Stories From the Coast: The First Five Years of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program

8/9/2019 Stories From the Coast: The First Five Years of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program

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St o r i es f r o m t h e c o a st

Th e f i r st f i v e y ea r s o f

M i n n eso t a s La k e su p er i o r

c o a st a l p r o g r a m

1999 -20 0 4


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Minnesotas Lake Superior Coastal ProgramMinnesota Department of Natural Resources

1568 Highway 2Two Harbors, MN 55616

1-218-834-6625www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperior

This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, by theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean and CoastalResource Management, pursuant to Award #NA17OZ2340 and Minnesotas LakeSuperior Coastal Program.

Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesWaters500 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155-4032651-296-4800

DNR Information CenterTwin Cities: 651-296-6157MN Toll Free: 1-888-646-6367Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 651-296-5484MN Toll Free: 1-800-657-3929

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of NaturalResources is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,marital status, status with regard to public assistance, age, sexual orientation or disability. Discriminationinquiries should be sent to MN DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4031, or the EqualOpportunity Office, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

An electronic copy of this report can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperior.

This information is available in an alternative format upon request.

Cover Photo Carol ReschkeAdditional Photos Carol Reschke and Pat CollinsMaps Clint LittleEditors Pat Collins, Dave Easter, Tricia Ryan, Ginger Sisco, Karla Sundberg
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperiorhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperiorhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperiorhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperiorhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperior


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St o r i es f r o m t h e c o a st - 1

Fo r ew o r d

In July of 1999, Minnesota became the 33rd state to participate in the national Coastal ZoneManagement Program. This was the culmination of twenty-five years of effort to establish astate coastal program supported by the communities along the North Shore of Lake Superior.Learning from the mistakes of the past, with a new citizen-led direction for the future, Minnesotadeveloped an innovative approach to implementing its coastal program,blending local, state, and federal interests.

The creation of Minnesotas Lake Superior Coastal Program (MLSCPor Coastal Program) provides the opportunity to funnel federal dollarsto the North Shore. Dozens of local units of government, educationalinstitutions, state and regional agencies, and nonprofit organizationshave applied for project funds to protect and preserve the coastalresources of Lake Superior.

I am pleased to report that the MLSCP has awarded $4.86 million for160 projects since its inception in 1999. A key factor in the programssuccess is its ability to fund a variety of projects in a variety of areas. Construction, restorationand engineering projects are eligible for funding along with those focusing on administration,planning, research and education and interpretation. Many of the early projects described in thisreport have laid the groundwork for future projects, for example the creation of GeographicInformation System (GIS) databases.

I have been fortunate to work with a dedicated group of individuals appointed by the Governor toassist in implementing the program. The Governors Council on Minnesotas Coastal Program isresponsible for setting policy and making funding recommendations on pass-through grants

administered by the program. In an acknowledgement of the vital role local communities play inensuring that the MLSCP is successful, the Council members represent the geographic andideological diversity of the North Shore. While MLSCP benefits all Minnesotans, it is worthnoting that this program for the North Shore is administered from the North Shore.

It has been important to gain the trust of the residents of the communities who are eligible torequest MLSCP funding. I believe the programs five-year record of accomplishmentdemonstrates that a well-run program, funding worthwhile projects can improve the lives of thepeople, the businesses, the communities, and the natural environment of this area.

The Lake Superior shoreline and coastal waters are valuable natural resources appreciated by

Minnesotans and visitors alike. This federal matching fund grant program works to preserve andprotect Lake Superiors assets. We look forward to continuing to work with Lake Superiorcommunities on many future projects.

Tricia RyanCoastal Program ManagerMinnesota Department of Natural Resources


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Th e Co a st a l Zo n e M a n a g em en t A c t

In response to intense pressure on coastalresources, and because of the importance ofcoastal areas of the United States, Congress

passed the Coastal Zone Management Act of1972 (CZMA). The CZMA authorized astate-federal program designed to encouragecoastal states and territories to developcomprehensive coastal managementprograms to preserve, protect, develop andwhere possible, to restore or enhanceresources of the Nations coastal zone forthis and succeeding generations.

The CZMA affirms a national commitment

to the effective protection and rationaldevelopment of coastal areas by providingassistance and encouragement to coastalstates to voluntarily develop and implementmanagement programs for their coastalareas. States are encouraged to participatethrough two incentives, funding for amatching grant program through theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA) and federalconsistency.

By participating in the national program,Minnesota can use federal funds to offertechnical assistance on coastal issues andprovide financial assistance to localcommunities, organizations, and agenciesvia a pass-through grant program. Federalconsistency encourages cooperation betweenstate and federal agencies and providesMinnesota with an important managementtool by allowing the state to review federalactions that affect coastal resources to

ensure they are consistent with statepolicies.

Th e N o r t h Sh o r eMinnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes andone Great Lake, Lake Superior. Cold anddeep, Lake Superior is the largest of theGreat Lakes, containing 10% of the worldsfresh water. The lake has long served theNorth Shore of Minnesota as an importanteconomic, recreational and cultural resource.

The North Shore itself remains a relativelyundeveloped landscape characterized byLake Superiors rugged shoreline, dramaticcoastal rivers, spectacular waterfalls, andextensive forests.

There are many reasons for activelysupporting the management of North Shoreresources. It is these resources that makethe area interesting and unique. In the LakeSuperior watershed, greater than 80 percent

of the pre-settlement wetlands remain,providing important public benefits such asimproved water quality and providinghabitat for wildlife. The northeasternportion of Minnesota is the most heavilyforested in the state, contributing to theeconomy through the timber industry andtourism. Among the most valuable


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resources is Lake Superior, both as animportant commercial waterway, opening upthe resources of the Iron Range to the world,and an opportunity to fish, sail, or explorethe coastline. The North Shore is valued for

its natural character and beauty; maintainingthe character of the area while providing asustainable way of life is essential.

The very qualities that make the NorthShore attractive also contribute to significantdevelopment pressures. The North Shore ishome to eight state parks, including somewith the highest use rates in the state parksystem. Tourism and second homedevelopment play an increasing role in the

economy of the area. Townhouses andcondominiums, multi-unit commercialenterprises, traditional recreationaldevelopments and greater demand for landand water based recreational facilities allpresent economic development opportunitiesand resource management challenges.

With these pressures come increased traffic,need for adequate wastewater treatment,storm water runoff controls, erosion andsediment control, wetland protection, andhabitat andwater qualityconcerns. Withclay soils overbedrock alongsteep slopes, theimpact to waterresources fromhuman activitybecomessignificant.

Adding to these pressures are the NorthShores unique land ownership patterns.Private ownership dominates the shorelineadjacent to Lake Superior, while themajority of land inland from the coast is

county, state, or federal lands. With most ofthe regions population located within sixmiles of Lake Superior, this dynamic sets upan ongoing debate over how to balance theneed for increased public access to LakeSuperior, with the need of localgovernments to generate revenues andprovide jobs by developing the shoreline.

Participation in the national Coastal ZoneManagement Program provides an

opportunity for Minnesota to address issuesof development, resource protection, andpublic access along the North Shore. Theaccess to additional financial and technicalresources certainly provide motivation toparticipate, but benefits also includeopportunities to share information,technology, training, and staff through thenetwork of coastal states and relatedorganizations, with the potential to effectchange on a national scale.


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We have feared the DNR. We fear State Planning as much, or more. We may get a slight hold on the DNR

through this program, but would be held tighter by State Planning. In other words, we may be jumping from therying pan into the fire. Federal hearing testimony February 1978

The vast majority of people of Lake County do not want the Coastal Zone Management program and if there isto be a vestige of democracy left in this state, they should not have it forced upon them.- Federal hearingtestimony April 1978

Lake County News-Chronicle April, 1978

Cr ea t i n g a Co a st a l Pr o g r a m

I n i t i a l Resi st a n ceIn June of 1974, the State Planning Agencybegan the development of a coastal

management program for Minnesotas LakeSuperior shoreline under the guidelinesestablished in the Coastal Zone ManagementAct of 1972 (CZMA). This occurred at atime when the northeastern region of thestate was experiencing dramatic change dueto the expansion of the Boundary WatersCanoe Area Wilderness and the listing of the

gray wolf as an endangered species. Both

these federal actions had the potential tolimit the traditional ways in which residentsin northeast Minnesota used the surroundingresources. In addition, a large miningcompany that was dumping taconite tailingsinto Lake Superior closed, causing economichardship for many small communities alongthe shore.

Although efforts to involve local citizensand elected officials continued throughoutthis process, there was an overwhelmingdistrust of any further actions by the federalgovernment and planning efforts by thestate. Residents along the coast wereconcerned about the loss of local controlover land use decisions, the distribution offunds, and adding another layer ofgovernment. In these early days of

shoreland planning, there were few

measures to address the concerns raised bythe implementation of a coastal programunder the authority of the CZMA.Eventually, the decision was made by thestate to withdraw from the national programentirely.


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Th e n ew ef f o r tIn the early 1990s, the North ShoreManagement Board (NSMB), a joint powersboard consisting of county, city, andtownship governments with jurisdiction over

land use along the North Shore of LakeSuperior, revived discussion aboutdeveloping a Coastal Zone ManagementProgram in Minnesota. Although theNSMB could not reach a consensus toproceed, there was enough support tocontinue program development with theDepartment of Natural Resources-Waters asthe lead agency.

In April 1996, theBoundary and

Organization and Implementation workgroups were formed to examine the potentialfor establishing a state coastal program.After careful study of the failed attempteighteen years prior, it was deemedimportant to ensure that these groupsrepresented local citizens and their concerns,both past and future, and that they had theauthorityto designthe

programwithin thebroadparametersestablishedin theCZMA.

Withoutthis levelofparticipation and involvement, the effort toestablish a coastal program would againhave fallen to skepticism and mistrust. Thework groups provided opportunities tounderstand issues, build trust, and debate theadvantages and disadvantages of all aspectsof the prospective program.

Many of the most important designcomponents of Minnesotas programresulted from the efforts undertaken by thetwo work groups. These componentsinclude:

The formation of a Coastal Councilto set policy and make fundingrecommendations for the pass-

Requiring that the Coastal Councilprovide equal representation forlocal units of government

Stipulating that the majority ofprogram funds will be used to passmoney through to local communitiesand organizations for projectsselected by the Coastal Council

Providing a termination clause thatallows Minnesota to withdraw fromthe program if any new lawsbecome unacceptable

Locating the Coastal Program officewithin the coastal area

Creating a program boundary of allareas that may have a significantimpact on coastal issues, whilemaintaining the flexibility torespond to needs in adjacent areas

After three years of work and more than ahundred public meetings, Minnesotapresented its Final Environmental ImpactStatement and Coastal Program for approvalas the 33

rdstate coastal program. The lack

of trust that tempered the early years of theprogram have essentially dissolved due to acommitment from the Coastal Council andthe Department of Natural Resources towork through differences and accept each

others guidance on what is best for the NorthShore of Lake Superior.

Since its inception, Minnesotas LakeSuperior Coastal Program has proven to bean important asset, for residents along theNorth Shore and the throughout the state, asa valuable source of funding and assistance.


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M i n n eso t a s La k e Su p er i o r Co a st a l Pr o g r a m

Pr o g r a m D et a i l sThe MLSCP is a networked program thatuses existing state policies and authorities

that are implemented by a number ofdifferent state agencies and local units ofgovernment. MLSCP does not create anynew permits nor does it require any newregulations, zoning ordinances orenforceable mechanisms. Instead, it relieson the combined resources, organization,and implementation abilities of federal,state, and local governments that manageland and water resources in the state. Thisapproach encourages greater cooperation

and encourages simplification ofgovernmental processes within Minnesotascoastal area.

The Minnesota Department of NaturalResources (DNR) administers the programout of an office on the North Shore of LakeSuperior at Two Harbors. With themanagement aspect of the program alreadyadministered through the existing networkof state agencies and local units of

government, theprimary role of theMLSCP is toadminister the grantsprogram and performconsistency reviews.

Minnesotas LakeSuperior CoastalProgram is notanother plan to

implement. It isinstead, a new tool toimplement existingprograms and toprovide funding forunique or under-funded opportunities.

Go v er n o r s Co u n c i l o n

M i n n eso t a s Co a st a l

Pr o g r a mA key component of the MLSCP is theGovernors Council on Minnesotas CoastalProgram (the Coastal Council). The CoastalCouncil is the decision-making mechanismthrough which the MLSCP implements thegrant program. The Coastal Councilestablishes the program priorities, selectsprojects for funding, reviews the budget, andconducts a biennial review of the CoastalProgram.

The Coastal Council consists of fifteenmembers, with three persons representingeach of the four counties that are locatedwithin the coastal boundary, and theremaining three members selected from anAt-Large pool. The Governor appoints allCouncil members after their nomination bythe 31 eligible local units of governmentwithin the coastal boundary or in the case ofthe three unaffiliated members, the publicat-large.


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H el p i n g Su p p o r t t h e N o r t h Sh o r eGr a n t Pr o g r a m St r u c t u r eThe Coastal Zone Management Program,administered by NOAA, offers $68 million

annually in federal matching funds toeligible states for coastal projects. NOAAuses a funding formula based on shorelinemiles and coastal population to allocate eachstates share of the available federal funds.With its 190 miles of Lake Superiorshoreline and 220,000 residents, the CoastalProgram receives about $1.2 millionannually in federal funding.

The Coastal Program offers grants on a

competitive basis, and participation in theprogram has been high. In the first fiveyears, the MLSCP has made grants totaling$4.86 million, including $3.06 million in theannual grants program and $1.8 millionthrough the one time appropriation for theGreat Lakes Coastal Restoration Grantsprogram.

MLSCP grants have been an importantsource of funding for a variety of North

Shore projects, helping to increase theavailability of GIS data and imagery for usein future planning and development projects.Work has been undertaken to restore andrehabilitate valuable natural resources, andwater resources education has been added toschool curriculums. These are just a few ofthe results of Coastal Program funding.

Wh o i s el i g i b l e?Local units of government, state and

regional agencies, educational institutionsand school districts, conservation districtsand port authorities, sanitary sewer districts,

tribal governments, joint power boards andnonprofit organizations located within theCoastal Program boundary may apply for agrant. The Coastal Council has established alist of focus areas for the grant program.These priority categories are:

Coastal Outreach and Education

Coastal Land Use, Planning, andDevelopment

Public Access and Recreation

Enhancement, Protection, andManagement of Natural Resources

Protection, Preservation, andEnhancement of Cultural andHistoric Coastal Resources

Economic Implications of ManagingCoastal Resources

Coastal Partnerships, Collaboration,and Inter-OrganizationalCooperation

Projects that include large-scale, hard

structure erosion control, large-scale beachrenourishment, infrastructure projectsrelated to water, and sewer line and roadconstruction, and improvements to privateproperty or for other private enterprises areineligible for funding.

Grant proposal guidelines are available atwww.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperior or

by calling 218-834-6625.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperiorhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperiorhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperior


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Th ese a r e o u r st o r i es f r o m t h e c o a st :

Gr a n t s a w a r d ed b y M i n n eso t a s La k e Su p er i o r

Co a st a l Pr o g r a m

Co m m u n i t y a n d La n d Use Pl a n n i n g

City of Cloquet$40,245 Cloquet Riverfront Park Phase I DevelopmentTo assist in implementing part of the first phase of construction recommended in the concept development plan.

City of Cloquet$11,888 Cloquet Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management PlanTo complete a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan for the future protection, planning, andmanagement of wetland resources within Cloquet.

Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District$26,250 Stormwater Management Plan for Grand Marais WatershedTo create a comprehensive watershed plan with a prioritized list of recommended projects and to develop acomputer model to examine runoff characteristics under current and future conditions.

Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District$17,000 Stormwater Management Plan for Grand Marais Watershed, Phase II, GIS DatabaseTo create a GIS database for the approximately 3,000 acres of Cook County in the Grand Marais area and developthe plan for infrastructure improvements and their management.

City of Grand Marais$27,500 Grand Marais Harbor Park Phase 1

To plan, conduct a public participation process, and design Harbor Park, a city andcounty community asset.

Cook County Planning and Zoning$32,742 Watershed, Soils, Terrain and Stormwater Management Survey for the Lutsen Township

Development Plan

To create GIS overlays to analyze Lutsen Townships rugged watershed terrain all in relation to physical andcultural information overlays, such as parcels, plats, structures and wetlands.

Lake County Highway Department

$9,600 Larsmont Drainage SurveyTo assist Lake County in sizing culverts and proving for outlet controls to reduce tailwater velocities in the floodprove area

Lake County R.J. Houle Visitor Center$4,300 Development, Preparation and Presentations of a Feasibility Study for Lake County R. J. Houle

Visitor Center Expansion

To determine the feasibility of an expansion of the visitor center at the current location or move it to an adjacent sitewith a focus on waterfront revitalization and economic development.


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Laurentian Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.$25,500 Knife River Watershed Landscape-Level Planning InitiativeTo provide concise and integrated GIS compilation and digitization to encouragecooperative and continuing landscape-level planning among watershed private and publiclandowners, to preserve the health and biodiversity in a unique river system, and to promotesustainable economic growth.

Silver Creek Township$3,500 Stewart River Wastewater Improvements

To evaluate wastewater alternatives for the Stewart River area of Silver Creek Township, comparing previousrecommendations with the possibility of a wastewater system consisting of cluster systems serving commercial andresidential connections in the area.

City of Two Harbors$21,994 Stormwater Management PlanTo develop a plan allowing the city to evaluate and manage stormwater quantity and quality resulting fromdevelopment or other modifications in the sub-watersheds within the city limits.

City of Two Harbors$13,396 Detention Pond Design/Bid Specifications Two Harbors Stormwater Management PlanTo design and construct a series of stormwater detention basins as part of the stormwater plan.

Canosia Township$13,950 Comprehensive Plan Update for Canosia TownshipTo update the l995 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

City of Two Harbors$56,920 Two Harbors Urban Forest RestorationTo develop an overall urban forest management plan for the city.

City of Duluth Planning and Development Department$18,000 Park Point Urban Impact StudyTo study the impacts of commercial and residential growth and tourism recreation use on the ecosystem of LakeSuperior at Park Point, an urban environment in transition.

Town of Duluth$5,000 Updating and Community-Wide Review of Zoning Regulations for Duluth TownshipDuluth Township completed a comprehensive land use plan in 2002. Funds will complete Phase 2, the updating ofzoning regulations, which involves community-wide input.

Duluth/North Shore Sanitary District$36,000 North Shore Sewered Area Land Use PlanTo develop a land use plan for the area where a sewer system is beingdesigned to solve the problem of wastewater treatment along the NorthShore


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Lake Superior Water Trail Association of Minnesota (LSWTA)$18,000 Lake Superior Water Trail Master PlanTo create a master plan for developing the remaining portions ofMinnesotas Lake Superior Water Trail.

North Shore Management Board

$15,000 Land Use Inventory for the North ShoreTo complete a land use inventory for the North Shore planning area byhiring a GIS consultant to conduct an inventory and analysis of land usewithin the planning area.

North Shore Management Board$15,000 North Shore Management Plan Update (Phase 1)To complete Phase I of the North Shore Management Plan Update, the document governing the shoreland adjacentto Lake Superior.

North Shore Management Board$10,000 North Shore Management Plan Update and Program EnhancementsTo assist in funding the revision of Phase II of the North Shore Management Plan.

Crystal Bay Township$5,000 Crystal Bay Township Land Use Management PlanThe land use plan would be developed through a series of steps, including gathering community data and maps,conducting a series of focus groups, and hosting a charrette.

City of Hermantown$ 26,445 Hermantown Comprehensive Wetland PlanTo develop the Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan in two phases: Phase I - ComprehensiveWetlands Inventory and Phase II - Site Preparation - Establishment of wetland types and functions and identificationof high value wetlands.

Ou t r ea c h a n d Ed u ca t i o n

Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District$5,000 Arrowhead CurrentsTo continue publishing two issues this year, this newsletter informs property owners how to protet and improvewater quality in lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Carlton County SWCD$3,350 School Forest/Outdoor Classroom Development PlanTo complete a plan for an outdoor classroom facility. The 40 acres is owned by Carlton County and lies completelywithin the coastal boundary. Preliminary investigation reveals a wide diversity of ecosystems on the propertymaking it ideal for an outdoor classroom facility.

Cook County Historical Society$3,665 Cook County PassportTo create the Historical Passport, aimed at Cook County school children grades 1-5 and familiesand adults, to encourage visits to county historical and cultural sites along the coast.


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City of Grand Marais and Cook County Historical Society$12,300 Cook County Historical Society Fish House ProjectTo build a historically accurate fish house to display the historicalsocietys existing commercial fishing artifacts.

North House Folk House

$35,000 North House Folk Schools Freshwater StudiesTo develop a Middle School Freshwater Studies Program for studentsin Cook County that includes on-board experiences for one of themost unique educational opportunities in the state.

Grand Marais Playhouse$13,000 Education of Coastal Resource Preservation and Enhancement through the Performing ArtsWorkshops for elementary children through elementary and preschool environmental theater classes, performing theplay "The Lorax" and parade; Cook County Fair displays, and Climb Theater.

Tofte Historical Society$5,000 North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum Interpretive Lake Walk DesignTo determine what artifacts should be displayed in educational outdoor exhibits on the lake walk, where they should

be displayed and protected, and how they should be explained to people using the walkway.

MN Department of Natural Resources- Gooseberry Falls State Park$29,932 Lake Superior Video ProductionTo develop and present a video production that creates a better understanding of the unique qualities of LakeSuperior and its watershed.

Lake County Historical Society$17,767 Agate Bay Coastal Interpretative ExhibitTo develop three interpretative exhibits which include educationalprogramming and materials about the development of Agate Bay as aharbor and its impact on Lake Superior.

Lake County Historical Society$7,115 Coastal Interpretative Exhibits Phase IITo interpret the historic uses of Lake Superior and Agate Bay and tocollect oral histories.

Lake County Land Use Department and the Natural Resources Research Institute$13,766 Head of the Watersheds Decentralized Wastewater ConferenceTo organize the first Head of the Watersheds Decentralized Wastewater Conference to address why we treatwastewater and how it can be done to protect public health and environment.

Lake County Sheriffs Department$34,400 North Shore Water and Ice Safety/Rescue Program

To purchase swift water rescue safety equipment and train the trainers bysending four members from local emergency response agencies to anintensive training program and develop a training program for emergencyresponse personnel in Lake and Cook counties


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MN Department of Natural Resources - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park$4,200 Gold Rock Point Interpretation KioskTo research, produce and install an interpretive kiosk with signs for the GoldRock Point addition at the diver access parking area/trailhead to the beach andPoint.

City of Duluth Stormwater Utility$6,810 Care and Feeding of Your Sewer A Public Education ProgramTo develop an education program for residential and commercial customers about blockages in sewers and materialspeople put in drains that are not removed in sewage treatment or impact the cleaning capacity of the treatment plant.

City of Duluth Stormwater Utility and Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School$26,918 Watershed Educational Program for Primary (preK-6) School ChildrenTo develop a Watershed Education Program for children in the primary grades through a partnership with StoweEnvironmental School, Great Lakes Aquarium, and the University of Minnesota Duluth Center for EnvironmentalEducation.

City of Duluth Stormwater Utility$5,725 Collectible Informational Cards on Duluth CreeksTo increase citywide awareness and knowledge of the creeks that flow throughDuluth to the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, develop collectible tradingcards about creeks and streams and their protection for distribution at schools,fairs and public events.

City of Duluth - Public Works

$27,650 Regional Surface Water Pollution Prevention Education Outreach ProgramTo support development of a recognizable logo for surface water protection in NortheasternMinnesota/Northwestern Wisconsin: development and airing of a series of public service announcements fortelevision and radio; and development of a brochure and mailing flyer to promote positive community andindividual activities to protect the waters of the region.

Park Point Community Club$11,133 Minnesota Point Natural Resources EducationTo educate and inform the public about Minnesota Points unique ecology and recreational environment.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School$25,783 Environ MentorsTo establish a program that allows Stowe Environmental School students to expand their understanding of the

watershed and establish a mentoring relationship with Lakewood and Lester Park elementary schools.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency$26,023 Preparing for Growth on the North ShoreTo provide hands-on tools, education, and resources for Duluth Township to understand and implement appropriateprotective measures when developing land use plans.


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University of Minnesota Extension Service$22,117 Restoring the St. Louis River Estuary: Pilot Service Learning and Curriculum Project for HighSchool Youth

To create a pilot project combining environmental restoration, youth in-service work, graduate training, andcurriculum development to improve stewardship of Lake Superior coastal resources.

University of Minnesota Extension Service, South St. Louis County$9,848 Restoring Sugarloaf Cove: Environmental Restoration FieldTripsTo provide Sugarloaf Cove as an outdoor classroom for high school fieldexperiences that includes pre and post materials.

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission$988 State of the Coast 2002 Sharing the Northland ConferenceTo fund facilities, food, speakers and promotion items for the conference.

The College of St. Scholastica$27,610 Outdoor PURSUIT! Kayak Edventure: An Educational Adventure on Lake SuperiorTo buy equipment, develop instructional courses and interpretive workshops, and organize outings by kayak toincrease access to recreation activities and understanding and appreciation of Lake Superior.

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources$11,000 Wetland Delineation CertificationTo produce a full certification wetland delineation training course specifically for theunique red soils found in Minnesotas coastal area. Wetland delineation trainingcovers the three parameter approach of soils, hydrology, and vegetation.

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources$15,000 Coastal Area Wetland Plant ID Shore Course (Certified)

To conduct a Coastal Wetland Plant ID Short Course (Certified) for local wetlanddelineation practioners. The Course will consist of classroom and field exercises,and subsequent testing to assess knowledge and document certification to the Boardand Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).

Minnesota Shows$11,944 Lake Superior Multi-Media Performance PieceTo create two original songs, historical narrative and the collection of historic photographs of Lake Superior andsurrounding area by famed performer, poet and historian Warren Nelson. The Lake Superior segment will be part ofthe Minnesota Show, an educational, live documentary that will tour in the state.

University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program$27,816 Superior Science for You Speaker Series

To organize, promote and host eight speakers delivering 16talks covering the latest scientific research on Lake Superior toresident and visitors in Minnesotas coastal communities.

Carlton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)$7,620 Education-Outreach Program for Carlton and South St. Louis SWCDsTo research and develop an environmental education program with schools in Carlton and S. St. Louis SWCDs.


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North Shore Community School$4,200 Environment as an Integrating Context: Enhancing Student Learning in the North Shore

Community School Forest

To enhance student learning opportunities in North Shore Community School's forest by developing seasonalenvironmentally integrated curriculum for K-6 students.

North House Folk School$3,400 Historic Fishing Skiff Educational InitiativeThe initiative will utilize the construction of a historic fishing skiff as the backdrop for multiple educationalprograms. The project will culminate during the Wooden Boat Show and Midsummer Festival, an annual event thattakes place at the North House Folk School.

St. Louis River Citizens Action Committee$2,400 Lower St. Louis River Habitat PlanTo print additional copies of the Plan to help defray the cost of effective distribution of the Plan.

Duluth Community Sailing Association$16,317 Lake Superior Coastal Exploration Sailing AdventureProvide environmental education, access to the Duluth Superior Harbor and outreach to low income youth with alow cost, low impact recreation opportunity.

St. Louis River Citizens Action Committee$24,749 Enhancing the St. Louis RiverIt is a comprehensive watershed outreach effort to educate watershed inhabitants aboutthe Lower St. Louis River Habitat Plan

Pu b l i c A cc ess a n d Rec r ea t i o n

City of Cloquet$24,500 Cloquet Riverfront Park/trailhead planTo create an outdoor recreation development plan including a trailhead site for a planned riverfront trail systemwithin the City of Cloquet.

MN Department of Natural Resources - Cascade River State Park$10,881 Cascade River Hiking Trail ImprovementTo construct stairways and an elevated boardwalk on a hiking trail.

Cook County$5,000 Hovland Dock Restoration Phase 1 Community Planning and

Adaptive Reuse Visioning StudyTo pursue a combination of recreation, interpretive, and site restoration to the historicHovland Dock.


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Cook County Grand Marais Economic Development Authority$11,322 Grand Marais Trail AccessTo create a system of public trails (snowmobiling, biking and possibly cross country skiing) through a business parkcorridor connecting the City of Grand Marais to public lands, including the North Shore State Trail, Superior HikingTrail and the Pincushion Mountain trails.

Schroeder Township$22,500 Handicapped Accessible Elevator for the Cross River/Stickney Heritage CenterTo assist in the purchase and installation of a handicapped accessible elevator for the unique, three-story, historiclandmark and heritage/community center in Schroeder.

City of Beaver Bay$17,000 Beaver Bay History CenterTo provide a foundation, plumbing, heating system, city sewer and water,parking lot, electrical hookup, doors and entry with handicap access for alog building donated to the city for an interpretive center, museum, visitorcenter and trailhead for the Gitchi-Gami State Trail.

City of Beaver Bay$5,000 Grounds Improvement for Beaver Bay History CenterTo complete projects to make the building and grounds an attractive placeto stop for visitors including driveway and parking lot improvements.

MN Department of Natural Resource - Gooseberry Falls State Park$22,710 Lower Falls Hiking Trail BoardwalkTo build a 430-foot railed boardwalk along the Gooseberry River to minimizethe impact of heavy visitation on the river, area wildlife, the herbaceousvegetation and a significant White Cedar tree community.

MN Department of Natural Resources - Trails and Waterways$23,750 Silver Bay Marina Fish Cleaning StationTo construct a fish cleaning facility at the Silver Bay Marina to provide a resource for environmentally sounddisposal of fish cleaning waste.

MN Department of Natural Resources - Trails and Waterways$57,269 Gitchi-Gami State Trail (Beaver Bay Section)To design and construct a section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a non-motorized paved trail for bicyclists, inlineskaters and pedestrians, being developed from Two Harbors to Grand Marais.

City of Duluth with Hartley Nature Center

$24,140 Hartley Nature Center Pervious Surface Demonstration ProjectTo build a wheelchair accessible pathway and add 10 parking spaces to the existing Hartley Center parking areausing a model surface that is relatively pervious to water.

City of Duluth$56,294 Land Acquisition of the Former U.S. Naval Reserve SiteTo acquire the former U.S. Naval Reserve Site, located within the City of Duluth on ParkPoint with access to the Duluth Harbor, St. Louis River Estuary, and Lake Superior.Future development includes construction of a boat launch and aquatic facilities.


18/23


City of Grand Marais with North House Folk School$70,000 North House Renovation and Wastewater ConnectionTo complete the renovation of one building and the partial renovation of another historic classroom building and thehook-up of the North House Folk Schools to city services.

St. Louis County Public Works Department$46,132 North Shore Scenic Drive Vistas and Activity ParkingTo repair and enhance three roadside public parking areas along North Shore ScenicDrive.

Superior Hiking Trail Association$15,100 Extending the Superior Hiking Trail through DuluthPhase II will involve obtaining trail construction and maintenance authorization and permits for the trail. This phasewill also continue with the community outreach efforts to keep the community informed about the process and tocontinue to promote community support for the project.

City of Duluth$32,000 Lincoln Park Miller Creek Wall Restoration ProjectTo restore and preserve the creek walls of Miller Creek in Lincoln Park whichwere built in the l930s.

St. Louis County Public Works$35,007 Buchanan Town Site and Stony Point Historical Site - Assessment and Rehabilitation PlansTo investigate, conduct a site assessment and prepare plans for repairs at two scenic road vistas along North ShoreScenic Drive that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

MN Department of Natural Resources - Caribou Falls$50,000 Caribou Falls Hiking Trail

N a t u r a l Reso u r ce Pr o t ec t i o n a n d En h a n cem en t

City of Carlton$13,976 2002 Wetland Inventory and Evaluation PlanTo create a detailed and accurate wetland inventory and delineation map for the City of Carlton using multi-temporal infrared and monochrome aerial photography that is both more recent and more detailed

City of Cloquet$4,948 Cloquet Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan Implementation ProjectTo locate, analyze and produce survey plan drawings for three 2 to 5-acre city wetland mitigation banking areas forfuture strategic enhancement of water resources; to produce offsite wetland delineation map of the city; and to dofield investigation of 100 additional wetlands.

Lake County Forestry with The Nature Conservancy$35,225 Conifer Restoration to Benefit Lake Superiors Water QualityTo develop methods of selective harvest for sub-watersheds with the greatest opportunity for improvement of waterquality in nearby streams through forest management activities.

Lake County Forestry with The Nature Conservancy$49,190 Northern Hardwoods Management to Benefit Lake Superiors Water QualityTo develop methods of selective timber harvest that can maintain or improve the water quality in nearby streams.


19/23


Lake County Land Use Department$20,402 GIS Startup Program for Lake County Land Use Office and Soil and Water Conservation DistrictTo start a GIS program for the Lake County Land Use Office to address concerns about the increased developmentpressure along Lake Superior and the management needed to allow for new development.

Lake County Land Use Department$9,600 Lake County Wetland Creation to Enhance Migratory Bird HabitatTo construct county-owned gravel pit rehabilitation and closure a model for the creation of wetlands for migratorybirds with other public and private gravel pits.

City of Duluth Planning and Development Department$12,632 Duluth Forest Inventory ProjectTo inventory forested land in the city and show the important relationship between forests and the quality ofwetlands, streams, the St. Louis River, and Lake Superior as a part of the citys Natural Resources Inventory.

City of Duluth Stormwater Utility$43,000 Pilot Watercourse Study for Oregon CreekTo study Oregon Creek as a model for understanding the effects of development

on urban creeks and the remediation steps that could be applied to developedwatersheds.

City of Duluth$17,000 Field Identification and Mapping of Duluth Trout Stream TributariesTo survey all trout streams within the City of Duluth using Global Positioning Systems units and photography and todigitize data and place it on maps as a part of the citys Natural Resources Inventory.

City of Duluth with Bayfront Visions$16,955 Living Water Garden Feasibility StudyTo determine the suitability of using stormwater from Slip Number 2 and from the Great Lakes Aquarium, parkingareas, and proposed greenhouse and visitor center buildings for treatment with the Living Water Garden.

City of Duluth with Park Point Community Club$8,600 Minnesota Point Restoration and ProtectionTo plant grass, trees, and shrubs and enclose them with fencing to protect and restore dunes on Minnesota Point onthe western end of Lake Superior.

South St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District$16,600 Oblique Aerial Photos of St. Louis Countys Lake

Superior Coast to Enhance GIS SystemsObtain oblique aerial photographs of St. Louis Countys entire LakeSuperior Coast

City of Duluth - Planning and Development Department$31,500 Wetland Inventory and Evaluation for the City of DuluthTo create a more detailed and accurate wetland inventory for the City of Duluth, entered into the GIS and distributedon CDs and through a web site as a part of the Natural Resources Inventory.


20/23


City of Duluth - Planning and Development Department$13,543 Duluth Public Parcel Delineation and Preservation ProjectTo describe publicly owned parcels in a GIS data layer to be merged with existing natural resources GIS data inorder to identify ecologically significant parcels for legal protection.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency$28,421 Nonpoint Source Pollution Rates from Four North Shore Streams of Varying Development

Pressures

To initiate a thorough monitoring program incorporating continuous stream flow monitoring and routine samplecollection in partnership with the DNR, the City of Duluth, and Cook County.

South St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District$7,560 Local Implementation of Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction ProgramsTo package sources of natural resource management assistance available in St. Louis Countys Coastal area so thatnonpoint source pollution reduction programs are accessible and can be implemented locally.

St. Louis County Planning Department$50,000 Parcel Layer Development for Duluth TownshipTo develop parcel layers for Duluth township as part of a long-range goal of developing a unified database

containing all information relating to real property in St. Louis County.

St. Louis County Planning Department$43,670 Parcel Layer Development for Midway TownshipTo develop parcel layers for Midway Township as part of a long-range goal of developing a unified databasecontaining all information relating to real property in St. Louis County.

MN Department of Natural Resources Ecological Services$14,601 Lake Superior Drainage Mussel SurveyTo inventory mussels, the sentinels of river health, in rivers and streams throughout Minnesotas Lake SuperiorDrainage.

MN Department of Natural Resources Lake Superior Area Fisheries

$23,000 Identification of Potential Coaster Brook Trout Spawning Areas along the Minnesota Shore ofLake Superior

To identify and map groundwater sources along the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior and its tributaries below thefirst barrier, which provide critical spawning habitat for resident and coaster brook trout.

MN Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation$25,000 State Park Vegetation MappingTo produce digital maps showing the location of native plant communities and rare plants and to prepare naturalhistory information and management recommendations for three parks along the along the Lake Superior shore.

MN Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation$26,476 North Shore State Parks Spruce Beetle StudyTo determine the extent of the spruce beetle infestation in state parks along the North Shore and determine beetlepopulation trends.

MN Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation$30,000 Shoreline Plant Communities SurveyTo evaluate the impacts of high visitor use on native plant communities onpublic lands, by comparing areas of high use in state parks to areas ofmoderate and low use on public and private lands.


21/23


Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources$31,000 Environmental Ordinances and Implementation in the Coastal AreaTo assess the current level of environmental ordinance implementation in the coastalarea in collaboration with the Lake Superior Association of Soil and WaterConservation Districts.

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources$9,800 Best Management Practices Implementation in the Minnesota Lake

Superior Drainage Basin

To fund a lakeshore engineering technician to work with the lakeshore engineer andlocal government units educating landowners, designing best management practices, and providing constructionoversight for erosion control and water quality.

MN Department of Natural Resources Ecological Services$6,428 Wetland/Upland Restoration Trail and Educational Materials Development

Program at Sugarloaf Cove

To construct two sections of trail extending a boardwalk on an existing portion of the trail on theScientific and Natural Area at Sugarloaf Cove and to build a spur from the existing trail into therecently restored wetland.

Minnesota County Biological Survey DNR Ecological Services$33,180 Rare Herpetofauna and Important Seasonal Ponds within the Minnesota Lake Superior

Coastal Region

To conduct baseline surveys for rare and undocumented amphibians and reptiles along the North Shore (targetingfederal and state-listed species lacking documentation in this region) and to identify important seasonal ponds foramphibians.

MN Department of Natural Resources Ecological Services$22,130 The Importance of the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Distribution and Abundance of BatsTo complete surveys that evaluates the importance of the MN Lake Superior Coastal Area to bats.

MN Department of Natural Resources Lake Superior Area Fisheries$14,250 Development of a Hydroacoustic Survey Design for the MN Waters of Lake SuperiorDesign a viable hydroacoustic survey using the present MNDNR vessel and gear to generate annual biomassestimates of prey in Minnesota's portion of Lake Superior.

State Climatology Office, MN Department of Natural Resources Waters$17,840 Enhanced Snow and Precipitation Monitoring within Minnesota Portions of Watersheds

Draining to Lake Superior

To expand the networks of precipitation and snowfall observers by identifying, recruiting and training additionalobservers particularly in the watersheds north of MN Highway 61, and to buy needed equipment.

Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth$38,830 Geographic Information and Decision Support Tools for Land Use Planning in the

Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal ZoneTo assemble spatial data, develop decision support tools for the aquatic and terrestrial resources within the coastalzone, and deliver these data and tools to end users via the internet, CD-ROMS, and institutional outreach efforts.

City of Hermantown$5,000 City of Hermantown Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan

Aerial photography

Aerial photography to assist with comprehensive planning effort


22/23


Fond du Lac Reservation$25,000 Low-level leaf off aerial photography and Parcel MappingThis project will create georeferenced ortho low-level leaf off aerial photography for the Fond du Lac Reservtation.

Lake County SWCD and Cook County SWCD$10,000 Environmental Ordinance Implementation along the Coastal Zone of Lake Superior-Lake and

Cook County

To develop a system to track projects from the pre-construction (planning) phase through completion, provideconsistent site visits by the SWCD in partnership with the Land Use Department, and provide documentation thaterosion and sediment control practices were implemented.

Gr ea t La k es Co a st a l Rest o r a t i o n Gr a n t Pr o j ec t s 20 0 1Contaminated site cleanup, stormwater controls, wetland restoration, acquisition of greenways and buffers, and otherprojects designed to control polluted run-off and protect and restore coastal resources

St o r m w a t er c o n t r o l s

Cook County213,120 Grand Marais Stormwater Management Erosion Control

Restoration in Creechville Area

To complete flooding and erosion control projects in the Creechville area, aboveGrand Marais and below the Gunflint Trail.

Cook County$127,335 Grand Marais Stormwater Management Erosion Control Restoration on Village CreekTo complete flooding and erosion control projects on Village Creek, a wooded stream and potential habitat areawithin Grand Marais.

City of Grand Marais$18,800 Grand Marais Stormwater Management Downtown Grand Marais Flooding

To improve the performance of the detention pond behind a parking lot by City Hall, a recommendation of theStormwater Management Plan.

City of Two Harbors$144,000 Detention Basin Construction Two Harbors Stormwater Management PlanTo construct up to three stormwater basins and one diversion channel as part of the implementation of thestormwater management plan.

Co n t a m i n a t ed si t e c l ea n u p

City of Two Harbors$118,980 Two Harbors Old City Dump Site Restoration

To restore the old dump site along with a tributary stream to Lake Superior by followingthe Minnesota Pollution Control Agencys Dump Assessment Program.

City of Duluth$445,492 Remediation of Sargents Creek Dump SiteTo provide remediation of the dump site by following a standard process ofevaluation and assessment operations as developed by the MinnesotaPollution Control Agency.


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a c q u i si t i o n o f g r een w a y s a n d b u f f er s

S. St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District and Miller Creek Joint Powers Board$262,000 Miller Creek Restoration:Easement Acquisition and Wetland ProtectionTo protect Miller Creek, which has a naturally reproducing trout population, by implementing restoration proposalsto reduce pollutants and protect critical habitat and hydrologic reserve areas.

Department of Natural Resources Trails and Waterways$195,750 Carriere Property Acquisition and RestorationTo purchase a two-acre parcel of the former Split Rock Restaurant (Carriere property) to restoreit to a stabilized, natural state along with the North American Lakes and Lands property, a one-acre adjacent parcel that was donated.

City of Two Harbors

$104,230 Acquisition of Lighthouse PointAssist the community in acquiring Lighthouse Point topreserve the trails and public accessfrom development.

p r o t ec t i o n a n d r est o r a t i o n o f c o a st a l r eso u r ces

University of MN - Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI)$32,253 Managed Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems in the Lake Superior Basin:

Outreach and Education

To provide wastewater education for the general public, local officials, contractors, designers.

S. St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District and Miller Creek Joint Powers Board$60,000 Miller Creek Restoration: Sediment TrapPlacement of a sediment trap into Miller Creek at Miller Hill mall to reduce sediment loading to Creek.

City of Grand Marais$10,310 Grand Marais Streambank Stabilization and NaturalizationStabilization and placing natural materials in a small stream that runs through the city owned campground and intoLake Superior.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency$104,230 Reserve Mining Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination ControlThis project will focus on the investigation of groundwater and surface water impacts for the restoration and

protection of Lake Superior waters.

Stories From the Coast: The First Five Years of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program

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Transcript of Stories From the Coast: The First Five Years of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program