Browsing by Subject "Taking Stock - Social Constructs"
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Item 2012 Northeast and Central Minnesota Flooding(2015) Curtice, BrianThis three-page pdf is a FEMA proclamation issued on July 6 2012 concerning the June 14-21 2012 floods in the Duluth area. All of Minnesota's coastal counties and communities were included in the declaration, along with the Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs and Grand Portage bands of Ojibwe. The declaration includes public assistance and disaster mitigation in the affected areas totaling $44.7 million. Also noted is emergency legislation totaling $167 million passed by a special session of the Minnesota Legislature and signed by Governor Mark Dayton.Item American Indian Gathering and Recreation Uses of National Forests(2004) McAvoy, Leo; Shirilla, Paul; Flood, JosephThis paper identifies and describes the patterns of use of the Chippewa National Forest (Minnesota) by Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe members; and, the use patterns of six national forests in northwest Montana by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The paper also identifies conflicts tribal members encounter while using the forests and makes recommendations regarding the management of national forests in light of tribal members' use of these lands. The implications from both study areas indicate that Forest Service managers should pay more attention to cooperative approaches, and potential co-management of forest resources that are near American Indian reservations. Managers need to be more sensitive to American Indians' uses and values associated with national forests and other protected lands that are close to reservations. They also need to be aware of the history of government and tribal relations, as well as tribal member traditional and historic uses of forests.Item Bibliography of Water, Land and Socioeconomic Information(1974-05) Green, Janet C; Grant, Christabel D; Neubert, Barbara AThis bibliography represents a first attempt to identify all the sources of information about the Lake Superior basin in Minnesota that would be useful to planners, managers and researchers from a wide spectrum of disciplines.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 Climate Change Impacts on the Water Resources of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the U.S.(2013) Cozzetto, K; Chief, K; Kittmer, K; Brubaker, M; Gough, R; Souza, K; Ettawageshik, F; Wotkyns, S; Opitz-Stapleton, S; Duren, S; Chavan, PThis informative paper links the perspectives and concerns of American Indians with predictions of climate change impacts on natural resources and Native communities. The report cites current and predicted impacts on the Fond du Lac Reservation in northeastern Minnesota, referencing several local sources and tribal authorities. Extracts of key points are reproduced below. "This paper provides an overview of climate change impacts on tribal water resources and the subsequent cascading effects on the livelihoods and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives living on tribal lands in the U.S. A hazards and vulnerability framework for understanding these impacts is first presented followed by context on the framework components, including climate, hydrologic, and ecosystem changes (i.e. hazards) and tribe-specific vulnerability factors (socioeconomic, political, infrastructural, environmental, spiritual and cultural), which when combined with hazards lead to impacts. Next regional summaries of impacts around the U.S. are discussed. Although each tribal community experiences unique sets of impacts because of their individual history, culture, and geographic setting, many of the observed impacts are common among different groups and can be categorized as impacts on—1) water supply and management (including water sources and infrastructure), 2) aquatic species important for culture and subsistence, 3) ranching and agriculture particularly from climate extremes (e.g., droughts, floods), 4) tribal sovereignty and rights associated with water resources, fishing, hunting, and gathering, and 5) soil quality (e.g., from coastal and riverine erosion prompting tribal relocation or from drought-related land degradation). The paper finishes by highlighting potentially relevant research questions based on the five impact categories. The Midwest (MW) is the location of the five lakes comprising the Great Lakes that together form Earth’s largest surface freshwater system. Thirty federally recognized tribes live in MW states and depend on this resource. Ceremonies honoring the waters as the life-blood of Mother Earth are held throughout the region. MW Tribes depend on the waters for subsistence and commercial fishing and for water-based plant materials for traditional crafts and artwork. Additionally, most MW tribes now operate gaming facilities and other tourism enterprises that rely heavily upon water for aesthetic and recreational uses. Many MW tribes consider climate change adaptation to be one of the most important long-range environmental issues for tribal nations. Michigan tribes, for instance, have worked with the state to negotiate and sign the May 12, 2004 Intergovernmental Accord between the Federally Recognized Indian Tribes in Michigan and the Governor of the State of Michigan Concerning Protection of Shared Water Resources and the June 11, 2009 Intergovernmental Accord between the Tribal Leaders of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribes in Michigan and the Governor of Michigan to Address the Crucial Issue of Climate Change. Biannual meetings are held between the state and tribes to discuss shared responsibilities and potential cooperative efforts. Impacts on MW tribes are diverse. Key impacts are related to flora and fauna important for diet, acknowledging clan responsibilities, social and mental health, and the exercise of treaty rights. Traditional healers in the region, for instance, have noted that lack of moisture and unreliable springtime temperatures have caused significant wild and cultivated crop losses. Wild rice (manoomin) is a sacred food of great importance to the Ojibwe of the Great Lakes area and may be detrimentally affected by climate change. In the Ojibwe Migration Story, The Great Mystery foretold the coming of the light-skinned race and instructed the Ojibwe to journey westward until they found ‘the food that grows on water.’ Since the 1900s, the loss of wild rice acreage to mining, dams, and other activities has been substantial. Warmer temperatures could cause further losses by reducing seed dormancy, favoring invasive, out-competing plants, and being conducive to brown spot disease. Water levels also influence rice survival. Extremely low Lake Superior levels in 2007 forced the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa (WI) to cancel its annual wild rice harvest due to dramatic crop reductions. A 2012 flood led to near total wild rice crop failure on the Fond du Lac Reservation. Tribes in the Great Lakes area rely on treaty fishing, hunting, and gathering rights. The exercise of these rights requires considerable attention to environmental issues, including climate changes that affect species and habitats. These rights have been the subject of several court cases, which have resulted in decisions upholding tribal rights. Native American tribes need relevant and culturally appropriate monitoring, assessment, and research on their waters and lands and to develop or be included in the development of contingency, management, and mitigation plans. Tribes also greatly need actual implementation of projects. Although climate change preparedness can take place as a stand-alone effort, climate change considerations can be included as part of planning and implementation that is already occurring. Tribes or intertribal organizations must decide what constitutes relevant work. We propose research questions that might be significant for tribes based on the five impact categories. These include examples of science, policy, and social science questions related both to further identifying impacts and contributing climate and vulnerability factors and to identifying adaptation strategies."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 Land Use Guide Plan Update: Sense of Place & Desired Future Condition(2015) Cook CountyThis 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.”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 Duluth National Citizen Survey, 2009(2009) City of DuluthThis report of the City of Duluth survey provides the opinions of a representative sample of residents about community quality of life, service delivery, civic participation and unique issues of local interest. A periodic sounding of resident opinion offers staff, elected officials and other stakeholders an opportunity to identify challenges and to plan for and evaluate improvements and to sustain services and amenities for long-term success.Item Duluth National Citizen Survey, 2010(2010) City of DuluthThis report of the City of Duluth survey provides the opinions of a representative sample of residents about community quality of life, service delivery, civic participation and unique issues of local interest. A periodic sounding of resident opinion offers staff, elected officials and other stakeholders an opportunity to identify challenges and to plan for and evaluate improvements and to sustain services and amenities for long-term success.Item Duluth National Citizen Survey, 2011(2011) City of DuluthThe National Citizen Survey (NCS) focuses on a series of community characteristics and local government services, public trust, transportation, housing, City services and other topics. Of relevance for the Sea Grant study, the NCS sampled Duluthians on constructs of environmental sustainability, recreation and wellness, civic engagement and other dimensions.Item Duluth National Citizen Survey, 2012(2012) City of DuluthThis report of the City of Duluth survey provides the opinions of a representative sample of residents about community quality of life, service delivery, civic participation and unique issues of local interest. A periodic sounding of resident opinion offers staff, elected officials and other stakeholders an opportunity to identify challenges and to plan for and evaluate improvements and to sustain services and amenities for long-term success.Item Duluth National Citizen Survey, 2013(2013) City of DuluthThis report of the City of Duluth survey provides the opinions of a representative sample of residents about community quality of life, service delivery, civic participation and unique issues of local interest. A periodic sounding of resident opinion offers staff, elected officials and other stakeholders an opportunity to identify challenges and to plan for and evaluate improvements and to sustain services and amenities for long-term success.Item Duluth National Citizen Survey, 2014(2014) City of DuluthThis report discusses trends over time, comparing the 2014 ratings for the City of Duluth to its previous survey results in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Additional reports and technical appendices are available under separate cover.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 Duluth Residential Stormwater Reduction Demonstration Project for Lake Superior Tributaries(2011-07-30) Kleist, Chris; Brady, Valerie; Johnson, Lucinda B; Schomberg, JesseWe used paired 2‐block street sections in the Amity Creek watershed (Duluth, MN) to demonstrate the effectiveness of homeowner BMPs to reduce residential stormwater flow to storm sewers in an older neighborhood in a cold climate on clay and bedrock geology. Runoff from each street was measured before and after installation of stormwater BMPs. In addition, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents were measured before and after BMP installation. BMPs were installed on properties of willing residents of one street (“treatment”). Most residents (22 of 25 properties) willingly participated. 250 trees and shrubs were planted; 22 rain barrels were installed; 5 rain gardens, 12 rock‐sump storage basins, and 2 swales were constructed; and a stormwater ditch was re‐dug and had 5 ditch checks installed in it. The post‐project survey indicated an increase in understanding by treatment‐street residents of where stormwater flowed to and what it affected, and an increase in willingness to accept at least some responsibility for stormwater runoff. Residents who received BMPs were generally satisfied with them and would recommend them to others. Runoff reduction proved more difficult to quantify due to high and inconsistent runoff variability between the paired streets, very few pre‐BMP installation rain events, and loss of one control street due to re‐paving mid‐project. Capacity of installed BMPs is approximately 2.5% of the measured stormwater runoff. There is about a 20% greater reduction in runoff for the treatment street after BMPs were installed than for the control street for small to moderate storm events; while we would like to attribute this completely to our BMPs, we cannot prove that other factors weren’t also at work. Peak flows also appear to have been reduced for 1 inch and smaller rainstorms, but we were unable to accurately measure this reduction. The results are available on an existing stream education website and are used to educate neighborhood, city of Duluth, and regional residents on stormwater issues, individual responsibility, and BMP options.Item Duluth Township Resident Feedback Survey January 2010(2010-01) Duluth TownshipAn opinion poll was sent to 929 addresses in Duluth Township of which 83 responded (11% response rate). The purpose was to enable residents to communicate concerns and suggestions to Township officials. 5% of respondents expressed non-specific concerns about environmental degradation, water quality or pollution.Item Duluth Township Resident Feedback Survey January 2012(2012-01) Duluth TownshipThis document is a pdf report of an opinion poll sent to 919 addresses in Duluth Township, of which 79 responded (10% response rate). The purpose was to enable residents to communicate concerns and suggestions to Township officials. The report abstract states: “Resident feedback in this survey suggests a substantially high level of satisfaction with the Township and its services that is consistent with past survey findings. The relatively low response rate and lack of consensus on concerns also suggests that overall there is no single issue of broad concern or dissatisfaction, other than the costs associated with the sewer district serving shoreland residents. On the added topics, a strong majority favored planning for needed space at the Town Hall, using non-levy capital improvement funds, and buying some additional land should that be needed for this purpose. Nearly all of respondents felt the Community Center/School grounds and building were appealing or satisfactory and few found them unappealing.” No comments or concerns were noted in this social survey about environmental degradation, water quality or pollution.