RENEWABLE ENERGY CLEAN AIR PROJECT

RECAP

• The Renewable Clean Energy Air Project (RECAP) focuses on an innovative partnership to create a working model of a renewable, sustainable development of a light industrial park.  RECAP will be located in the northeastern Minnesota City of International Falls The Laurentian Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is responsible for providing project development leadership.  Further information on the RECAP/plasma torch project can be found at this link.

Laurentian RC&D

2008-2012 Area Plan

• The Area Plan incorporates the needs and opportunities of the Laurentian Council as seen by  citizens, organizations, and Council members. The purpose of the Laurentian RC&D Council Area Plan is to guide and prioritize Council activities for the next five years. This document will be a tool to use when creating Annual Plans of Work and for day-to-day operations and project decisions for a five year span. The goals and strategies for implementation will assist the Council in determining a project’s need and priority for the Area. The Area Plan will also serve as an agreement with the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, to receive technical and financial assistance.

Duluth Community Garden Program

• The Duluth Community Garden Program seeks assistance with the scope and planning of a multi-year approach to assure that adequate water is available at all of its garden sites.  Further assistance will be needed with developing strategies to secure the funds for this project.  The program manages approximately 200 garden plots located among 17 sites across the City of Duluth.  Laurentian will assist this project by seeking donation of needed materials, equipment, and providing expertise to secure sources of water at selected garden locations.

WIND POWER GENERATOR

Shubat Farms

• Laurentian RC&D will provide grant writing assistance for acquisition of a wind power generator for operation of the existing organic farm.  The proposed wind generation system has been selected and wiring infrastructure has been installed.

FLUTE REED RIVER TREE PLANTING

• The Flute Reed River is a designated trout stream that is impaired by high sediment loads and altered hydrology.  500 trees will be planted in the riparian zone to stabilize stream banks and recruit large woody debris.  Laurentian RC&D will assist by providing NRCS Earth Team Volunteer program organization.  Tree plantings occurred in 2008.

MILLER CREEK TREE PLANTING

• Laurentian will assist in planning and overseeing a volunteer group of Hermantown High School students who will plant trees along the banks of Miller Creek in Duluth/Hermantown. The 100 potted conifer trees will provide shade to cool the water. Tree plantings occurred in 2008.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

"Expanding Horizons"

• The St. Louis County Fairground is comprised of several exhibit buildings and an extensive amount of cleared property in Chisholm, Minnesota. The fairground currently provides Chisholm, surrounding Iron Range community, adjoining counties, and neighboring states with a physical space that encourages and promotes recreational activities, business forums, and community events.  Laurentian is working on  grants to fund construction and installation of underground sewer and water lines.

BACKUS-AB COMMUNITY FACILITY

"A Community Gathering Place"

• The Backus-AB building in International Falls, Minnesota is in need of restoration and additional renovations to become a viable structure. This historical building houses an auditorium with a 1000 seat capacity. Individuals involved in the restoration have requested the Council's assistance in the grant writing process to acquire money for restoration costs.

SOUTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

• The South St. Louis Fairgrounds is located in Proctor, Minnesota and rests on the border of Duluth, Minnesota.  The South St. Louis Fairgrounds serves the population of Proctor, Duluth, Hermantown, and Esko. This site contains industrial buildings, soccer fields, grandstand, racetrack, hockey building, and horse arena.  This multi-purpose area serves residents and visitors from a population of over 100,000 people. The major emphasis in this phase of the project is to improve public safety issues in regard to water run-off and in the designated composting area. Laurentian is working with South St. Louis Fairgrounds on grant writing and strategic planning.

FIREWISE DRY HYDRANT GRANTS

• Laurentian sent out over 100 letters to volunteer and county fire departments to determine interest in installing dry hydrants.  From that response, several dry hydrants were installed in 2006 and 2007.  Additional hydrants in the Laurentian RC&D area will be installed in 2008.  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) funded the dry hydrant grant.