercial/industrial land uses) within each study area as the independent variable. Twenty-seven bird species had significant regressions (P < 0.05), 18 of which generally avoided areas developed by humans and 9 of which were attracted to development. De-trended correspondence analysis using counts of these 27 bird species was used to investigate multivariate, community responses to development. The first DCA axis was interpreted as a gradient from urban avoiding to urban exploiting bird species and was strongly correlated with land cover variables related to human development. Our results advance the idea that breeding bird communities can be used as indicators of ecological condition and can diagnose potential causes for changes in these conditions. Further, our study points out the usefulness of bird monitoring data in regional planning efforts that incorporate goals for maintaining native biological diversity.Item Building Superior Coastal Communities(University of Minnesota. Minnesota Sea Grant, 2006) Schomberg, Jesse; Hagley, Cindy; Desotelle, Diane; O'Halloran, SueChanges to this region and its human population are inevitable. This paper provides a discussion of human-induced stresses and impacts on the Lake Superior basin (runoff, sediment and erosion, nutrient loading, increased water temperatures, bacteria and toxic contaminants). Development pressures (including subdivisions) and economic growth and industrial activities (logging, mining etc.) impact sensitive areas in the Lake Superior basin. Environmental indicators (forest cover, water storage, impervious surfaces) are summarized and explained. The paper describes fundamental management tools (natural resource inventory, comprehensive land use planning, zoning and conservation design). The document provides several examples of innovative coastal projects.Item Chisholm Comprehensive Plan 2012(2012) Arrowhead Regional Development CommissionThis 34-page plan is much more detailed than the comprehensive plan from 2003. There is a major focus on the re-routing of Highway 169, with various options for development and re-development. There is little specific mention of water resources except to note that Longyear Lake will remain Chisholm’s focal point and that trails and other amenities including a boat launch will be added. It notes that The Causeway will become a significant focal point: “This plan envisions the removal of the causeway dividing Longyear Lake. In one form or another the causeway has been a part of Chisholm for a hundred years but it prevents the essential restoration of Longyear Lake into the naturally functioning body of water that can be the community’s keystone attraction. Its removal makes the lake’s revitalization into a regionally significant recreation area possible and provides the opportunity for such vital projects as the Festival Park. The ‘Bridge of Peace’ and associated flags will become part of one of the new lakeshore developments.” A stormwater project will be installed near the fishing pier. Actions related to Longyear Lake restoration include: “1. Develop Case Statement to describe how the combined proposed actions are intended to restore the water body to a naturally functioning system for recreational, aesthetic, civic, economic and environmental benefits. 2. Seek peer review of the Case Statement by MnDNR, environmental groups, recreational groups, and the like for purposes of building support. 3. Develop restoration plan with sequence of activities to implement and research funding sources.”Item Cook County and Grand Marais Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Plan(2012) Cook CountyThis 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.Item Cook County and Grand Marais Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Plan Appendices(2012) Cook CountyThis 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.Item 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.Item Cook County Plan - Common Ground(1997) Cook CountyThis 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.Item Cook County Plan - Guiding Principles(1997) Cook CountyThis 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.Item Cook County Plan - Implementation(1997) Cook CountyThis 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.Item Cook County Plan - The Future Cook County(1997) Cook CountyThis 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.Item Duluth Farmers' Market Survey and Business Plan(2006) UMD Labovitz School of Business and EconomicsThe Duluth Market Gardeners' Association worked with the Labovitz School’s research bureau to describe the history of the business, marketing financials, business operations, and an executive summary for the business plan. Information from the survey analysis was brought in to guide the marketing plan and to focus expectations for future fund raising and building projects. This is a economics and marketing survey with little insight into land use, water or natural resources.Item Duluth Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Principles and Objectives(2010) Duluth, Minnesota Parks and Recreation12 slide Powerpoint presentation. Principles, listed below, in addition to specific objectives for each are included. Principle 1: Provide Safe, Clean, Fun and Beautiful Parks Principle 2: Ensure Adequate and Stable Funding Principle 3. Build Partnerships Principle 4: Ensure equitable access Principle 5: Connect the community Principle 6: Connect with Nature Principle 7: Continue to meet evolving natural resource needs Principle 8: Be sustainable Not much reference is made about water resources in the master plan files available on the city website; most of the survey pertains to non-water recreational park use.Item Economic Impact and Social Benefits Study of Coldwater Angling in Minnesota(2002) Gartner, William C; Love, Lisa L; Erkkila, Daniel; Fulton, David CThis study was conducted of anglers utilizing Minnesota’s northeast region cold-water fisheries in 2000-2001, and was based upon a staged mail-back questionnaire sent to anglers who had purchased a trout/salmon stamp from the Minnesota DNR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the economic and social benefits of coldwater angling participation in the state of Minnesota. Overall 10,297 questionnaires were mailed, and 3,029 returned for a response rate of 33%. Two null hypotheses guided this study: 1. There are no expenditure differences between the different types of coldwater angling investigated. 2. There are no experience differences between the different types of coldwater anglers. The survey looked at access points; bait used; species preferences; preference for fishing location; angler age, gender and education; trip distance; purpose of anglers’ trips; and numerous other behaviors and preferences. It also assessed the economic impact of anglers on local economies. The report notes that “fishing equipment was the largest expenditure in preparation for the trip ($12.57/person/day). Total expenditures at home were $33.90 per person per day. The largest expenses en route and onsite were lodging ($15.39/person/day), prepared food ($12.55/person/day), and gas ($12.70/person/day) totaling $71.31 per person daily. In sum, the typical coldwater angler spent $105.21/day. Overall, anglers were satisfied with their trip, and the quality, size and number of fish caught. The study concludes with the following findings: “There were many differences noted between the five different types of fishing investigated in this study. The differences were substantial, significant, and revealing. The evidence presented strongly argues for rejecting both of the null hypotheses used to guide this research. Therefore, we can state with a high degree of certainty that expenditure differences do exist for anglers between the different types of coldwater angling and that different experiences are sought by anglers engaging in different types of fishing. The research that allowed us to reject both null hypotheses also provides us with some interesting insights into other differences between anglers in the five different fishing types."Item Erosion Forum Summary and Resource Guide(2009) North Shore Management Board (NSMB)This document gives a brief history and background to soil and bank erosion along the north shore of Lake Superior. It summarizes presentations made during the forum, and gives examples of erosion control projects near Two Harbors. The report gives practical examples and suggestions for planners, local governments and developers.Item Evaluating Minnesota's Historic Dams: A Framework for Management(Archaeo-Physics, LLC, 2013) Arnott, Sigrid; Birk, Douglas A; Maki, DavidThis study assessed 31 historic mill dam sites in Minnesota. Of these, one was located in the Sea Grant coastal area. The study discusses broader impacts of dams on tribal, cultural and environmental resources generally, which are relevant to the SG study area.Item Executive Summary - Cook County Economic Analysis(2007) Cook County Planning CommissionThis 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.Item Hydrology and Water Quality of the Copper-Nickel Study Region, Northeastern Minnesota(1980) Siegel, Donald I; Ericson, Donald WThis 35-year old hydrologic study documents conditions in the Cu-NU region of Minnesota’s Iron Range. It is primarily a technical report, but its main value is the baseline data provided, and that it contains a water budget for the area. It’s primary message for decision-makers is that “the introduction of trace metals from future mining to the ground-water system can be reduced if tailings basins and stockpiles are located on material of low permeability, such as till, peat, or bedrock." Key segments are extracted and reproduced below. Abstract: "Data were collected on the hydrology of the Copper-Nickel study region, to identify the location and nature of ground-water resources, determine the flow characteristics and general quality of the major streams, and determine the potential effects of mining copper and nickel on the hydrologic system. Ground-water investigations indicate that water generally occurs in local flow systems within surficial deposits and in fractures in the upper few hundred feet of bedrock. Availability of ground water is highly variable. Yields commonly range from only 1 to 5 gallons per minute from wells in surficial materials and bedrock, but can be as much as 1,000 gallons per minute from wells in the sand and gravel aquifer underlying the Embarrass River valley. Except over the mineralized zone, ground water in the surficial deposits is a mixed calcium magnesium bicarbonate type. Ground water over the mineralized zone generally has both a greater percentage of sulfate, compared to bicarbonate, and concentrations of copper and nickel greater than 5 micrograms per liter. "Surface-water investigations indicate that the average annual runoff from streams is about 10 inches. Plow characteristics of streams unregulated by industry are similar, with about 60 percent of the annual runoff occurring during snowmelt in April, May, and June. Flood peaks are reduced in the Kawishiwi River and other streams that have surface storage available in onchannel lakes and wetlands. These lakes and wetlands also trap part of the suspended-sediment load. Specific conductance in streams can exceed 250 micromhos per centimeter at 25° Celsius where mine dewatering supplements natural discharge. "Between 85 and 95 percent of the surface water used is for hydroelectric power generation at Winton and thermo-electric power generation at Colby Lakes. Mine dewatering accounts for about 95 percent of the ground-water used. Estimated ground-water discharge to projected copper-nickel mines ranges from less than 25 to about 2,000 gallons per minute, depending on the location and type of mining activity. The introduction of trace metals from future mining to the ground-water system can be reduced if tailings basins and stockpiles are located on material of low permeability, such as till, peat, or bedrock."Item Iron Range Fiscal Disparities Study(2014) Minnesota Department of RevenueThis document examines disparities in the property tax base in counties and townships across Minnesota’s Iron Range communities, including coastal regions in the Sea Grant study area. There is no mention of water resources in this document, with the exception of cabins. Key points are reproduced below. “The concept of sharing commercial, industrial, and utility property tax base among the jurisdictions of a region is called “fiscal disparities.” This study examines the fiscal disparities in the Iron Range in northern Minnesota. The Iron Range Fiscal Disparities (IFRD) program, established in 1996, was set up to share commercial-industrial tax-base in the region known as the ‘taconite assistance area.’ Taconite assistance area tax base and Fiscal Disparities program have grown since 2001. Since 2001 the taconite assistance area has experienced tax base growth at twice the rate of the state as a whole (80% and 42% respectively). At the same time the area’s population has been unchanged while the state’s population has grown by 8%. Strong growth in commercial, industrial and utility values have caused the Iron Range Fiscal Disparities tax base sharing pool to grow by almost 600% since 2001. The amount of the area’s total tax base in the fiscal disparities pool is 3.7%, up from 1% in 2001.”Item Lake County Comprehensive Trail Plan(2013) Arrowhead Regional Development CommissionExecutive Summary: “In 2011 Lake County representatives approached the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission regarding the development of a comprehensive trails plan to help the County identify needs, prioritize projects, improve connectivity with other trail systems, increase awareness, and generally improve management of the County’s trail system. In July, 2012, work began on the plan. The plan envisions a trail system that is beneficial to the health, economy, environment, education and quality of life of the County, its residents, and its visitors. Though the plan focuses on trails within the County, it does take into consideration connections to federal, state and local trails and destinations. The plan identified partnership opportunities for Lake County with other governmental organizations, users, and non-profits with interests in the County. The visioning process laid a foundation for future trails, projects, and funding. A marketing plan outline would become beneficial in encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy Lake County’s beauty, recreational offerings, and destinations. Trails are important to the health of County residents, to the economy of the County, and to the overall quality of life for those living in and visiting Lake County. Health and active living studies have shown that active living, including having trails accessible to the local population, results in benefits to physical and mental health. A citizenry that uses trails and outdoor recreation facilities has less obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and a longer life expectancy. The number of trails and trail users have an impact on the economy of Lake County. This impact is especially significant because studies have shown that the northeast region of the state led all regions in trail-related spending in six of ten trail uses. Studies done on the quality of life in other locations indicate that trails have an overall positive influence on quality of life. People enjoy having ready access to the outdoors and maintained, connected trails provide that access. While recreational use figures are not specifically available for Lake County trails, recent studies have categorized use in the 9-county northeast region of the state. Typically, visitor day trail use for snowmobiling, ATV riding, and RVing were higher in the northeast region than any other region in Minnesota, even though the metro area has a much larger population. The northeast area ranked second to the Metro area in cross-country skiing and off-highway motorcycle riding. An important aspect of any trails program is the key recreational attractions that bring visitors from outside the County, as well as being favorite recreational sites of local residents. Vision and goals: Lake County has a long history of trail use tapping its natural resources. Trails have provided access to nearly all areas within the county. Today, these trails are used by residents and visitors year round to view natural attractions, used to access hunting areas, or are part of a destination package. With this in mind, Lake County desired to develop their trails and improve connectivity to enhance the users experience and to promote economic development). The goals are: form a well-connected, integrated trail system; have a system that is manageable and sustainable; a system that is safe; and a system available (or multi-use). Future goals and strategies were developed to address continued growth in the number and different types of users. As the report progressed, four key elements became apparent about the trail needs in the county. They were: • better access to the extensive ATV travel routes system • better connectivity between the City o( Two Harbors and the County’s Trail System • more opportunities for road biking and mountain biking • marketing Lake County’s trails. These elements became the overall recommendations and when looking at the trail maps, it becomes apparent that these concepts apply throughout the county. The plan also contains specific recommendations as well as strategies for implementation. With over 2,000 opportunity miles of trails available, Lake County abounds with opportunities.”Item Lutsen Town Center Plan - A Guide for Public & Private Actions & Investments: May 2004 Final Draft(2004) Lutsen Town Planning CommitteeThis preliminary planning document focuses on economic development for the town of Lutsen. There is little mention of water resources except for the following excerpts: “Highway 61 corridor: The essence of Lutsen focuses on the wild landscape and rugged shore. Retaining this identify will require techniques including screening and development setbacks so as to retain the undeveloped look along the entire stretch of Highway 61 in Lutsen. To further enhance this identity, landscape treatments such as planting lupine and maples can be undertaken. Besides augmenting the naturalness of the corridor these actions will further enhance the village atmosphere of the Town Center.”