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S S

emi-Annual Report July-December

O u r r e s e a r c h g o e s t o w o r k .

Table of Contents NRRI Semi Annual Report July - December 2013

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-10

CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ...................................................11-82

Biotechnology Initiative

Coleraine Minerals Research Lab Bldg 171 Infrastructure Improvements for Bio-Coal /Bio-Fuel Project ..................... 12

Chemical Extractives

Betula Extractives ............................................................................................................................................................ 13

Development And Commercialization Of A Biorefinery For Processing DDGS In Biofuels And Other Value-Added

Products ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Energy

Compressed Air Energy Storage in Northern Minnesota Using Underground Mine Workings ...................................... 15

Hydrothermal Processing of Biomass Materials .............................................................................................................. 16

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Hydrothermal ...................................................................................................... 17

New and Improved Zinc-Air Battery System and Devices .............................................................................................. 18

Polymetallic Gas to Liquid Catalysts ............................................................................................................................... 19

Environmental Remediation

Addition of Hibbing Taconite (Hibtac) Pilot-Scale Mine Land Demonstration Site For Application ............................. 20

Bioremediation for Sulfate Removal in Minnesota Mining Waters ................................................................................. 21

Erie Pier Dredged Material Beneficial Use Study ............................................................................................................ 22

Field Monitoring Atlas Brownfield Demo ....................................................................................................................... 23

Material Transport ............................................................................................................................................................ 24

Sediment for Biomass, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation ............................................... 25

Forest Products

Developing Thermal Verification Guidelines for Firewood ............................................................................................ 26

Development and Integration of Advanced Timber Bridge Inspection Techniques for National Bridge Inspection

Standards .......................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Development of Daily Landfill Cover .............................................................................................................................. 28

Development of Lightweight Deck Systems for Covered Bridge .................................................................................... 29

Development of Torrefied Wood as a Biofuel ................................................................................................................. 30

Evaluation and Demonstration of Nondestructive Assessment Technologies for Sorting Eastern Hardwoods ............... 31

Field Performance of Timber Bridges: A National Study ................................................................................................ 32

Network for Better Futures .............................................................................................................................................. 33

Regional Biomass Feedstock Partnership-Poplar ............................................................................................................. 34

Thermal Modification Research for Engineered Wood Materials.................................................................................... 35

Update of Forest Products Laboratory General Technical Report 7 - Machine Grading of Lumber-Practical Concerns

for Lumber Producers....................................................................................................................................................... 36

Wolf Wood - Thermal Modification of Regional Timber Species ................................................................................... 37

Wood Utilization Research 2010 ..................................................................................................................................... 38

Forestry

Assessment of Biomass Sources for Energy in Northern Minnesota for the Laurentian Energy Project ......................... 39

Minnesota Forest Productivity Research Cooperative ................................................................................................40-41

Minerals, Ferrous

Assessment of Natural Copper-Nickel Bedrocks on Water Quality................................................................................. 42

Coleraine Lab Standards .................................................................................................................................................. 43

Environmental Study of Airborne Particulates on the Mesabi Iron Range, Northeast Minnesota ................................... 44

Establishing a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Pilot Scale Shaft Simulator at CMRL for Reduction of Iron Ore Pellets Using

MIDREX & HYL Natural Gas Based Processes.............................................................................................................. 45

Investigate Ideas for Further Processing of Taconite Coarse Tailings at the Plant Before Haulage and Stockpiling ...... 46

Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation - Product Development Support ................................. 47

Modern Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator (WHIMS) Equipment .......................................................................... 48

Paired Straight Hearth Furnace Simulation ...................................................................................................................... 49

Pellet Induration Modeling - Revised Pellet Drying Model ............................................................................................. 50

Recovery of Iron Values from Lean Ore Stockpiles from Past Mining Activities in the MMC, Minnesota Mining

Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation ................................................................................................................... 51

RGGS Core Metamorphism Biwabik Iron Formation ..................................................................................................... 52

Systematic Survey & Characterization of Amphibole ..................................................................................................... 53

Upgrading Iron from Lean Ore Stockpiles and Tailings Basins on the Mesabi Iron Range and Producing Value-Added

Iron Products .................................................................................................................................................................... 54

Utility of Taconite Materials as Road Patch for Highway Construction .......................................................................... 55

Minerals, Industrial

By-Product Aggregate, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation ............................................... 56

Comparative Performance Study of Chip Seal & Bonded Wear Course Systems Applied to Bridge Decks ................... 57

Evaluate and Develop Innovative Pavement Repair and Patch ....................................................................................... 58

Geological Resources of Ox Tac Ore in the Vicinity of the Canisteo, Hunner, King, Jennison, Buckeye, Jessie 1 and 2,

and West Hill Mines: A Continuing Evaluation of Ox Tac Resources in Itasca County ................................................. 59

Modification of the NRRI Pellet Fines Removal System to Provide More Durable Wear Parts to Improve the Physical

Availability of the Unit to Minnesota Taconite Operations ............................................................................................. 60

Minerals, Non-Ferrous

Copper-Nickel-PGE Mineralization Potential of the Cloquet Lake Intrusion, NE MN ................................................... 61

Evaluation of Tailings Generated by CU-NI Ore Processing ........................................................................................... 62

Further Evaluation of Diamond Base Metal and Precious Mineral Potential of Minnesota Using Various Glacial Till

Sampling and Analytical Methods ................................................................................................................................... 63

Non-Ferrous Hydromet, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation ............................................. 64

Origin and Distribution of Chromium Mineralization in the Duluth Complex and RelatedKeweenawan Intrusives in

Minnesota, and Its Relationship to PGE Mineralization .................................................................................................. 65

Precambrian Research Center .......................................................................................................................................... 66

Rare Earth Potential, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation .................................................. 67

TiO2 Hydromet, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation ......................................................... 68

Peat, Horticultural

Northeast Minnesota White Cedar Plant Community Restoration Project ....................................................................... 69

Peat Expansion Premier Horticulture, Inc ........................................................................................................................ 70

Restoration Strategies: Ditched Peatland Scientific and Natural Areas ........................................................................... 71

Validation of Wetland Mitigation In Abandoned Borrow Areas - Phase II ..................................................................... 72

Wetland Banking Fens Research Facility ......................................................................................................................... 73

Peat, Industrial Products

Chemical Modification of Peat Granules Surface For Waste Water Treatment ............................................................... 74

Development Of Peat-Based Media For Waste Water Treatment .................................................................................... 75

CARTD Program Notes ........................................................................................................................................................76-82

CENTER FOR WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................83-126

ECOSYSTEM STUDIES - Land Resources

Acceleration of Inorganic Nutrient Release and Mineral Organic Matter Association by Biophysical Soil Mixing along

an Earthworm Invasion Chronosequence ......................................................................................................................... 84

American Marten Habitat Use .......................................................................................................................................... 85

Canadian Lynx Survey ..................................................................................................................................................... 86

Climate Change Adaptation Planning for Northern Forest Ecosystems in the Great Lakes National Parks .................... 87

Deer-Moose Interaction Project ....................................................................................................................................... 88

Deer-Wolf-Moose Interactions in Northeastern Minnesota ............................................................................................. 89

Investigations of Wolf-Moose Interactions at Voyageurs National Park ......................................................................... 90

Lowland Conifer Bird Species in Agassiz Lowlands ....................................................................................................... 91

Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas ........................................................................................................................................ 92

Post-burn Bird Surveys at Pagmi River, Superior National Forest .................................................................................. 93

Restoring Moose Foraging Habitat in Lake Superior Upland .......................................................................................... 94

ECOSYSTEM STUDIES - Water Resources

Amity Creek Restoration Project ..................................................................................................................................... 95

Coastal Wetland Vulnerability and Impact Assessment : Climate Change Impacts of Coastal Planning ........................ 96

Ecological Design for the St. Louis River Area of Concern ............................................................................................ 97

Evaluating Vital, Small Forested Wetlands ...................................................................................................................... 98

Event-based Stream Sampling in Northeastern Minnesota .............................................................................................. 99

GLEI II - Indicator Testing and Refinement .................................................................................................................. 100

Global Great Lakes: Integrating Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and Transforming Environmental Data into

Anticipatory Ecosystem Management ............................................................................................................................ 101

Great Lakes Beach Information Communication System .............................................................................................. 102

Great Lakes Biological Monitoring: Phytoplankton ...................................................................................................... 103

Great Lakes Coastal Database and Classification Framework ....................................................................................... 104

Improving Hydrology Predictions with LiDAR ............................................................................................................. 105

Indicators of Agricultural Stressors in Coastal Waters of the Great Lakes .................................................................... 106

Lake of the Woods Paleolimnology Assessment ........................................................................................................... 107

Lake Superior Beach Monitoring and Advisory Program .............................................................................................. 108

North Shore Superior Lake and Stream Water Assessment ........................................................................................... 109

Northshore Superior Periphyton Surveillance ................................................................................................................ 110

Prioritizing Wetland Restoration for Water Quality and Habitat Improvement ............................................................. 111

Research Development Testing and Evaluation Facility for Ballast Treatment in the Great Lakes Region .................. 112

Spatial Conservation and Investment Portfolios to Manage Climate-Related Risk ....................................................... 113

St. Louis River AOC R2R Support Project - Ecological Monitoring and Assessment .................................................. 114

Weather, Water, and People ........................................................................................................................................... 115

Environmental Chemical

A Comprehensive Stressor-Response Model to Inform Ecosystem Restorations Across the Great Lakes Basin .......... 116

Gonadal Deformities in Smallmouth Bass as Indicators of Endocrine Disruption int the St. Louis River Estuary ....... 117

Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 118

LiDAR-based Bluff Assessment for Coastal land Use Planning .................................................................................... 119

Managing the Nations Fish Habitat at Multiple Spatial Scales ...................................................................................... 120

Moose Habitat Restoration in Northeastern Minnesota ................................................................................................. 121

CWE Program Notes ........................................................................................................................................................122-126

NRRI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ...............................................................................................................................127-129

NRRI PUBLIC RELATIONS ..........................................................................................................................................130-131

Project Highlights

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CENTER FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

NRRI engaged with 18th International NDE of Wood Symposium

Brian Brashaw participated on the steering committee and as a keynote speaker for the 18th

International Symposium on Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood held in September

2013. The Symposium, attended by a record 180 people, was held in Madison, Wisconsin at the

USDA Forest Products Laboratory and marked 50 years since the first Symposium.

NRRI serves as Core Member of the Statewide Wood Energy Team

Minnesota has a new statewide team for supporting high efficiency wood energy systems. The

Minnesota Statewide Wood Energy Team is one of five being supported by the USDA Forest

Service around the country. The goal of the Minnesota team is to support commercially available

wood thermal energy systems that can provide economic, social, and environmental benefits to

Minnesota's businesses and communities. Brian Brashaw serves as one of four core team

members and will actively conduct preliminary assessment of businesses and institutions for

possible conversation to wood chips, residues or pellets. In an associated wood thermal energy

initiative, Brashaw is also serving as the chair of the steering committee for Heating the Midwest

with Renewable Biomass.

NRRI providing key support for Minnesota County Engineers

Brian Brashaw has completed the development of new advanced timber inspection procedures

and a manual for use with its 2,500 timber bridges. A manual has been prepared and short courses

are being planned for county engineers this spring. Brashaw also made a presentation outlining

the good performance of timber bridges based on a national monitoring program at the 2nd

International Bridge Symposium in October 2013.

NRRI’s Market Oriented Wood Technology Program Receives Approval of a new

American Wood Protection Association Guidance Document

The most significant positive outcome is the development and approval of a new American Wood

Protection Association guidance document (AWPA/ANSI Guidance Document N: Data

Requirements for Listing Thermally Modified Wood in AWPA Standards) that includes

recognition of thermally modified wood as an acceptable wood treatment technology.

U.S. Forest Service Awarded Market Oriented Wood Technology Program Funds on

Project with Thermally Modified Wood Decking

The Market Oriented Wood Technology Program completed its first two private industry-

sponsored thermally modified wood projects and was awarded U.S. Forest Service funds to

complete a demonstration of the long-term exterior exposure properties of thermally modified

wood decking.

Department of Energy Requests Help From Forestry Program

At the request of the Department of Energy, the scientists of the NRRI Forestry Program

coordinated the development of a national dataset of poplar yield and analysis of these data to

estimate future production. The forestry program staff worked on a cooperative effort with

Oregon State University to use these data in the framework of the PRISM climate and soils model

to produce national estimates of poplar growth. This work is viewed as an important milestone by

the DOE’s Biomass Energy Technology Office and will be published online in 2014 by DOE

contractors.

NRRI’s Poplar Clones Are High Yielding and Show Promise for Production in Europe

Cooperative field tests of poplar clones produced at NRRI are underway in Germany, Poland, and

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Russia. Based on data after two growing seasons, NRRI clones appear to be high yielding and

show promise for potential production in northern regions of Europe. Owing to promising

performance of our Forestry Program material relative to long-established poplar clones

developed in Europe, the new group of NRRI clones is generating interest in expansion of studies

in Europe and Scandinavia.

NRRI’s Forestry Program gets Opportunity to Put Red Pine Thinning Research Results

into Practice

At the request of managers of Potlatch Corporation, a working group is being coordinated to

facilitate implementation of results of Red Pine thinning research being done at NRRI. This group

is expected to consist of staff from Potlatch Corporation, UMD-NRRI, UM-Forest Resources,

Minnesota DNR and the Forest Service. This is an important part of extension of our results into

practice on a larger land base throughout Minnesota.

NRRI’s Forest Products Program Received Funding Supplement to Existing National

Science Foundation Project on Thermal Modification Research for Engineered Wood

Materials

Matthew Aro (PI), Brian Brashaw (Co-PI), Patrick Donahue (Co-PI), and Dr. Don Fosnacht (Co-

PI) received a supplement of $119,670 to expand the current project to include a new

international collaboration with Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada).

Chemical Modification of Peat Granules Surface for Waste Water Treatment

The NRRI Industrial team has been able to identify a chemical reaction of attaching amine group

onto surface of peat. This is a critical step in developing a sorbent with the capability to take out

anionic species from water systems (e.g., SO4-2

).

Peat-Based Media for Waste Water Treatment

Igor V. Kolomitsyn is leading an NRRI Industrial team to develop environmentally beneficial

peat based products that can replace chemical treatments for agricultural and remediation

purposes. The team was able to demonstrate that newly developed APTsorb III peat products

exhibit the following adsorption capacity: 3.5 mg/g for manganese and 11 mg/g for cadmium

ions. This product will be targeted to treat contaminated waters that contain cationic species of

metallic contaminants.

Soudan Underground Mine State Park utilizing a newly developed APTsorb III product

American Peat Technology, LLC installed and is still running a demonstration treatment system

to purify mine water in the Soudan Underground Mine State Park utilizing a newly developed

APTsorb III product. The system is designed to treat up to 50 gallons/min of mine water. The

results indicate the product is performing well in reducing undesired chemical contaminants.

New and Improved Zinc-Air Battery System and Devices NRRI developed a procedure for synthesis of cathode composite material comprising of expanded

graphite, polyaniline, and nano sized manganese oxide using oxidative polymerisation, emulsion

polymerization, and absorption polymerization techniques. This is a critical step in the production

of advanced battery development.

3

Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory

Northeast Minnesota Mining Operations Support - The increased demand for all iron ore has

resulted in increased price for iron units, creating multiple opportunities for applied research in

new/improved technologies or process applications that previously were not economically

feasible. CMRL has been working with the Northeast Minnesota mining operations, including

U.S. Steel Minnesota Mining Operations, Cliffs Natural Resources Mining Operations, Arcelor-

Mittal Minorca, Magnetation, and Essar Steel Minnesota, supporting developing technologies for

process and product improvement.

Examples of projects that results from process optimization include:

- Grinding mill audits to measure and optimize grinding efficiency

- Magnetic iron recovery or grade improvement

- Non-magnetic iron recovery using mineral processing or chemical flotation

- Application of reagents or chemicals for mineral flotation, flocculation, dewatering, or

grinding aids

- Flowsheet modification

- New or improved equipment designs such as High Pressure Grinding Rolls, wet and dry

screening, intensive mixing/blending, cyclones, etc.

- Organic binders for pelletization

- Induration modeling and pot grate furnace pelletizing

- Diamond drill core assessment

Minnesota Mining Cluster Non-Ferrous Hydromet

This project will explore mineral processing routes to make copper/nickel concentrates and

alternative hydrometallurgical routes for refinement of the concentrates into metals. Conditions

for atmospheric pressure oxidation and leaching will be explored, along with conditions for

copper solvent extraction, precious metals leaching, precious metal solvent extraction, iron

precipitation from copper raffinates, and nickel and cobalt precipitation.

Approximately 100 kg of Minnesota copper/nickel ore has been processed at the Coleraine

Minerals Research Lab. The primary goal of this project is to investigate the feasibility of using

new hydrometallurgy technology to eliminate the expense of large autoclaves. Composite copper

and nickel grade of the concentrate was approximately 9.6% and 1.1%, respectively. The 10 kg of

concentrate was sent to Process Research Ortech (PRO) from Mississauga, Ontario, for

hydometallurgical testing. Testing should be completed by third quarter of 2014.

Ilmenite - TiO2 Hydromet

The primary objective is to demonstrate an alternative, low-energy, environmentally-friendly

combined mineral processing and hydrometallurgical process to generate TiO2 and high-value

byproducts from Minnesota titanium ore (ilmenite). The outcome of the project will be a credible

demonstration of product quality and process capability providing a path to reduce U.S.

dependency on foreign sources of titanium dioxide, increase energy efficiency of the TiO2

production process, reduce environmental burden, allow development of U.S.-owned mineral

resources, and provide high quality U.S. employment opportunities.

Approximately 150 kilograms of Minnesota ilmenite material was prepared by use of high

pressure grinding rolls and were bench tested on various beneficiation technologies. The final

flowsheet consisted of high pressure grinding, low intensity magnetic separation, and high tension

(electrostatic) separation. A final concentrate of 18.1 kg of 40.91% TiO2 was created from high

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tension scavenging, with an option to add in additional process streams to increase recoveries but

decrease composite concentrate grade. Approximately 20 kg of titanium concentrate was created

and will be sent to Process Research Ortech (PRO) for additional hydrometallurgical testing.

Testing should be completed by third quarter of 2014.

CFD Model of a Straight Grate Furnace for Iron Oxide Pellet Induration - A three-

dimensional CFD model of a straight grate furnace for indurating iron-oxide pellets was

developed for exploring furnace operating conditions for fluid flow, heat transfer, and reactions.

The model includes reactions for natural gas combustion in the gas phase and calcination and

magnetite oxidation as well as drying in the pellet bed. The performance of the model was

investigated with a series of pellet production rates that included adjustments to the fuel rates to

achieve proper induration temperatures in the pellet bed. This program began with the completion

of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) furnace model based on operating taconite plant.

Subsequently the program was extended to include validation studies with the pot-grate furnace at

Coleraine. Part of the continuation included developing a generic (G38) thirty-eight wind box

furnace model that can be used in conjunction with pot-grate tests. The goal is to use the CFD

model to provide a complete mass and energy balance for the machine conditions tested in pot-

grate programs. Conversely the model can also be used to develop pot-grate firing cycles thereby

minimizing the number of pot tests required. This is especially useful for new development

projects where an induration furnace is to be sized and built. The next step is this process is

validation test work of simulation conditions using the pot grate furnace. This work will begin in

early 2014. Additionally a sixty (G60) wind box furnace grid was developed but not fully tested

due to the current limitations of CFD processors.

Direct Reduced Iron - Due to the inherent disadvantages of the traditional route (blast furnace

and basic oxygen furnace) of iron and steelmaking, the interest in alternative route with direct

reduced iron (DRI) production and electric arc furnace, has been gaining importance. In addition,

discovery and availability of shale gas, natural gas, as a reductant for DRI production has

appealed to the industry. In order to be able to expand the opportunities for both new and existing

iron ore mines, Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (CMRL) has undertaken various studies

on the field of DRI grade concentrate and pellet production, and reduction. One of these areas of

studies includes upgrading the concentrate to low silica containing concentrate suitable for DRI

grade pellets, via processing, communution, and flotation. The upgraded concentrate is

agglomerated and indurated in the CMRL pot grate furnace. The pellets produced are evaluated

for their physical and metallurgical properties. The other area of studies include investigating the

effects of (i) concentrate properties, such as particle size distribution, Blaine, (ii) utilization of

additives, and (iii) induration properties on the physical and metallurgical properties of the

pellets. The other areas of study include establishing the required resources for evaluation of

metallurgical properties of the DRI grade pellets using ISO and specialized HYL methods. To

further support this initiative, CMRL is working on conceptual designs to develop a pilot scale

simulation furnace for DRI production. This furnace would be used to simulate commercialized

processes such as Midrex, HYL, and Energiron. Moreover, in order to be able to define the

parameters required for development of this furnace, a series of tests were conducted, simulating

the typical HYL and Midrex processes gas compositions, and reduction temperature to quantify

and define the quality of DRI produced.

Minnesota Magnetite, Production of Iron Powders - One of the most significant uses of

magnetite lies in its iron oxide component necessary in the manufacturing of steel. However,

magnetite can be further processed to obtain a number of high value added products. Apart from

its various uses in pigments, polishing compounds, magnetic inks, ferrites for the electronics

industry, catalysts, heat storage media, navigation devices, heavy media separation, functional

5

fillers for polymers and rubbers, high temperature coating, dense concrete for nuclear shielding,

etc., it is an important source for production of iron powders. In tonnage terms, iron powders

constitute the most important segment of powder metallurgy parts manufacturing. In North

America, iron and its alloy powder shipment are estimated at 400,000 metric tons per annum,

catering to the automobile and other transportation sectors, industrial equipment, home

appliances, magnets, high frequency cores, catalysts, printing inks, plastics, baked enamel and a

variety of other applications. These iron powders have a high value based on their purity, fineness

and other metallurgical properties. This project, under the auspices of the Endowed Taconite

Chair, will: 1) explore the mineral processing route to upgrade Minnesota DRI grade low silica

concentrates/coarse liberating ore to obtain ultrapure concentrate containing <0.5% SiO2; 2) use

reformed natural gas as a reductant for producing iron sponge from the ultrapure concentrate; 3)

develop subsequent processing steps to produce marketable high purity iron powders. In addition,

the use of ultrapure magnetite in various other applications as mentioned above will be explored.

Demonstration Scale Production of Biofuel Briquettes from Wood Chips - Minnesota, the

U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are

strongly committed to expanding the role of renewable energy and alternative fuels as a method

to minimize the environmental footprint of fossil fuels and reduce oil and gas imports. Increased

environmental regulations will likely require major capital investments to achieve environmental

compliance for existing coal fired generators; meanwhile, compliance with the Minnesota

mandate of 25% renewable by 2025 may require additional generating resources be added. By

utilizing advanced biofuels in existing assets, increased capital spending for both new renewable

generating resources and environmental compliance can potentially be decreased. A goal set forth

in “The United States Bioenergy Vision and Sustainable Feedstock Supply” by the Biomass R&D

Technical Advisory Committee is that, by year 2030, 30% of current U.S. petroleum-based fuels

will be replaced by biofuels. Torrefaction technology is being pursued worldwide as a means to

upgrade biomass for use in generating electricity and heat. During torrefaction the biomass

properties are changed to obtain an enhanced fuel quality for combustion applications and the

produced material becomes more like coal with compatibility with existing coal grinding systems.

Renewability and a large list of plant, byproducts, and waste materials that can be used as

feedstock are also very attractive features. Biomass consumes atmospheric CO2 during growth

and therefore is generally considered carbon neutral, has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions,

and provide industrial, commercial, and/or residential economic development opportunities.

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), CMRL is partnering with Minnesota Power, to

engage in a research project to develop and optimize the production of torrefied materials and

biofuel briquettes from biomass and demonstrate its potential for commercial application. The

basic process consists of a mild pyrolysis, also referred to as torrefaction that will enhance the

fuel properties of wood or other biomass resources. At temperatures between 230°C and 300°C,

the hemicellulose fraction of the wood decomposes, so that torrefied wood, or biofuel, and

volatiles are formed. The process of partially carbonizing biomass makes it moisture-free and

friable, improves its resistance to weathering and moisture, and increases its ability to be

pulverized or densified. The process creates solid fuels with desirable attributes, including low

sulfur, relatively low ash and increased energy. It can then be used as a complete, or more likely

partial, replacement for coal in pulverized coal facilities. The successful development of biofuel

production in our region will increase the utilization of existing forest resources and keep energy

investment in our region while advancing the clean air initiatives of Minnesota Power, as well as

state and federal agencies.

Gas to Liquid Motor Fuel - Catalytic conversion of Syngas to liquid motor fuels is known as

one of prospective pathways in the renewable fuels industry. The goal of this project is fabrication

6

and testing the new catalysts for Syngas conversion on a base of Minnesota minerals and

metallurgy products. At the moment, a number of labor- and cost-effective catalytic formulations

for conversion of syngas to liquid fuels were made on a base of the Minnesota local mineral

Ilmenite and on a base of Direct Reduced Iron. A systematic study proceeded with conversion of

simulated Syngas blends of various component ratios at variable process conditions. The effects

of temperature, pressure and dope metal additives, and certain kinetic studies as well, have been

explored on a regular basis. It was also found that carbon dioxide/hydrogen blends can be

converted to hydrocarbon fuels over the developed catalysts. Sufficient information has been

acquired for further scale-up simulations and searching industrial partners for commercialization.

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Biomass to Solid Fuels - The process of conversion of

biomass to bio-coal in subcritical water media, known as Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC),

appears a suitable method for fabrication of bio-coal from biomass materials, not considered as a

conventional bioenergy feedstock. This includes wet slurries, farm and food industry wastes,

waterweeds and others. Commercialization of the HTC-process may be a substantial addition to

bioenergy and biofuel industries due to introduction of new feedstock sources. Lab tests with

various herbal, woody and agricultural biomass materials have been done at variable load ratios

and process conditions in order to optimize the HTC-process for each feedstock. The set of

compacting/briquetting tests for produced bio-coal has been completed. The final HTC- bio-coal

was found suitable to be fired in coal-burning furnaces and boilers, or in residential heaters as

briquettes or pellets. Certain technological tests, related to the product separation and by-products

management, are going on. At the moment, sufficient amount of information has been acquired

for starting a project of HTC pilot plant. The pilot plant project has been submitted to funding

bodies.

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Center for Water and the Environment

How do CWE scientists contribute to national and regional policy discussions?

CWE scientists include outreach as a part of virtually all of their projects; this can include informal

teaching, presentations at meetings, and interactions in professional or informal settings. Scientists within

the NRRI and CWE also participate in a number of local, regional, and national panels and committees

that have a significant impact on local to national policies related to natural resource management. Some

examples of these activities include: Rich Axler and Valerie Brady’s membership on the Western Lake

Superior Regional Stormwater Protection Team; George Host and Gerald Niemi (DNR Advisory Bd for

Scientific and Natural Areas); Ron Moen (MN Moose Advisory Committee); Euan Reavie (Gt Lakes

Mercury workgroup); Lucinda Johnson (USEPA Science Advisory Board Ecosystem Effects Committee

and the International Joint Commission Science Priority Committee). A USEPA Science Advisory Panel

(of which Johnson was a part) was convened in December to evaluate the science associated with

quantifying the effects and extent of connectivity of wetlands to downstream “navigable waters”. This

critical effort will define the ultimate reach and influence of the Clean Water Act, the legislation that

regulates water quality across the US. The Moose Advisory Committee helped to inform DNR’s decisions

regarding the termination of the moose hunt, due to declining populations.

Great Lakes Indicator Studies Extend from the Coast into the Open Water Three large projects (total >$4.5M) that inform the ongoing discussion about the condition of coastal

areas of the Great Lakes are currently underway. These large, multi-collaborator projects build upon the

original Great Lakes Environmental Indicators Initiative (GLEI) begun in 2001. Current activities involve

validating the methods and indicators identified in the original effort, sampling biota in wetlands across

the entire Great Lakes Basin, and developing tools and data that are useful to managers across the Basin.

A new project funded this summer will extend the indicators into the lake to enable predictions of

conditions across all habitat types, including open water, nearshore, and coastal areas.

Sponsored Projects

Between July and December 2013, the Center for Water and the Environment began work on thirteen

grant projects totaling more than $1.1million. Four projects focus on moose, their relationship with other

species, and potential reasons for the significant decline in population. Two deal directly with climate

change, examining the impacts of natural disaster on coastal wetlands and adaption planning for forest

ecosystems in the Great Lakes region.

The Center for Water and the Environment has obtained two grants to study the paleoecology of the St.

Louis River Estuary. Minnesota Sea Grant awarded $106,000 and support for a new masters-level

student. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency awarded $300,000 for work to reconstruct the

environmental history of the estuary, with particular focus on the effects of remedial activities to reduce

nutrient loads to support the delisting of the river as an Area of Concern. Work will begin in January

2014.

Individual Project Highlights

Great Lakes Biological Monitoring: Phytoplankton

Sample preparation and analysis of phytoplankton samples is ongoing and clearly shows a decrease in

primary producers of the Great Lakes, with the exception of Lake Erie which shows significant blooms of

diatoms in the spring and blue-green algae in the summer.

Lake of the Woods Paleolimnology Assessment

Sedimentary sample analysis is ongoing. Paleolimnological data for Lake of the Woods track the history

of environmental degradation on the lake resulting from catchment degradation. Despite a reduction in

nutrient flux to the lake in recent decades, long-term data indicate that algal blooms continue to worsen,

8

possibly due to aggravating factors such as warming and erosion. As work continues we are calculating a

nutrient budget for the lake to support lake management.

North Shore Superior Periphyton Surveillance

In 2013 NRRI/CWE researchers Elaine Ruzycki and Jerry Henneck along with two undergraduate

research assistants, assessed the splash zone algal community at 20 sites along the Lake Superior coast

from Duluth to Knife River. Samples were collected for several algal biomass measures and community

composition. This project is funded by the MN Lake Superior Coastal program to better understand how

land use may affect the nearshore Lake Superior benthic algal community.

North Shore Superior Lake and Stream Water Assessment

The MPCA Surface Water Assessment program is funding this effort to collect field and water chemistry

data for 8 lakes and 3 streams within the Lake Superior watershed from May through September in 2013

and 2014.

A Tool To Aid In Wetland Restoration: Prioritizing Wetland Restoration for Water Quality and

Habitat Improvement

The increasing availability of high-resolution spatial (mapped) data provides timely opportunities to

inform where restoration (and conservation) efforts should take place across the state. Funded by the

Clean Water Legacy Fund, the Wetland Prioritization Tool provides maps of locations of “restorable”

wetlands (wetlands that have been drained or have disappeared for some reason), along with critical

resources such as soils, vegetation, etc. In addition locations of human activities that potentially threaten

downstream water bodies and wetlands (e.g., roads, farm fields, feed lots, urban areas) are mapped. An

expert panel has developed weightings to reflect the role and extent of the stressors on water quality and

habitat. End users can select restoration objectives based on their needs. The Phase I wetland restoration

prioritization web tool was completed in July 2013 and is available at

https://beaver.nrri.umn.edu/MPCAWLPri/. The tool allows users to prioritize locations in their area of

interest for wetland restoration or protection based on their restoration goals. The website includes the

tool itself, background and tutorials on using the tool, and links to additional environmental tools and

datasets. The Phase II web tool will be available in June 2014.

Amity Creek Restoration

Restoring streamside tree cover is one of the most important and effective stream restoration activities.

Trees provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and contribute organic matter that provides food and habitat to

the aquatic food chain. In partnership with the City of Duluth, we hosted several fall tree planting events,

using trees raised for two years in the NRRI Greenhouse. Over the course of the project we planted

several hundred white pine, upland pin oak, tamarack and swamp white oak, the last species anticipating

figure climate change. The planting parties attracted over 60 citizen and student volunteers, and received

widespread media coverage. Planting sites included grounds of East High School, where tree growth will

be monitored by successive classes of students.

Gonadal Deformities in Smallmouth Bass as Indicators of Endocrine Disruption in the

St. Louis River Estuary

Certain manmade chemicals found in our waterways can disrupt the normal hormone pathways in fish

and other organisms. In fact, surveys of fish in Minnesota lakes and rivers occasionally reveal evidence of

such disruption. Minnesota Sea Grant is sponsoring research to trace the occurrence of endocrine

disruption in smallmouth bass in heavily developed areas, such as the St. Louis River estuary, and in less-

impacted lakes in remote areas of northeast Minnesota. In addition, we are raising smallmouth bass from

fry in the lab, where we are able to expose them to known concentrations of hormones, and trace its

effects through the early part of the organism’s life. Tissue samples from two seasons of fish collections

and one round of lab culturing are now being evaluated histologically.

9

Terrestrial Laser Scanning of Stream Bluffs

Terrestrial laser scanning is an advanced technology for document the structure of three-dimensional

objects in fine detail. Under funding from the MN Lake Superior Coastal program, we are using this

technology to document eroding bluffs and stream banks on north shore streams. In fall 2013 we

completed the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) of 13 sites, including Amity Creek, the Lester River, as

well as the Talmadge, Knife and East Beaver Rivers. The process involved setting up 4-6 spherical targets

at appropriate spacings, setting up the laser scanner, conducting a 180 to 360 degree scan, and then

relocating the camera to three or four other positions and repeating the process. The spherical targets are

used to georeference each three-dimensional point cloud into a common coordinate system. We are

currently in the process of merging the different images from each site, which will allow the creation of

3D models of each bluff. These will be used create visualizations of the bluff, measure bluff

characteristics, and provide baseline to document future erosion on critical sites in north shore streams.

Climate Change Impacts on Aquatic Systems- From Lakes to North Shore Streams

Fisheries managers across the region and state ask: What are the projected impacts of climate change on

fish populations, and how should we adapt our management strategies to promote the persistence of

coldwater fish species in the future? In collaboration with the MN DNR and the UM’s St Anthony Falls

Lab, we are developing models that predict the dual impacts of climate and land use change on flow and

temperature in streams, and oxygen and temperature in lakes. Early results suggest Lake Superior

tributary streams in the far NE MN will continue to support brook trout, and small, deep lakes in northern

MN will continue to support cold water fish fishes such as cisco. In February, Lucinda Johnson will be

the plenary speaker at the MN DNR’s Fisheries Academy- an all-division meeting, where she will discuss

climate change impacts and adaptation opportunities.

10

Center for Applied Research and Technology Development

11

mkunkel

Typewritten Text

mkunkel

Typewritten Text

Coleraine Minerals Research Lab Bldg 171 Infrastructure Improvements for Bio-Coal /

Bio-Fuel Project

Biotechnology Initiative

To convert Bldg. 171 at the Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory from a cold storage building into a viable work space

for the Bio-Coal / Bio-Fuel project. The building needs to be updated with modern utilities to support a safe and healthy

work environment. It will also then be usable for any other future projects that may require a large workable space.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Natural Resources Research Institute's (NRRI) Building 171 at their Coleraine

Minerals Research Laboratory (CMRL) was built in 1911! It currently has no working water systems to or from the

building. It does not have a heating system, as it has been used for cold storage. It also has the original wooden man doors

that are now warped and failing. The size and configuration of this building makes it the perfect location to house and

operate the Bio-Coal kiln and dryers that will shortly be received at CMRL. UMD's Facilities Management department

personnel have inspected the site, reviewed the project, and have made recommendations for modification of Bldg. 171 so

as to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

This is a new project.


__________________________________________________________________________

172411/07/2013 06/30/2014Start Date: End Date: Project ID:

__________________________________________________________________________

Principal Investigator(s)

Richard Kiesel

Paul Hanson

AccountAmountProject Sponsor(s) Active

1750-10417-20090-100001145,228PUTF Mineral Endowment 11/07/2013 06/30/2014

$145,228Total

12

Betula Extractives


Technology of birch bark processes into natural products. Sample preparation.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The scientific background of this is nearly 15 years of research by the Laboratory of Chemical Extractive (LCE) at the

Natural Resources Research Institute in the identification, extraction, and isolation of the constituents of birch bark.

Results of this work to date are presented in patents, papers, and a comprehensive review in Natural Products Report. The

Laboratory of Chemical Extrative conducted broad biological screening of all birch bark products and their derivatives on

anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, anti-viral, anti-proliferation, anti-cancer, and immune stimulation activity.

The technology of birch bark processing is ready to be transferred to small business partner Betula Extractives LLC.

Procedures and samples of the technology of outer birch bark processing have been transferred to company Betula

Extractives. Samples of outer birch bark extract were analyzed and transferred to Betula Extractives. Pilot tests of procedure

have been provided in cooperation with MSU Bioeconomy Institute. The quality of the pilot sample of birch bark extract

was analyzed by GC/MS and NMR methods of analyses. Procedures on birch bark soaps manufacturing and samples of

soaps were transferred to Betula Extractives. This report is the final report on this project.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Pavel Krasutsky


3001-10412-0003601119,500Blandin Foundation 03/01/2012 03/31/2015

$19,500Total

13

Development And Commercialization Of A Biorefinery For Processing DDGS In

Biofuels And Other Value-Added Products


To develop and optimize parameters of Dried Distillers Grains and Solubles (DDGS) processing into value-added products

at lab scale and pilot scale industrial conditions with a subsequent commercialization of the value-added products.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Minnesota's corn ethanol industry produces millions of tons of a lower value co-product called Dried Distillers Grains and

Solubles (DDGS) that is marketed as a feed product. It has been determined that the components of DDGS can be

selectively extracted yielding a liquid fraction (oil and solubles) and a solid fraction (a higher protein distillers grain).

All planned research and development works have been successfully fulfilled and the project is prepared for transferring to

industrial partner for biorefinery projection and construction. Economical criteria and assortment of additional valuable

products have improved. All technological processes of the project have been piloted on laboratory and industrial pilot scale

equipment. The yield of the most valuable product zein has been increased from 2 percent to 14 percent. Samples of all

products have been produced, analyzed, and transferred to industrial partners. All procedures are ready for industrial pilot

scale operations. An economical model of biorefinery was created and adjusted to the economical model of the corn ethanol

plant. A $400 gain in revenue from a ton of DDGS was shown that would be realized at the baseline conditions that we

modeled.

The final stage of this project included the following research and development processes: (1) Development of the

continuous process of biodiesel production. (2) Development of the process for separation of corn oil from solubles. (3)

Development of the process of zein extraction and separation from HPDG. (4) Sample preparation and analyses. The

planned work was fulfilled and technical information is prepared for commercialization with industrial partner.

This is the final report on this project.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Pavel Krasutsky


3006-10419-00025792100,000Minnesota Corn Growers Association 03/23/2011 09/01/2012

1780-10419-21314-00025760,000MN Initiative for Renew Energy&Env(IREE) 11/01/2011 09/01/2012

3006-10419-00028299155,000Agricultural Utilization Research Inst 05/31/2012 09/30/2013

$315,000Total

14

Compressed Air Energy Storage in Northern Minnesota Using Underground Mine

Workings

Energy

The objective of this project is to explore the feasibility of utilizing underground Compressed Air Energy Storage(CAES)to

capture the benefits of being able to shift intermittent energy production in the region to times of greater need and usage.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This Compressed Air Energy Storage(CAES) technology feasibility project targets using underground caverns from iron

mining and non-ferrous mining on the Minnesota Iron Range(s) and Duluth Complex's copper-nickel areas. Compressed Air

Energy Storage has high potential to be a solution to the challenges of integrating large amounts of intermittent renewable

energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the grid. CAES is currently one of the most viable large-scale energy

storage options under study across the U.S. With research and planning, CAES has the potential to enable and enhance the

utilization of wind and solar power in the region.

The geological, facilities, environmental, and policies teams met for the first time in Hinckley on January 9th, giving

presentations that outlined the work to be pursued: CAES Budget and Introduction; CAES Budget Breakdown;

Underground Sites for CAES; Key Questions to be Answered; and CAES Storage Options. A second meeting was held on

May 30th to update and detail progress. Presentations were given (Identifying Existing Underground Mine Features; CAES

Facilities; and Lessons from CAES Projects) and discussion was held on work and findings to date. A transcript and audio

file of the May 30 meeting is available at http://www.nrri.umn.edu/egg/compressedair.html.

Activities undertaken by the teams included preliminary assessments for cost of operation, types of equipment associated

with compressed air energy storage (CAES) technologies, the current treatment of electricity discharged from a CAES

storage facility, and the volume of air required over a 10 hour period for allowing 100 MW of electricity to be produced.

Additional work has been undertaken to assess potential underground mine workings that might be used for a future CAES

facility. In addition, analysis has been undertaken to determine the potential means of minimizing air leakage to the rock

structures associated with a given facility. Findings are detailed in “A Progress Report on Opportunities for Compressed Air

Energy Storage in Minnesota” (Fosnacht et al., 2013), which was released in December, 2013. This report is available at

http://www.nrri.umn.edu/egg/compressedair.html, as are transcripts, audio files, and presentations from the CAES team

meeting held on August 12 in Hinckley.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Julie Oreskovich

Steven Hauck


1780-10416-21314-100001119,071IREE - RL-0021-13 12/01/2012 12/01/2014

$119,071Total

15

Hydrothermal Processing of Biomass Materials

Energy

To conduct research that relates to processing of renewable fuels so as to improve the useful quality of biomass fuels by

means of hydrothermal treatment. Exploration is planned regarding various kinds of biomass, including forestry, agricultural

products, and energy crops, in bench top scale hydrothermal processing experiments, followed by characterization of the

obtained products.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The term "Hydrothermal Carbonization" (HTC), or "HTC-processing" means exposure of material to elevated temperature

in water media. Compared to the more common Torrefaction (TM) process, the hydrothermal process shows the same

effects at more mild conditions. Hydrothermally processed biomass, commonly referred to as Biocoal, is friable, almost

odorless, and shows higher bulk density, lower equilibrium moisture and ash content. This makes Biocoal an effective and

manageable fuel for heat/power processing, residential heating, and other applications.

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of biomass, meaning treatment of biomass materials in pressurized water media at 220-

260 deg. C, appears to be a suitable method for fabrication of Biocoal from wet slurries, farm wastes, waterweeds, and

similar materials. Lab tests with various herbal, woody and agricultural biomass materials have been done at variable load

ratios and process conditions in order to optimize the HTC process for each type of feedstock. Compacting/briquetting tests

have been completed for the Biocoal produced. The final HTC-Biocoal was found suitable to be fired in coal-burning

furnaces and boilers, or in residential heaters as briquettes or pellets.

At the moment, a sufficient amount of information has been acquired for starting an HTC pilot plant project. The 100-kg

daily capacity HTC-Biocoal plant will be located at the University of Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute

(NRRI) at their Coleraine facility, and will produce batches of product sufficient for fire testing in commercial burners and

boilers. A process flow diagram has been developed, and basic equipment parameters have been established. The project

has been submitted to prospective funding organizations. Certain technological tests, related to product separation and by-

products management, are ongoing.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Donald Fosnacht

David Hendrickson

Andriy Khotkevych

Richard Kiesel


1750-10417-20090-100001110,000PUF Mineral Endowment 01/09/2012 06/30/2014

$110,000Total

16

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Hydrothermal

Energy

To improve the fuel value and manageability of Biomass by conversion to Biocoal using Hydrothermal Carbonization

(HTC) technology. The project is multidisciplinary, and comprises technological studies, densification tests, biological tests,

and by-products investigations. The Biomass materials to be studied comprise common local energy crops and the large-

capacity agricultural/food industry wastes.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The term "Hydrothermal Processing", or "HTC-processing" means exposure of material to elevated temperature in water

media. Compared to the more common Torrefaction process, the hydrothermal process shows the same effects at more mild

conditions. Hydrothermally processed biomass, commonly called as Biocoal, is friable, almost odorless, and shows higher

bulk density, lower equilibrium moisture and ash content. This makes Biocoal an effective and manageable fuel for

heat/power processing, residential heating, and other applications.

Hydrothermal processing advanced a suitable method for fabrication of Biocoal from wet slurries, farm wastes, waterweeds,

etc.

The multi-disciplinary studies have been done on processing the HTC-Biocoal out of woody biomass (hardwood, softwood,

mixed samples), conventional energy crops (switchgrass), farm wastes (corn cobs and stovers), and food industry wastes

(potato peelings and sugar beet pulp). The optimal process parameters – temperature, residence time, and load ratios have

been determined for each kind of feedstock. It was found that the HTC-process is generally not specific to the nature and

condition of raw Biomass material – this allows further processing the Biocoal out of the seasonal or blended feedstock on

the same line. The process exploration tests have been followed up with the densification trials, which demonstrate that the

Biocoal can be easily briquetted and/or pelletized. The identification/quantification and primary biological tests of the liquid

by-products have been performed as well.

The research program completed.

The project closed 12/31/2013.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Timothy Hagen

Andriy Khotkevych

Matthew Aro


3005-10417-0003309076,978MN Department of Agriculture 10/01/2012 12/31/2013

1780-10417-21314-00033020,093IREE-Match 10/01/2012 12/31/2013


$153,956Total

17

New and Improved Zinc-Air Battery System and Devices

Energy

To develop new chemical procedure for synthesis of cathode composite material comprising of expanded graphite,

polyaniline, and nano sized manganese oxide.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Classic Zinc-Air cell technology suffers from three major drawbacks. (1) Some of the shortest calendar life among all

conventional chemical batteries.(2) Classic rechargeable Zinc-Air batteries have poor cycleability.(3) Conventional Metal-

Air technology is known for its poor rate capability. Sharp decay of cell performance as a function of time (calendar life

issue) is happening due to irreversible changes in electrolyte as soon as six weeks after the breathing hole in the air cathode

has been exposed to air. This project seeks to develop new and improved primary and rechargeable Zinc-Air cells.

A number of cathode composite materials using oxidative polymerisation, emulsion polymerization, and absorbtion

polymerization techniques were successfully synthesized and delivered to American Energy Technology Company for

further testing as a cathode material for new Zinc-Air batteries. New cathode material was characterized by FTIR and

elemental analysis techniques. Structure of lead cathode composite was identified.

A report was prepared and submitted to the National Science Foundation. Data analysis showed that identified cathode

composite material that comprises an organic polymer and expanded graphite can dramatically increase a life time of Zinc-

air batteries. This concluded NSF SBIR Phase 1 project.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Igor Kolomitsyn


3010-10419-0003418922,000American Energy Technologies (NSF) prime 01/01/2013 06/30/2013

$22,000Total

18

Polymetallic Gas to Liquid Catalysts

Energy

To conduct research and development to produce novel catalysts for thermochemical processing of biofuels based on local

mineral sources.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Recent publications show the significant potential of polymetallic catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch Reaction and related

processes. Compared to the traditional pure iron or cobalt formulations, modification of iron catalysts with copper,

chromium, titanium, manganese and/or others gives better conversion, improves the lifetime of the catalyst, positively

influences the "C5+" selectivity and other parameters. Preparation of polymetallic catalysts requires multistep procedures to

obtain the proper composition. On the other side, a number of minerals available for mining in Minnesota, such as ilmenite

and magnetite, already contain the necessary metals in good proportion alongside the proper carrier compounds. These

minerals may show the catalytic activity, and may be valuable for gas to liquid technology.

A number of labor- and cost-effective catalytic formulations for conversion of Syngas (synthesis gas) to liquid fuels were

made using a base of local Minnesota minerals and a base of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). A systematic study proceeded with

conversion of low-hydrogen (below 50% H2) blends, since this composition is typical for syngas obtained from biomass. It

was also found that CO2/H2 blends can be converted to hydrocarbon mixtures over the named catalysts due to the water-gas

shift side reaction. Effects of temperature, pressure and dope metal additives, and certain kinetic studies as well, have been

explored on a regular basis. Sufficient information has been acquired for further scale-up simulations and searching

industrial partners for commercialization.

Currently, the project is directed at exploration of possibilities of integrated direct catalytic conversion of biomass to liquid

hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-donor compounds. This is a state-of-the-art approach, recognized as

more prospective against the traditional gasification/Syngas conversion process. At the moment, the lab setup for

hydropyrolysis tests has been built, and a set of provisional tests has been worked out. Proper identification and

quantification procedures for monitoring the process have been developed.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


David Hendrickson

Andriy Khotkevych

Richard Kiesel



$210,000Total

19

Addition of Hibbing Taconite (Hibtac) Pilot-Scale Mine Land Demonstration Site For

Application


To evaluate the use of dredge material from the Erie Pier facility in Duluth to restore vegetation at a degraded upland

borrow pit site controlled by Hibbing Taconite (Hibtac). The upland site will also be used for monitoring growth of

potential invasive species such as purple loosestrife, and for assessing best practice control measures. The pilot project will

provide useful comparative information that could be applied to other mine land and marginal land restoration and

reclamation applications.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and NRRI have identified a degraded mine land site

on property controlled by Hibbing Taconite Co. (Hibtac). The site, located north of Duluth on Minnesotaï¿½s Mesabi Iron

Range, provides an opportunity to conduct an additional pilot-scale demonstration project beginning in the fall of 2012.

Approximately 4,000 cubic yards of fine-grained sediment will be transported from a dredge material stockpile at the Erie

Pier sediment storage facility in Duluth, Minnesota, to the Hibtac site. The sediment will be used for conducting a pilot-

scale test of the dredge materialï¿½s capacity for restoring vegetation to a degraded upland borrow pit site. The upland site

will also be used for monitoring growth of potential invasive species such as purple loosestrife, and for assessing best

practice control measures.

In the first half of 2013, NRRI met with Hibtac personnel at the project site. Hibtac staked out three locations, with each

location intended to receive different dredge material applications. The late spring and wet site conditions delayed the start

of material delivery from Erie Pier to Hibtac. Most material was expected to be delivered after July 1, 2013.

About 3,700 cubic yards of Erie Pier dredged material were transported to restore the sand and gravel borrow pit site

controlled by Hibbing Taconite. The material was placed at three locations, at thicknesses of 1.5 feet (one location) and 0.5

feet at two locations, with one of these locations mixed with the underlying sand and gravel. NRRI investigators

documented this work. Rather than seeding and planting immediately, the investigators recommended that the site be

allowed to lie fallow for a year, to allow for monitoring of "volunteers" and potential invasive species. This approach will

help guide the best selection of native plants and enable control measures to be taken (if necessary) for any invasives.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck


3002-10416-0003433230,000USDOD Army Corps of Engineers 01/01/2012 09/30/2014

$30,000Total

20

Bioremediation for Sulfate Removal in Minnesota Mining Waters


To demonstrate a low cost biological and chemical aqueous sulfate removal technology at pilot scale in a taconite mining

water filled pit capable of reducing sulfate levels from 1200-1500 ppm sulfate to 100-200 ppm sulfate.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The maximum level of aqueous sulfate in mining discharge waters is being reduced to 20-40 ppm by the Minnesota

Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources. Current taconite mining water levels of sulfate can

range from 100-1500 ppm of sulfate, and a new, low-cost sulfate remediation technology is needed immediately to avoid the

potential shut-down of taconite operations in the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Iron Range Resources and

Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) is offering $125,000 in matching funds to NRRI to create this project, along with in-kind

support from both Cliffs Natural Resources (NR) and Polymet Mining.

In the winter of 2012, sulfate reducing bacteria were cultured indoors at the Hoyt Lakes site to be ready for filling into the

floating bioreactor cells in the spring. Four modular floating bioreactors were installed in a pit lake location at the previous

LTV site in Hoyt Lakes, MN, in the spring of 2013, with permission of Polymet Mining and Cliffs Erie. The four cells were

mounted on a floating platform near the shore of the pit lake. Water from the lake was pumped continuously through each

cell throughout the spring and summer. Two solar cells are mounted on the floating platform to charge batteries for

operation of the pumps and sensors. Data is sent remotely to project managers.

The four bioreactor cells were operated into the fall and winter seasons of 2013. Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus nutrients

were metered into the bioreactors to keep sulfate reduction activity proceeding from the sulfate reducing bacteria. A

separate iron precipitation tank was operated on the shore during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. It contained several

different forms of iron to initiate precipitation of hydrogen sulfide as iron sulfide. The iron precipitation tank was operated

as an up-flow tank fed from the discharge of the four bioreactor cells. Discharge water from the iron precipitation tank

measured 170– 185 ppm sulfate. Pit water continuously feeding the bioreactors from a depth of 40 feet contained 1200 ppm

+/- 50 ppm sulfate. The top of the bioreactor system froze in place in the winter months, but the bacteria continued to thrive

in the 40 degree water being pumped through the cells under the ice. The continuous flow and operation of the bioreactor

system during summer and winter conditions proved out the functional design of the system, which was planned to operate

year-round. As a next step, an $800,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant was submitted to advance the size and

remote control functionality of the technology.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


David Hendrickson



$123,188Total

21

Erie Pier Dredged Material Beneficial Use Study


(1) Identify landowners willing to participate in demonstration projects and receive fine grained dredged material for

restoration demonstrations.

(2) Evaluate the cost and feasibility of using rail transportation to move Erie Pier fine grained dredged material to potential

recipient sites.

(3) Provide monitoring and results analysis of vegetative health, plant diversity and control of purple loosestrife for

demonstration sites.

(4) Evaluate the effectiveness of using microwave technology to sterilize seeds contained in Erie Pier fine grained dredged

material.

(5) Conduct a laboratory and field assessment of the stamp sand area near Gay, Michigan, within the context of this location

being a potential recipient site for navigation channel material from the Duluth-Superior harbor and/or Erie Pier for

establishing stamp sand-stabilizing vegetative cover.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The University of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is working with the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers (COE) to evaluate beneficial use of Erie Pier fine grained sediment dredged from the Duluth-Superior harbor and

stored at the Erie Pier facility located in Duluth, Minnesota. The Erie Pier facility will reach its engineered design capacity

within the next five years. Consequently, finding small, medium, and large-scale sites for beneficially reusing the materials

stored at Erie Pier is an important goal. The current study is evaluating potential beneficial uses for the sediment within

approximately a 60-90 mile radius of Erie Pier, in part as it relates to mine land usage. The project was several components

that will address previously listed objectives.

Final reports for the Stamp Sands (NRRI TSR2013/01)and Microwave (NRRI TSR2013/02) portions of the project were

completed in early 2013, and submitted to the COE. The final report for the Mineland Reclamation/Demonstration site

portions of the project is in prep. Stamp Sands meetings took place in June in Houghton, MI, where potential follow-up

processing was discussed. Two projects were added in late 2012: a restoration/re-vegetation project at Hibtac (including

material transportation) and expanded water quality monitoring at Duluth's Atlas Cement site. The late winter delayed the

start of the Hibtac project.

The final report for the Mineland Reclamation / Demonstration site portions of the project was completed (NRRI

TSR2013/03) and provided to the COE. Time extensions (through Sept. of 2014) were granted for both the Hibtac and Atlas

Cement projects. 3,672 cubic yards of Erie Pier dredged material were transported to restore a sand and gravel borrow pit

site controlled by Hibbing Taconite (Hibtac). Monitoring of the Atlas Cement site continued in 2013. Meetings with COE

and potential end-users took place in 2013. A new project to augment biosolids usage on the side-slope of Keetac's tailings

basin is being planned.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck



$197,500Total

22

Field Monitoring Atlas Brownfield Demo


NRRI and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg,

Mississippi, are partnering to conduct a benefit analysis for using Erie Pier dredge material to passively mitigate pH at the

former Atlas Cement site, located in Duluth near the St. Louis River and the Morgan Park neighborhood. The current

project will focus on monitoring to measure the effects of buffering site pH and potential release of metals from site soil.

Project results will be used as a guide for the potential use of Erie Pier dredge material at other brownfield sites.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)and NRRI coordinated to deliver 2000 cubic yards of

fine grained Erie Pier Dredge Material (EPDM) to the former Atlas Cement Plant in the fall of 2011. The sediment was

utilized for the construction of a storm water treatment pond to reduce the pH of surface water from the site. The site,

located in Duluth near the St. Louis River and the Morgan Park neighborhood, provided an opportunity to conduct an

additional benefit analysis in using EPDM to passively mitigate pH at Brownfield sites. Therefore, a supplemental project

was undertaken as a follow-up to the application of Erie Pier dredged material to the site in late 2011. The current project

will focus on monitoring to measure the effects of buffering site pH and potential release of metals from site soil.

Site monitoring and several pH sampling events were conducted at multiple locations within and near the Atlas site by

NRRI in the first half of 2013. Meetings with the Corps of Engineers, the City of Duluth, and Barr Engineering also took

place during this period.

Site monitoring and pH sampling events continued into the fall of 2013. Additional meetings with the Corps of Engineers,

the City of Duluth, and Barr Engineering also took place during this period. Sampling results suggest the system is

mitigating (lowering) the pH of the surface water. Site monitoring and sampling will resume in the spring of 2014 and

continue through the summer.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck



$25,500Total

23

Material Transport


To load, transport, and deliver up to 4,000 cubic yards of dredge material from the Erie Pier facility in Duluth to the Hibtac

site. Erie Pier dredge material will be used for conducting a pilot-scale test of the dredge material capacity for restoring

vegetation to a degraded upland borrow pit site at Hibbing Taconite (Hibtac). This project represents the material transport

portion of the Hibtac project (Project Number 1721).

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and NRRI have identified a degraded mine land site

on property controlled by Hibbing Taconite Co. (Hibtac). The site, located north of Duluth on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron

Range, provides an opportunity to conduct an additional pilot-scale demonstration project beginning in the fall of 2012.

Approximately 4,000 cubic yards of fine grained sediment will be transported from a dredge material stockpile at the Erie

Pier sediment storage facility in Duluth, Minnesota, to the Hibtac site. The sediment will be used for conducting a pilot-

scale test of the dredge materialï¿½s capacity for restoring vegetation to a degraded upland borrow pit site. This project

represents the material transport portion of the Hibtac project described in the semi-annual report for Project Number 1721.

In early 2013, bids were solicited from several contractors to perform the loading, hauling, and delivery of the dredge

material to the Hibtac site. A contractor was chosen. The late spring and wet site conditions delayed the start of material

delivery from Erie Pier to Hibtac. Most material was expected to be delivered after July 1, 2013.

Material loading, transport, and delivery of about 3,700 cubic yards of dredged material from Erie Pier to Hibtac was

completed in the summer of 2013 (refer to Project Number 1721).

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck



$100,000Total

24

Sediment for Biomass, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation


To conduct field trials of varieties of cellulosic feedstock on mineland tailings basins and other marginal lands using readily

available soil amendment materials: clean sediments dredged from Duluth-Superior Harbor amended with treated municipal

wastewater/biosolids. Objective is to conduct field-scale (>3 acres) research at one or more host taconite mines (or other

brownfields/marginal lands location). Ultimate products will be: 1) identification of the most appropriate cellulosic

feedstock species; 2) an assessment and proof-of-concept demonstration of overall waste and energy management planning

and recycling in the region so long as sediment disposal challenges and mine land reclamation needs remain; and 3) energy

development opportunity. Project findings would be applicable to other areas around MN and the Great Lakes region,

including tailings basins, gravel pits, brownfields, and other marginal lands.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Marginal and unproductive mining lands, including iron mine tailings basins and stockpiles which no longer have economic

mineral value to be recovered, have enormous potential to act as plantation sites for growth and production of cellulosic

feedstock such as hybrid poplars and switchgrass. Large-sized basins and stockpiles and their location within active mining

areas make them especially attractive targets for large-scale biomass plantation development that minimizes environmental

impact. However, the physical properties and relatively sterile nature of these sites requires adding supplemental soil-like

materials and nutrients to support plant growth.

Keetac and Hibtac project planning continued. Movement of material to Hibtac is planned for summer 2013. A large

opportunity with St. Louis County was identified and discussed. Other large-scale mine land recipient sites are under

consideration and will be a focus in the second half of 2013. Key will be coordinating transportation with a back-haul of

mining byproduct aggregate to minimize transportation costs.

Based on our progress with this EDA MMC Project, we have developed a proposal to use Erie Pier Dredged Sediment for

the restoration of forests on unproductive minelands. This site is located near Virginia and is managed by St. Louis County

Environmental Services. We propose to place sediment and grow forest species for ecologic and economic benefits.

Funding for this proposal is being considered by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources, to begin in

July 2014. The work plan for this proposal is being finalized and will be presented to the MN Legislature beginning in

February. Transportation and logistical support are critical to the continued success, expansion and transfer of this

technology for site restoration. The limiting factor in the use of Erie Pier Dredged Sediment is most often transportation

costs. With sustained Federal support, we will better meet the demands of diverse constituents for this material.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck


3002-10416-00028242100,000US Dept of Commerce 10/01/2011 09/30/2014

$100,000Total

25

Developing Thermal Verification Guidelines for Firewood

Forest Products

The objective of this project is to improve the current temperature monitoring process for heat treating firewood by

developing the necessary background data that can be used to develop thermal verification guidelines that are primarily

based on the kiln heating conditions to supplement the data from the firewood samples.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Heat sterilization is currently the most practical and official treatment to kill Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in infested ash

firewood. To stop further spread of EAB, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has enforced a

heat treatment process for the U.S. firewood industry to heat sterilize all hardwood firewood before it can be shipped out of

infested areas. Yet, many firewood producers have had challenges implementing the heat treatment process in firewood

operations due to a lack of sufficient heating facilities and a reliable temperature monitoring system. Significant operator

errors were also found to occur in the current monitoring process. The purpose of this project is to improve the current heat

treatment process by developing generic thermal verification guidelines that are primarily based on kiln conditions,

eliminating most operator errors that exist in current heat treatment practices. This project will be conducted by a

multidisciplinary team that include university and federal laboratory researchers, state wood products specialists, USDA

APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine officers, and field regulatory staff from several states.

Minnesota and Wisconsin cooperators were identified to help our project team acquire the needed data on temperature

profiles of firewood and the control temperatures and humidity of the kilns used for drying firewood. Heat treating trials

were conducted at locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to verify functionality of the equipment purchased for data

logging. NRRI staff constructed and trialed a wet bulb temperature monitoring device during kiln recertification at John's

Welding in Tomah, Wisconsin, in March 2013. Minnesota firewood producers that are currently certified by the Minnesota

Department of Agriculture as heat treated firewood producers were contacted to assist with data gathering though none were

responsive.

NRRI staff identified and purchased equipment for monitoring air temperature and relative humidity in a harsh environment.

The new equipment will be used to collect data in conjunction with USDA APHIS during new and recertification runs in

Minnesota and Wisconsin in the winter months of 2014. Additional data gathering is planned with cooperators Price

Firewood in Cloquet, Minnesota, and USA Firewood in Ashland, Wisconsin. A second set of equipment for monitoring

relative humidity in a harsh environment will be purchased and sent to the USDA Forest Products Lab to allow their staff to

travel to Southern Wisconsin facilities and collect data for the project.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw

Timothy Hagen

Victor Krause


3002-10414-0001600343,996USDA Forest Service 07/01/2010 06/30/2014

$43,996Total

26

Development and Integration of Advanced Timber Bridge Inspection Techniques for

National Bridge Inspection Standards

Forest Products

Help Minnesota bridge inspectors and engineers develop and implement advanced inspection techniques for timber bridges

and serve as a model for State Department of Transportation and their partners.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Minnesota’s Nobles County experienced a timber bridge failure in 2010, raising concerns among city, county, and state

engineers about the current practice of timber bridge inspections. Inspections for timber bridges have been mostly limited to

visual inspection, hammer sounding, and probing. These techniques have proven appropriate for advanced decay detection,

but are inadequate for early stage or internal deterioration. It is critical that efforts be conducted to develop and implement

advanced timber inspection techniques into routine bridge inspections in accordance with National Bridge Inspection

Standards (NBIS) requirements.

A worldwide review of commercial nondestructive inspection technologies for timber bridges was completed and used to

generate a list of equipment that could be used in Minnesota. Timber bridge inspection protocols for the most promising

equipment identified in the previous activity were developed. Comprehensive inspection protocols for timber bridges were

prepared using a wide variety of techniques to assess the condition of wood in service.

The project team has continued to collect and summarize information on appropriate inspection equipment and protocols for

successfully inspecting timber bridges in Minnesota. A draft inspection manual for timber bridges was developed during

this reporting period. Strategies and input forms for incorporating inspection results into the Structure Information

Management System, a comprehensive system used by Minnesota counties and MnDOT. A strategy for identifying funding

and management of new advanced NDE inspection equipment was developed. All of this information was reviewed by the

project's Technical Advisory Panel during a meeting in November 2013. This information was finalized and submitted for

approval after modification based on comments.

Planning for a one-day inspection short course to be held in the spring 2014 has been initiated.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw


3005-10414-00031663199,786MN Department of Transportation 08/06/2012 01/31/2015

$199,786Total

27

Development of Daily Landfill Cover

Forest Products

To develop a high-performance and cost-effective hydromulch that could be used as a daily cover for municipal solid waste

landfills.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Mat Inc. has been in the hydromulch business for over 30 years. Their hydromulch products consist mostly of recycled

wood fiber and paper uniquely blended with binder and cross linking agents which allows them to be used on steep slopes

for erosion control or on flat surfaces for grass seed establishment along highways and roadways. Recently, an application

surfaced which involves spraying a specific hydromulch formulation across the working face of a MSW landfill for control

of odors, better control of birds, better appearance of the working face, and a reduction in problematic bags flying away in

the wind. Such a product would be desirable and open up MSW applications where recycled paper and wood products could

be turned into a sprayable mulch that MSW landfills could use to better manage their daily operations. An alternative daily

cover, or a sprayable mulch which could reduce odor vectors, reduce bird populations, and control the migration of plastic

bags off site would be well received at MSW landfills. Mat Inc., in cooperation with a 1200 acre Midwestern MSW

Landfill, has asked the NRRI to participate in the pilot scale development of an appropriate binder formulary that can be

used specifically as a daily cover.

This is a new project. No previous activity to report.

Daily landfill cover hydromulch formulations were identified that met minimum tensile strength rating. A nominal dosage

of a starch/guar binder appeared to have the best thickening power across the variety of binder types tested and was found to

blend well with paper, paper sludge, or wood fiber blends. Tests on some of the formulations have shown that the blend can

also reduce flammability. The daily landfill hydromulch product and formulary was shown to respond well to a variety of

compaction techniques. Wafers and bricks were formulated using a customized wafer and brick press. These compactions

readily hydrated and returned to their original uncompacted state after immersion in water. A pilot trial of the product was

completed at a midwest landfill with good results. It is expected that the product will be sold by Mat Inc. starting in the

summer of 2014. Mat Inc. is currently evaluating the future compacted and weed suppressant versions of the product.

These formularies may position the product for introduction into other market areas such as in home gardening

applications.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw

Timothy Hagen


3001-10412-0003935622,500Blandin Foundation 06/01/2013 10/30/2013

$22,500Total

28

Development of Lightweight Deck Systems for Covered Bridge

Forest Products

To develop and validate new replacement flooring systems for historic covered bridges that improve both the deck system

itself as well as improve the overall structural performance.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The floor systems of covered bridges are typically replaced due to deterioration, structural damage, or excessive wear after

approximately 30 to 40 years of service. In many cases, the floor system controls a bridge’s capacity and replacement

operations present a unique opportunity to upgrade the entire structural system. Because covered bridges are so unique,

there are a wide variety of general replacement systems currently in use. These systems, however, have seen very little

change after many years of implementation, thus there exists a need to develop new replacement flooring systems that

improve both the deck system itself as well as improve the overall structural performance.

Four bridge deck configurations were generated based on the planning meetings held between UMD and the Forest Products

Lab. The first deck was created to replicate existing deck systems in covered bridges. It has transverse floor beams with

longitudinal stringers and a transverse plank deck on top. The second deck system is a similar system but with glulam

instead of sawn timber. The third deck will be built without stringers, using glulam panels placed in the longitudinal

direction. The fourth system is constructed as a composite deck structure with glulam panels as tension and compression

flanges and stiffener beams in between.

The control decks were fabricated and tested with solid sawn and glulam beam systems. The first new design was initially

constructed with single span continuous glulam timber stringers. Testing was completed on both spans to determine

stiffness in both the eccentric and concentric load condition. The deck was also tested to failure on one span. Failure

occurred in several longitudinal stringers and in one floor transverse beam. These members were replaced and the deck was

modified by cutting the continuous stringers at mid-length. This allowed the construction of a deck that had a more

traditional look of individual span stringers that meet at a transverse beam. Modification was also made to the loading

system, converting it from two individual hydraulic rams to one ram that had two load points. This was necessary since it

was determined that one of the loading rams reached its maximum capacity during several of the initial tests. There was a

significant delay in testing due to the U.S. government shutdown. The final bridge deck systems will be tested in the first

and second quarters of 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw



$114,000Total

29

Development of Torrefied Wood as a Biofuel

Forest Products

To develop the densification parameters for a mixed hardwood/softwood wood species torrefied to a specification of 30

percent Dry Solids Loss (DSL) at 300°C.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Torrefaction is a thermal process in which biomass is heated in an oxygen deprived atmosphere at temperatures of 270° to

300°C. Successful commercialization of woody biomass torrefaction technology to produce biocoal has proven difficult due

to densification challenges across a variety of equipment types, plugging issues and an inability to achieve water resistant

briquettes that can be stored outside. This project seeks to develop the densification parameters for torrefied woody biomass

with the specific goal of achieving a durable, water resistant and easy-to-grind briquette without the use of a secondary

binder.

Further attempts to validate the deterioration of the internal bond strength at 30% DSL were initiated at low and high

moisture (6% and 12%) and at a medium and fine grind specification. An initial scoping trial indicated a 90 second heating

regime followed by a 30 second cooling regime, reduced the formation of any cracks noted on the ejected pucks. A

specular and shiny surface was still noted along with a slight improved appearance upon ejection. However, the internal

bond strength for the pucks produced in this manner were marginal at only 2.5 psi, well short of the previously recorded 12

to 13 psi ratings achieved with 15% DSL material. Although the pucks seemed to have the required water resistant

properties, the low internal bond strength points to marginal durability. These results confirm the difficulties associated

with densifying overly torrefied material and substantiates the difficulties also noted in the commercial sector. DSL index,

moisture content, particle size, compaction regime and die temperature all play a critical role on the performance character

of the produced puck

A more aggressive and concentrated heating regime has allowed significant progress to be made regarding a "specular

surface" appearance. The protocol requires a grind spec of 100% - 20 mesh and heating to 180 C in a sealed tin flask while

maintaining a 7 - 9 % moisture content. The die is also heated along with the sample to 180 C. A marginal pressure of

1200 bar combined with curing for 10 minutes, a shiny and specular surface was noted with absolute density in the 1.4 to

1.5 g/cm3 range. The T-wood spec was 300C 30% DSL, mixed hardwood soft wood. HTC Binder trail was initiated at 20

% dosage with above formation protocol. Prepared moisture levels in the 7-9 % range yield excellent briquettes, with or

without HTC binder. Further efforts to define the influence of curing time on durability and hydrophobic character are on

going. Rotary briquetting trials are planned to help define the influence of steam.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Timothy Hagen


1026-10414-20090-01850970,000 07/01/2011 06/30/2014

$70,000Total

30

Evaluation and Demonstration of Nondestructive Assessment Technologies for

Sorting Eastern Hardwoods

Forest Products

To evaluate several technologies including vibration, acoustic, tomography, thermography, and laser technologies for

identifying critical material defects and for assessing potential product performance from hardwood materials prior to

manufacturing into guitars and baseball bats, to assess the potential for these technologies to be used for other high value

end products, and to identify commercial vendors that are capable of adapting equipment or developing new equipment.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Recent advances in nondestructive assessment technologies offer opportunities to evaluate hardwood raw materials,

particularly the potential quality of material that is used in the manufacture of high value specialty products. This proposed

effort will focus on evaluation of several technologies for assessing the quality of material to be used in high value specialty

products, with an emphasis on raw materials for use in manufacturing guitars and baseball bats. The outputs from this

project would include an evaluation of these technologies and equipments, demonstration on these products, and the

suitability for use in other high-value products.

A tour of both C.F. Martin Guitar (Nazareth, Pennsylvania) and Rawlings Adirondack (Dolgeville, New York) was

completed to understand the types of defects and opportunities for including nondestructive evaluation technologies in their

operations. The specific defects identified at C.F. Martin Guitar were identified as compression microcracking that

occurred from wind breaks during forest growth or harvest. Samples were obtained for conducting in-depth trials using

nondestructive evaluation technologies such as thermography or laser shearography. Preliminary testing was completed

with thermography, showing some potential for identifying cracks.

Assessment of nondestructive evaluation technologies for the hardwood industry is ongoing and will be used during an

information webinar in mid 2014 to complete this project.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw



$66,801Total

31

Field Performance of Timber Bridges: A National Study

Forest Products

The primary objective of this study was to assess the condition and performance of approximately 20 existing timber

highway bridges in Minnesota to establish the baseline framework for evaluating future performance of timber bridges

nationwide.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

As many engineers begin to implement life cycle cost analyses within the preliminary bridge design phase, there is a

significant need for more reliable data on the expected service life of highway bridges. A national scale project has been

developed for the United States, headed by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory and the U.S. Federal Highway

Administration. In this project, national cooperators including Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Forest Service,

Louisiana Department of Transportation, University of Minnesota Duluth, Iowa State University, Mississippi State

University, Laminated Concepts, Inc., and Tom Williamson Timber Engineering, LLC, will each inspect 15-25 timber

bridges, using visual, probing, stress wave, and resistance microdrilling.

The UMD project team selected bridges based on type and then focused the inspection on three adjoining counties.

Specifically, the team selected solid sawn timber stringer, glulam timber stringer, steel stringer with timber deck, and spike-

laminated deck bridge systems for inspection. The solid sawn timber stringer bridges were located in two separate

geographic locations.

Detailed inspections of 23 timber bridges in Minnesota and Wisconsin were completed using visual, moisture content,

mechanical probing, resistance microdrilling, and stress wave or ultrasound-based techniques. Sketches were completed on-

site for each bridge inspected and they were later converted to AutoCAD images for record keeping. High resolution digital

photographs were taken of the bridge with special emphasis on deteriorated or damaged areas. Raw data from stress wave

timer and resistance drill were processed and recorded. Information was obtained from the bridge owner on previous

inspections with special emphasis on any repairs or modifications to the bridge. Finally, the inspection team rated the

bridge according to NBI ratings.

The inspections showed that most of the bridge superstructures inspected by the UMD and national teams showed positive

results. There are numerous examples of excellent long-term structural performance of various bridge construction types in

the U.S. Ongoing assessment and interpretation of the project results will be completed and reported in the next 9 months.

A presentation on the results was made during the 2nd International Timber Bridge Conference.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw



$75,000Total

32

Network for Better Futures

Forest Products

Assist Better Futures Minnesota in identifying markets and uses for the range of materials their waste diversion business

generates. Help Better Futures Minnesota to create more full-time meaningful jobs for their participants. Support Better

Futures Minnesota efforts to become a producer by assisting in the development of new product lines. Develop testing and

processing techniques including assessing tools and machinery that may help increase the value and reuse of Better Futures

Minnesota products.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Better Futures Minnesota is a social enterprise that creates jobs and provides essential support for high-risk men who want

to pursue a better life and lifestyle. The organization is developing a sustainable business centered on diverting materials

from the waste stream and either recycling or reusing these materials. These lines of work create jobs for chronically

unemployed people from distressed communities and generate earned income for Better Futures. Better Futures would like

to become more than just a recycler of the waste streams that they process, they would like to utilize some of the

reclaimed/recycled materials to produce value added items that they could sell for profit and effectively create additional

full-time meaningful work for the men in their program.


A roundtable discussion was held in October 2013 with NRRI, Better Futures Minnesota staff, and a representative from

MPCA to outline creative uses for Better Futures Minnesota materials, and prioritize and choose the materials the team will

concentrate on developing for new markets and uses.

A connection was made between NRRI, Better Futures Minnesota, and Building Materials Reuse Association, a non-profit

educational and research organization whose mission is to advance the recovery, reuse, and recycling of building materials.

NRRI and Better Futures Minnesota joined the Building Materials Reuse Association to become more connected with other

organizations that can assist in finding markets for reused materials.

NRRI staff toured the Better Futures Minnesota facility to better understand their processing and current equipment capacity

and determine which of their materials would be most suitable for development into marketable items. Based on these

activities, a targeted work plan was created for the project to conduct project activities.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw

Timothy Hagen

Victor Krause


3001-10412-0003935526,000Otto Bremer Foundation 06/01/2013 07/29/2014

$26,000Total

33

Regional Biomass Feedstock Partnership-Poplar

Forest Products

To conduct research to determine biomass yields of short rotation woody crops using poplar and develop new high-yielding,

disease-resistant poplar clones for biomass production nationally.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project is part of the DOE-funded SunGrant Initiative Biomass Feedstock Partnership national effort to develop

dedicated biomass crops for production of renewable energy. The purpose of this research is to improve yields of woody

crops for energy production focusing on poplar species. The research team is national in scope and consists of personnel

from the University of Minnesota Duluth-NRRI, GreenWood Resources (Portland, Oregon), Mississippi State University,

and ArborGen LLC (Summerville, South Carolina) which has a history of research in the genetic improvement and

production of poplars as well as commercial application of poplar plantations for fiber and energy production. The project is

viewed as a first step in a process to develop a longer term plan leading to improvement of biomass yield through genetic

improvement and plantation management research. Proposed research involves analysis of the state of current poplar

research, evaluation of the potential land resource suitable for poplar production, and establishment of new genetic material

at various locations across the U.S. to evaluate genotype performance over a range of conditions.

Work continued on the analysis of genetics tests of poplar as well as coordination of analysis of the yield potential of poplar

across the U.S. At the request of DOE staff, an effort began by the SunGrant program to estimate biomass yields of energy

crops being studied by SunGrant. Analyses were done by NRRI in cooperation with the team members to develop yield

models of poplars across the U.S. in order to enhance the utility of early-rotation field tests, particularly in the Southern

region of the U.S.

As mentioned in the previous report, a joint DOE/SunGrant effort is underway to produce a series of new maps showing

estimates of the current potential yield of energy crops across all regions of the U.S. As part of this effort, data were

collected from all areas of the country and consolidated to produce a database of current yield studies as well as genetics

field tests. Additional long-term yield data were supplied by GreenWood Resources and models developed which

facilitated estimation of potential yields in other areas of the U.S. The final dataset was assembled and submitted to the

DOE contractors at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Oregon State University. Using the dataset provided by the

SunGrant Poplar Team, OSU staff applied the PRISM climate/soils growth model to these data to estimate yields across the

U.S. The resulting map will be published on the KDF site managed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The mapping

milestone was met and a companion report was prepared that described the dataset and model-building process.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


William Berguson


3014-10414-00012404666,250South Dakota State Univ-(USDOE-Prime) 01/01/2009 09/30/2015

$666,250Total

34

Thermal Modification Research for Engineered Wood Materials

Forest Products

Advance thermal-modification technology toward the development of advanced, high-performing engineered wood products

with drastically-improved dimensional stability, resistance to biodegradation and weathering, and reduced environmental

impacts.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project will leverage the expertise of several Knowledge-Enhancement Partners, student researchers, and public and

private stakeholders to advance thermal-modification technology toward the development of advanced, high-performing

engineered wood products with drastically-improved dimensional stability, resistance to biodegradation and weathering, and

reduced environmental impacts.

All mechanical and physical performance testing data on the thermally-modified OSB and plywood specimens has been

collected/analyzed, and a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed publication is currently being prepared. Also, two

papers describing the results were accepted for presentation at two International Wood Modification Conferences (Portugal

and Lisbon).

Aspen Research Corporation completed the optical and scanning electron microscopy analyses of the OSB and plywood

specimens, and prepared a report containing images of the specimens and an expert analysis of the integrity/degradation of

the wood/adhesive bonds. Laminated veneer lumber and laminated strand lumber were ordered and will arrive in early

2014. At that time, they will be thermally modified and will undergo performance testing. In addition, tamarack samples

were sent to Lakehead University for mechanical performance testing. This will allow for a direct, baseline comparison of

Minnesota- and Ontario-sourced tamarack. Matt Aro attended the Wood-Based Composites Center Wood Adhesion Short

Course at Oregon State University.

A manuscript of the study to date has been submitted to the Forest Products Journal for potential publication. Also, Co-PI

Donahue presented a paper at the 7th European Conference on Wood Modification (March; Lisbon, Portugal). PI Aro also

presented results at the 8th European TMT Workshop (May; Dresden, Germany).

Thermally-modified laminated strand lumber (LSL) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) were prepared. Some were sent to

the Forest Products Laboratory for tensile testing; the remaining samples will undergo flexural strength testing at the NRRI.

Ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation (NDE) studies are also underway.

Project partner MW Nelson & Associates, Inc. has assessed our thermal modification process and has specified new

equipment to allow the team to more effectively monitor the temperature of the wood specimens in the kiln.

In addition, project partner Lakehead University secured tamarack logs and separated the logs into flitches of heartwood and

sapwood. This wood was sent to FP Innovations for processing into strand; the strands will be manufactured into strand

boards for product testing. Lakehead University M.S. student Becky Wang also included partial results of this project in her

M.S. thesis.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw

Matthew Aro


3002-10414-00030010719,220National Science Foundation 09/01/2012 08/31/2015

$719,220Total

35

Update of Forest Products Laboratory General Technical Report 7 - Machine Grading

of Lumber-Practical Concerns for Lumber Producers

Forest Products

The scope of the project will be to provide a comprehensive update of a popular Forest Products Laboratory report: General

Technical Report 7, Machine Grading of Lumber-Practical Concerns for Lumber Producers.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

General Technical Report 7, Machine Grading of Lumber-Practical Concerns for Lumber Producers, was originally

published in 1977 by the US Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. An update to this publication was completed in

2000. Since that time, new equipment, production scenarios, forest resource changes, and other issues have arisen, resulting

in the need to update the publication.

General Technical Report 7 has been marked up to determine the appropriate changes and updated information that will

need to be generated in the project. A survey was prepared and sent to all known American Lumber Standards Council

approved equipment providers. The objective of the survey was to develop information on their product line and capacity in

order to provide new information for the General Technical Report 7 publication.

A comprehensive review of machine stress rating equipment options was completed and provided to the project sponsor.

This information will be used to develop an economic analysis of the potential for new implementation.

Contact has been made with several of the national lumber grading and rules writing organizations and the MSR Lumber

Producers Council to determine possible updates and modification.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw


3014-10414-0003088125,000Mississippi State Univ-USDA Forest-Prime 06/07/2012 05/31/2014

$25,000Total

36

Wolf Wood - Thermal Modification of Regional Timber Species

Forest Products

To assess the properties of regional softwoods and hardwoods that have been thermally modified with NRRI hydrothermal

timber modification process.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The overall goal is to use and develop manufacturing specification and process-flow models (collectively called “recipes”)

and advanced screening methods to analyze the performance of wood window and door components and parts manufactured

from thermally-modified ash, red pine, white pine, and/or aspen and to provide a direct comparison of their performance

properties with non-modified wood and components made from non-modified ponderosa pine that has been dip treated in

traditional water-repellant preservatives.

Kiln dried black ash, red pine, white pine, and aspen were purchased and have been thermally modified at 165° and 180°C.

Matched control specimens (non-modified) were prepared as well. The thermally-modified lumber is undergoing

mechanical and physical performance testing (testing may include modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, screw

withdrawal strength, and splitting resistance).

All project objectives were met. However, this is a privately-funded research project and the results are not presently

available for public disclosure. For any particular end-use application for any species, it is recommended that more

extensive performance testing be completed to verify the enclosed results. The discovered results provide a good benchmark

for identifying which species, when thermally modified, may have the inherent performance properties required for

particular end-use applications. Combined with production cost estimates, the developed data can assist in developing new

product applications for thermally-modified wood.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Patrick Donahue

Matthew Aro


3000-10414-0003682612,850Wolf Wood, Inc 03/21/2013 10/31/2013

$12,850Total

37

Wood Utilization Research 2010

Forest Products

Major goals include: (1) helping existing small and mid-size wood products companies remain or become competitive

through research and development, (2) conducting forest productivity work in hybrid poplar, red pine, and other Minnesota

species to ensure the sustainability of the forest products industry and to help Minnesota meet their 2025 renewable energy

mandate, and (3) formation of new regional industries based on forest products materials and technologies.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The overall focus of the project is to complement a program of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Natural Resources

Research Institute (NRRI). The NRRI program is partially funded by the State of Minnesota, to assist with the sustainable

development of private sector forest products opportunities in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Specific sub-projects

include: (1) Assessment of the Species Effect on Pellet Production, (2) Thermally Modified Strand Composite Panels, and

(3) Development of New Silicone-based Non-toxic Binders for Wood Materials.

NRRI has worked with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to assess the performance of a variety of wood

species and their composition for use in producing wood pellets.

The final report for this project has been completed. Specific conclusions were (1) Northern hardwood and softwood

species can successfully be used to produce premium-grade wood pellets for use in biomass heating stoves and boiler

systems. (2) The use of thermal modification provides durability and dimensional stability, improvements to oriented

strandboard and parallel strand lumber products. The information developed with WUR seed funding allowed the project

team to develop a national team funded by NSF to advance the commercialization of this technology for engineered wood

materials. (3) New silicon-based sealants and adhesives were developed and assessed in this project. The sealants show

excellent potential for improving long-term performance and by being a more environmentally compliant product. Ongoing

discussions are occurring between the project research team and potential commercial partners.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw


3002-10414-00000-000163162,811USDA National Inst of Food & Agriculture 09/01/2010 08/31/2013

$162,811Total

38

Assessment of Biomass Sources for Energy in Northern Minnesota for the Laurentian

Energy Project

Forestry

To assess resources and economic feasibility of procuring woody biomass from poplar plantations, brushlands, and forest

harvest residues for energy for the Laurentian Energy Authority project.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project is funded through the US Department of Energy with the purpose to assess the feasibility of producing woody

biomass for energy for delivery to the Laurentian Energy Authority facilities in Virginia and Hibbing, located in northern

Minnesota. The project will evaluate the economic and practical feasibility of the various biomass options and conduct

research on plantation forestry and harvesting of brushlands. The following tasks are part of this project: (1) assessment of

best management practices for harvesting of brushlands and forest harvest residues, (2) development and analysis of best

available technology for harvesting brushlands, (3) biomass availability and collection technology for forest harvest

residues, (4) biomass availability from rights-of-way and, (5) evaluation of available soils and variation in productivity of

hybrid poplar plantations.

Contractual arrangements to provide for continuation of this project was granted. A total of $682,926 has been awarded for

this new modification. The Statement of Project Objectives has been modified to include expanded work on breeding of

poplar, harvest logistics associated with handling forest harvest residues, and assessment of the economic feasibility of

producing wood briquettes for use in the Laurentian Energy Authority facilities. Briquetting research is targeted at

enhancing the use of biomass with coal in the existing coal-handling facilities. Poplar breeding activities continue with a

high rate of success.

All data were collected from the network of field tests associated with this project. This includes studies of yield and

genetics of new poplar clones, Red Pine thinning and productivity studies, as well as aspen productivity and thinning trials.

Analyses of data collected from poplar genetics trials are underway with the intent to publish results of these tests in a

refereed journal. Due to the unique design of these trials, our analyses allow estimation of a number of important genetic

parameters leading to estimates of the heritability of growth rate. These results have implications to poplar breeding

programs worldwide. Preparations are being made for poplar breeding activities including collection of parent material and

preparation of the NRRI greenhouse facility. Results of tests of clones developed in the NRRI poplar program planted at

sites in Germany, Poland, and Russia are promising. Based on two-year growth data, NRRI clones perform in the top tier in

all of these tests. Requests are being made for additional clonal material to facilitate expansion of tests of our materials in

Sweden. Requests for our material are due to interest in alternate energy for electricity and liquid fuels in Europe.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


William Berguson


3002-10414-00013380150,000Laurentian Energy Authority, LLC 06/01/2009 05/31/2011

1906-187-6616-001,335,365Laurentian Energy Authority LLC (USDOE ) 01/01/2007 12/31/2014

$1,485,365Total

39

Minnesota Forest Productivity Research Cooperative

Forestry

To improve the productivity and value of natural stands and plantations in Minnesota, develop economically and

environmentally sound silvicultural practices, and transfer this knowledge to Minnesota Forest Productivity Research

Cooperative (MFPRC) members and the public.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This MFPRC is a consortium of University of Minnesota personnel, industry members, and the USDA Forest Service with

the purpose to enhance the productivity of Minnesota's forests. Research done as part of the MFPRC includes Norway Pine

management, aspen productivity research, and hybrid poplar genetics and yield improvement. The goal of Norway Pine

research proposed is to better understand productivity of Norway Pine plantations and optimize management of these stands

both in terms of productivity and value. Aspen research is concentrating on assessment of productivity of regenerating aspen

stands, an important issue as it relates to future wood resources. Hybrid poplar breeding and yield improvement is ongoing

and replaces the previous activity done as part of the MFPRC.

Studies of Red Pine thinning and aspen production have been analyzed and data presented to MFPRC members in the spring

of 2013. Results of Red Pine thinning continue to show rapid stand recovery in terms of annual growth rates following

thinning in most thinning treatments with the greatest reduction in stand growth being associated with thin-from-below

treatments. Aspen production data have been analyzed with evaluation of second-growth aspen showing a relatively flat

growth phase at mid-rotation with many stands accruing total stand volume at a decreasing rate. However, merchantable

volume continues to accumulate. A poplar clone test was planted on a site near Thief River Falls in 2012 and maintenance

activities on this site continue into 2013. Also, growth rates of selected clones bred in the NRRI breeding program look very

high compared to current commercial standards.

Including studies recently thinned in Red Pine stands, a total of 39 active research sites are included in the MFPRC research

network. This includes studies of Red Pine thinning, aspen thinning and effects of seedling size on stand establishment.

Red Pine thinning data have been collected from all sites and summarized during the past two months. To date, these data

show that considerable flexibility is available to land managers when considering thinning of Red Pine with few of the

treatments showing a detrimental effect on subsequent production. Our research indicates that thinning decisions can be

made primarily on available markets and a landowners long-term objectives. A working group is being formed to assist in

the application of Red Pine thinning including the NRRI, Potlatch Corporation, the UM Forest Resources Department and

US Forest Service. Aspen thinning sites are slated for measurement in the early spring and will be completed prior to

initiation of growth in the spring.

__________________________________________________________________________


William Berguson


1664-187-6534-0020,000Blandin Paper Company 11/01/2004 06/30/2005

1664-187-6535-0020,000Boise White Paper LLC 07/09/2004 06/30/2005

1664-187-6536-0020,000International Paper Company 09/01/2004 06/30/2005

1664-187-6537-0020,000Minnesota Power 07/14/2004 06/30/2005

1664-187-6538-0020,000Potlatch Corporation 10/28/2004 06/30/2005

1664-187-6559-0020,000International Paper Company 07/01/2005 06/30/2006


1664-187-6562-0020,000Potlatch Corporation 07/01/2005 06/30/2006

1664-187-6560-0020,000MN Power 07/01/2005 06/30/2006

1664-187-6558-0020,000Forest Capital Partners LLC 07/01/2005 06/30/2006

1664-187-6561-0020,000Plum Creek 07/01/2005 06/30/2006

1664-187-6594-0020,000MN Power 07/01/2006 12/31/2006

1676-187-6585-0020,000St Louis County Land Department 11/15/2005 06/30/2007

1663-187-6581-00400,000MN Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) 07/01/2005 06/30/2007

40


__________________________________________________________________________

1663-187-6542-0040,000MN Dep of Natural Resources(DNR) 11/30/2004 06/30/2007

1664-187-6598-0020,000Verso Paper 01/01/2007 06/30/2008

1664-187-6593-0020,000Forest Capital Partners LLC 01/01/2007 06/30/2008

1664-187-6595-0020,000Plum Creek 01/01/2007 06/30/2008


3005-10414-00005642200,000MN DNR 06/26/2008 06/30/2009

3005-10414-0000561520,000State of Minnesota 07/01/2007 06/30/2009

3000-10414-0000697320,000Blandin Paper Company 12/01/2008 12/31/2009

3000-10414-0000697520,000Potlatch Corporation 12/01/2008 12/31/2009

3000-10414-0000697620,000Verso Paper 12/01/2008 12/31/2009

3000-10414-0000725120,000Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc 12/01/2008 12/31/2009

3000-10414-0000697120,000Minnesota Power 12/17/2008 12/31/2009

3000-10414-0001598520,000Minnesota Power 03/23/2010 06/30/2010

3003-10414-0001154820,000St Louis County 07/01/2009 06/30/2010

3000-10414-0000697420,000Forest Capital Partners, LLC 12/05/2008 12/31/2010

3005-10414-0001290020,000MN DNR 09/03/2009 06/30/2011

3000-10414-0001598220,000Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc 01/01/2010 06/30/2011

3000-10414-0001598120,000Verso Paper 01/01/2010 06/30/2011

3000-10414-0001598020,000Potlatch Corporation 01/01/2010 06/30/2011

3005-10414-0002860720,000MN Dept of Natural Resources 11/03/2011 06/30/2013

3000-10414-0003528415,000Molpus Timberland, LLC 01/01/2012 12/31/2014


3000-10414-0004146615,000Molpus Timberland, LLC 01/01/2014 12/31/2015

3000-10414-0002920415,000Minnesota Power 01/01/2012 12/31/2015

$1,325,000Total

41

Assessment of Natural Copper-Nickel Bedrocks on Water Quality

Minerals, Ferrous

The objectives of this study are to 1) assess copper, nickel, and other metal concentrations in surface water, rocks,

streambed sediments, and soils in watersheds where the basal part of the Duluth Complex is present and 2) determine if

these concentrations are currently influencing regional water quality in areas of potential base-metal mining.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The large deposits of copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum-group-elements, and titanium oxide minerals occurring in the

Duluth Complex of northeast Minnesota could provide huge economic and employment benefits to the State and provide

critical metals to the Nation. This study will determine if copper, nickel,and other metal concentrations in bedrock,

streambed sediments, and soils are currently influencing regional water quality in areas of potential base-metal mining. The

geochemical and water quality data and accompanying hydrologic analyses will be used by Federal, State, local, and tribal

entities to better assess water-quality impacts of existing mineralization and any future mining. This is a cooperative

LCCMR project with the U.S.Geological Survey and the MN Dept. of Natural Resources.

This project started in fall-winter 2013 with installation of stream gauges and preliminary sampling.

Streamflow was measured, and water-quality samples were collected between September 11-13 in three northeastern

Minnesota watersheds. Sample sites are located along, upgradient, or downgradient of the basal contact of the Duluth

Complex. Water-quality samples were collected at 5 sites on Filson Creek, 4 sites on Keeley Creek, and 4 sites on the

headwaters of the St. Louis River. Water-quality samples were submitted to the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) National

Water Quality Laboratory and Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center (EMERSC) Stable Isotope

Laboratory for analyses for total and dissolved concentrations of major constituents (ions) and trace metals, dissolved

organic carbon, alkalinity, sulfate-sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopes. All streamflow measurements and water-quality

data were entered into the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis. Solid

media samples were dried, but have not been submitted for chemistry until Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources

(LCCMR) funding is available.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck


3015-10416-00039047518,200Legislative Comm on MN Resources 07/01/2013 06/30/2016



$585,000Total

42

Coleraine Lab Standards

Minerals, Ferrous

To establish new laboratory standard samples for regulation of standardized procedures and calibration of equipment and

instrumentation.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The previous lab standard was collected and prepared in 1986, and is commonly referred to as the Coleraine 9-barrel

standard. Several barrels of fired pellets were collected from a local taconite plant and were screened to remove fines,

resulting in nine barrels of +1/4" pellets. These pellets have served as a lab standard for almost 25 years, and we are now

down to the last 5-gallon pail. Fired pellet standards are routinely run to ensure that equipment and procedures are reliable.

Two fired pellet and one iron ore concentrate standard were collected and prepared as follows: 1) acid pellet, 2) flux pellet,

and 3) acid

concentrate. The pellets were split and blended to ensure that each barrel collected was identical and that they were

representative of each other. Each barrel of pellets was then analyzed to ensure that the sample was reliable and uniform.

Fired pellets were tested using ASTM, ISO and lab standardized procedures to establish an acceptable statistical mean and

standard deviation. This was done for each pellet sample to establish both an acid and a flux pellet standard. Essentially the

same technique and procedure were used on the iron ore concentrate. It was split, blended, mixed and analyzed using a

standardized set of screens

to ensure that it was uniform and reliable. Fired pellet samples were collected, split and analyzed. Baseline data were

recorded, and data were analyzed for full determination of statistical mean and standard deviation. The ISO test furnaces

have been calibrated and the data reporting function has been modified to accommodate the new spreadsheet format for data

reports. The fired pellet sample for fluxed pellets was found to contain too much variability to be established as a lab

standard. An additional sample will be collected, blended, representatively split and tested. ISO furnace testing for the acid

pellet sample is complete.

This project has been expanded to improve CMRL laboratory QA/QC procedures in the analytical lab, mineral processing,

and pyrometallurgy.

Chem Lab:

1. Develop on-line run charts for major analytical procedures

Mineral Processing:

1. Develop coarse fraction sieve standard

2. Re-establish a coherent sieve set for coarse and fine fractions that match to a master sieve set

3. Develop on-line run charts for Blaine

4. Monthly Gauss checks on Davis Tubes and Lab Mag drums

6. Bond mill and lib grind mill ball counts and weights

Pyrometallurgy:

1. Establish a standardized acid and fluxed pellet sample

2. Establish practices for measuring and recording coarse pellet screen sieve sizes

3. Monthly high/low fired pellet reducibility and low temperature disintegration

4. Monthly high/low fired pellet compression

5. Establish practices for measurement and documentation of ASTM and ISO tumble drum specifications

__________________________________________________________________________



Richard Kiesel



$82,000Total

43

Environmental Study of Airborne Particulates on the Mesabi Iron Range, Northeast

Minnesota

Minerals, Ferrous

To characterize particulates associated with taconite mining in northeast Minnesota, both on the mining properties and in the

population centers surrounding the taconite operations. The work being done on the mining properties will support an

exposure assessment of taconite workers being performed by University of Minnesota School of Public Health researchers.

The community environmental study is an inventory of particulates across the Mesabi Iron Range that can be compared with

the particulate characteristics in other locations in Minnesota.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

A recent update by the Minnesota Dept. of Health on a cohort of former iron miners from northeast Minnesota reported that

in this group there have now been a total of 58 cases of mesothelioma. The report renewed longstanding concerns over the

safety of exposure to dust derived from crushing taconite. The State requested the U of MN to take a lead in studying

whether the mesothelioma (and possibly other lung diseases) were caused by exposure to taconite dust, as opposed to

workplace exposure to commercial asbestos. NRRI will conduct in-plant area sampling and detailed analysis of particulate

characteristics. NRRI will inventory particulate characteristics in population centers around taconite operations. The results

of the inventory can be used to compare the particulate populations in communities on the Mesabi Iron Range with other

towns in Minnesota.

Data compilation, evaluation, and interpretation continues. In April 2013 the Natural Resources Research Institute

participated in a special public and media event in Mountain Iron, MN, to present the first scientific findings from the

Minnesota Taconite Workers Health Study. Scientists working on the Environmental Study of Airborne Particulate Matter

presented initial findings regarding elongate minerals particles in both community and taconite plant settings obtained

during field sampling that were further laboratory analyzed. Several reports are in progress and nearing completion. A

journal manuscript was written, peer-reviewed, and accepted for publication following revisions. Research is progressing

such that we anticipate completion of the study in December, 2013.

Several reports are in the process of being written, with completion anticipated during 2014. In addition, a journal

manuscript has been published that details operational aspects of the MOUDI sampler that were utilized in this study

(Marple et al., in press, Second Generation Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor, 120 MOUDI-II: Design, Evaluation,

and Application to Long-Term Ambient Sampling, Aerosol Science and Technology. Analysis of mineral particles obtained

from elutriation of lake sediments samples is underway utilizing transmission electron microscopy and should be completed

during first quarter, 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck

George Hudak



982,871U of M School of Public Health 07/01/2008 12/31/2013

$1,257,871Total

44

Establishing a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Pilot Scale Shaft Simulator at CMRL for

Reduction of Iron Ore Pellets Using MIDREX & HYL Natural Gas Based Processes

Minerals, Ferrous

To (1) Cater to the needs of U.S. and other North American based pellet producers to assess the suitability of their pellets

for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production, (2) Provide technical support to companies interested in setting up natural gas

based DRI plants and in selection of the process and feed stock most suitable for their purpose, and (3) Use existing electric

melting furnace facilities at the University of Minnesota`s Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (CMRL) for smelting of

DRI products as a forward integration.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel making continues to expand worldwide because of its capital and operating cost

advantages, flexibility, relatively low carbon emission and environmental benefits. Currently, 65% of steel produced in the

U.S. is through the electric steelmaking route, and on a worldwide basis it has increased to 30%. With the long-term

availability of low cost natural gas, and hot charging of DRI, the economics of steelmaking have become very attractive. In

North America and elsewhere in the world, a number of projects with natural gas based DRI processes are either under

implementation or in the planning stages. The most important and established DRI production processes using the natural

gas reduction route are MIDREX & HYL.

A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) study, simulating typical HYL/MIDREX gas compositions, reduction temperatures,

etc., was carried out to optimize the reduction rate and quality of DRI produced. Specific information such as off-gas

composition, volume, temperature, etc., was collected. Tests were conducted on Minnesota low silica DRI grade pellets,

which were produced in the CMRL laboratory. Tests were conducted using 250g of pellets, with combinations of various

reducing gas compositions at a flow rate of 10 l/min. It was observed that the gas composition consisting of H2 70%, CO

25%, CO2 5% would be optimum for reduction. More than 95% metallization was achieved at 950°C. Due to limited

instrumentation, measurement of off-gas volume and its composition, water vapor, and other factors could not properly be

measured.

Three different sample weights of 250g, 500g, and 1000g, corresponding to bed heights of approximately 1.25, 2.50, and

5.00 inches, were evaluated with reducing gas consisting of H2 65% + CO 25% + CO2 5% + N2 5% at 10 l/min flow rate at

a reduction temperature of 950°C. Off-gas volume and composition were measured. Total condensed water was collected

following reduction. Significant reduction in off-gas volume took place in the first 10 minutes, depending on the sample

weight. These tests were quite useful in measuring the H2 percent (by difference) and utilization of reducing gases H2 and

CO during progression of the reduction process. For larger samples, good metallization can be achieved by increasing the

reduction temperature and/or using a higher amount of reducing gas flow. Proper instrumentation is needed to upgrade the

facilities.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Richard Kiesel

Sarat Panigrahy

Basak Anameric


1750-10417-20090-UMF00200,000PUF Mineral Endowment 06/01/2011 06/30/2014

$200,000Total

45

Investigate Ideas for Further Processing of Taconite Coarse Tailings at the Plant

Before Haulage and Stockpiling

Minerals, Ferrous

NRRI Duluth and Coleraine will work with each taconite facility to assess how and where coarse taconite tailings are

produced in the facility`s flow sheet, and to determine if simple physical methods can be used to efficiently, cost-effectively

recover one or more gradations from the process stream cost-effectively. Proposed work would include: 1) taconite plant

visit and flow sheet evaluation; 2) development of sample collection/recovery strategy; 3) collect sufficient sample for

physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization; 4) suggest possible recovery methods; 5) estimate cost and benefit

of implementing recovery methods; 6) summarize results and produce a final report of investigation.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Based on its taconite aggregate investigations to date, the NRRI feels there is an excellent opportunity for generating value-

added products on a modest scale at taconite facilities that make use of the full gradation spectrum of taconite coarse

tailings. For example, plants that use spiral classifiers to separate fine and coarse tailings are already doing much of what a

commercial aggregate washing/screening plant does to recover aggregate products like sealcoat chips, which are a premium-

value aggregate product. Depending on the gradation, such products can sell for $15 to $20 per ton, FOB producer. Some

specialty friction products, when dried and bagged, can sell for considerably greater amounts, e.g., over $150 per ton.

Limited progress occurred in the first half of 2013 due to ongoing and competing project commitments. However, given

recent developments in the potential for use of coarse tailings for high friction surfacing (HFS) applications and growing

interest from external parties, additional friction aggregate testing and material characterization will be conducted in the

second half of 2013.

Limited progress occurred in the first half of 2013 due to ongoing and competing project commitments. As is the case with

another project (Project ID 1616), supplemental friction/wear testing is being coordinated with the National Center for

Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University. NCAT's new testing protocols have taken longer than expected to

finalize, so friction and wear testing should now take place in the first half of 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck


3005-10416-0001443922,800MN Department of Natural Resources 05/01/2010 06/30/2011

$22,800Total

46

Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation - Product Development

Support

Minerals, Ferrous

NRRI to provide assistance with product development or improvement and processing design and efficiency to five

projects, averaging $20,000/investment, with project entrepreneur/small business providing in-kind and/or cash match to

expand the effort and to ensure that the entrepreneurs and small businesses are intimately involved in a hands-on manner in

the initiative.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

NRRI, together with its partners in the Minnesota Mining Cluster, will search out entrepreneurs and small business

suppliers/vendors and assist them with new product development, product improvement, and processing efficiencies to help

them either start new businesses or expand existing businesses, with the goal of job creation and new investment within the

cluster. NRRI has found that prospective partners have unique needs.

The existing Product Development Fund program procedures will be utilized for this piece of funding, and an application

has been developed to meet the parameters of the Economic Development Association portion of the funding. Preliminary

discussions are being held with internal NRRI Center for Applied Research and Technology principal investigators to

discuss potential projects. Four sub-project have been established: Green Heat Corporation, Yawkey Mineral Management,

ME ElecMetal, and KonCote Products.

Updates on projects: (1) Green Heat Corporation: Testing has been completed showing that a novel heat exchanger for a

cooking grill saves energy and provides economic benefits. The report has been completed and NRRI is working with Green

Heat to secure a restaurant demonstration. (2) Yawkey Minerals Management: Testing will be completed at the National

Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University in a joint NCAT/Federal Highway Administration laboratory test study

focusing on the friction characteristics of specific aggregate size fractions. This will benefit commercialization of this

product. (3) ME Electmetal: A screening trial was recently completed at the ME Elecmetal foundry in which several barrels

of system sand were collected. This feedstock was then used to setup and test the air table at a variety of settings to emulate

the recovery concentrations previously generated at NRRI. 290 lbs of concentrate have been collected for use in foundry

trials. (4)KonCote Products: Various sources of tailing materials have been acquired and used to conduct testing. Completed

tests include density determination, flexural strength, and compression strength. Impact strength testing is underway, and

water absorption testing will begin soon. Preliminary conversations are underway between KonCote and these suppliers.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Brian Brashaw

Steven Hauck

Timothy Hagen

Matthew Aro








$141,550Total

47

Modern Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator (WHIMS) Equipment

Minerals, Ferrous

To address a resurgence in the interest to recover oxidized iron minerals from crude ore, poor rock piles, and tailings around

the Minnesota and Michigan iron ranges. The success of companies such as Cliffs Natural Resources and Magnetation in

recovering hematite type ores by high intensity magnetic separation and silica flotation methods has demonstrated that this

is economically feasible. The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at their

Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory (CMRL) currently has efforts to develop hematite recovery flowsheets on local

resources, and is involved in other flowsheet development activities from oxidized ores from around the world. Of special

interest are the NRRI-owned poor rock piles that contain oxidized iron minerals, primarily located on the Essar property.

Ilmenite resources from Minnesota and worldwide can also be targeted with this technology. With a modern high-

performance wet high intensity magnetic separator (WHIMS) bench unit, CMRL would be able to target challenging ores

and maintain more realistic results, while testing this technology with ore from around the world. The desire is for UMD

NRRI CMRL to be a leader in processing oxidized iron ores, which requires the best technology to complement the

processing experience and equipment available to reach that goal.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Wet high intensity magnetic separator (WHIMS) technology has advanced over the years with the development of stronger

magnets, along with mechanical advancements in the industrial WHIMS units. Modern commercial units now have magnetic

field strengths one Tesla (1,000 Gauss) or higher. Modern vertical ring units utilize a pulsating fluid action in the collection

zone to achieve cleaning of the concentrate. Adjustments of magnet strength and pulses all the unit to be run in maximum

recovery mode, or maximum grade mode, or anywhere in between.

Recent work performed for a client on a tailings resource in Michigan has allowed UMD NRRI Coleraine to compare the

performance of three different WHIMS. The Carpco and Jones WHIMS units are two bench units located at CMRL. The

same material was also sent out to be tested on a modern high-performance vertical ring WHIMS unit as a comparison. All

three performed well when the high recovery/low grade option was used. But when the units were operated in the mode to

maximize concentrate grade, the modern vertical ring WHIMS had more than twice the iron recovery than the Jones at the

same concentrate grade. The modern vertical ring WHIMS unit also had twice the concentrate upgrading as compared to the

Carpco unit at the same iron recovery.

UMD/NRRI/CMRL solicited bids to purchase a modern high-performance vertical ring WHIMS unit to be used for bench

testing the technology. Such a unit was approved for purchase from Eriez Magnetics and is currently on order. It is expected

that currently funded projects that could utilize this equipment include: PUTF Oxidized Ore, PUTF Hematite Recovery,

EDA Minnesota Mining Cluster-TiO2 Ilmenite, and EDA Minnesota Mining Cluster-Lean Ore Stockpiles.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Matthew Mlinar

Tom Petersen



$63,000Total

48

Paired Straight Hearth Furnace Simulation

Minerals, Ferrous

To design and construct a furnace with electrical heating, capable of achieving 1600 degrees C in each of two separate

zones to accommodate a deep bed of pellets (nominal 120 mm height) and produce Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) under

conditions prescribed by the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI).

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Laboratory and pilot scale studies were conducted to simulate the paired straight hearth furnace (PSHF) process. The

objectives of this project were: to determine the operational conditions required for production of high quality DRI, and to

evaluate and assess the quality of DRI produced, using dried greenballs containing either magnetite concentrate or revert

materials.

A previous study was conducted to support AISI's ongoing efforts for commercialization of the PSHF process. This study

included investigation of kinetic and heat transfer constraints on the process, and evaluation of the DRI produced. This

study was conducted using a laboratory scale furnace that was developed by CMRL to simulate top down heating

characteristics of the PSHF process. Later, this study was further expanded to evaluate the process at a pilot scale.

Pilot scale simulation of the PSHF process was achieved in the CMRL linear hearth furnace (LHF). The studies were

conducted in four phases. The first, second, and third phases have been completed. The first phase included modifications to

the LHF to be able to simulate the PSHF. These modifications included: (i) modifying the furnace refractories to

accommodate the high operating furnace temperatures (1500°C), (ii) relocating the exhaust duct to zone 3 to allow for co-

current flow, (iii) modifying the ceramic fiber refractory on the furnace cart system to accommodate a deep bed of dried

greenballs, and (iv) lining the base of the sample carts with a single layer of dense brick to simulate a solid brick refractory

hearth for heat retention. In order to be able to contain emissive gases from the hot carts during loading of the dried

greenballs, an exhaust hood was fabricated and installed. The second phase included identification of operational

conditions. Experiments were conducted to determine operational conditions such as damper positions, fan speeds, cooling

rate, residence times, and burner oxygen to gas compositions, to simulate PSHF conditions. Experiments were also

conducted with two different types of carts, to determine the effect of heat retention on the sides of the cart on DRI quality.

The third phase included reduction of greenballs containing magnetite concentrate. Experiments were conducted to

determine the effects of furnace temperature, residence time, bed height and dried greenball molar carbon to oxygen ratio on

the process. The DRI samples produced throughout these experiments were sampled at the top, middle and bottom of the

bed, and analyzed for their quality.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Richard Kiesel

Basak Anameric


3010-10417-00019327379,288American Iron and Steel Institute 11/30/2010 03/31/2014

$379,288Total

49

Pellet Induration Modeling - Revised Pellet Drying Model

Minerals, Ferrous

To develop an improved pellet drying model for incorporation into Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) pellet induration

furnaces. The current drying model that was developed under the ArcelorMittal Straight Grate program for Iron Ore

Cooperative Research has proven difficult to converge. Our goal is to develop a computationally stable drying model, and to

complete the CFD Straight Grate Modeling effort.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

A CFD Straight Grate Model was developed by the investigators with Iron Ore Cooperative Research funds. This work was

sumamrized in a report issued to the industry in September 2011. However, the model exhibited erratic convergence at

times, requiring small time scales, leading to long solution times. This project will develop an alternative pellet drying

model based on the shrinking core concept. The shrinking core drying model is similar to the shrinking core model used for

magnetite oxidation. An initial drying rate assumes uniform evaporation until the moisture fraction drops to a critical value

determined from computer experiments validated with furnace experience. At the critical moisture content, the drying rate is

controlled through a combination of heat transfer to the pellet bed, and mass transfer resistance due to diffusion and

convection.

Simulations demonstrated that a recoup bleed stream could be used to increase the DDD process air temperature by 50–100

degrees F. However, the recoup bleed scenarios were only marginally successful at increasing evaporation rate.

Following completion of the ArcelorMittal simulations, a generic 38 wind box furnace grid (G38) was developed, as well as

a 60 wind box grid.

Simulations were performed with G38 and compared with ArcelorMittal’s 38 wind box furnace. These furnaces have the

same grate area, but different preheat and firing burner arrangements. The cooling wind box configuration was also

different. The Mittal furnace has a segmented cooling wind box arrangement, while the G38 was operated with a common

wind box. Both furnaces yielded similar performance results. The segmented cooler arrangement appeared to produce more

uniform cooling. A method for extracting gas flow and temperature conditions was formalized for specification of pot-grate

test conditions, to validate the model. Additional studies leading to better G38 furnace design were identified and could be

carried out as separate research projects. They include:

1. Optimizing cooling air flow across a production range. 2. Optimizing bed depth and grate speed for maximum production.

3. Optimizing drying zones with regard to total length, and split between up draft and down draft drying. 4. Optimizing

burner firing profiles in the firing and preheat zones. 5. Develop firing profiles for hematite concentrate feed. A final report

was drafted and will be issued in early 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Dave Englund

Richard Davis

Richard Kiesel



$132,001Total

50

Recovery of Iron Values from Lean Ore Stockpiles from Past Mining Activities in the

MMC, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation

Minerals, Ferrous

To conduct research regarding recovery of iron values from lean ore stockpiles remaining from past mining activities in the

Minnesota Mining Cluster (MMC) area.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

MMC has been producing iron ore for over 100 years. Over this period, piles of “lean ore”

containing from 27% to 50% iron have been generated and stockpiled across the TAA (Taconite Assistance Area). The

Minnesota DNR has tracked the generation of these stockpiles and tonnages on public lands that will soon be made

available. In addition, significant volumes of material are also held by private interests across the TAA. This represents an

enormous underutilized iron resource that has great value under current iron ore market conditions. Potential world-wide

markets exist for this upgraded material, and the processor network existing within the MMC could be utilized to recover

this iron and market the products once the technology is fully proven.

Besides conducting drill core sampling on lean ore stockpile reserves on the western Mesabi Iron Range, a drilling

contractor drilled a 10 million ton University owned lean iron ore stockpile on the eastern Mesabi Iron Range on the

previous LTV Steel Mining Company site in Hoyt Lakes, MN. Minus 200 Mesh Davis tube tests were run on these samples,

which produced a concentrate having 56.1% Tot. iron, and silica of 15.02%. Larger samples of this ore were then ground to

80% minus 325 Mesh and passed over 2 stages of low intensity magnetic separation (LIMS) to prepare a larger concentrate

sample. Flotation work was then completed on this magnetic separator concentrate to prepare a flotation concentrate with

lower silica. Silica concentration of this flotation concentrate was 7.86% SiO2. Further test work is planned to lower the

silica level in this flotation concentrate.

Meetings were held between NRRI, MN DNR Lands & Minerals Division, and UMD management to develop a plan to

advance the sale and marketing of University owned lean iron ore stockpiles. A proposal is being developed to put this plan

into action and begin moving University stockpiled ore in 2014.

To better characterize stockpiled ore, backhoe sampling of stockpiles has begun, which greatly reduces the cost of drilling

individual stockpiles. Currently, CMRL engineers have focused on characterizing University stockpiled ore near rail lines

so that ore could be loaded into rail cars directly from the piles using front end loaders, to reduce transportation costs.

Besides selling University lean ore stockpiles to taconite operations across the Mesabi Range, other markets for iron ore are

being considered, such as the Great Lakes cement industry.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


David Hendrickson

Paul Mack




$249,999Total

51

RGGS Core Metamorphism Biwabik Iron Formation

Minerals, Ferrous

To document the detailed stratigraphy of the Biwabik Iron Formation (BIF) with regard to bedding type changes in the

various iron-formation submembers, and to document the effects of metamorphism by the Duluth Complex in order to

spatially establish more up-to-date lines that separate specific metamorphic zones.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

There are very few publically-available drill cores of the Biwabik Iron Formation (BIF) from the eastern Mesabi Iron

Range. While this area has been extensively drilled by the mining companies, there are only four holes that are available to

the public. However, the core from 68 drill holes (over 20,000 feet of core drilled by United States Steel Corp.) from this

same area has recently been obtained from the RGGS Land Company in Virginia, MN. This core will be used to conduct a

detailed stratigraphic study of the BIF, as well as a study of the metamorphic effects to the BIF by the nearby Duluth

Complex.

A progress report was released in January, which is summarized aptly in the Previous Activity section by Mark Severson,

who is currently on a leave of absence. Work on the drill core, mineralogy, and petrology will be continued by John Heine

and Marsha Meinders-Patelke as time permits.

No work has been done on this project due to a more urgent project that required drill core logging.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


John Heine

Steven Hauck

Marsha Patelke



$75,000Total

52

Systematic Survey & Characterization of Amphibole

Minerals, Ferrous

The objective of this project is to physically, mineralogically, and chemically characterize amphibole and phyllosilicate

minerals that may become airborne particulates during processing of potential Duluth Complex ores and associated waste

rocks. This will be accomplished by scientific evaluations utilizing a wide variety of techniques including petrography,

scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Background

Ongoing and potential future activities involving mining Duluth Complex ore and associated waste rocks requires a need to

identify and characterize elongate mineral particles (EMP) of silicates that may become airborne as fine particulate matter.

Exposure to EMPs of phyllosilicates and inosilicates (in particular, asbestiform amphiboles) has been historically linked to

lung disease. Late stage deuteric alteration of the mafic minerals (for example, pyroxene and olivine) of the Duluth Complex

has the potential to produced hydrous secondary amphibole and phyllosilicate minerals in the rock. At the present time, the

detailed mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and mineral morphologies of these minerals are not well defined.

Elutriation results have been received. MLA analyses continue to be evaluated. Databases have been and continue to be

updated with newly obtained data. Data compilation, evaluation, and interpretation continues. Report writing has

commenced.

Data compilation, evaluation, and interpretation continues. Specific sections are being reviewed for photomicrographs.

Report writing continues.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Mark Severson

Steven Hauck

Stephen Monson Geerts

George Hudak



$102,000Total

53

Upgrading Iron from Lean Ore Stockpiles and Tailings Basins on the Mesabi Iron

Range and Producing Value-Added Iron Products

Minerals, Ferrous

To evaluate the low-grade stockpiled hematite ore and hematite tailings available from past mining operations on the

Mesabi Iron Range, and to ascertain the ability to upgrade the iron in the ore and tailings for production of value-added iron

products from these materials.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Millions of tons of hematite low-grade ore stockpiles and coarse tailing material containing 35-40% iron are available from

iron ore plants that operated in past decades on the Mesabi Iron Range. Since these ores and tailings are already crushed and

ground to a size which can be used directly in mineral processing concentrator flowsheets, operating costs are minimal to

turn these low-grade materials into value-added hematite concentrates containing 65-66% iron and 4-5% silica. Flowsheets

need to be developed to attract corporate operators to build low-cost concentrating facilities in northeastern Minnesota to

recover these valuable iron resources.

Drill core samples recovered through the use of ultrasonic drilling on a Western Iron Range iron ore stockpile located near

Nashwauk, MN, were analyzed as containing primarily hematite with a small amount of magnetite. A concentrator flow

sheet was thus designed by CMRL staff to upgrade this iron ore, which first utilized wet low intensity magnetic separation

(LIMS) to remove the magnetite component of the ore, followed by wet high intensity magnetic separation (WHIMS) of the

LIMS tailings to recover hematite iron units to give the circuit high iron recovery. This type of concentrator flow circuit is

currently being evaluated by several Minnesota taconite operations to recover hematite iron units currently being lost to

tailings in their low intensity magnetic separator circuits.

Work has advanced to identify University owned lean iron ore stockpiles on the eastern and western Mesabi Iron Range. As

previously described, stockpiled ore containing magnetite located in the Hoyt Lakes, MN, area has been drilled, logged, and

analyzed to evaluate its potential to be sold to nearby Minnesota taconite operations. Stockpiled ore on the western Mesabi

Iron Range contains primarily hematite. New equipment has been purchased at CMRL to process and concentrate this type

of iron ore. An Eriez pilot scale high intensity magnetic separator will soon be processing this hematite ore at pilot scale.

The concentrator pilot plant circuit at CMRL is being set up to concentrate both magnetite and hematite ores with this new

equipment that will simulate new circuit designs in MN taconite operations. These new circuits can be upgraded to

concentrate magnetite ore and hematite ore that was previously by-passed in the mining operations. Recovery of hematite in

our taconite operations, which were originally designed to only recover magnetite, will extend mine life and increase pellet

production.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


David Hendrickson

Paul Mack



$125,000Total

54

Utility of Taconite Materials as Road Patch for Highway Construction

Minerals, Ferrous

To confirm the utility of using inorganically bound taconite aggregate and concentrate as highway road patching and

construction materials.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Preliminary test work using a proprietary binder formulation has demonstrated the utility of using taconite mining products

as a highway patching material. Actual field demonstrations show that the material, if properly formulated, can act as a semi-

permanent patch.

No new work was performed in the first half of 2013. The modified formulation developed by NRRI in 2012 continued to

be evaluated by TCC Materials in 2013. It was also used in a March 1, 2013, field installation for the new MnDOT project.

In the second half of 2013, the Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory conducted laboratory tests of different

combinations of sized magnetite-containing taconite materials and chemical activator. This work provides the basis for more

focused work in the first half of 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck

Donald Fosnacht



1831-187-2680-0010,000Minnesota Power 02/08/2005 06/30/2014

$60,000Total

55

By-Product Aggregate, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation


To focus on implementation projects that introduce aggregate materials to targeted markets in project-sized quantities, value-

added commercialization opportunities, and promising avenues of taconite-based applied research. Program includes: •

Accelerated aggregate material qualification/certification program; • Development & deployment of mix and pavement

designs using high quality taconite aggregate materials in their upper wear courses; • Production of value-added products

from coarse taconite tailings, such as high friction bridge deck and airport runway surfacing aggregates; • Further

development and implementation of innovative concepts, products and technologies such as: pothole/paving compounds and

pursuing microwave-based technologies for all-season pothole and pavement repair; energy-absorbing materials for possible

defense applications; UV, solar, and geothermal heating and energy storage. This project area is highly dependent on private

sector and public sector interactions, negotiations, and timetables. Collaboration with private and public sectors at local,

state, and national levels will be a key for implementing these activities and leveraging project resources.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Construction materials and value-added aggregate by-products from mining have potential for economic development and

immediate job creation in Northeastern MN. Expanding the use of these byproduct materials is one leg of a three-legged

strategy for long-term economic stability and competitiveness of iron ore mining and steel-making industries. This strategy

also contributes to sustainability in that it maximizes resource utilization while contributing to reduced energy consumption.

1st Half 2013 Highlights:

1)Friction aggregate plant operational. Material certification testing underway for potential 2013 projects. 2)Interest in the

use of by-products for cement making continued. Working to coordinate a back-haul to allow for a bulk test shipment. 3)TX

interest in Mesabi aggregate was discussed with a northern MN producer. 4)Repair technology (microwave and rapid repair)

field testing continued in March of 2013. 5)Paving project identified in NW MN. Use of Mesabi aggregate for a small

project planned for July.

2nd Half 2013 Highlights:

1)Friction aggregate plant refined its process, and will operate at a new location in 2014. Material certification testing

continues. A high friction surfacing (HFS) project on a northern Minnesota highway is anticipated for the summer of 2014.

2)Cement discussions continued, with a meeting planned with interested parties in Toronto in early 2014. 3)Repair

technology (microwave and rapid repair) field testing continued, with additional microwave technology demonstrations

occurring in October and November. 4) Mesabi aggregate chipseal was used for a small project in NW MN. 5) 15.5 mile

paving project is being planned Lake Cty., MN. 6) Presentation of project findings at various venues took place and were in

preparation for future presentation.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck



$150,000Total

56

Comparative Performance Study of Chip Seal & Bonded Wear Course Systems Applied

to Bridge Decks and Approaches


To provide a comparative evaluation of the performance of several polymeric chip seal (PCS) and ultra-thin bonded wear

courses (UTBWC) applied to bridge decks, including sealing and corrosion protection attributes afforded to the deck, as

well as improved safety due to increased friction and retention of deicing chemicals as provided by the overlayer. Yearly

reports and a final report summarizing this comparative evaluation will be the products of this work.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Recent development and commercialization of various polymeric chip seal and ultra-thin bonded wear courses poses several

key questions with respect to the widespread application of these to bridge deck surfaces. Choices must be made among

those available in the absence of data allowing for sound comparative assessment. Primary concerns focus on the following

performance characteristics: 1) Materials quality and performance quality of materials in a given system, including both the

sealing material (e.g. polymer in a PCS system) and the aggregate component; 2) Skid resistance afforded by the overlay

system, evaluated by friction measurement over the first few years of service life; 3) Improved safety provided by higher

friction as manifested in accident reduction at the application sites; 4) Effectiveness of the sealing component to reduce or

eliminate chloride ingress into the deck as a consequence of the use of deicing chemicals; 5) Examination of issues relating

to moisture trapping at the seal coat/concrete interface which may cause premature degradation of the concrete, and; 6)

Cost/Benefit considerations as related to the above.

Aggregate testing and MnDOT skid testing results were reviewed with Prof. Eshan Dave. The results for taconite friction

aggregate look favorable. Additional samples will be submitted for aggregate testing and characterization in the second half

of 2013.

NRRI participated in field evaluations and documentation of several bridge deck systems in the fall of 2013. Locations

included Virginia, Carlton County, Twin Cities, and Fargo/Moorhead. Physical aggregate testing and characterization was

completed by UMD's Dept. of Civil Engineering. Supplemental friction/wear testing is being coordinated with the National

Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University. Finalization of NCAT's testing protocols was delayed, and

friction and wear testing is now expected to take place in the first half of 2014. Mineralogical tests will also be conducted in

early 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck



$31,790Total

57

Evaluate and Develop Innovative Pavement Repair and Patch


The project represents one part of a broader effort by MnDOT to evaluate current practices, materials, and policies for

pavement patching and repair, for both asphalt and concrete pavements, including evaluation of pothole patching practices,

basic pavement maintenance, utility repair methods, and rapid repair materials. The Natural Resources Research Institute

(NRRI) is focusing on two alternative approaches (both taconite-related). The first approach is a prototype

pavement/pothole repair compound formulation developed by NRRI that is fast-setting, taconite-based, and contains no

petroleum or portland cement. The second approach involves the use of a vehicle-based microwave heating system for in-

place pothole/pavement repair/recycling, a system for which taconite materials can enhance microwave heating efficiency.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The project represents one part of a broader effort by MnDOT to evaluate current practices, materials, and policies for

pavement patching and repair, for both asphalt and concrete pavements, including evaluation of pothole patching practices,

basic pavement maintenance, utility repair methods, and rapid repair materials. In support of this effort – and with the

support and cooperation of MnDOT and MnDOT District 1 – NRRI is conducting additional refinement, field testing, and

performance monitoring of two taconite-related approaches to pavement repair which rely on mixes/techniques that contain

(or are enhanced by) taconite mining byproducts and co-products.

Tasks 1 and 2 were completed. Task 1 activities: Literature review; material acquisition; formula/equipment

optimization/lab tests; prelim field tests. Task 2 also entailed field- and demonstration-ready deployment tests; testing of

multiple repair materials, methods, & heating products, including microwave vs. Heat Wurx; data compilation and analysis;

post-repair performance monitoring; and presentation at venues such as the TERRA Pavement Conference. Task 2 focused

on field demonstrations that took place in the fall of 2012 and March of 2013, as related to follow-up performance

monitoring and documentation of repair materials, methods, and equipment.

Task 3 was a continuation of activities described in Task 2. Microwave technology field tests took place in Oct/Nov 2013.

Microwave heating modelling was completed. Lab work was performed at CMRL on modifying the taconite-based road

repair compound. On Dec. 17, the PI made a presentation to a Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) - MnDOT Office of

Maintenance Partnership Meeting. An amendment to extend the end dates of project Tasks 3, 4, and 5 was submitted in

November, and was approved by the project's Technical Liaison (TL) and Project Coordinator (PC).

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck



$40,000Total

58

Geological Resources of Ox Tac Ore in the Vicinity of the Canisteo, Hunner, King,

Jennison, Buckeye, Jessie 1 and 2, and West Hill Mines: A Continuing Evaluation of

Ox Tac Resources in Itasca County


To: (1) produce a geological resource estimate of the oxidized taconite ore in the area of the Canisteo, Danube, Morrison,

Walker, Fletcher, Hunner, King, Jennison, and Buckeye mines (Sections 25, 36, R25W, T56N and Sections 20, 29, 30, 31,

R24W, T56N) in Itasca County, and (2) make the data available in a Geographical Information System (GIS) format that

can be used by industry, Itasca County, the State of Minnesota, and local towns and townships for use in future land-use

planning.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

A current Permanent University Trust Fund (PUTF) project is compiling data on the Judd, Sally, Plummer, Holman-Cliffs,

Homestead, Diamond, and Arcturus mine areas located northeast of this proposed study area. Approximately 20 to 30 years

ago, there was a great deal of activity aimed at determining the occurrence and quantity of oxidized taconite in both

Minnesota and Michigan, as well as evaluating alternative schemes for its exploitation. Currently, there is no mining on the

western end of the Mesabi Iron Range in Itasca County, but there has been and are many other uses, i.e., boating, water

resource management, other construction, that will directly affect the availability of these oxidized ores in the future. These

oxidized taconite, or non-magnetic ore reserves, could become economically beneficial in the future with new mineral

processing and mining techniques and with lower stripping and blasting costs. The study will provide these data in a GIS

format to local, county, and state agencies that are involved with land-use issues and will allow them to become more aware

of the mining potential of the area. Thus, it is hoped that these various entities will use the data to make informed land-use

decisions for the western Mesabi Iron Range.

No work was done on this project due to commitments to complete other projects.

No work was done on this project due to commitments to complete other projects.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck



$60,000Total

59

Modification of the NRRI Pellet Fines Removal System to Provide More Durable Wear

Parts to Improve the Physical Availability of the Unit to Minnesota Taconite Operations


To provide improved wear parts for the NRRI pellet fines removal system (FRS) to allow the belt to be operated at feed

rates of 300-350 tons per hour, 24 hrs per day, to remove pellet fines and chips without needing to replace chevron lifter

bars on the belt surface for at least 3-month intervals.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

An NRRI pellet fines removal system was previously developed at CMRL, which efficiently removed taconite pellet fines

and pellet chips without using vibrating screen components. The pilot scale apparatus was scaled up into a full-scale

operating unit, which was mounted on a trailer that could be transported to Minnesota taconite operations or blast furnace

steel plant operations for full-scale testing. Tests were initially run at a Minnesota taconite operation, and results showed

excellent separation of pellet fines and chips from whole pellets. Chevron-shaped rubber lifters fastened to the flat belt

surface were key to the separation process. However, they exhibited excessive abrasive wear, requiring replacement after

every 25,000 tons of pellet processing. Tests were run on a variety of high wear resistant materials, which showed that

chevrons made of AR400 steel gave the least abrasive wear from the pellets.

The newly modified NRRI fines removal system was tested at a Minnesota taconite operation. Test results indicated that the

modified system having the AR400 chevrons produced a screened pellet quality of only 98.4% A.T. at a pellet feed rate of

246 tph on the first day and a screened pellet quality of only 96.1% A.T. at a pellet feed rate of 218 tph on the second day.

These results are not sufficient to classify this technology as a replacement for vibrating screen technology used to produce

pellet screening of at least 99.5% A.T. at feed rates of 350 tph. Further analysis is being conducted to see if the NRRI FRS

is capable of further modifications to produce the required product quality at the required feed rates.

Further design analysis was conducted to work toward making the Fines Removal System capable of increasing pellet

screening tonnage to 350 tph while achieving the required product quality of 99.5% +1/4 inch sizing. The initial design

utilized large rubber chevrons secured to the flat conveyor belt surface to separate out pellet fines. The present modified

design replaced the large rubber chevrons with smaller AR400 steel chevrons to increase abrasive wear life of the chevrons.

The smaller AR400 chevrons greatly improved wear but greatly decreased screening efficiency and product tonnage rates.

Since the Fines Removal System needed high wear life chevrons but was not capable of delivering high screening efficiency

at the tonnage rates required with the wear resistant AR400 chevrons, the pellet screening device was not advanced. The

unique design of the Fines Removal System could not be modified to compete with multiple deck vibrating screening units

presently used in the taconite industry.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


David Hendrickson

Richard Kiesel



$52,335Total

60

Copper-Nickel-PGE Mineralization Potential of the Cloquet Lake Intrusion in Northeast

Minnesota


To conduct a first pass reconnaissance sampling campaign to evaluate potential of the Cloquet Lake Intrusion to host basal

Cu-Ni-PGE deposits and/or stratiform PGE reef deposits related to a sulfide saturation event.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Cloquet Lake Intrusion, comprising part of the Beaver Bay Complex, represents one of the largest Keweenawan-age

intrusions in northeast Minnesota. It is 2-3 times larger than either the Partridge River or South Kawishiwi intrusions, which

contain several Cu-Ni-PGE deposits. However, exploration for base and precious metals in Cloquet Lake Intrusion has been

limited to three drill holes. All three intersected massive sulfide at the basal contact, but PGE, Cu, and Ni values were

generally low; further exploration efforts were discontinued. Despite the lack of encouraging results, Cloquet Lake Intrusion

should still be explored for the following reasons: (1) it is situated near a buried crustal ridge of older country rock that may

have served as a local sulfur source for basal disseminated Cu-Ni-PGE sulfide deposits; (2) massive sulfide in the 3 holes

may be related to proximity to a vent wherein additional massive sulfide with higher Cu-Ni-PGE values (related to

fractional crystallization) may be present and could be located more distally to the vent; and (3) the layered nature of this

intrusion suggests that it may be possible that one or more stratiform PGE reefs (associated with low sulfide content) lies

hidden in upper portions of the intrusion. This project would be aimed at collecting more samples of weak to moderately-

mineralized rock in order to gain better appreciation of the mineralized potential of Cloquet Lake Intrusion.

The presence of dominantly gabbroic rocks suggests that a sulfide-poor, PGE-enriched reef (similar to a PGE-enriched reef

in adjacent Sonju Lake intrusion) may occur higher in the stratigraphy of the intrusion. Overall, economic potential of

Cloquet Lake intrusion remains low, based mainly on limited rock outcrops found and sampled in lower portions of the

intrusion.Data suggest that any Cu-Ni-PGE targets within the interior of the intrusion will be based solely on either

geophysical criteria or on glacial till sampling results. No further work has been done on this project as the PI Mark

Severson is on a leave of absence.

No further work has been done on this project since Mark Severson took a leave of absence. It will be complete upon his

return, should he return. If the later, John Heine will be responsible for completing the final report if no other work needs to

be done.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck



$15,000Total

61

Evaluation of Tailings Generated by CU-NI Ore Processing


To provide baseline data by characterizing Duluth Complex Cu-Ni ore tailings and assessing potential for additional mineral

recovery or value-added beneficial uses. Following physical, chemical, and mineralogical tests, potential end-use options

will be identified and prioritized for further bench/pilot scale testing. Short-term goals: thoroughly characterize the tailings,

determine viability of extracting additional value from them, e.g., oxide fraction, and identify realistic end uses. Long-term

goals: provide emerging non-ferrous mining industry and/or entrepreneurs with practical alternatives that are

environmentally sound to pursue, technologically simple to implement, and economically beneficial to practice.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Cu-Ni ore from Duluth Complex will generate more than 30 tons of tailings per ton of bulk sulfide concentrate produced.

This project will provide baseline data by characterizing Duluth Complex Cu-Ni ore tailings and assessing potential for

additional mineral recovery and value-added benefits. Following physical, chemical, and mineralogical tests, potential end-

use options will be identified and prioritized for further bench or pilot scale evaluation. Short-term goals: thoroughly

characterize tailings, determine viability of extracting additional value from them, e.g., the oxide fraction, and identify

realistic end uses. Long-term goals: provide emerging non-ferrous mining industry and/or entrepreneurs with practical

alternatives that are environmentally sound to pursue, technologically simple to implement, and economically beneficial to

practice. Short-term and long-term benefits to the State of Minnesota include reducing tailings disposal impacts, maximizing

resource use, and generating additional revenue streams.

Summaries of wet hi-intensity magnetic separation (WHIMS) and mineralogical analyses follow: WHIMS showed

separation is not sufficient to recommend this method to concentrate olivine from copper-nickel flotation tailings. Six

samples of Duluth Complex tailings were examined and have similar bulk mineralogy, consisting of plagioclase feldspar,

olivine, pyroxene and sheet silicates. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed additional oxide and sulfide mineral

phases. Competing project commitments again delayed completion of the final report.

Additional project work may be pursued in the second half of 2013. Discussions are planned for early 2014 with a new

UMD Dept. of Civil Engineering faculty member whose specialty is concrete and cement. A final report will be completed

as scheduling allows.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lawrence Zanko

Steven Hauck




$30,000Total

62

Further Evaluation of Diamond Base Metal and Precious Mineral Potential of

Minnesota Using Various Glacial Till Sampling and Analytical Methods


To: (1) compile all pertinent Minnesota geological and geophysical information that are relevant to the formation of

diamond pipes; (2) conduct additional processing and mineral analyses on some of the 120 previously collected glacial till

samples from the Vermilion District for mineral potential; and (3) conduct a down-ice glacial till demonstration study in the

International Falls area using the methods of Larson and other recognized glacial till sampling methodologies for identifying

kimberlite and base and precious mineral indicator minerals.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

In Canada, sampling glacial till has been successfully used to locate diamond pipes and base metal mineralization. Very

limited similar surveys have been conducted in Minnesota, but there has not been a systematic glacial till sampling survey

conducted in northern Minnesota.

No further work has been done on this project due to work on other projects.

No further work has been done on this project due to work on other projects.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


John Heine

Steven Hauck


1663-187-6586-0074,700MN Department of Natural Resources 08/10/2006 06/30/2008


$169,700Total

63

Non-Ferrous Hydromet, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation


To recover non-ferrous and precious metal resources from Minnesota Mining Cluster (MMC) mineral deposits using

hydrometallurgical processing methods, which avoid the use of high cost autoclave reactor vessels. The conditions for high

recovery of metals will be established, and the costs for implementation will be estimated based on the data produced.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Base and precious metal ore mineral deposits in Minnesota require beneficiation to produce a concentrate for further

refinement into metals. This project will explore mineral processing routes to make these concentrates, and alternative

hydrometallurgical routes for refinement of the concentrates into metals. Conditions for atmospheric pressure oxidation and

leaching will be explored, along with conditions for copper solvent extraction, precious metals leaching, precious metal

solvent extraction, iron precipitation from copper raffinates, and nickel and cobalt precipitation.

Approximately 100 kg of Minnesota copper/nickel ore was run through a ball mill with a target of 80% passing 150 mesh

for the ball mill discharge and greater than 91% passing 150 mesh on the ball mill screen undersize. Two runs were

conducted to determine the throughput and collector dosing rate, along with gathering more sample for bench testing.

Material gathered for analysis was also bench tested on the Denver flot machine at Coleraine. These tests were to confirm

previous bench scale tests as well as to ensure the pilot scale flotation will be high enough grade to send to Process

Research Ortech (PRO).

Rougher flotation tests with the mini pilot plant were also completed. Five separate rougher flotation runs were completed,

and the bulk concentrate sample was sent to PRO. Composite copper and nickel grades were approximately 9.6% and 1.1%,

respectively. PRO will start testing phase upon receipt of required documentation. All paperwork has been submitted to the

University of Minnesota and US Economic Development Agency (EDA) for approval.

The copper nickel concentrate sample (approximately 10 kg) was sent to PRO. Composite copper and nickel grades were

approximately 9.6% and 1.1%, respectively. EDA has given PRO permission to start testing leaching technology on the

concentrate sample. Matt Mlinar will travel to PRO to observe testing when the program begins. An interim report is being

written and is in the review phase.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Richard Kiesel

Matthew Mlinar




$275,001Total

64

Origin and Distribution of Chromium Mineralization in the Duluth Complex and Related

Keweenawan Intrusives in Minnesota, and Its Relationship to PGE Mineralization


To expand our knowledge of Cr-mineralization and its potential relationship to PGE mineralization by: (1) using existing

geochemistry data and collecting Cr-bearing samples for polished thin section analysis; (2) identifying other unassayed drill

core that may contain chromium mineralization, analyzing the drill core, and collecting samples for polished thin sections;

(3) supporting one Ph.D. thesis on the Birch Lake area that will investigate the PGE-Cr mineralization and relationships to

oxide mineralization; (4) conducting quantitative microprobe analyses to determine the various chromium-related minerals;

and (5) evaluating and further analysis of one chromium occurrence identified in a drill hole outside of the Duluth Complex.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Chromium (Cr) mineralization associated with PGEs in the Duluth Complex was first recognized by Sabelin and Iwasaki

(1985, 1986) in Du-15 in the Birch Lake area. The presence of chromium spinels was noted earlier by Weiblen and Morey

(1976) at the Spruce Road deposit. Severson (1995) identified chromium and platinum mineralization in drill hole SL-19

northeast of the Water Hen deposit. Severson (1991) identified Cr-rich spinels in the Local Boy ore zone of the Babbitt

deposit. Hauck et al. (in prep.) have identified a variety of Cr-rich spinel in the Birch Lake area, not all of which are directly

associated with PGE mineralization. In addition, Heine et al. (1998) reported 1.64% Cr2O3 in saprolite in a drill hole

drilled into a Keweenawan ultramafic body in Stearns County.

Based upon discussions with Dr. James Miller, UMD Geology Department, a graduate student will use the data collected to

date, and complete the study as a part of a M.S. thesis.

Graduate student has not yet been selected by Dr. Miller. No work has been done.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck



$76,000Total

65

Precambrian Research Center


To provide training and support to the next generation of geoscientists in modern methods of geological mapping and

mapmaking. This training will focus on the unique attributes of mapping the ancient Precambrian rocks of the southern

Canadian Shield. The Canadian Shield and similar terranes on every continent are host to many of the world`s premier ore

deposits.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Precambrian Research Center (PRC) was created at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)in 2006 to satisfy an

urgent, long-term demand for and critically low supply of geoscientists skilled in field mapping. The PRC seeks to reverse

the -decades-long decline in the teaching of geologic mapping skills in U.S. colleges and to provide advanced training to

professional geologists.

BOARD OF ADVISORS MEETING: Meeting took place on March 4, 2013 in Toronto.

FIELD CAMP: Planning/promotion was conducted for 7th annual Precambrian field camp, July 7-Aug. 16; 22 students

from 16 colleges across the United States were expected.

WORKSHOPS: Planning/promotion was conducted for workshop to be held Oct. 6-13 on the topic of “Copper, Nickel, and

Platinum Group Element Deposits of the Lake Superior Region,” co-sponsored by the Society of Economic Geologists and

nine contributing partners from industry.

STUDENT SUPPORT: UMD graduate students Aubrey Lee and Craig Caton were awarded PRC graduate research

assistantships during spring 2013 semester.

OUTREACH: PRC played a major organizational role in hosting the 16th annual Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop

held June 18-20 at Hibbing Community College. The workshop was attended by 76 K-12 earth science teachers from across

the state.

FUNDRAISING: Membership donations for the first half of 2013 totaled $48,000.

FIELD CAMP: The 7th annual Precambrian Field Camp was run July 7 – Aug. 15, 2013, attended by 22 students from 16

different universities. Planning/promotion (e.g. posters) for the 2014 field camp was conducted in the fall.

WORKSHOPS: Workshop titled “Copper, Nickel and Platinum Group Element Deposits of the Lake Superior Region” was

held Oct. 6-13, 2013. The workshop was attended by international mix of 67 participants, mostly from the minerals industry

and involving the expert contributions of 30 short course instructors and field trip leaders. The workshop included two days

of invited short course talks and five field trip days.

STUDENT SUPPORT: PRC awarded graduate research assistantships for the Fall 2013 semester to Adam Leu, Paul Fix

and Alex Steiner. The award to Fix was funded by Teck American and the award to Steiner was funded by Twin Metals

Minnesota

OUTREACH: PRC played a major organizational role in planning for the 2014 Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop

that will be held at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN from June 17-19, 2014.

FUNDRAISING: Membership donations for the second half of 2013 totaled only $2100 for an annual total of $61,800.

__________________________________________________________________________



Donald Fosnacht

Jim Miller

Dean Peterson

George Hudak



$150,000Total

66

Rare Earth Potential, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation


The purpose of this project is to conduct a multi-disciplinary geological and geochemical assessment of a variety of rock

types in Minnesota for potentially economic rare earth elements (REE) mineral deposits.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

China controls upward of 95% of the world production of rare earth elements. Recently, they have curtailed exports of these

elements, which are considered to be important critical and strategic minerals to the U.S. Based upon the reduction in

Chinese exports, there has been increased exploration worldwide for rare earth elements. Minnesota has favorable geology

that may contain rare earth element mineralization.

Work during the last six months concentrated on preparing samples for geochemical analyses and obtaining permission from

EDA to spend the funds for the analyses. One hundred seventy-three rock samples were sent out with two internal duplicates

and eight certified reference standards to check the accuracy and precision of the analyses. In addition to the unknown

certified standards and internal duplicates, NRRI requested reporting of all the analytical laboratories internal duplicates,

blanks, and certified reference standards as a further check on the quality of the analyses. Additional research went into

identifying rare earth minerals previously mentioned in Minnesota's geological literature. To date, eight rare earth mineral

species or mineral phases have been identified in the literature. These rare earth minerals occur in thirty Minnesota counties.

The samples were received and were being evaluated. Follow up on a sample previously assayed by the Minnesota

Geological Survey was located in the field, and additional samples were collected for the second round of analyses. The

samples will be prepared with others and sent out for analysis in the new year. Analysis of the previously collected samples

indicated some elevated rare earth samples with elevated thorium values, which can be indicative of the presence of elevated

rare earth elements, as can elevated fluorine values and uranium. These samples and the new samples will be evaluated

during the next 6-month period along with an outline for the final report.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck



$100,000Total

67

TiO2 Hydromet, Minnesota Mining Cluster - The Next Generation of Innovation


To recover titanium oxide (TiO2) from iron titanates using hydrometallurgical processing methods to produce high quality

titanium-bearing products for metals and pigment production. The process will be tested under laboratory and simulated

pilot conditions. Necessary processing conditions for potential commercialization by future mine operators will be defined,

and product quality of both titanium and iron-bearing products will be quantified.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Pigment-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2), used in many energy-saving products, is predominately produced from titanium-

rich slag imported from Canada. Conversion of slag to TiO2 is environmentally challenging due to high energy use and deep

well injection of the iron chloride byproduct. The project objective is demonstration of an alternative, low-energy,

environmentally-friendly combined mineral processing and hydrometallurgical process to generate TiO2 and high-value

byproducts from Minnesota titanium ore (ilmenite). The outcome of the project will be a credible demonstration of product

quality and process capability providing a path to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign sources of titanium dioxide, increase

energy efficiency of the TiO2 production process, reduce environmental burden, allow development of U.S.-owned mineral

resources, and provide high quality U.S. employment opportunities.

Approximately 150-200 tons of 6-inch size Minnesota ilmenite ore was made available for the project. Coarse +5-inch ore

was scalped off by grizzly and saved. Minus 5-inch size ore was crushed to pass 3/4-inch size. Approximately 10 lton of

minus 3/4-inch ore was saved in 30 each 55-gal. drums for use as mineral processing feed. Approximately 150 kg of minus

3/4-inch Minnesota ilmenite material was prepared by use of high pressure grinding rolls to 100% passing 20 mesh. The

material was then subjected to titanium concentration testing. Alternative concentrating technologies that were investigated

included: (1)Low intensity magnetic separation, (2) Dry belt high intensity magnetic separation, (3) Dry induced roll high

intensity magnetic separation, and (4) High tension (electrostatic) separation.

The final flowsheet consisted of high pressure grinding, low intensity magnetic separation, and high tension (electrostatic)

separation to achieve the 40% TiO2 concentrate. Additional scavenging circuits are currently being tested via high tension

(electrostatic) and dry high intensity separation. The required 20 kg of concentrate for Process Research Ortech (PRO) has

been created on the high tension (electrostatic) unit and utilized tails scavenging to increase titanium recovery. Concentrate

grade was approximately 40% TiO2 and 29% Fe. The final composite concentrate will be assayed and sent to PRO once the

proposal is accepted.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Matthew Mlinar

Paul Mack




$274,999Total

68

Northeast Minnesota White Cedar Plant Community Restoration Project

Peat, Horticultural

To reverse decline of northern white cedar wetland plant communities in Minnesota. The project will achieve its goals by

evaluating and prioritizing white cedar stands for restoration and preservation and through establishment of demonstration

restoration and preservation projects. Critical wildlife habitat and winter thermal cover will be restored and preserved for

white tailed deer, black bear, fisher, marten, and many songbirds in northeastern and north central Minnesota. The second

goal of the project will be to improve the quantity and quality of white cedar plant communities in northeast and north

central Minnesota. The project will accomplish this by development of a training program for local government resource

managers regarding:

• Restoration techniques for white cedar plant communities regarding site preparation and revegetation techniques and •

Protecting white cedar from damage by poorly designed wetland crossings for roads and trails.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) wetland plant communities have been declining in Minnesota for decades.

Currently white cedar regeneration success is extremely rare in Minnesota due to seedling damage from deer, snow shoe

hare and rodents and unsuitable seedbed conditions. Many mature white cedar stands have been lost due to high water levels

caused by poorly designed road crossings in wetlands.

All seven white cedar demonstration sites were established during spring 2013, with a variety of treatments, including

seeding cedar, planting white cedar seedlings, installing mesh tree protectors to protect seedlings from deer and rabbit

depredation, site thinning, water level controls, and co-planting cedar with tamarack and black spruce. A field trip titled

“Peatland Restoration: Cedar Swamps and Bogs” was hosted by NRRI and Michigan Tech staff on Sunday, June 2, as part

of the Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting held in Duluth, June 2-6, 2013. NRRI GIS staff assisted in identifying

additional Minnesota white cedar sites to monitor this fall.

NRRI personnel toured three of the white cedar demonstration sites with the MN Board of Water & Soil Resources and

other regulatory agency representatives in late-August 2013.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Kurt Johnson

Steven Hauck


3005-10415-0002782644,988MN Board of Water and Soil Resources 04/04/2012 06/30/2014

$44,988Total

69

Peat Expansion Premier Horticulture, Inc.

Peat, Horticultural

To locate, assess, and secure a suitable horticultural peat resource for Premier Horticulture, Inc., to allow expansion of their

Peatrex operation, and to initiate the environmental review and permitting process.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Premier Horticulture, Inc., contacted NRRI for assistance in expanding their Peatrex operation located west of Cromwell,

Minnesota. It is estimated that their current peat resource (approximately 240 acres) will be depleted in the next 5 to 10

years. Also, their packaging facilities are presently operating under capacity and could readily handle additional peat from

another resource, making the operation more cost-effective and profitable. An expansion would not only maintain present

employment at Peatrex, but would also result in 15 additional jobs at the processing plant and harvesting site.

Supplementary employment would also occur in spin-off industries such as trucking. NRRI will assist Premier Horticulture,

Inc., by: (1) conducting a detailed assessment of potential peat resources in proximity to the Peatrex operation, (2)

identifying financial assistance and other incentives available for peatland development from State, County, and local

agencies, and (3) assisting in the purchase or lease of the property, and beginning the environmental review and permitting

process required by Federal and State regulatory agencies prior to peat development.

Extensive progress was made on the Minnesota Local/State/Federal Application Forms for Water/Wetland Projects required

for the proposed Wright Bog project. After final review by Premier, the application will be sent to the appropriate agencies

early next quarter.

The Minnesota Local/State/Federal Application Forms for the proposed Wright Bog development were submitted to the

appropriate agencies in August 2013. The Wright Bog site was toured with Premier, DNR, MPCA, and U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers representatives in November 2013. Additional permitting and environmental review will continue in the coming

months.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Kurt Johnson

Steven Hauck


1673-187-6441-0099,982Minnesota Technology, Inc 07/01/1999 06/30/2004

1196-187-2428-00 10/25/2001 06/30/2014

$99,982Total

70

Restoration Strategies: Ditched Peatland Scientific and Natural Areas

Peat, Horticultural

This project will evaluate hydrology and habitat of the Winter Road Lake Peatland to determine the effects of ditch

abandonment and potential restoration on this peatland and others.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Winter Road Lake Peatland Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is located in Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties. It

is one of 18 ecologically significant patterned peatlands designated as SNAs by the Minnesota legislature. The natural

hydrologic condition of this high quality peatland was disrupted in the early 1900’s by the installation of many drainage

ditches and the Norris-Roosevelt Road. Resulting hydrologic and habitat changes degrade the ecological integrity of the

peatland, negatively impact species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), cause flooding in the basin, and impact the

human-built environment. The recently completed management plan for this SNA recommends further evaluation of the

existing drainage ditch and road systems to assess opportunities for restoring peatland hydrology and habitat. NRRI's role in

the project is to assist in review and analysis of data to determine potential restoration methods, including ditch blocking

and vegetation establishment/management, and to assist in a preliminary analysis to determine the potential for wetland

mitigation credits.


NRRI and DNR personnel visited the Winter Road Lake Peatland Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) in late October 2013.

Data and data loggers were collected from water well transects situated in various locations throughout the peatland. NRRI

personnel completed a progress report in December 2013 detailing initial site observations and potential ditch blocking

techniques.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Kurt Johnson

Steven Hauck



$29,180Total

71

Validation of Wetland Mitigation In Abandoned Borrow Areas - Phase II

Peat, Horticultural

To develop cost effective methods for creating functional mitigation wetlands in abandoned borrow areas that meet

regulatory permit requirements and are an integral part of road construction projects.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Wetland impacts are often an inevitable consequence of road construction requiring compensatory mitigation. Northeast

Minnesota still retains more than 80 percent of its pre-European settlement wetland acreage presenting very few

opportunities for traditional mitigation such as wetland restoration. Abandoned borrow areas that have been excavated for

road construction materials are one of the few remaining areas that can serve as wetland mitigation sites within the impacted

watersheds. In a previous project "Wetland Mitigation in Abandoned Gravel Pits" a demonstration site was established to

evaluate techniques for creating fresh meadow, shrub swamp, wooded swamp, and bog wetlands in abandoned gravel pits.

Preliminary results are encouraging, but continued monitoring is needed to determine long-term success. This project would

continue monitoring for the existing demonstration site wetlands for an additional three years. The effect of established

treatments such as donor soil and seed mixes on native plant cover, species richness and diversity will be the primary focus,

with special attention to monitoring and control of invasive plant species. Additional vegetation monitoring will also be

conducted on other mitigation sites within the U.S. Trunk Highway 53 reconstruction corridor to evaluate their progress.

The overall goal of the project is to develop cost effective methods for creating functional mitigation wetlands in abandoned

borrow areas that meet regulatory permit requirements.

The Task 4 "Annual Summary Report - FY2013" was completed and submitted. Task 6 "Data Analysis and Interpretation -

FY 2012" was also completed and submitted. June 2013 vegetation surveys have been completed for all sites, and water

level monitoring has been ongoing throughout the growing season. “Sphagnum Establishment on Created Gravel Pit

Wetlands” based on research conducted at the MnDOT project site was presented at the Society of Wetland Scientists

Annual Meeting held in Duluth, June 2-6, 2013.

A new survey/sampling protocol was developed using GPS/ArcGIS technology to identify and map the location and extent

of the various plant communities present on the mitigation sites. Site mapping and vegetation surveys using the new protocol

were conducted in October 2013 for all 14 mitigation sites.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Kurt Johnson

Steven Hauck



$142,023Total

72

Wetland Banking Fens Research Facility

Peat, Horticultural

To restore most of the effectively drained fields at the Fens Research Facility (Fens) to a variety of wetland types so new

wetland credits can be deposited into a state wetland bank for future withdrawal as wetland mitigation credits.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

For about 100 years, the Fens has been used for agriculture, horticulture, fuel peat production, and peatland research. The

peat soils have been intensively drained. With recent demand for wetland mitigation credits, the Fens became a candidate

for peatland restoration. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Minnesota Department of

Transportation (Mn/DOT) approached NRRI about establishing numerous wetland banks at the Fens. After lengthy review,

five banks are in the process of being established. A variety of wetland types are being established. New wetland credits

(NWC) are being deposited into BWSR wetland banks. NWC are used for wetland replacement mitigation following loss of

wetlands as a result of road construction in Northeast Minnesota.

In 2002 and 2005, the University of Minnesota (UM) entered into agreements with BWSR and Mn/DOT to restore 333.2

acres of drained peatlands for NWC at the Fens. Under the 2002 and 2005 agreements, land was cleared, vegetation was

killed, and the soil was rototilled. Subsequently, ditches were filled, the land leveled and donor material (plant fragments)

from nearby bogs was gathered and spread at the Fens. Water wells and vegetation plots were monitored, and herbicide was

sprayed on invasive species in August and September of each year since bank establishment. In 2008, UM entered into

another agreement with BWSR to restore 145.4 acres of drained peatlands for NWC at the Fens. In 2009, construction and

establishment of monitoring sites followed the same process as that for the 2002 and 2005 agreements.

In October 2013, BWSR approved the final deposit of NWC for all wetland banking projects at the Fens. The projects

resulted in a total of 454.1 acres of NWC. This concluded a thirteen-year relationship between NRRI and BWSR. The U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has certified 334.1 acres of these NWC, and NRRI is applying for release of the

remaining 120.0 acres. The Corps and NRRI have signed Mitigation Banking Instruments (MBI) for perpetual care of the

334.1 Corps certified acres. An MBI is in final stages of preparation and review for the remaining 120.0 acres. A 25.44-acre

wetland bank (Bank V) at the Fens, developed solely by NRRI/UMD, is in the process of being approved by BWSR and the

Corps. Also, routine maintenance was done on the facility and equipment as the field season ended.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Steven Hauck

Thomas Malterer


1196-187-2426-00 05/01/2001 06/30/2014

$Total

73

Chemical Modification of Peat Granules Surface For Waste Water Treatment


To develop environmentally beneficial peat-based material that will exhibit an anion exchange properties for water

remediation purposes.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

High levels of sulfates released from Minnesota's mining industry are suspected of diminishing Minnesota's native wild rice

beds. The wild rice grew best in mucky water with a sulfate concentration of 10 parts per million or less. The state is

reconsidering its current standard for sulfate in wild rice waters, but until recently it hasn't been enforcing the existing

standard. Several available treatment processes can be organized in 4 categories: (1) chemical treatment with mineral

precipitation, (2) membrane technologies, (3) ion-exchange technologies, and (4) biological sulfate removal. All these

technologies are expensive or based on using non-renewable resources; therefore, a new and cheaper solution is required.

This research project is dealing with a development of new peat-based granular media with anion exchange properties

targeting an absorption of sulfate anion from waste water. Peat is partially decayed vegetation that accumulates in wetland

bogs and fens. Approximately 15 percent of Minnesota is covered with this valuable resource. Peat has been investigated as

a sorbent for the capture of dissolved metals, which usually represent a cation exchange mechanism. American Peat

Technology, LLC, partnered with NRRI to develop environmentally beneficial peat-based media that can be used for

purification of agricultural, mining, and industrial waste water from anion contaminates like sulfates.

The procedure of attaching the precursor group to the surface of peat granules was developed. It was shown (phase 1) that

reaction of precursor group with amines occurred with formation of quaternary ammonium group on the peat surface. This

ammonium group exhibited an anion exchange property. Structurally different quaternary ammonium groups have been

attached to the surface of peat granules and activity toward absorption of sulfate anion was observed. The team also

demonstrated that a developed technique can be used to screen the structure of amino groups targeting the selectivity of

attaching the sulfate anion. This discovery led to a second phase of the project – development of the laboratory procedure

of attaching a quaternary ammonium group that will be able to withstand multiple loading and regeneration phases.

The team is working toward the second phase of the project – development of the laboratory procedure of attaching a

quaternary ammonium group that will be able to withstand multiple loading and regeneration phases. The chemical

approach of attaching amine group onto peat surface has been identified with potential to create 40 mmol of active anion

exchange groups per 100 g of peat material.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Igor Kolomitsyn


3000-10419-00027373117,410American Peat Technology, LLC 10/01/2011 12/31/2014

$117,410Total

74

Development Of Peat-Based Media For Waste Water Treatment


To develop environmentally beneficial peat-based products that can replace chemical treatments for agricultural and

remediation purposes.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Peat is partially decayed vegetation that accumulates in wetland bogs. Approximately 15 percent of Minnesota is covered

with this valuable resource. Peat has been investigated by several researchers as a sorbent for the capture of dissolved

metals from waste streams. Utilization of peat and other biomass materials for treatment of waste water containing heavy

metals is gaining more attention as a simple, effective and economical means of pollution remediation. Besides being

plentiful and inexpensive, peat possesses several characteristics that make it an effective media for the removal of dissolved

metal pollutants. Drawbacks of using peat are its low mechanical strength, high affinity for water, poor chemical stability,

tendency to shrink and/or swell, and leaching of organic compounds. American Peat Technology, LLC, partnered with

NRRI to develop environmentally beneficial peat-based products that can be used for purification of agricultural and

industrial waste water. Developed peat products should overcome the major drawbacks of parent peat material, and should

also either inherit parent peat properties to absorb heavy metals or else have additional chemical and physical properties that

will be useful for agricultural and remediation purposes.

An NRRI Team is leading the effort to develop environmentally beneficial peat based products for water remediation

purposes. The team developed a new generation of peat granular product - APTsorb III. The product is designed to adsorb

heavy metals from industrial and storm waters to meet EPA regulations. A patent application was submitted to United Stated

Patent Office covering the newly developed water remediation technology and the product. The team also has measured

and plotted the dependence of flow velocity vs the absorption capacity of APTsorb III. It was shown that APTsorb III

exhibits the preferred selectivity of adsorbing cadmium ion compared to zinc ion. Several industrial trials are currently

underway. Additional funding has been secured to further describe the adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of newly

developed product.

Newly developed APTsorb III peat granules underwent a series of column performance tests to measure absorption capacity

and selectivity toward adsorption of manganese and zinc ions. It was shown that APTsorb III exhibits the lower adsorption

capacity for manganese compared to cadmium with capacity as high as 3.5 mg/g. This number was confirmed in the

independent industrial trial. It was also found that the sorption capacity of zinc on APTsorb III peat media depends on a

contact time. This can be an indication of a different adsorption mechanism of zinc compared to cadmium. Several

industrial trials are currently underway.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Igor Kolomitsyn


3000-10419-00009400227,341American Peat Technology, LLC 11/13/2009 12/31/2014

$227,341Total

75

Center for Applied Research and Technology – Program Notes

Forestry/Forest Products

Personnel

Suzanne French was hired as a scientist. Sue will be working with the market oriented wood technology

program.

Ben Niemann was hired as an undergraduate research assistant. Ben is a senior at the University of

Minnesota Duluth in the electrical engineering program.

Wen Chen completed here MBA studies and fulfilled her employment obligation to NRRI.

Patrick Donahue completed his MS Engineering Management degree at the University of Minnesota

Duluth.

Scientific Meetings/Presentations

Bill Berguson gave a presentation of progress on Red Pine thinning research to the Minnesota Forest

Industries Advisory Board. This presentation highlighted results from NRRI’s forestry network of

thinning trials and implications to land managers.

Brian Brashaw gave a presentation entitled “Overview of National Timber Bridge Inspection

Study at the 18th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium held

in Madison, Wisconsin, in September 2013.

Brian Brashaw gave a presentation entitled “Acoustic Assessment Technologies for Optimal

Wood Products and Biomass Utilization” at the 18th International Nondestructive Testing and

Evaluation of Wood Symposium, held in Madison, Wisconsin, in September 2013.

Brian Brashaw gave a presentation entitled “Nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood –

research and technology transfer in North America” at the 18th International Nondestructive

Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium held in Madison, Wisconsin, in September 2013.

Brian Brashaw gave a presentation entitled “Field Performance of Timber Bridges: A National

Study” at the 2nd

International Conference on Timber Bridges in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October

2013.

Brian Brashaw gave a presentation entitled “Biomass Heating Opportunities for Minnesota” to

the Minnesota Rural Energy Board, in Slayton, Minnesota, in November 2013.

Posters

Brian Brashaw, K. Ekholm, and J. Wacker. 2013. Lightweight decks for historic covered

bridges. Poster presentation at the 2nd

International Conference on Timber Bridges in Las Vegas,

Nevada, in October 2013.

Publications

M. Aro, B. Brashaw, P. Donahue, and D. Fosnacht. 2013. Twin Cities Business, December 20, 2013.

The Future of Trees. (Article was printed in hard copy as well as online:

http://tcbmag.com/Opinion/Columns/Northern-Exposure/The-Future-Of-Trees).

B. Brashaw, J. Wacker, and F. Jalinoos. 2013. Field Performance of Timber Bridges: A National Study.

In: Proceedings of the 2nd

International Conference on Timber Bridges, Las Vegas, Nevada.

76

http://tcbmag.com/Opinion/Columns/Northern-Exposure/The-Future-Of-Trees

J. Wacker, B.K. Brashaw, and F. Jalinoos. 2013. Overview of National Timber Bridge Inspection Study.

In: Proceedings of the 18th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium,

Madison, Wisconsin.

Brian Brashaw, X. Wang, R.J. Ross, H. Xu, and D. Fellman. 2013. Acoustic Assessment Technologies

for Optimal Wood Products and Biomass Utilization. In: Proceedings of the 18th International

Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium, Madison, Wisconsin.

Tim Hagen. 2013. A confidential report was issued to A New Leaf Energy. Natural Resources Research

Institute Technical Report Number NRRI/TR-2013/20.

Tim Hagen. 2013. Fuel and Pellet Characterization of Cattail Biomass. Natural Resources Research


Tim Hagen. 2013. A confidential report was issued to Midwest Gypsum. Natural Resources Research


Victor Krause. 2013. A confidential report was issued to Sappi. Natural Resources Research Institute

Technical Report Number NRRI/TR-2013/25.

Victor Krause. 2013. A confidential report was issued to Omnova Solutions, Inc. Natural Resources

Research Institute Technical Report Number NRRI/TR-2013/30.

Victor Krause. 2013. A confidential report was issued to Northern Contours, Inc. Natural Resources


Tim Hagen. 2013. A confidential report was issued to Beneficial Reuse Management. Natural Resources


Victor Krause. 2013. A confidential report was issued to Northern Contours, Inc. Natural Resources


Outreach

College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota: Matthew Aro presented a seminar to High School Students

participating in the Engineering Field Camp in July from the College of St. Scholastica.

KonCote Products, Inc. and the Itasca Economic Development Corporation: Matthew Aro provided

technical and marketing assistance to KonCote Products, Inc. and the Itasca Economic Development

Corporation to assist KonCote Products, Inc. in determining the technical and economic feasibility of

siting a new Eltomation mineral-bonded strandboard plant in northern Minnesota.

Purdue University: The forestry team provided technical assistance to Purdue University to assist them in

estimation of biomass in poplar plantation research trials.

ArborGen LLC: The forestry team provided technical assistance to ArborGen LLC to assist in the

evaluation of hybrid poplar clone tests in the South East.

Java Cycle, Lonsdale, Minnesota: Tim Hagen was contacted for help and insight on how to process Jute

fiber coffee sacks into fire starter material. Tim provided densification options for consideration and

produced some prototype samples.

Jarden Home Brands, Cloquet, Minnesota: Tim Hagen was contacted for help with match and paper waste

disposal problem. A plant tour was arranged to identify the scope and extent of the problematic match

waste. A potential project was discussed. 77

Alex Danovich: Tim Hagen was contacted by Alex Danovich who wanted to discuss economics of

mattress recycling. Tim met and discussed the attributes and benefits of mattress recycling with Alex.

Peat Works, Lake Mills, Iowa: Tim Hagen was contacted by Charlie Payne, of Peat Works. Charlie

inquired on beneficiation and wet land restoration options for Hypnum Peat Moss. Tim provided insight

and perspective for bioenergy, biofilter, green roof, and agricultural applications for hypnum peat moss.

OMNOVA Solutions, Inc., Monroe, North Carolina: Victor tested laminated panels for warp, cup and

twist after humid and dry exposure. A report was provided to OMNOVA with results.

Van Technologies, Inc., Duluth, Minnesota: Victor provided evaluation of Kitchen Cabinet

Manufacturers Association (KCMA) tests and adhesion tests on samples provided by Van Technologies,

Inc.

LP Building Materials, Nashville, Tennessee: The Market Oriented Wood Technology Program provided

LP Building Materials a confidential performance testing of OSB panel products.

Masonite International, Tampa, Florida: The Market Oriented Wood Technology Program provided

Masonite International confidential performance testing of door components.

Wakaiagon Innovation Business Development, Cass Lake, Minnesota: The Market Oriented Wood

Technology Program provided Wakaiagon Innovation business development assistance in an effort to

create a prefab modular housing plant. In addition this same effort included assisting the Koochiching

Country Economic Development Authority business development assessment of the project.

Wholetrees LLC, Madison, Wisconsin: The Market Oriented Wood Technology Program provided

Wholetrees LLC a technical assessment and business development assistance in an effort to expand their

business into commercial construction applications.

ThermoWood of Minnesota, Pallisade, Minnesota: The Market Oriented Wood Technology Program

provided ThermoWood of Minnesota technical assistance in the development of new modified terrace

wood decking products.

Dixon-Moody Timber Group, Auburn, Alabama: The Market Oriented Wood Technology Program

provided Dixon-Moody Timber Group technical assistance in the development of a new proprietary

modified wood product.

International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium, Organizing Committee: Brian

Brashaw served on the International Organizing Committee and as Moderator Chair for the 18th

International Symposium that was held in Madison, Wisconsin on September 24-27, 2013. This

conference was attended by over 180 participants from over 30 countries. Brian is also serving on the

International Organizing Committee for the 19th Symposium to be held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil on

September 22-25, 2015. The University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil will serve as the host

organization.

Heating the Midwest with Renewable Biomass: Brian Brashaw served as chairperson of their steering

committee, and has worked to develop the 2014 Heating the Midwest Conference and Expo. He also

spearheaded the development of the 2014 operating plan.

Region Five Development Commission (Staples, Minnesota) and Minnesota Department of Employment

and Economic Development (St. Paul, Minnesota): Brian Brashaw continued to provide support to the

regional planning grant provided to Region Five and Minnesota Department of Employment and

Economic Development for the development of a Minnesota Renewable Energy Proof of Concept Center.

Brashaw provided key contacts and review information for the development of the final report. 78

Chicago Mattress, Chicago, Illinois: Tim Hagen provided input and insight about challenges and

opportunities related to mattress recycling. He provided shared opportunities for volume movement of

cotton into fuels and or insulation markets.

George Hovland, Duluth, Minnesota: Victor Krause discussed plastic types and technology that is

currently used for outdoor skiing in summer or non-snow months. George was seeking assistance in

determining if there was a more user-friendly technology that was not currently being manufactured.

George hopes to open a summer skiing facility for both cross-country and downhill in the area.

Steger Mukluks, Ely, Minnesota: Victor Krause provided information about several types of plastic that

could be used as mold stock for their mukluk footwear. Samples were provided for their assessment.

Becker County Environmental Services, Becker, Minnesota: Brian Brashaw provided information on the

relationship between moisture content and BTU of wood chips. They are considering a new collection site

for the county to process branches and small wood, then selling it to a business that is heating with wood

chips. This may result in new markets for urban waste wood to increase biomass heating.

Hawks Boots, Inc. - Epicurean Cutting Surfaces/Loll Design/Intectural, Duluth, Minnesota: NRRI

continued evaluation of raw materials for Loll by exposure to exterior weathering. NRRI staff continued

to identify product and manufacturing options for utilization significant volumes of waste materials

produced by Epicurean.

Cirrus Design, Duluth, Minnesota: NRRI conducted laboratory conditioning of fabric samples for flame

spread testing. Ongoing testing of resin flow of fiberglass samples was conducted as part of Cirrus’

ongoing quality assurance program.

Northern Contours, Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Victor Krause conducted scratch, mar testing, heat

resistance testing, boiling water resistance testing, and steam exposure testing for a variety of wood and

laminate cabinet door products.

Facilities

Additional operating devices were added to the thermally modified wood pilot plant – including a new

water pressure pump, new water fogging nozzles, and a replacement safety valve.

The greenhouse is being used as part of the 2013/14 poplar breeding cycle. The controlled climate facility

will be in in February to pre-treat cottonwood female plants as part of the breeding program to increase

plant vigor and breeding success.

Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory

Personnel During this semi-annual period, new temporary employees, Patrick Casey and Robert Chapman, were

hired on at the Coleraine Lab (October), to help cleanup out buildings, and prepare for setup of new

projects. After the cleanup, Patrick Casey was hired back to accommodate for the rising work load of the

MN DOT drill core project.

Scientific Meetings/Presentations Hydrothermal Carbonization as a Versatile Biomass Pretreatment Technology, A. Khotkevych, D.

Fosnacht. Poster presentation presented at TCBiomass2013 International Conference, Chicago, Sept.

2013. The poster available online at

http://www.gastechnology.org/tcbiomass2013/tcb2013/tcbiomass2013-Pretreatment-Student-Posters.pdf

79

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of a Straight Grate Pellet Induration Furnace, David J.

Englund, Dr. Richard A. Davis, Richard F. Kiesel, 3rd Corem Symposium on Iron Ore Pelletizing,

Quebec City, September 29 – October 2, 2013. The symposium was attended by Dr. Richard Davis UMD

Chemical Engineering, Richard Kiesel and Dr. Basak Anameric of Coleraine, as well as George Hudak

(Duluth Minerals).

Production of High Quality DRI Grade Pellets, B. Anameric, R. Kiesel, T. Kemp, Advanced Sustainable

Iron and Steelmaking Conference, (ASISC), August, 2013 at Michigan Technological University,

Houghton, MI

Economic Geology and Peat Group

Rare Earth Element Project In reviewing geochemistry in previous publications of the Minnesota Geological Survey, one sample with

over 11,000 ppm total rare earth elements and anomalous thorium values was found. A request to the

Minnesota Geological Survey for a split of the sample was received and will be reanalyzed. Additional

samples were collected in the fall from the location of the sample, and these will be reanalyzed once

permission to expend the funds is received from the Economic Development Agency, which is funding

the project. Additional splits of the newly collected samples were submitted to Dr. William Gosnold at the

University of North Dakota at Grand Forks for radioactivity (U, Th, K) analyses to verify and supplement

the chemical analyses. Thermal conductivity analysis will be conducted as time allows. These samples

and other submitted samples will be used by Dr. Gosnold to revise the geothermal heat flow map of

Minnesota. The newly collected samples have also been sent out to have polished thin sections made to

help identify the mineralogy of these anomalous samples.

IREE-Compressed Air Storage Project Julie Oreskovich continues to locate old underground mining maps in the Cuyuna District related to the

old manganese mines. These maps of the mining shafts and underground workings will be considered as

possible storage caverns for compressed air storage, which is used to supplement the electrical grid when

usage is high.

Peat

Wetland Banking Fens Research Facility Fall of 2013 marked the end of a thirteen year relationship between the Minnesota Board of Water and

Soil Resources (BWSR) and NRRI. Through several joint powers agreements (JPA), BWSR paid NRRI

$4.5 million to convert much of the Fens Research Facility (Fens) from effectively drained farmland to a

fully functioning Sphagnum moss bog. In addition to successfully implementing new and innovative

wetland restoration techniques, NRRI was instrumental in bringing consensus among the principal

regulatory stakeholders in the project; i.e. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Soil and Water

Conservation District (SWCD) and BWSR. The farmland-to-bog conversion resulted in about 454.1 acres

of new wetland mitigation credits which are being used to replace wetlands that are destroyed by state,

county and township road projects in Northeastern Minnesota. The replacement wetlands significantly

add to economic benefits generated by better and safer roads in the region.

Personnel Mark Severson is in the second year of a requested leave of absence to work for Teck American, in

Babbitt, on their Mesaba Cu-Ni deposit.

Scientific Meetings/Presentations/Papers Lodge, R.W. D., Gibson, H. L., Stott, G. M., Hudak, G. J., Jirsa, M. A., and Hamilton, M. A., New U-Pb

Geochronology from Timiskiming-type Assemblages in the Shebandowan and Vermilion Greenstone

Belts, Wawa Subprovince, Superior Craton: Implications for the Neoarchean Development of the

Southwestern Superior Province: Precambrian Research, v. 235, p. 264-277. 80

Benkó, Zs., Mogessie, A., Molnár, F., Severson, M. Hauck, S., and Arehart, G., 2013, Cu-Ni-PGE

mineralization in the granitic footwall of the Spruce Road deposit, South Kawishiwi Intrusion, Duluth

Complex, Minnesota, USA [abs]: Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits, Mineral deposit

research for a high-tech world,12th Annual Meeting, Uppsala, Finland, p. 948-951.

Benkó Zs., Molnár F., Mogessie A., Severson M., Hauck S.A., and Arehart, G.B., 2013, Cu-Ni-Au-PGE

transport in the partially molten charnockitic footwall of the Spruce Road deposit, South Kawishiwi

Intrusion, Duluth Complex, Minnesota, USA [abs.]: Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits,

Mineral deposit research for a high-tech world, 12th SGA Biennial Meeting, Uppsala, Sweden, p. 952-

955.

Benkó Zs., Molnár F., Mogessie A., Poulson S.R., Arehart G.B., Severson, M., Hauck S.A., 2013, Sulfur

isotope variation of sulfide ores in function of footwall-magma contamination within the Bathtub

Intrusion, Duluth Complex, USA [abs.]: Mitteilungen der Österreichischen Geologischen Gesellschaft v.

159, Minpet 2013 Conference, Graz, Austria, p. 39.

Raič, S., Mogessie, A., Molnár, F., Severson, M., Hauck, S.A., 2013, Arsenic-enriched Cu-Ni-PGE

mineralization in Wetlegs, Duluth Complex, St. Louis County, Minnesota, USA [abs.]: Mitteilungen der

Österreichischen Geologischen Gesellschaft, v. 159, Minpet 2013 Conference, Graz, Austria p.

Outreach Hudak, G. J., 2013, A Worldwide Comparison of Proterozoic-Age Districts Containing Volcanogenic

Massive Sulfide Deposts – An Update Based on New Geological Studies in the Penokean Volcanic Belts:

Wisconsin: Presentation to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Wisconsin Chapter

Meeting, September 17, 2013.

Precambrian Research Center Professional Workshop on Cu-Ni-PGE Deposits of the Lake

Superior Region, October 6-13, 2013. The sixth professional workshop organized by Precambrian

Research Center was held October 6-13, 2013 and was attended by international mix of 67 participants,

mostly from the minerals industry. The workshop also involved the expert contributions of 30 short

course instructors and field trip leaders. The workshop included two days of invited short course talks on

the attributes of magmatic sulfide deposits, especially those occurring in the western Lake Superior

region, and five days of field trips, including visits to the Eagle Ni-Cu-PGE Mine near Marquette,

Michigan and the Lac des Illes Pd mine outside Thunder Bay, Ontario. The PRC welcomed the Society of

Economic Geologists as a cosponsor of this year’s workshop. Presentations by Precambrian Research

Center Personnel included:

- Miller, J., 2013a, Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Midcontinent Rift

- Peterson, D., 2013, Maturi/Birch Lake Cu-Ni-PGE Deposit, Duluth Complex

- Severson, M., Mesabi Cu-Ni-PGE Deposit, Duluth Complex

- Miller, J., 2013b, Potential for PGE Reef Deposits, Duluth Complex

Coleraine Technical Reports

NRRI/TR-2013/26 – M. A. Mlinar & T. S. Petersen-Confidential Technical Report issued to Lindberg –

August 14, 2013 – 14 pgs.

NRRI/TR-2013/27 – M. A. Mlinar & B. Anameric – Issued a Confidential Technical Report to Xstrata –

August 26, 2013 – 21 pgs.

NRRI/TR-2013/37 – P. J. Mack – Confidential Technical Report Issued to Global Minerals -October 22,

2013 – 85 pgs.

NRRI/TR-2013/40 – D. J. Englund –Confidential Technical Report Issued to ArcelorMittal – December

9, 2013 – 199 pgs.

81

Economic Geology Group Posters Benkó, Z., Mogessie, A., Molnár, F., Severson, M., Hauck, S., and Arehart, G., 2013, Cu-Ni-PGE

mineralization of felsic dikes along the Grano fault in the Bathtub intrusion (Duluth Complex, Minnesota,

USA): Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits, 12th Annual Meeting, Uppsala, Finland.

Precambrian Research Center Geological Maps Benningfield, J., Graham, J., Kosmor, S., Prue, A. M., Sauer, S., and Miller, J., 2013, Bedrock Geology

Map of the Lake Three Troctolite in the Pagami Creek Burn Area BWCAW, Lake County, Minnesota:

Precambrian Research Center Map Series, PRC/MAP-2013-01, 1:10,000 scale.

Mucahy, C., Romanelli, D., May, M., Schulz, R., Moorhead, S., Jirsa, M., 2013, Bedrock Geology of the

Hanson Lake Mapping Area: Precambrian Research Center Map Series, PRC/MAP-2013-03, 1:25,000

scale.

Fix, P. J., Ginley, S.J., Schraeder, L.A., Summers, A. J., Boerboom, T. J., and Doyle, M. M., 2013,

Bedrock Geologic Map of the Brule River Area, Pine Mountain Quadrangle, Cook County, Minnesota,

USA: Precambrian Research Center Map Series, PRC/MAP-2013-04, 1:12,000 scale.

Baumgardner, M., Brown, N., Grotte, M., Jacobson, A., Kendall, J., Ostwald, C., Schriner, N., White, J.,

and Peterson, D., 2013, Bedrock Geologic Map of the Gafvert Lake Area, St. Louis County, Northeastern

Minnesota: Precambrian Research Center Map Series, PRC/MAP-2013-04, 1:10,000 scale.

Smith, J., and Leu, A., 2013, Bedrock Geologic Map of the Central Wilder Lake Intrusion, Lake County,

Minnesota: Precambrian Research Center Map Series, PRC/MAP-2013-05, 1:10,000 scale.

Facilities Plans are being developed to add a new Hydrometallurgy building on the CMRL campus to help advance

copper/nickel/PGM hydromet processing technologies in northeastern Minnesota if appropriate funding

can be secured from a variety of sources. This facility would also provide additional jobs for northeastern

Minnesota.

82

Center for Water and Environment

83

Acceleration of Inorganic Nutrient Release and Mineral Organic Matter Association by

Biophysical Soil Mixing along an Earthworm Invasion Chronosequence


Two major life sustaining processes of the terrestrial earth surface are the release of inorganic nutrients through mineral

weathering and carbon cycling, which are strongly influenced by soil organisms. We propose that vertical soil mixing by

earthworms will have far reaching impacts on the rates of mineral weathering and carbon cycling when viewed against the

steep vertical gradients in: 1) the concentrations, compositions and dynamics of minerals and organic matter, and 2) the

geochemical environment affecting mineral weathering that define soil types. Our goal is to understand how and to what

degree soil perturbation by earthworms affects the rates of chemical weathering and organic matter-mineral association in

soils. Although earthworms are widely perceived to have beneficial influences on soil structure and nutrient dynamics,

recent research has shown them to have negative impacts on soil structure, nutrient availability and water dynamics in cold-

temperate hardwood forests.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Dr. Hale's research characterized earthworm invasion chronosequences in the Chippewa National Forests that could be used

to examine the effects non-native earthworms have on carbon and mineral weathering dynamics in cold-temperate hardwood

forests.

Earthworm sampling was conducted using the mustard extraction technique at 30 plots along three transects along an

earthworm invasion chronosequence. Midden counts were also conducted to estimate populations of deep dwelling species.

Soil sampling was conducted in six excavated soil pits with varying degrees of earthworm invasion. Detailed soil

morphologic description was made and two sets of samples by horizons were collected for analysis of bulk density,

elemental composition, C and N concentrations, stable isotope ratios, mineralogical compositions, and the activities of short-

lived isotopes. Another set of samples were collected specifically for 14C analysis.

At each excavated soil pit, three zero tension lysimeters were installed below the A and E1 horizons and at the depth of 45

cm; five piezometers were installed. The lysimeters and piezometers will be allowed to equilibrate with the surrounding

environments until the next snow melt when water sampling will begin.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Cindy Hale


3014-10424-0000287116,223Univ of Delaware (USDA Prime) 09/01/2008 08/31/2011

3002-10424-000263213,567US Department of Agriculture 08/01/2010 07/31/2013

$19,790Total

84

American Marten Habitat Use


The objective of this research project is to study habitat selection of American marten, a furbearer species sensitive to

anthropogenic landscape modifications.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project will increase understanding of habitat selection by American marten in Minnesota. Track counts and anecdotal

reports indicate that the marten population in Minnesota has declined over the past 10 years. Although extensive literature

exists on marten habitat ecology from across their geographic range, there is considerable variation in home range size and

cover type selection among studies. Previous work has demonstrated that marten populations respond negatively to habitat

alterations that reduce forest age, structural complexity, or conifer cover at low thresholds, but few studies have described

marten habitat selection in Minnesota or the south-central portion of the marten range. Data collected from this project will

help evaluate current forest management practices with respect to marten habitat suitability.

We helped monitor radio-collared marten in St. Louis and Lake Counties, located physical structures used as rest or den

sites, sampled vegetative characteristics surrounding rest/den structures and random plots, and used this data to analyze

selection of rest and den sites. A manuscript from this work is in preparation for publication and will be submitted in the

near future.

Michael Joyce received his M.S. in fall 2013 and has begun his Ph.D. research on this project.

We are continuing to monitor radio-collared marten in St. Louis and Lake Counties by locating physical structures used as

rest sites and measuring attributes of these structures. Presentations on this project were given at the Minnesota Chapter of

The Wildlife Society annual meeting February 4-6, 2014 in Bemidji, Minnesota.

We used radio-location data collected from 2008-2012 to construct home ranges and summarize cover type use by martens.

Additional data from 2013 is being analyzed and a manuscript is in preparation for publication. We are exploring additional

habitat variables to summarize at the home range scale.

We are conducting an assessment of the ability of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology to quantify forest metrics

relevant to marten rest and den site selection. LIDAR data is available for the entire state. Variables of interest include

vegetation height, forest canopy structure, vegetation density, and volume of coarse woody debris. We are using data

collected at vegetation survey plots (see Previous Activity Section) to evaluate LIDAR-derived estimates.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen



$10,000Total

85

Canadian Lynx Survey


The purpose of this project is to survey for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in the area surrounding the proposed Basin 3 at

the United Taconite Fairlane Plant in Forbes, MN, as part of regulatory requirements associated with permitting for new

construction.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Canada lynx was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2000, 19 years after the initial plan

for Basin 3 construction was approved. Habitat surrounding Basin 3 would potentially be suitable for Canada lynx, which

could lead to mitigation requirements at the mine site.

We used snow track surveys, remote cameras, and GIS analysis of landscapes surrounding the area to determine if lynx are

present in the survey area and interpret results in the context of lynx being a permanent resident of the survey area. Snow

track surveys are designed to search for the presence of lynx by locating and identifying tracks in the snow. We recorded

one Canada lynx track and 3 probable bobcat tracks during the snow track surveys. We collected a scat sample from the

Canada lynx track and submitted it to the Carnivore Genetics Laboratory of the U.S. Forest Service for analysis. DNA

analysis confirmed that the scat was from a Canada lynx. We also used trail cameras as an additional method to detect

presence of Canada lynx. We obtained over 2,000 picture events but none of these events were pictures of lynx or bobcat.

Camera results did indicate there was a full complement of mammal species in the area surrounding Basin 3 and the

currently operating parts of the Fairlane Plant. Based on survey intensity and camera results, it is highly unlikely that the

Canada lynx track we found was from a resident lynx. Bobcats may be a potential future threat to lynx presence in the area

surrounding Basin 3.

We completed the final report and submitted it to United Taconite as an NRRI Technical Report:

Moen, R., Tjepkes, T., and J. Bednar. 2013. Canada Lynx Survey On United Taconite Property In Forbes, MN. NRRI

Technical Report No. NRRI/TR-2013-18.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen


3000-10430-0003543322,423United Taconite LLC 01/23/2013 01/23/2014

$22,423Total

86

Climate Change Adaptation Planning for Northern Forest Ecosystems in the Great

Lakes National Parks


The overall goal is to identify likely vegetation changes from the present to ~ 2100 for the ‘Northwoods’ group of parks in

the Great Lakes Region (Voyageurs NP, Grand Portage NM, Isle Royale NP, Apostle Islands NL, St.Croix SWR, Pictured

Rocks NL and Sleeping Bear Dunes NL), for low and high future warming scenarios. This set of parks is close to the

southern margin of the boreal biome, and/or the prairie-forest border, and therefore the potential loss of boreal species and

forest species are a primary concern.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

A medley of Global Circulation Models (GCMs) will be used to project future climate for each park and surrounding

landscape, and to track climate migration across analog climates that currently exist to the south. These future climate

analyses will be used to project the response of vegetation, including tree species ranges and biome boundaries, and

response of bird and mammal species to both climate and vegetation. We will create lists of species likely to decrease,

disappear, increase, or immigrate into each park using: (1) future climate projections and known climate envelopes for each

species, and (2) best available analogs from past climate changes (paleoecological data) and current vegetation and species

living in natural areas to the south. In addition, ongoing research on temperature variation within the landscape, based on

several hundred Hobo data loggers measuring temperature hourly for two years, combined with GIS analyses of each park’s

landscape, will be used to assess the potential of climate refugia to stem the loss of boreal species. These refugia include

bogs, north-facing aspects and the ‘lake effect’ of Lakes Superior and Michigan, and may provide habitat for boreal plant

and animal species that are likely to decline in abundance in a warmer climate.


PI’s have met 3 times in St. Paul for project planning, chosen a list of GCMs to use, and identified data fields to

download. We hired Richard Barnes, who worked on previous projects with large climate data sets, to download climate

projections from GCMs, and create analog climate tracks for each park. Under separate funding we have installed new

temperature data loggers in Voyageurs and Isle Royale and analysis of existing temperature data from the region is

underway by graduate student David Chaffin. PI Lee Frelich has started to compile paleoecological and natural area

analogs. Students working with Moen have begun identifying distributions and digitizing range maps of mammal species.

We have also obtained species lists for each NPS unit.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen

Lee Frelich

Steve Windels


3002-10430-0003789188,387USDI CESU Coop Ecosystem Study 07/08/2013 06/30/2017

$88,387Total

87

Deer-Moose Interaction Project


Moose (Alces alces) in northeast Minnesota declined from about 8,800 animals in 2006 to 2,800 in 2013. Factors

potentially causing the moose population to decline in northeast Minnesota include white-tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

and associated diseases, vector borne diseases and parasites, habitat quality and nutritional condition, climate change, and

predation. What has yet to be examined, and what will be addressed in this project, is the direct effect of habitat restoration

efforts on browse response as well as the indirect effect of deer response to moose habitat restoration.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Moose and deer are sympatric in northeast Minnesota and both will likely benefit from habitat restoration aimed at moose.

Moose/deer interactions are cause for concern because deer and moose densities are inversely related in Ontario; the

assumed cause is that deer carry diseases and parasites that adversely affect moose. The first part of this project will use

GPS collars to evaluate deer response to moose habitat restoration activities in northeast Minnesota. Results can be used to

understand how the moose population interacts with the environment at the landscape level. Results will also allow

assessment of inter-specific interactions and application of results to better understand how sympatric moose and deer

interact with each other across the landscape in northeast Minnesota.

The second part will focus on evaluation of habitat projects in northeastern Minnesota that could potentially improve habitat

quality for moose. This type of research is needed because of an ongoing large moose habitat restoration project. Research

is needed to compare production response of browse species to different restoration techniques because the effectiveness

and efficiency of each technique for creating quality moose habitat is unknown.


Collars have been deployed on 14 deer in the Isabella area. These Vectronic collars are collecting GPS locations at 2 hour

intervals and are also collecting activity data at 10 minute intervals.

Presentations on this project were given at the Moose Research Meetings held at the Cloquet Forestry Center in December

2013 and at the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting February 4-6, 2014 in Bemidji, Minnesota.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen



$43,000Total

88

Deer-Wolf-Moose Interactions in Northeastern Minnesota


There are two main objectives for this project. We seek to increase understanding of the effect that wolves have on moose in

Minnesota using predation site analysis, habitat use locations from GPS collars, and activity data. We also will develop a

“risk map” quantifying spatial variation in infection risk for P. tenuis and F. magna. This map will serve as a tool to

accurately predict where parasite transmission between deer and moose is most likely. Maps will be based on deer space use

(determined through GPS collars) and environmental factors. Separate risk maps will be created for P. tenuis and F. magna.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are a main predator of ungulates in Minnesota, and yet their impact on the decreasing moose

population remains unclear. Initial results from the current DNR cause-specific mortality project suggest that wolves may

have a higher impact on moose than was apparent from earlier research, although there is too little data to draw certain

conclusions. Parasite prevalence can be considered an indicator of the “infection pressure” experienced by that population.

It is an easily measured index of the overall success rate of parasite transmission under prevailing environmental conditions.

As such, prevalence in deer may be among the best measures of the risk of parasites being transmitted to sympatric moose.

Infection pressure can be influenced by a variety of factors that affect environmental loading of parasites, including deer

density, climate effects on parasite and snail survival and distribution, and landscape characteristics. Factors that promote

high infection pressure in deer are expected to translate into high levels of transmission to sympatric moose living in the

same areas. Thus, spatial variation in parasite prevalence in deer can provide meaningful insight into the spatial distribution

of parasite risk for moose.


After the project began in Fall 2013 we obtained equipment and permits necessary to radiocollar wolves, and were able to

trap for only 6 days before weather conditions precluded trapping.

Deer are currently being collared and the deer pellet collection project design was completed.

Presentations on the deer-wolf-moose project were given at the Moose Research Meetings held at the Cloquet Forestry

Center in December 2013 and at the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting February 4-6, 2014 in

Bemidji, Minnesota.

A paper on snail presence was submitted to Alces.

Cyr, T., S.K. Windels, R. Moen, and J. Warmbold. Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Voyageurs National

Park: Implications for risk of individual moose to Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection. Alces in review.

See also the Deer-Moose Interaction Project

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen


3005-10430-0003971869,600Minnesota Zoo 09/12/2013 06/30/2015

$69,600Total

89

Investigations of Wolf-Moose Interactions at Voyageurs National Park


This project will study interactions between the recently delisted gray wolf and moose, a species in decline.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project will increase the public's understanding of predator-prey dynamics in the relatively intact ecosystem of

Voyageurs National Park. It will also help the public understand about how changing environmental conditions such as land

use change and climate change may fundamentally alter the way that boreal ecosystems function. During the past two

decades, moose density declined dramatically in NW Minnesota, from at least 4,000 to fewer than 100 animals. In the late

1990s annual moose mortality was high (21%), and moose pregnancy and recruitment rates were very low.

We collected about 104,000 locations in 2010 and over 200,000 locations in 2011 from 25 different moose. After collars

are retrieved in 2013 we will calculate seasonal and annual home ranges of moose in Voyageurs National Park. Size and

cover type composition of home ranges in Voyageurs National Park was compared to moose home ranges from previous

radiotelemetry projects in Minnesota, Ontario, and other parts of moose range.

We continued monitoring wolf and moose locations and assisted with wolf capture over summer 2013. We analyzed data

and wrote manuscripts for publication. Manuscripts include a comparison of home ranges and cover type use for historical

GPS collar data from VOYA (1995-1997) and this research project (2010-2012). Cover type use was also evaluated with

respect to temperature, wind, and humidity conditions consistent with climate change predictions.

We continued data analysis on this project, incorporating wolf data from approximately 1,500 locations and calculated wolf

home range/pack territory sizes.

Presentations on the wolf-moose project were given at the Moose Research Meetings held at the Cloquet Forestry Center in

December 2013 and at the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting February 4-6, 2014 in Bemidji,

Minnesota.

For the moose part of this project we have a paper in review on moose bed site selection. Other papers have been submitted

on moose home range and habitat use.

McGraw, A.M., J. Terry, and R. Moen. Characteristics of post-parturition areas of moose in northeast Minnesota from high

frequency GPS locations. Alces in review.

Chen, W.C. R. Moen, and S.K. Windels. Home range size and space use of moose in Voyageurs National Park. Alces in

review.

Cyr, T., S.K. Windels, R. Moen, and J. Warmbold. Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Voyageurs National

Park: Implications for risk of individual moose to Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection. Alces in review.

McCann, N. P., R.A. Moen, and S.K. Windels. Influence of temperature on summer bed site slection by moose (Alces

alces). Ecology in review.

__________________________________________________________________________



Ronald Moen


3002-10430-0003151312,000USDI National Park Service 07/01/2012 06/30/2014

3002-10430-0003117353,043USDI US Geological Survey 06/01/2012 06/30/2014

$65,043Total

90

Lowland Conifer Bird Species in Agassiz Lowlands


The objective of this project is to gather information on breeding bird populations in the Agassiz Lowland subsection of

Minnesota. The primary goals are to understand how management of lowland conifer forests is affecting breeding birds as

well as to identify how we can improve habitat management for specific target species in these forests.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Agassiz Lowlands is a large subsection of forest and peatlands in extreme northwestern Minnesota. In recent years,

substantial areas of forest have been logged with little understanding of the ecological consequences. Forest birds, including

many species of conservation concern, are of considerable interest in this area. Because of its remoteness and low human

population density, there was a substantial need to better understand how logging activity and management may affect

forests in this region.

NRRI was requested by the MN DNR to initiate a two -year study on the breeding bird populations in the forests of this

region. NRRI staff, in cooperation with MN DNR personnel, designed a study to assess the critical habitats of the region

with the goal to identify a sustainable harvest level and landscape framework that would insure the viability of the breeding

bird population. The design consists of five classes of lowland conifer forests categorized by dominant tree species and age-

class. These sites were in stands of various age classes, cover types (e.g., black spruce, tamarack,and white cedar), and site

quality.

CWE staff designed and organized the sampling protocol in the winter and spring of 2013. The final design consists of 65

different forest stands of five different cover types. Each of these stands was sampled for breeding birds three times

between May and July 2013. This broad coverage allowed for early- and late-breeding species to be identified.

In total, nearly 6,000 individual birds of 107 species were observed in the lowland conifer forests of the Agassiz Lowland

subsection. Many observations are of uncommon or declining species that have been identified by the MN DNR as "Species

of Conservation Need."

The spring of 2013 was cold and delayed sampling of breeding birds into mid-May; approximately two weeks later than

originally planned. Because of concerns on the impact of this unusual weather, NRRI and MN DNR staff decided to fund

another year of breeding bird sampling in 2014.

Breeding bird modeling efforts are underway with preliminary species models planned for delivery in March 2013. These

data will be integrated with forest planning efforts that have recently been initiated. Final models and analyses will be

completed by March 2015.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Gerald Niemi

Edmund Zlonis


3005-10429-000240603,000MN DNR 05/15/2011 06/30/2011

3013-10429-0003041936,341MN DNR/Federal Funds 05/14/2012 03/30/2014


$68,630Total

91

Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas


To complete a systematic count of breeding birds in all townships in the state of Minnesota as part of the Minnesota

Breeding Bird Atlas. The methodology will allow samples to be gathered in the future in a representative and repeatable

fashion.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The creation of breeding bird atlases is a worldwide effort to document the distribution and abundance of birds in the world.

Minnesota is one of only six US states without a breeding bird atlas. An atlas is critical to provide a baseline on the

distribution and abundance of breeding birds within the state. Baseline data is essential to assess the current condition of this

important natural resource as well as to assess future changes due to natural and human-caused changes in Minnesota's

environment. These data are especially necessary for future conservation planning and for environmental analyses such as in

the environmental impact assessment process.

NRRI was requested to be a major contributor to the MN Breeding Bird Atlas project and was a successful participant in

gaining funding for the effort from the Minnesota Legislative Citizen Commission for Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The

NRRI team designed and implemented the statewide assessment of Minnesota's breeding birds. This effort will take

approximately 8 years to complete (2009-2016). The results will be published and publicly available through a website as

well as hard copy documents.

Breeding birds were sampled in over 1500 townships with over 2,000 point counts from 2009 to 2012. Because these data

collection efforts were recently completed, they have not yet been analyzed. All data are double-entered and error-checked

to insure accurate information. Species observations will also be scrutinized by several experts.In 2013, the remaining

townships will be sampled. In total, more than 200,000 individual birds of more than 225 species have been detected.

In addition to systematic point-count sampling, CWE staff participated in collecting breeding evidence data in conjunction

with the MN DNR, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, and Audubon Minnesota. NRRI staff

have been particularly important in sampling remote and road-less areas like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,

Voyageurs National Park, the Northwest Angle, and the Red Lake peatland region of northern Minnesota.

From 2009-2013, all of the townships in the state of Minnesota were sampled by NRRI staff. This is an unprecedented effort

and has never been achieved in previous atlases that have included such extensive remote, roadless areas. NRRI staff

continued in the development of the next stage of this effort; the analysis and modeling of breeding bird distribution and

abundance throughout the state.

Monies for this phase have recently been obtained from LCCMR and will be available on July 1, 2014. This last phase is a

three-year effort including analyses, publication, and public dissemination of the results on a website.

__________________________________________________________________________



Gerald Niemi

Annie Bracey

Edmund Zlonis


3015-10429-00000576101,000LCCMR 07/01/2008 06/30/2010


3006-10429-00030942132,601National Audubon Soc (MNDNR Prime) 05/15/2012 06/30/2014

$394,601Total

92

Post-burn Bird Surveys at Pagmi River, Superior National Forest


To sample breeding birds (2012-2016) in habitats burned by the Pagami Creek Fire (2011). These data will be used to

compare with the breeding communities of both pre-fire samples and areas not affected by the fire.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

It is seldom possible to sample a large, natural forest fire a priori because of the inability to predict where such a fire will

occur. Fortuitously, this problem was solved when the Pagami Creek fire burned in a portion of a study we had completed

from 2010-2011. During that two two-year period we compared breeding bird communities of the Boundary Waters Canoe

Area Wilderness (BWCAW) with the managed forests in the adjacent Superior National Forest (SNF). The study consisted

of 10 transects that cross the border of the BWCAW and was published as a part of an MS thesis by Edmund Zlonis.

In the early fall of 2011, the Pagami Creek Fire completely burned one of these transects and nearly burned two additional

transects. This event allowed the unique opportunity to survey bird communities pre and post-fire. Fire is the natural,

regenerating force to rejuvenate forest ecosystems in northern Minnesota. It is critical to understand the differences in fire-

disturbed ecosystems and those regenerating from the current dominant force of forest ecosystem change due to logging.

In June of 2012, CWE staff re-sampled avian point count locations at three transects in and around the BWCAW and Pagmi

Creek Fire (PCF). Over 1300 individual birds of 74 species were detected in the resample of avian point counts. Four

species that had never been observed at point counts in the previous thesis project were observed in the PCF area. In

addition, several species, although surveyed in past seasons, showed especially high abundance in recently burned areas.

In late May and early June, 2013, CWE staff re-sampled avian point count locations in and around the PCF area. An effort

to systematically survey the vegetation and vegetation changes at these locations was initiated in 2013. In particular,

detailed surveys of vegetation were conducted in both burned and unburned locations in late August 2013. In the future,

these data will be used in conjunction with avian data to better understand how natural forest disturbances affect the flora

and fauna of northeastern Minnesota.

In June 2013, CWE staff completed the second year of post-breeding season counts in the Pagami River area. Additionally,

we returned to each of the 12 point counts at the Island River site to re-sample burn severity estimates. The remaining 12

counts that were affected by the Pagami Creek Fire were sampled for burn severity estimates in June 2012. In addition,

three vegetation plot releves were conducted at bird counts in burned and unburned sites. Lawson Gerdes of the MN DNR

was integral in completing these surveys and we expect to re-sample these releves into the future to look at succession in the

Pagami Creek Fire burn.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Gerald Niemi

Edmund Zlonis



$4,000Total

93

Restoring Moose Foraging Habitat in Lake Superior Upland


Restore moose foraging habitat in Lake Superior upland. We will restore over 200 acres of moose foraging habitat and

evaluate moose use of previously restored foraging habitat by observing how moose wearing GPS collars use restored sites,

and how far moose will move from thermal cover to forage.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Moose populations in the western portion of the Lake Superior watershed may be declining. Annual mortality rates of adult

cows are much higher than in other moose populations. Habitat restoration is ongoing, and this project seeks to continue

restoring foraging habitat while evaluating use of previously restored habitat.

The habitat restoration on Lake County forestry land was accomplished in December 2010 and January 2011. In midwinter

we measured browsing intensity and sampled bites in areas where GPS collared moose were foraging. This measured the

actual forage availability to moose on the landscape. We measured overall browse removal in the winter on some of these

sites as well as other sites. The net effect was that browse removal was locally higher than expected, and there were other

areas with relatively low browse removal. We alsp continued to measure browse response to different habitat treatments.

We continued data analysis and writing on this project.

Presentations on the wolf-moose project were given at the Moose Research Meetings held at the Cloquet Forestry Center in

December 2013 and at the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting February 4-6, 2014 in Bemidji,

Minnesota. One paper has been submitted for publication.

Ward, R.L. and R. Moen. Measuring actual and effective browse availability for moose using a new method in northeastern

Minnesota. Alces in review.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen

Amanda McGraw


3002-10430-00015901193,432Environmental Protection Agency 08/16/2010 06/30/2014

$193,432Total

94

Amity Creek Restoration Project


Reduce sediment to Amity Creek by improved land cover in riparian areas disturbed by development or legacy impacts, and

improved stormwater planning and management tools in two rural townships experiencing continued development

pressures, and broader use of stormwater reduction and watershed protection resources available on the regional website

www.lakesuperiorstreams.org.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The turbidity and sediment-impaired Amity Creek watershed was chosen as a demonstration site for various restoration and

protection activities. Superior trout streams may be harmed by excess muddiness from soil and grit washing in, and erosion

caused by too much water entering the streams too quickly after storms and snow melt instead of slowly seeping into the

ground first. This project evolved from the Weber Stream Restoration Initiative (www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/weber) and

is a collaboration among NRRI, S. St. Louis SWCD, Duluth, MN Sea Grant, UMD geology, and MN PCA. Tasks: 1)

remediation/restoration of sediment sources (eroding banks, failing bridges and culverts, gullies/washouts); 2)

revegetation/reforestation of disturbed shorelines; 3) tools for rural stormwater runoff and erosion reduction (model land

use/stormwater planning tool for township landowners and development of ditch maintenance manual with training

workshops; 4) outreach and education; 5) assessment of activities.

A consultant was hired to develop the ditch design/operation manual. Fish, bug, algae, and habitat data were analyzed and

an interactive map developed for ease of data access. Continued stormwater runoff/erosion control information was

disseminated via the LSS website.

Approximately 2800 trees were planted in stream riparian zones in an attempt to revegetate the area. Model Land Use/

Stormwater Planning Tool went online using a new stormwater calculator developed by MPCA. In early 2013, real-time

water quality monitoring instruments were operated at lower Amity, the restoration section was redesigned, and a web

section for information about the 2012 Solstice flood was created.

In the fall of 2013 NRRI partnered with the Duluth East School Forest Program and Boulder Lake ELC on a long term

monitoring project that will look at the effectiveness of Repellex (systemic repellent) in the prevention of deer browse on

White Pine seedling. NRRI staff trained participants in tree planting, data collection, monitoring protocols and also provide

educational activities.

In partnership with the City of Duluth we planted a total of 150+ White Pine, 150+ Pin Oak, 150+ Swamp Oak and 60+

Tamarack. With the help of 60+ volunteers over 10 hrs of planting time for a total of 130+ volunteer hrs.

We completed an ArcGIS online session that allows landowners to download information on their parcels, including areas

of forest, wetland and impervious surface. These data can be imported directly into the EPA National Stormwater

Calculator, which shows the benefits of green infrastructure on stream water quality.

__________________________________________________________________________



George Host

Richard Axler

Elaine Ruzycki

Paul Meysembourg

Valerie Brady


3013-10428-00026890139,884MN Pollution Control Agency 06/30/2011 09/30/2014



$427,907Total

95

Coastal Wetland Vulnerability and Impact Assessment : Climate Change Impacts of

Coastal Planning


There are four main objectives for this project. First, to analyze elevation and accretion data and related environmental data

collected by USGS and other researchers with study sites within the path of Hurricane Sandy to assess coastal wetland

responses to this storm. Second, to build a database that includes metadata for each of the coastal wetlands used in the

analyses. Third, use data and syntheses to estimate the long-term impact of Hurricane Sandy on marsh sustainability and the

potential impact of similar future storms. Fourth, develop a framework for a strategic monitoring network to assess impacts

of climate change and related phenomena on coastal wetlands.

This work collates, utilizes and adds to pre-existing data collection to assess impacts of Hurricane Sandy, and predict

impacts of future hurricanes on coastal wetlands.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

In October 2012 Hurricane Sandy encountered the east coast of North America and impacted, in varying degrees, the entire

Atlantic seaboard from Florida to Canada. Understanding the ecological and geological impacts of hurricanes on coastal

wetlands and their interactive effects with local conditions is important for identifying resilience of these communities to

predicted global sea-level rise. In light of the projected increase in number and intensity of hurricanes, the impact of

physical (storm surge, sediment deposition) and chemical (salinity, pollutants) stressors associated with hurricanes need to

be understood in order to efficiently and effectively protect and restore these critical habitats. One of the fundamental

requirements of sustainable coastal wetlands is the maintenance of marsh area and surface elevation as sea-levels rise. Two

of the potential long-term impacts of severe storms such as Hurricane Sandy on marsh surface elevation include sediment

deposition and erosion, and altered community dynamics, which includes mortality of existing vegetation and promotion of

growth through increased availability of resources. The extensive data collected in coastal wetlands before and after

Hurricane Sandy provide an opportunity to evaluate immediate impacts on marsh surface elevations, long-term impacts on

marsh sustainability, and potential impacts of future storms.


SET – MH metadata has been collected for 746 individual SET station locations in 92 unique geographical locations (as

defined by SET practitioners). This data was collected from SET colleagues across 10 states (from North Carolina to

Maine) from state, city, and federal agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. This metadata

includes SET – MH stations in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NOAA), National Wildlife Refuge

System, National Park Service, Wildlife Management Areas, Long Term Ecological Research Network, Long Island Sound

Study, The Nature Conservancy, and private and academic organizations. Quality control-quality assurances are underway

as this metadata is compiled.

An existing dataset, which includes 17 sites spanning the area exposed to Hurricane Sandy, is being examined in order to

identify the influence of geomorphic setting on coastal wetland surface elevation change. The results from these analyses

will be used to predict the rate of elevation change within each of the sites exposed to Hurricane Sandy; thereby, isolating

the influence of the hurricane from pre-existing elevation trajectories.

__________________________________________________________________________



Jennifer Olker

Alice Yeates



$199,999Total

96

Ecological Design for the St. Louis River Area of Concern


To develop an ecological design for restoring the Fish and Wildlife Service`s 40th Avenue West and 21st Avenue West

projects in Duluth, Minnesota.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The lower 21 miles of the St. Louis River, the largest U.S. tributary to Lake Superior, form the 4856 ha St. Louis River

estuary. Despite the effects of more than 100 years of industrialized and urban development as a major Great Lakes port, the

estuary remains the most significant source of biological productivity for western Lake Superior, and provides important

wetland, sand beach, forested, and aquatic habitat types for a wide variety of fish and wildlife communities.

The St. Louis River Alliance Habitat Plan identified several sites within the area of concern with significant habitat

limitations. The 40th Avenue West site was identified by a focus group within the SLRA Habitat workgroup as a priority for

a remediation-to-restoration project.

NRRI scientists are working with the habitat workgroup to develop an 'ecological design' that will be used to develop

remediation and restoration plans for the 40th Avenue West site.

Aquatic vegetation models were completed and applied to the remediation scenarios developed by the habitat committee of

the St. Louis River Alliance. Maps and summary data were delivered and are under consideration by the committee.

A final "preferred design" scenario developed by the Area of Concern Coordinators was modeled and used to create a final

report and recommendations for remediation of the 21st Avenue West site.

The design scenarios provide guidance toward understanding how plant and animal communities might change with the

changes to bathymetry, expansion of existing shoreland, and the creation of islands and additional shallow habitat to

promote aquatic vegetation and reduce wind energy.

The most pronounced effects are predicted to result from scenarios that create new shallow and intermediate depth habitat,

especially when this can be done in areas provided protection from wave and wind energy. These areas would, in turn,

support development of emergent marsh and floating leaf plant communities.

In fulfillment of the project, a local printing company created 38 full-color copies of the 128 page technical report and

appendices that document the field and modeling efforts for this study. These were delivered to US Fish and Wildlife serve

for distribution to public and private audiences.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Lucinda Johnson


3002-10426-00019490143,980USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 08/01/2010 06/30/2012

3002-10424-00025375194,586USDI Fish & Wildlife 08/04/2011 03/31/2014

$338,566Total

97

Evaluating Vital, Small Forested Wetlands


The objectives of this project are to:

1) Document the locations of vernal pools in the MN coastal zone.

2) Determine the level of impact earthworm invasions are having on vernal pool habitat quality, persistence, and

sustainability.

3) Raise awareness about the value of vernal pools and momentum for conservation.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

What are Vernal Pools?

Small seasonally flooded, forested wetlands called “vernal pools” provide vital habitat for many native amphibians and

aquatic insects that require fish-free wetlands to survive. Plants and animals supported by vernal pools are the primary food

base for terrestrial wildlife in northern forests (i.e., reptiles, small mammals, etc.). In the last 200 years, 53% of all wetlands

in the continental U.S. and 42% in Minnesota have been destroyed. Research estimates 37,000 vernal pools may exist in the

740,000 acres of the coastal zone (5 pools per 100 acres). Loss of vernal pools is undocumented and continues due to their

small size and lack of inclusion in the national wetlands inventory used by all states, which ultimately results in no legal

protection. Vernal pools are highly sensitive to disturbance, including land use and climate change because they are only

seasonally flooded by rainfall and snow melt.

Why should we care?

Despite the importance of vernal pools as vital breeding habitat for a large segment of the food base in forested ecosystems,

vernal pools are currently not protected in Minnesota because they are not included in the national wetlands inventory used

by all states for wetland protection. While several other states have developed criteria that afford legal protection for vernal

pools, Minnesota lags behind in this effort due to lack of good data on the locations and relevant characteristics to use as

indicators for identification and assessment of vernal pool habitats. Further, vernal pool protection should be linked to the

quality of that habitat.


Collection of known vernal pool locations and identification of potential vernal pool locations in the Minnesota coastal zone

are underway. We have obtained coordinates for 350 wetlands located in the coastal zone surveyed in 2003 by Minnesota

Biological Survey (approximately 200 of these are considered vernal or seasonal pools) and have made requested other

known vernal pool locations from Superior National Forest, Hartley Nature Center, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning

Center and others. We have overlaid known vernal pool locations with known earthworm invasion status to identify target

areas for orthophoto interpretation and ground surveys. These target areas are across the coastal zone and encompass the

range of earthworm invasion (from earthworm free to heavily invaded).

Locations have been identified for at least six trainings and scheduling is underway. To reach stakeholders across the length

of the Coastal Zone, we have identified two potential locations each for the south, mid, and north. For each of these regions,

we have or will contact the following locations to schedule trainings and hands-on workshops.

Guidelines and regulations from states in northeast North America (Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachuesetts) have been

aquired and are under review for applicability to northern Minnesota vernal pools.

__________________________________________________________________________



Jennifer Olker


3013-10426-0003615947,764MN Dept of Natural Res(USDOC Prime) 09/24/2013 12/31/2014

$47,764Total

98

Event-based Stream Sampling in Northeastern Minnesota


Determine pollutant concentrations and annual loads of nutrients and suspended sediments by intensively sampling streams

during different hydrologic regimes (base flow, storm events, spring runoff).

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Major Watershed Load Monitoring Program requested assistance from local

partners to collect samples and field data at designated stream monitoring sites for the purpose of assessing water quality

and calculating annual pollutant loads. This project will generate water quality data for ten stream locations MPCA

designated for their 2012 and 2013 open-water sampling seasons (eight by NRRI-UMD and two via subcontract to the

North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District). The overall project goal is to collect event-based physical and

chemical data sets for ten agency-prioritized stream sampling sites in northeast Minnesota for calculating pollutant loads

and for incorporation into the overall state database for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency assessment purposes.

Field personnel training was done by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency event-based stream sampling staff (coordinated

by Stacia Grayson)in sampling procedures and the quality assurance project plan developed by NRRI.

We met with MPCA staff in early March 2013 to review proposed changes to the program and to provide input.

Samples were collected every three weeks during base flow conditions. Field measures of depth, temperature, dissolved

oxygen, specific electrical conductivity, pH, and secchi tube depth are taken. Water samples are being analyzed in the

Central Analytical Lab for TSS, TSVS, lab turbidity, TP, OP, TKN, NO3/NO2-N. Results are submitted to the Minnesota

Pollution Control Agency on a regular basis.

All samples collected in 2012-2013 have been analyzed, and all data as well as the final report have been submitted to

MPCA. We will begin the next round of event-based sampling as part of our 2014-2016 Water Pollution Load Monitoring

Program grant once the contract is in place.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Richard Axler

Elaine Ruzycki

Jerald Henneck



$148,869Total

99

GLEI II - Indicator Testing and Refinement


The GLEI-II project will focus on wetland near shore conditions of the Great Lakes, and consists of five tasks: 1) Refine

coastal ecosystem indicators from previous monitoring programs through calibration against updated landscape/land use

information within the entire Great Lakes basin, 2) test the temporal and geographic integrity of existing Great Lakes

indicators, 3) test and compare analytical techniques to cross-calibrate indicators from concurrent monitoring programs, 4)

evaluate cost-effectiveness of indicators,5) implement a data collection, analysis, and reporting system, as well as a map of

baseline conditions for the Great Lakes basin based on historical and current monitoring information.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

A comprehensive basin-scale suite of biological, chemical, and habitat indicators throughout the Great Lakes ecosystems,

along with monitoring plans for the long-term measurement, will provide valuable information on Great Lakes. Better

understanding the condition of this vast resource is vital to the parties charged with administering the agreement.

Structural equation models have been tested for macroinvertebrate richness and relative abundance of 12 traits using coastal

disturbance, adjacent watershed characteristics as indirect predictors and using water quality and aquatic plant coverage as

direct predictors. At end, total 15 models were successfully developed for lower taxonomic unit richness and relative

abundance of three traits (climbers, shredders, sprawlers) for large-scale area and ecoprovince based regions. The effects of

environmental factors in models were compared to determine the key variable and pathway to influence wetland

macroinvertebrate communities.

Our manuscript "Congruence of community thresholds in response to anthropogenic stress in Great Lakes coastal wetlands"

was accepted for publication in Freshwater Science. This is one of the first studies that identified critical thresholds of

environmental stress using multiple taxa: bird, fish, plant, macroinvertebrate and diatom communities, and is an important

contribution from the GLEI project.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Gerald Niemi

Richard Axler

Lucinda Johnson

Terry Brown

Valerie Brady

Annie Bracey

Euan Reavie

Meijun Cai


3002-10426-000188421,625,769Environmental Protection Agency 08/01/2010 10/31/2014

$1,625,769Total

100

Global Great Lakes: Integrating Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and Transforming

Environmental Data into Anticipatory Ecosystem Management


To establish a web-based system of data acquisition, database management, decision support modeling and informative

visualization to enable anticipatory management of the world’s great lakes.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project has three major objectives: 1) collation and interpretation of pre-existing data on global great lakes, identify

meaningful metrics of ecosystem health, 2) technological innovation, improve our capacity to monitor these metrics in real-

time or near real-time with initial special focus on the western arm of Lake Superior, and 3) application of state of the art

models, provide predictive capacity for anticipatory rather than our traditional reactive management of environmental issues.

Our previous efforts have focused on making environmental and fisheries data available online by linking existing databases

and facilitating the creation of a common fisheries database for Great Lakes fish. Our website globalgreatlakes.org is

provides a gateway for information on the great lakes of the world and interactive services to support data analysis and

visualization. The web site includes environmental data from NOAA buoys and EPA/GLNPO including meteorological

data, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, Chl-a, NO2+NO3, and turbidity. Also on the site is a unique lake-wide fish

database containing relative abundance, catch-per-unit-effort, weight, and length for Lake Superior’s major fish species.

We developed a web portal for dissemination of data to regional investigators. An ArcGIS Online real-time water quality

data launch pad map-based utility was created to offer users an easy way to find all sources of real-time automated water

quality data in the SLR AOC and western Lake Superior. This has been offered to partner organizations who can install it

“as is” on their own websites or access it through www.lakesuperiorstreams.org and it will be incorporated directly into the

GGL website.

Perhaps most importantly, we developed stronger ties with regional stakeholders, especially the Army Corps of Engineers

(whose jurisdiction the Superior entry lies in), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (similarly the Blatnik Bridge),

and the National Estuarine Research Reserve, with whom we are partnering closely on subsequent deployment, and long-

term operation and maintenance of this observing system.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Richard Axler

Terry Brown

Norman Will


1000-10351-20080-100001235,017IONE

$235,017Total

101

Great Lakes Beach Information Communication System


To develop real-world and on-line warning systems to alert beachgoers to real-time rip current conditions.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Great Lakes beach users have access to an unprecedented amount of data about beaches, including bacteria monitoring,

harmful algal blooms, weather, and water forecasts. All of these pieces of information can help beach users decide if today

is the right day to go to the beach, but nowhere is it synthesized in one place. This project will bring these disparate sources

of information together into a single 'beach report.' By assembling all relevant beach information and providing the data in

multiple formats that are increasingly accessible through wireless technologies, beach users will have a one-stop shop for

finding out critical beach information on the go. This increased convenience will result in fewer beach users swimming

during unsafe conditions, and greater awareness of beach safety issues.

We developed a model beach report system capable of synthesizing various sources of digital information from a single

beach into a single report, and automatically generating summary notices for distribution to beach users through a variety of

formats. The parkpointbeach.org website reports rip current, temperature and other key information; it also links to a local

webcam on Park Point to show current conditions. The system continuously monitors the National Weather Service and

responds when there is a change in rip current forecasts.

In its second summer, ParkPointBeach.org website was adapted for sites in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and South Haven,

Michigan. A key advance was the deployment of a real-time "splash zone" temperature data feed. This was a challenging

problem: "hardwiring" of a temperature sensor to a source of power, the Internet, a data logger, and a telecommunication

modem was not possible due to electrical safety reasons, lack of Internet access, presumed power fluctuations, and lack of

funding for on-site staff. Relating surf zone temperatures to Duluth Inlet sensor data from lakesuperiorstreams.org was

confounded by river and seiche influences.

We successfully completed the 2013 beach season with active web sites at Park Point Beach, as well as companion sites in

Milwaukee, WI and South Haven, MI.

We also collaborated with the City of Duluth to install an Omega OS137 non-contact Infrared Temperature

Sensor/Transmitter on the roof of the Park Point Beach House. This was linked with an independent webcam with data

logged on a desktop computer with modem to transmit data to the Park Point Beach website at NRRI. Results were

promising but require further comparison to actual water temperature over a broad range of temperatures and wave heights

that reflect conditions encountered on Park Point Beach.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Jesse Schomberg


3002-10434-0001891536,585Sea Grant (EPA Prime) 08/01/2010 05/31/2014

$36,585Total

102

Great Lakes Biological Monitoring: Phytoplankton


The primary objectives of the Great Lakes phytoplankton program are to: 1) collect phytoplankton from the Great Lakes; 2)

identify and enumerate phytoplankton, maintaining quality assurance standards; 3) maintain a database of phytoplankton

data; 4) interpret phytoplankton data, including evaluation of long-term trends in phytoplankton and food web dynamics; 5)

dissemination of data and interpretations through reports, presentations, peer-reviewed journals and on the internet.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Phytoplankton are known to respond to stressors such as nutrient loading and invasive species. We will take a

comprehensive approach to GLNPO’s Biological Monitoring program for the Great Lakes using proven sampling and

evaluation techniques. New and long-term phytoplankton data will be used to track shifts in the offshore biological

community related to natural and anthropogenic influences.

The research will characterize and evaluate phytoplankton communities throughout the Great Lakes. Analyses of these data

in concord with long-term sampling data, and other project data (e.g., zooplankton, water quality) will provide

interpretations of stressor influences on lake biology. A database of detailed, quality-assured phytoplankton data will be

provided for contemporary and future evaluations of Great Lakes condition.

Sample preparation and analysis of 2012 and 2013 phytoplankton samples is ongoing. Establishment of non-native

dreissenids and changing water quality has impacted the primary producers of the Great Lakes. Our sampling clearly shows

a decrease in algae, with the exception of Lake Erie which shows significant blooms of diatoms in the spring and blue-green

algae in the summer.

Paleolimnology: Sediment core analyses continue. These cores have been sectioned and are in processing for various

indicators (diatoms, metals, organic and inorganic content, etc.).

Sample preparation and analysis of 2013 phytoplankton samples is ongoing. Establishment of non-native dreissenids and

changing water quality has impacted the primary producers of the Great Lakes. Our sampling clearly shows a decrease in

algae, with the exception of Lake Erie which shows significant blooms of diatoms in the spring and blue-green algae in the

summer.

Paleolimnology: Sediment core analyses continue. Results so far indicate substantial historical shifts in environmental

conditions in the Great Lakes.

Recent publications include:

Reavie, E.D., R.P. Barbiero, L.E. Allinger, G.J. Warren 2014. Phytoplankton trends in the Laurentian Great Lakes: 2001-

2011. Journal of Great Lakes Research (in review).

Shaw Chraïbi, V.L., A.R. Kireta, E.D. Reavie, T.N. Brown, M. Cai 2014. Anthropocene paleolimnology of Lake Superior.

Journal of Great Lakes Research (in review).

Allinger, L.E., E.D. Reavie 2013. The ecological history of Lake Erie according to the phytoplankton community. Journal

of Great Lakes Research 39: 365-382.

__________________________________________________________________________



Euan Reavie


1628-189-6315-001,000,000Environmental Protection Agency 03/01/2007 04/30/2013

3006-10425-0003055340,000Northeast Midwest Institute 03/01/2012 12/31/2013

3002-10425-000235021,992,431Environmental Protection Agency 07/01/2011 06/30/2016

$3,032,431Total

103

Great Lakes Coastal Database and Classification Framework


To develop a habitat classification system that focuses on the nearshore and coastal systems of the Great Lakes to provide a

data framework that will guide future restoration and management objectives.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Great Lakes basin spans two nations, eight states, and two provinces. As a result, it is exceedingly difficult to

characterize and quantify stressors and physical characteristics across the entire Great Lakes basin. The spatial framework

will provide managers with the first consistent geographic framework that has an essential capability to link, map, integrate,

and track habitat classifications, assessments, indicator development, ecological forecasting, monitoring, and restoration

activities across the entire Great Lakes basin. The spatial framework will consist of inventory, assessment, and monitoring

data along with the underlying physical data covering the Great Lakes basin. The database will link features such as

wetlands, embayments, coastal watersheds, and rivermouths with terrestrial watershed and open water systems. Due to its

extensive work characterizing stressors for the Great Lakes Indicators Initiative, NRRI serves as an advisor to this project.

The project team assembled participants in Ann Arbor, MI on November 8 to discuss the underlying habitat classification

scheme that will be used for the framework. Progress has been achieved in mapping 'geoforms' within the lakes

(combination of relief and bathymetry).

A spatial "frame" consisting of 30x30 m pixels for the shoreline and watershed, and an 180m x 180 m frame encompassing

the open water of the Great Lakes was created. Data from the US and CA was identified to form the basis of the underlying

classification scheme. Subbasins for each Great Lake were also identified. Definitions of the habitat "zones" has been

finalized. Monthly meetings were held to evaluate progress in compiling the spatial data layers and ancillary biological,

chemical, physical data that will be used to populate the database.

The project team continues to assemble spatial data from across the Great Lakes that will be attributed to the spatial

framework described above. Biological data are being sought to be included in this database.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lucinda Johnson


3006-10426-0002475919,563Univ of Michigan (Prime) Gr Lks Fishery 09/01/2011 03/31/2015

$19,563Total

104

Improving Hydrology Predictions with LiDAR


Use newly available soils and topographic data to update predictions of peak and base flow in MN`s north shore streams.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Few useful models exist to predict the impacts of land use/cover and climate change in MN's north shore streams at time

steps that are relevant for capturing the effects of individual storm events. Such events are the most likely to cause

infrastructure damage and contribute large volumes of sediment and nutrients to streams and Lake Superior. As a result of

newly available LiDAR and detailed soils data for (parts of) the region, it should be possible to develop more refined

models to better predict both peak and base flows, and to enhance existing stream temperature models. We will use the

newly assembled topographic (LiDAR) and soils data to refine predictions of the peak and base flow for selected North

Shore tributary streams in St. Louis County. Newly assembled topographic data (3m resolution) and vegetation height data

from LiDAR will be used to refine water temperature models for North Shore streams. These models will be used to

determine the sensitivity of important stream temperature and hydrologic parameters (baseflow, peak flow, etc.) to land use /

cover changes such as deforestation.


High resolution soils data for the Knife River watershed have been acquired and processed to map important hydrologic-

related soil parameters across the watershed. LiDAR-derived DEM (digital elevation model; 3 meter resolution) data have

been obtained for the watershed, and used to delineate a set of medium resolution catchments and a stream network for the

watershed. The catchments and stream network were used to create a preliminary hydrology model in HSPF (Hydrologic

Simulation Program Fortran). Currently, the HSPF model is being run using historical climate data from Duluth and Two

Harbors, and the model is being calibrated to the historical flow records.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lucinda Johnson

William Herb


3013-10426-0003467849,470MN Dept of Natural Res(USDOC Prime) 09/24/2013 12/31/2014

$49,470Total

105

Indicators of Agricultural Stressors in Coastal Waters of the Great Lakes


The overall goal of this project is to identify `topping points` at which effects of agricultural activities result in measurable

effects on water quality and biota in tributary streams to the Great Lakes. Such knowledge will assist managers and policy

makers in identifying appropriate actions to restore water quality in tributaries of the Great Lakes. This project is a

subcontract to a larger effort centered at Purdue University and University of Michigan. In this project, data from the Great

lakes Environmental Indicators project (GLEI) is being reanalyzed to assess specific responses of invertebrate and fish

communities to agricultural land use using structural equation modeling techniques. This technique identified direct and

indirect effects of land use and specifically agricultural activities on invertebrate and fish communities.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The development and dissemination of the land use and agricultural indicators will enable more effective protection and

management of key natural resources within the Great Lakes region by provide land use planners and natural resources

managers with relevant and timely information to aid in their decision making processes (from Purdue University,

http://prodgis.agriculture.purdue.edu/TPI_GL/). Through a collaborative effort between university and agency scientists, a

new suit of land use and agricultural indicators relating to water quality and ecosystem health within the Great Lakes region

are being developed. These indicators will provide insight into the stressors (e.g., impervious surfaces, habitat

fragmentation, pollutants) negatively affecting the water quality and natural resources within the Great Lakes, as well as

allow for the identification of 'hot-spots' or key locations where the presence of multiple stressors are greatly impacting

ecosystem health.

Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been applied to GLEI-I macroinvertebrates data in 100+ wetlands. In model,

watershed (agriculture, development) and coastal activities indirectly impact macroinvertebrates richness and abundance

through the pathways of water quality and aquatic vegetation distribution. Model was tested for lower taxonomic unit (LTU)

and 12 behavior traits. At the end, 15 models were successfully created for LTU richness, relative abundance of climbers,

shredders and sprawlers for large-scale and for ecoprovince based regions.

The SEM results have been used to draft a manuscript, which is under review by co-authors. Some co-authors have given

feedback and further edit of the manuscript is under processing.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lucinda Johnson

Jennifer Olker


3014-10426-0002666929,592Univ of Illinois (USDOC Prime) 09/01/2011 07/01/2013

$29,592Total

106

Lake of the Woods Paleolimnology Assessment


Lake of the Woods has been placed on Minnesota`s impaired list for nutrients and eutrophication indicators, so the future of

the lake has become a high profile concern for the Ontario and Minnesota governments and the lake`s diverse group of

stakeholders. Research recommendations and data gaps suggested that improved coordination of monitoring efforts and the

construction of a long-term ecological reconstruction for the lake were logical steps in management of the resource. NRRI`s

objective in this investigation is to collect sediment cores and use archived materials to provide long-term trends and

trajectories of lake conditions for use in resource management.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Lake of the Woods has been placed on Minnesota`s impaired list for nutrients and eutrophication indicators, so the future of

the lake has become a high profile concern for the Ontario and Minnesota governments and the lake`s diverse group of

stakeholders. Research recommendations and data gaps suggested that improved coordination of monitoring efforts and the

construction of a long-term ecological reconstruction for the lake were logical steps in management of the resource. NRRI`s

objective in this investigation is to collect sediment cores and use archived materials to provide long-term trends and

trajectories of lake conditions for use in resource management.

Sedimentary sample analysis is ongoing. Isotopic analyses indicate that all cores contain reliable profiles for

paleolimnological analysis.

So far biological stratigraphic data show a gradual, long-term change due to human activities in the lake catchment. It is too

early to confirm impacts on the lake, but we anticipate a robust characterization of lake history.

Sedimentary sample analysis is complete and data was compiled for analysis. Stratigraphic data show a gradual, long-term

change due to human activities in the lake catchment. Preliminary data indicated increasing productivity in Lake Of the

Woods despite a known decline in nutrient loading to the lake.

Sedimentary sample analysis is ongoing. Paleolimnological data for Lake of the Woods track the history of environmental

degradation on the lake resulting from catchment degradation. Despite a reduction in nutrient flux to the lake, long-term data

indicate that algal blooms continue to get worse, possibly due to aggravating factors such as warming and erosion. As work

continues we are calculating a nutrient budget for the lake to support lake management.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Euan Reavie



$111,546Total

107

Lake Superior Beach Monitoring and Advisory Program


Assist the Environmental Protection Agency funded, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency directed Lake Superior Beach

Monitoring and Advisory program.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Natural Resources Research Institute was contracted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to carry out the

Minnesota Lake Superior Beach Monitoring and Advisory Program for 2010. After the field season ended the agency

transferred the program to the Minnesota Department of Health for 2011 and beyond NRRI was contracted by the heath

department to operate the www.mnbeaches.org website in 2011 and again in 2012. In 2012, NRRI will reformat the website

to suit smartphone and other handheld device applications (apps) being developed by similar beach advisory programs and

third party businesses for disseminating such information to the general public. The Dataviewer will be improved by

providing more plotting choices including historical trend graphs for each beach site. NRRI will collaborate with heath

department staff to improve the mnbeaches.org maps for rapidly displaying advisories by adding more information to pop-

up balloons (including relevant links to other websites and websections) and converting the Javascript code driving the

Google map to use their latest API (Google provides an application programming interface to use their tool on any website).

Data received from the Minnesota Department of Health are being uploaded onto the www.mnbeaches.org website and

notifications sent out by email to dozens of interested parties if health risk criteria are exceeded. We are also a part of a MN

Sea Grant project funded via the EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative called the Great Lakes Beach Information

Communication System. G. Host is directing the NRRI component of the project which will develop a model beach report

system to synthesize various sources of digital information from a single beach into a single report, and automatically

generating summary notices for distribution to beach users through a variety of formats. The system will produce daily

beach reports during the recreation season based on automated and manual monitoring data, forecasts/nowcasts, and

volunteer data collection, and that if dangerous conditions are reported during the day, an automatic report will be

distributed, warning of the changing conditions.

The 2012 monitoring season was completed and all data entered into the website and advisories posted. Our beaches

website also became the home for www.parkpointbeach.org, a site developed with GLRI funding and led by MN Sea Grant

(J.Schomberg PI) to provide time-relevant information on rip current warnings. A remote beach water temperature sensor

and web cam will be installed on the Duluth Community Beach House in 2013. The website was also used by the MPCA

and MDH to post drinking water and flood water information to the public in Carlton County following the record flooding

that occurred after the June 19-20, 2012 rainstorms.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Richard Axler


3013-10423-0001968467,299Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 08/16/2010 09/30/2010

3005-10423-000245525,000MN Dept of Health 06/01/2011 09/30/2011

3013-10423-0003072031,690MN Department of Health 06/06/2012 12/30/2014

$103,989Total

108

North Shore Superior Lake and Stream Water Assessment


To collect field and water chemistry data from eight Northern Lakes and Forest (NLF) Ecoregion lakes and three NLF

streams during May â€“ September in 2013-14 for the purpose of determining surface water quality.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The Clean Water Legacy Act Surface Water Assessment (SWA) Grant Program created funding for local organizations,

universities and citizen volunteers to help MPCA assess the condition of Minnesota's streams and lakes. Water quality,

biological, and habitat data are critical for identifying status and trends that may reflect short and long-term trends in

response to impacts at local, regional, and global scales such as urbanization, agriculture and forestry practices, invasive

species introductions, atmospheric deposition, and climate change. NRRI will collect lake and stream data in NE

Minnesota's NLF Ecoregion focused on northern Lake Superior Basin, and targeted by the MPCA for the NLF for 2013-14.

Field data and water sample collection began in May 2013 and continued through September, and analysis of water

chemistry and chlorophyll continued through mid-October.

All water samples have been analyzed and data has been submitted to the MPCA Environmental Data Access system. The

first interim report has also been submitted to the agency.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Richard Axler

Elaine Ruzycki



$73,330Total

109

Northshore Superior Periphyton Surveillance


1) Establish baseline (i.e. benchmark) conditions for attached algae along the rocky North Shore Lake Superior ``splash

zone`` by establishing a sampling protocol, determining areal periphyton biomass and species composition, and providing

archival algal material for other scientists interested in the issue (i.e. from EPA-Mid Continent Ecology Lab, the USGS,

NRRI, and U. Wisconsin, Oshkosh [Dr. R. Pillsbury]); 2)Determine if there is a relationship between periphyton

distribution (i.e. biomass) and stormwater outfalls, illicit wastewater discharge, ground water seepage, and various stressor

indices of land use along the MN Lake Superior shoreline that were developed at NRRI via the Great Lakes Environmental

Indicator (GLEI) projects.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

In large deep, oligotrophic lakes, the shallow nearshore waters are very sensitive to perturbations occurring as shorelines are

developed.

Most visitor experiences in Lake Superior occur close to or within the nearshore environment and conditions can directly

influence public perception of lake conditions. Periphyton within the splash-zone can play an important role in the aesthetic,

beneficial use of the shoreline. The rapid growth ability of splash zone periphyton in response to nutrient inputs has been

shown as particularly valuable in monitoring localized differences in nutrient loading.

The presence of periphyton along the lakeshore has been linked to lakeshore development in many oligotrophic lakes in the

US and Canada. Periphyton is a useful indicator because this algal community integrates environmental conditions over long

periods of time, is relatively easy to collect, and biomass is inexpensive to analyze. The Great Lakes Environmental

Indicators project showed strong links between nearshore conditions and adjacent watershed variables across the Great

Lakes basin.

Site selection started in the fall of 2012 and was based on accessibility and substrate type, with interfluve zones between

stream mouths that represent a range of stressor gradient scores. We overlaid the historical (1969-1971) periphyton

sampling locations. The Duluth shoreline was assessed in early October 2012. Photos, GPS coordinates, and water samples

were collected from approximately 50 sites that could potentially deliver stormwater into Lake Superior.

Seventeen survey sites between the Duluth Arial Lift Bridge and Knife River (~20 miles of shoreline) were sampled from

June through August 2013. Replicate samples were collected from four randomly chosen boulders or bedrock outcrops

along a 20m transect. Samples were processed for areal biomass, percent organic matter, and chlorophyll. Composite

samples were preserved for algal community analyses.

We are analyzing preserved algal samples for species observed and % dominance. We have also added site images from the

2013 sampling season to the on-line map

(http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=dbd8a631576c47b88e4fb3fa2e46c49f&extent=-

92.123,46.7847,-92.0067,46.8156).

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Elaine Ruzycki


3013-10423-0002811350,535MN`s Lake Superior Coastal (USDOC

Prime)

08/28/2012 12/31/2014

$50,535Total

110

Prioritizing Wetland Restoration for Water Quality and Habitat Improvement


To prioritize wetland restoration to select sites that will most likely result in high quality wetlands which will be sustainable

in the future and second, to prioritize wetland restoration that will improve water quality, in the form of nitrogen and

phosphorus inputs, and habitat.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Minnesota has over nine million acres of wetlands that provide significant tourist dollars through hunting, birding and

fishing and also provide untallied benefits through water quality and wildlife habitat. Competing interests including

agriculture, commercial and residential development have reduced pre-settlement wetland area by 52%.

We are developing a map-based wetland prioritization decision web tool for Minnesota that will accommodate a variety of

management restoration objectives including: prioritizing wetland restorations for improved water quality and/or habitat and

also for restorations that will be sustainable far into the future. The tool will also identify areas in need of protection.

Phase I of the project was completed in July 2013 and included the following tasks.

We created a restorable wetlands inventory (RWI) for Minnesota using a digital elevation model (DEM) derived compound

topographic index (CTI) along with the most current soil and wetland GIS data.

We developed a wetland prioritization model that includes three thematic decision layers, along with a final output modifier

comprised of available environmental data. The three decision layers include: a stress layer which reflects anthropogenic

activities that negatively influence water quality and habitat, a viability layer which ranks areas for their likelihood of

supporting high functioning sustainable wetlands into the future and a benefits layer which identifies locations where

wetland restoration could reduce nutrients or enhance wildlife habitat. Each decision layer was created from statewide GIS

layers. The influence or relative importance of each data layer incorporated in the decision layers was determined by a panel

of wetland experts.

The wetland restoration decision layer data was also summarized at various hydrological and political scales. We developed

a user-friendly web interface that guides users through using the tool. The website is located

at:https://beaver.nrri.umn.edu/MPCAWLPri.

In addition, two potential methods of incorporating LiDAR DEM data into the model were also tested including delineating

gullies for predicting erosion rates and assessing whether RWI predictions improved using higher resolution DEMs.

For Phase II of the project we are refining the decision layers with the most current GIS data. We are addressing how both

landscape connectivity and spatial position of both natural and anthropogenic land covers affect wetlands through flow

weighting, distance weighting and focal density analysis. The web interface and model weightings are being revised based

on comments from a beta-testing workshop and from groups currently using the Phase I tool.

__________________________________________________________________________



Lucinda Johnson

Terry Brown

Valerie Brady

Jeremy Erickson



$350,000Total

111

Research Development Testing and Evaluation Facility for Ballast Treatment in the

Great Lakes Region


The Great Ships Initiative is a innovative collaboration whose objective is to end the problem of ship-mediated invasive

species in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System, including through independent research and demonstration of

environmental technology, financial incentives and consistent basin-wide harbor monitoring. NRRI`s task in this effort is to

develop, test and apply methods to evaluate the effectiveness of candidate treatments systems in their ability to exterminate

algae and protozoans.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The near-term objective of the Great Ships Initiative is to significantly accelerate research, development and implementation

of effective ballast treatment systems for ships that visit the Great Lakes from overseas. To that end, the Initiative has

established research capabilities at three scales—bench, land-based, and shipboard. Each scale is dedicated to addressing

specific evaluation objectives, with protocols as consistent with the International Maritime Organization and federal

requirements as practicable.

NRRI`s role in the Initiative is to test candidate ballast water systems to ensure they are able to meet the International

Maritime Organization`s criteria for mortality of the microorganisms carried in ballast water.

We tested several alternative treatment systems for consideration as ship-board treatments. These tests involve ship-board

testing and land-based assessment at the facility in Superior WI and at ship mooring locations around the Great Lakes.

New efforts provided efficacy reports for treatments that include sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, chloride and

sonic energy. Several new technical reports summarize activities and findings: www.greatshipsinitiative.org

Planning for 2014 is under way. We will continue to test several candidate treatment systems for consideration as a ship-

board treatment alternatives. These tests involve ship-board testing and land-based assessment at the facility in Superior WI.

Compilation of data from 2013 continues. Tests of eight filter systems indicates significant variation in performance among

these systems.

Mesocosm assessments of surrogate invasive species indicate that our testing methods have potential to determine the risk-

release relationship between the ballast discharge density of organisms and likelihood of establishment of non-native taxa.

New technical reports summarize activities and findings: www.greatshipsinitiative.org

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Euan Reavie


1673-189-6311-0030,000University of Wisconsin Superior 01/22/2007 12/31/2007

1673-189-6323-0017,497University of Wisconsin Superior 12/01/2007 05/31/2008

623,769Northeast Midwest Institute 06/01/2008 04/30/2015

$671,266Total

112

Spatial Conservation and Investment Portfolios to Manage Climate-Related Risk


This project brings together economists and spatial scientists in landscape ecology to carry out important developments in

the science of risk management tools from financial portfolio theory that exploits information about spatial covariances in

projected ecological conditions, and show how policy makers and conservation agents can apply those tools to spatial

targeting of mitigation, restoration, and adaptation investments.

The objectives of the overall project are: (1) Develop a new enriched set of conservation-outcome forecasts for the Prairie

Pothole Region (PPR) with higher spatial accuracy and for a more diverse set of possible climate scenarios than previously

available. (2) Construct spatially explicit data sets suitable for MPT analysis of ecological outcomes for two other

previously studied conservation problems under multiple possible climate outcomes (Eastern birds, Appalachian

salamanders); quantify and test hypotheses about the drivers of spatial patterns in ecological uncertainty. (3) Using the data

on those three diverse conservation problems, evaluate the performance of MPT relative to simple or no diversification, and

identify the kinds of problems for which this methodology is most useful. (4) Identify when and how iterated portfolio

analysis can best be done to develop spatially disaggregated investment strategies in the absence of information on a large

number of climate scenarios. (5) Develop a method of portfolio analysis to guide allocation of investment between both land

purchases in different areas and stewardship activities to buffer protected areas against warming. (6) Identify the potential

for using multi-objective portfolio analysis methodologies in conservation planning.

Landscape ecologists at NRRI will be developing spatial data on ecological returns and risk from conservation investments

in varied sub-regions of the Prairie Pothole Region (Objective 1) and providing data and support to the ecologists and

economists from University of Illinois to complete Objectives 2-6.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Climate change threatens species diversity, disrupts ecosystem services, and causes uncertain changes in the spatial

distribution of future conservation-related outcomes. This uncertainty makes it difficult to implement standard conservation

and land management paradigms. This project will conduct research on a new spatial portfolio theory that can be harnessed

to manage the conservation risk that climate uncertainty creates and guide conservation and adaptation investment choices

made by public and private land management agencies. This project builds on basic research to develop novel risk

management tools derived from financial portfolio theory that exploit information about spatial covariances in future

ecological conditions. The research will yield tools that enable policy makers and conservation agents to allocate

investments across space in ways that minimize uncertainty for a given level of expected conservation benefit, and

determine the ecological and spatial conditions for which portfolio tools perform better than conventional approaches to risk

management.


Climate forecasts for the U.S. and Canadian portions of the Prairie Pothole Region have been acquired and from this a range

of temperature and precipitation forecasts assembled: temperature increases from 0 to 6 degrees Celsius and precipitation

changes of -20% to +20%. The stochastic weather generator (LARS-WG) was used to generate synthetic daily weather data

across this range of forecasted changes for a set of 19 weather stations with 100 year records of historical weather data. The

wetland ecosystem model (WETLANDSCAPE) was run for these 19 stations to forecast simulations of key wetland

outcomes (e.g. Cover Cycle Index and hydroperiod) for the projected range of changes in temperature and precipitation and

their interactions. Expansion to a greater spatial scale (more locations) is underway and downscaled climate forecasts for the

PPR have been obtained for additional analyses.

__________________________________________________________________________



Lucinda Johnson

Jennifer Olker

Glenn Guntenspergen


3014-10426-0003669330,419Univ of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (NSF) 08/15/2013 08/15/2014

$30,419Total

113

St. Louis River AOC R2R Support Project - Ecological Monitoring and Assessment


Establish baseline conditions for restoration locations in the St. Louis River estuary using aquatic macroinvertebrates,

aquatic vegetation, and birds. We are also examining the potential for mercury in the estuary sediments to raise concerns for

wetland restoration, and how examining estuary circulation patterns may affect restoration sites.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project builds on previous sampling efforts in the St. Louis River estuary that will help establish baseline conditions

that will be used to evaluate restoration and delisting efforts for the estuary. We are using aquatic macroinvertebrates,

aquatic vegetation, and bird communities for this evaluation. We are also evaluating the effects of sediment that may have

increased concentrations of chemicals of emerging concern on the growth of aquatic vegetation using mesocosm studies. We

are collaborating with Dr. Nathan Johnson (UMD) to determine whether mercury in sediments may need to be considered

during restoration work. We are also collaborating with Dr. Jay Austin (LLO) to determine how estuary circulation patterns

may affect restoration efforts. All results will be used to evaluate and inform St. Louis River estuary restoration efforts.

This project started in July 2013.

During summer 2013, we sampled 10 sites and over 200 points for aquatic macroinvertebrates and aquatic vegetation, and

all selected restoration and reference sites in the estuary were sampled for bird use. Data from sites scheduled for restoration

will be compared with reference sites to determine how different the communities are and to help establish restoration goals.

Samples from 2013 are still being processed for macroinvertebrates.

We are also in the process of selecting sampling points for the 2014 sampling season. We select our points, in part, to

overlap previous sampling efforts in the estuary so that our data will be even more useful for estuary restoration evaluation.

This includes sampling for toxic sediments, previous macroinvertebrate sampling, and sampling for chemicals of emerging

concern.

Our colleague, Dr. Nathan Johnson, has been collecting sediment samples to evaluate mercury amounts in various locations

within the estuary. His sampling will also continue in summer 2014.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Gerald Niemi

Valerie Brady

Annie Bracey

Carol Reschke





$459,831Total

114

Weather, Water, and People


The project will improve regional environmental literacy, specifically regarding the condition of regional water resources,

by facilitating the ability of broadcast meteorologists to work with their producers and reporters to independently explore

and report on the many ways that weather interacts with the land, as mediated by individual and community actions in the

watershed, to determine the condition of our water resources - trout streams, lakes and ponds, the St. Louis River Estuary,

and Lake Superior. We will work with FOX21 meteorologists and news teams to train them to use the real-time data

visualization tools on the www.lakesuperiorstreams.org website to see how trout streams, the St. Louis River, and Lake

Superior respond to weather phenomena and landscape disturbance, provide story ideas and a basic understanding of

watershed science, and link them to water professionals in the region.

Superior Regional Stormwater Protection Team and City of Duluth are collaborators on this project.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The project builds on a previous effort with NorthlandsNewsCenter meteorologists and will broadly focus on stormwater

issues and how individual behaviors can help protect or restore water quality and habitat.


NRRI operated and maintained automated flow and water quality gaging stations at four trout stream locations (Tischer,

Chester, Kingsbury and Amity; the latter with MPCA cooperation), as well as a water quality sensors at the Duluth and

Superior Inlets in cooperation with the US Geological Survey and Army Corps of Engineers. We also uploaded data from

the UMD Large Lakes Observatory’s nearshore Lake Superior buoys, and from St. Louis River sites operated by the Lake

Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LS NERR). A detailed outline was developed with a conceptual diagram of

the weather(& climate) - watershed (natural vs human disturbed) - water resource influences (ecological health and effects

vs human health and effects) that is the core theme, or "message", to guide training and story suggestions. We met with the

FOX21 News Producer and started to organize an advisory committee of “water” colleagues from the region.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Richard Axler

Elaine Ruzycki

Andrea Crouse


3013-10423-0003467928,373MN Dept of Natural Res (USDOC Prime) 09/24/2013 08/31/2014

$28,373Total

115

A Comprehensive Stressor-Response Model to Inform Ecosystem Restorations Across

the Great Lakes Basin


Two maps depicting anthropogenic stresses across the Great Lakes Basin will be merged into a composite map that spans

the entire basin.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Two projects have recently characterized human activities across the Great Lakes Basin. The “GLEI” project (and daughter

product WSI) maps and ranks risks of land derived

stressors for each watershed basinwide; the “GLEAM” project depicts individual and

composite threats of 34 stressors summarized for 1-km2 pixels across the lakes. Together, these

datasets can identify stress types that threaten biota anywhere in the basin. Additionally, comprehensive sampling has

generated water quality and biological data across coastal and

offshore zones. GLEI has quantified community change in diatoms, invertebrates, plants, fish,

amphibians and birds across stress gradients.

An all-hands meeting was held on November 1-2 to introduce the project team to one another, review each task, identify

work teams and verify timelines.

Spatial relationships between GLEI sampling areas and stress delineations and GLEAM data were initiated. Data to be used

in indicator development efforts were discussed and efforts were begun to assemble data sets (USPEA nearshore data,

GLNPO pelagic data (water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton), GLEI-I diatom data, and benthos data).

Two sets of maps depicting anthropogenic stress within the lakes and in the watersheds of the Great Lakes Basin are being

merged; initial analyses are being conducted to assess correlations among the two data sets. Conversations about this project

with the EPA Administrator in charge of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative are planned.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host

Lucinda Johnson

Valerie Brady

Euan Reavie

Meijun Cai


3006-10426-00039432242,575University of Michigan (Prime ERB Fdn) 09/01/2013 08/31/2015

$242,575Total

116

Gonadal Deformities in Smallmouth Bass as Indicators of Endocrine Disruption in the

St. Louis River Estuary


Document the occurrence and prevalence of testicular oocytes and other altered gonadal morphology in smallmouth bass

generally, specifically from the St. Louis River estuary. These goals will be accomplished using two research components:

1) a histological analysis of gonadal tissue from smallmouth bass collected in field surveys of sites in the Lake Superior

watershed and northern Minnesota; and 2) laboratory studies to document early gonadal development in smallmouth bass in

the presence and absence of a controlled exposure to a known estrogen.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Endocrine active chemicals (EACs) are an emerging concern in many natural waters, including the St. Louis River, its

estuary, and Lake Superior. Synthetic estrogens such as one which originates from oral contraceptives, are present in U.S.

waters receiving municipal wastewater effluent in the range of 73 - 831 ng/L, where they are considered the primary

contaminant contributing to estrogenic activity. Evidence for detrimental effects of EAC activity on fish exposed to these

low concentrations has been observed in both field and laboratory studies, and includes biochemical indicators of exposure

(e.g., vitellogenin [egg yolk protein] in male fish), and histological markers, such as testicular oocytes in wild fish. While

such reports foster concern in both public and scientific circles, our ability to gather data and make observations has often

outpaced our ability to place them in physiological and ecological context, which takes into account the background

prevalence of these effects in fish from relatively unimpacted areas. This project focuses on the background occurrence of

one potential biomarker of endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass, the presence of oocytes in testicular tissue, and

evaluates the likelihood that any elevated prevalence of this deformity could be caused by exposure to synthetic estrogen

during early life stages.

During the field collections of 2012 and 2013, we collected 315 male smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from the St.

Louis River Estuary and 7 inland lakes, including two 'impacted' inland lakes and 5 'reference' inland lakes. Collected fish

were dissected, gender identified, and gonads were removed, and preserved for evaluation of testicular oocyte presence and

abundance. Laboratory exposure experiments of early life-stage smallmouth bass to 17-ɑ-ethinyl-estradiol were

initiated in early summer 2013.

Field surveys were completed in fall of 2013. To date, testicular ooctyes have been found in multiple specimens, with

varying prevalence across sites. Additional sampling and severity ranking are underway.

Laboratory exposure experiments of early life-stage smallmouth bass to 17-ɑ-ethinyl-estradiol were successfully

completed in December 2013, with 524 fish collected across multiple ages from 2 weeks to 6 months to describe the gonad

development under controlled conditions and evaluate testicular oocyte presence and severity.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Pat Schoff

Jennifer Olker


1000-10426-20857-00016949,925Minnesota Sea Grant 07/01/2012 06/30/2014

$49,925Total

117

Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring


To assess the biotic condition of all the major coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes, United States and Canadian shorelines.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

This project will assess the baseline biotic condition (health) of all the major coastal wetland complexes along all the coasts

of the Great Lakes. Crews around the Great Lakes are using birds, frogs, fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic macrophytes,

water quality and habitat to determine wetland condition. Duluth crews sample wetlands across Lake Superior, Green Bay,

and northern Lake Michigan. Wetland condition information will be used by state agencies, non-profits, and other groups to

aid in wetland restoration efforts and to find very good wetlands in need of protection.

In the first three years, NRRI fish/invertebrate/veg crews visited about 80 sites, while bird/amphibian crews visited over

150 sites. In 2012, crews sampled several wetlands on Isle Royale. The database system that supports the project and holds

and serves all data was built by the NRRI GIS laboratory. Our database programmer, Dr. Terry Brown, is building a web-

based data portal that will provide the data to agencies to use in protecting and restoring Great Lakes coastal wetlands, as

well as track their condition over time.

Crews spent the 2013 summer sampling coastal wetland biota (birds, amphibians, fish, macroinvertebrates, and wetland

vegetation) from Green Bay to Thunder Bay. Crews sampled 25-35 wetlands, including two Sites on the Apostle Islands.

Early results indicate that wetland plants are highly affected by alterations to wetland hydrology, which has happened quite

a bit on lakes Erie and Ontario. Macroinvertebrates and fish seem to be more sensitive to local conditions and stressors,

resulting in wetlands with good indicator scores near wetlands with poorer scores.

Field crews are preparing for the 2014 field season by selecting sites, especially sites that are scheduled for restoration

work. Crews are particularly trying to provide baseline data for sites scheduled for restoration, so these sites receive priority

in sampling efforts. Sites in our area include many in the St. Louis River AOC, as well as the Thunder Bay AOC, and sites

in southern Green Bay.

In addition, Dr. Terry Brown has created a prototype web data portal to provide both the public and agency managers with

information on the condition of individual wetlands or wetlands in an area of the Great Lakes. Demonstrations of this web

data portal have generated quite a bit of interest and anticipation amongst agency personnel.

__________________________________________________________________________



George Host

Gerald Niemi

Richard Axler

Lucinda Johnson

Terry Brown

Valerie Brady

Annie Bracey


3014-10429-00023385907,371Central Michigan University (EPA Prime) 09/10/2010 08/31/2015

3014-10426-00023387755,198Central Michigan University(EPA Prime) 09/10/2010 08/31/2015


3014-10424-00023381264,804Central Michigan University(EPA Prime) 09/10/2010 08/31/2015


$2,338,902Total

118

LiDAR-based Bluff Assessment for Coastal land Use Planning


To conduct a digital terrain analysis of this newly-acquired LiDAR across Lake Superior`s North Shore to identify critical

or at-risk areas.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The striking character of the Lake Superior’s North Shore comes from its rugged bedrock-controlled topography that

produces beautiful scenic vistas, abundant waterfalls, and fast-flowing streams that provide habitat for trout and many other

species. This topography also provides significant challenges to natural resource management and land use planning.

Overlying soils are often erosive, which can be accelerated by human activity, resulting in impairments to streams and

coastal waters of Lake Superior.

Identifying bluffs, steep slopes, slumps, and other critical areas has historically been difficult due to a lack of high-

resolution elevation data and the complexities of photointerpreting steep terrain in areas of heavy conifer cover.

The intent of this proposal is to conduct a digital terrain analysis of this newly-acquired LiDAR across the coastal program

boundary to identify critical or at-risk areas. We will identify sites where steep slopes occur adjacent to stream reaches with

significant flow accumulation and/or erosive soils. In addition, we will conduct a more detailed characterization of several

critical sites using a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The TLS is a complement to the airborne LiDAR data; it is a tripod-

mounted device used to develop detailed characterizations of eroding banks, bluffs, or other landscape features. This use of

this new technology will serve two purposes – it will provide accurate baseline data to assess changes in stream banks and

bluffs over time, and will serve as a demonstrated of the capabilities of this emerging technology to the community of north

shore resource managers.

High-resolution watershed and stream delineations from 3 meter aerial LiDAR-derived elevation data have been completed

for Amity Creek, and French and Talmadge Rivers. Watershed and stream delineation is either ongoing or in the final

stages for the following: Lester, Knife, Split Rock, Beaver, Poplar, Flute Reed and Grand Portage Rivers. Consideration is

underway to include watershed and stream delineations for Big Sucker Creek, as this stream is also impaired for turbidity.

We completed the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) on 13 sites These include seven sites on Amity Creek and two on the

Lester River. In addition we scanned sites on the Talmadge, Knife and East Beaver Rivers. The process involved setting up

4-6 spherical targets at appropriate spacings, setting up the TLS unit, conducting a 180 to 360 degree scan, and then

relocating the camera to three or four other positions and repeating the process. The spherical targets are used to

georeference each three-dimensional point cloud into a common coordinate system. We are currently in the process of

merging the different images from each site, which will allow the creation of 3D models for each site.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


George Host


3013-10424-0002814534,723MN Lk Sup Coastal Prog (USDOC-Prime) 08/28/2012 09/30/2014

$34,723Total

119

Managing the Nations Fish Habitat at Multiple Spatial Scales


1) To refine empirical and mechanistic models for predicting extent of cold water fish habitat under current land use and

climate regimes. Predict oxythermal habitat for coldwater fish species using an empirical model incorporating existing land

use, lake morphometry, and climate data.

2) Predict future extents of cold water fish habitat in lakes of the Glacial Lakes region under future climate and land use

scenarios. Predict future oxythermal habitat in lakes under changing land use and climate for a large set of regional

coldwater lakes using empirical models. Predict future oxythermal habitat for individual lakes under changing land use and

climate for distinct lake classes and/or geographic regions using a mechanistic model.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

Coldwater fish communities are especially vulnerable to eutrophication and the effects of climate change. Climate warming

has the potential to reduce coldwater fish habitat by direct warming and increased hypolimnetic oxygen depletion. Deep

lakes with large, oxygenated hypolimnions may represent important sanctuaries for coldwater species such as cisco.

Projected range reductions for cisco and other coldwater species would allow for the identification of high priority refuge

lakes. Once identified, lake watershed protection efforts could be directed at refuge lakes to prevent further anthropogenic

impacts.

Several technical tasks are ongoing. The fish habitat projections for the baseline set of 260 coldwater lakes in Minnesota,

Wisconsin, and Michigan are currently being expanded to a set of 895 coldwater lakes in the three state region. Climate

projections from an ensemble of statistically-downscaled climate projections from 16 GCMs (the CMIP-3 project) are being

summarized for the region. The statistics of projected air temperature and precipitation from the 16 GCM set will be

compared to the 3 GCM set used in the study.

A manuscript was revised and resubmitted to the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. We conclude that

northern lakes that are small and deep are most likely to support coldwater fish populations in the future. Southern lakes are

relatively more sensitive than northern lakes to the effects of land use change.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Lucinda Johnson



$269,648Total

120

Moose Habitat Restoration in Northeastern Minnesota


The northeastern Minnesota moose population, with over 7,000 moose in 2005, declined to less than 5,000 moose in 2012

and a point estimate of < 3,000 in 2013. The research in this proposal addresses one management response to the decline:

improving moose habitat. This project will evaluate techniques for moose habitat restoration and develop best practices

guidelines for creating moose foraging habitat efficiently and cost-effectively. In this project we will also evaluate moose

foraging habitat created after large scale natural disturbances such as forest fires and wind storms.

Objective

Background

Previous Activity

Current Activity

The MN Moose Habitat Collaborative obtained funding for moose habitat restoration from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and

the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) is also working on moose habitat issues. General techniques

and guidelines for creating moose habitat are known, but it is not known which habitat restoration methods are most cost-

effective and best for moose.

This project is timely as this year marks the start of what could be a decade of intensive moose habitat management.

Outcomes of this proposal will directly benefit current and future moose habitat restoration projects. Spatial distribution and

availability of habitat types will guide identification of specific sites for enhancement, protection, or acquisition.

Development of habitat guidelines will help private and public land managers provide the best possible habitat for moose.


We measured browse production and consumption at sites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and within the Superior

National Forest in summer 2013.

Presentations on this project were given at the Moose Research Meetings held at the Cloquet Forestry Center in December

2013 and at the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting February 4-6, 2014 in Bemidji, Minnesota, and

a special address to the 2014 Roundtable for the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources held at in Bloomington, MN. In

addition, Moen was invited to present at a conference in Sweden in October 2013.

__________________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________________


Ronald Moen



$200,000Total

121

Center for Water and the Environment – Program Notes

Personnel

Lucinda Johnson, Interim NRRI Director and CWE director was appointed to the International Joint

Commission’s Science Priority Committee of the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board, where she will

serve a three-year term. This committee was established to assist the Commission in the exercise of the

powers and responsibilities assigned to it under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Lucinda Johnson, served on an international team to review "Water for a Healthy Country," a flagship

program for the Australian Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO) in

August. This $80 million program conducts research at the interface of academia, industry and agencies

on the broad topic of water.

Lucinda Johnson is serving on a panel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory

Board that will review a long-awaited study on "connectivity" of wetlands and surface waters to

downstream waters, that is expected to inform a pending jurisdiction policy. The EPA and the U.S. Corps

of Engineers want to clarify the protection of networked smaller waters that feed into larger ones, to keep

downstream water safe from upstream pollutants. This report will also clarify protection of wetlands that

filter and trap pollutants, as well as store water to keep communities from flooding.

Lucinda Johnson was also appointed to the Science Advisory Board for the University of Michigan

Water Center. This center has received funding from the Erb Family Foundation for research in support of

the science agenda for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Ryan Hueffmeier, junior scientist, has been named director of the Great Lakes Worm Watch, and also

NRRI Sustainability Coordinator.

New Hires Kim VanderWaal and Brian Kot were hired as post-doctoral associates to assist with work on moose

and deer projects with Ron Moen. Both of them split their time between CWE and the Minnesota Zoo.

Ralph Garano was hired as a research associate to develop a program in the areas of invasive species and

ecosystem restoration.

Ed Zlonis was hired to work on the Breeding Bird Atlas and Lowland Conifer Bird Species in Agassiz

Lowlands projects with Gerald Niemi and Annie Bracey.

Katya Kovalenko was hired in early 2014 to work on the Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and

Mapping (GLEAM) and Great Lakes Environmental Indicators (GLEI) projects.

Alice Yeates joined NRRI to work on the project studying coastal wetlands and the effects of Hurricane

Sandy.

Publications

Gerald Niemi reviewed the book The Boreal Owl: Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of a Forest

dwelling Predator in the Journal of Wildlife Management, V. 75 (5), p. 1,076, 2013.

Gerald Niemi also published "Do vegetation boundaries display smooth or abrupt spatial transitions

along environmental gradients? Evidence from the prairie-forest biome boundary of historic Minnesota,

USA" in the Journal of Vegetation Science, 24 (6), pp 1129-1140, 2013.

122

Euan Reavie and Lisa Allinger had “The ecological history of Lake Erie according to the phytoplankton

community” published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research (volume 39, pp 365-382). Reavie and RP

Barbiero published “Recent changes in abundance and cell size of pelagic diatoms in the North American

Great Lakes” in Phytotaxa (volume 157, pp 150-162).

Olker, J.H., L.B. Johnson, R.P. Axler, C.M. Johnson published Factors influencing ultraviolet radiation

dose to developing frogs in northern vernal pools in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic

Sciences (volume 137).

Kovalenko, K. et al. had their work “Congruence of community thresholds in response to anthropogenic

stress in Great Lakes coastal wetlands” accepted to Freshwater Science, and it will be published in 2014.

Jicha, T. M., L.B. Johnson, B.H. Hill, C.M. Elonen, and M.S. Pearson had “Spatial and temporal patterns

of nitrification rates in forested floodplain wet soils of Upper Mississippi River Pool 8” published in

River Research and Applications.

Technical Reports The following technical reports were completed and submitted to sponsors:

Axler R, Brady V, Ruzycki E, Henneck J, Will N, Crouse A, Dumke J, Hell R. September 2013.

Amity Restoration Assessment: Water Quality, Fish, Bugs, People. Funded by Coastal Zone Management

Act by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program;

Minnesota Sea Grant and Natural Resources Research Institute at University of Minnesota Duluth; City

of Duluth Stormwater Utility; Minnesota Pollution Control Agency-Duluth; and the EPA-Great Lakes

Restoration Initiative. Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth. Technical

Report NRRI/TR-2013/29, 61p.

Dumke JD, Brady VJ, Hell RV. December 2013. Standard Operating Procedure: Aquatic Invertebrate

Collection Habitat Assessment and Laboratory Sample Processing. Center for Water and the

Environment, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth. Technical Report

NRRI/TR-2013/42, 11p.

Host G, Meysembourg P, Reschke C, Brady V, Niemi G, Bracey A, Johnson L. 2013. An Ecological

Design for the 21st Avenue West Remediation-to-Restoration Project. Contracted by United States Fish

and Wildlife Service, Cooperative Agreement F11AC00517. Natural Resources Research Institute,

University of Minnesota Duluth. Technical Report NRRI/TR-2013/24, 186p.

Brown T, Meysembourg P, Host G. 2013. Geospatial Modeling of Native Plant Communities of

Minnesota’s Laurentian Mixed Forest. Contracted by the Minnesota Forest Resources Council and

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Contract number 12-DG-11242307-12. Natural Resources

Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth. Technical Report NRRI/TR-2013-28.

Reavie E. August 2013. Paleolimnological Reconstructions for the White Iron Chain of Lakes. Submitted

to The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and The White Iron Chain of Lakes Association. Natural

Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth. Technical Report NRRI/TR-2013, 43p.

Reavie E. October 2013. Assessing the Condition of Great Rivers Using Benthic and Planktonic Algal

Indicators, Final Report. Submitted to United States Environmental Protection Agency. Natural

Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth, Technical Report NRRI/TR-2013/34, 2p.

123

Zlonis EJ, Grinde A, Bednar J, Niemi GJ. October 2013. Summary of Breeding Bird Trends in the

Chippewa and Superior National Forests of Minnesota, 1995-2013. Submitted to Chippewa National

Forest and Superior National Forest. Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota

Duluth. Technical Report NRRI/TR-2013/36, 109p.

Scientific Presentations and Meetings

Pat Schoff is serving on the program committee for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration

Minnesota Section 2014 Conference to be held in Duluth in April 2014.

Gerald Niemi and Annie Bracey were co-presenters with R.W. Howe, N.G. Walton and E.E. Gisese (all

three of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay) on a presentation titled "Avian responses to landscape

stressors in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands" at the Society of Wetland Scientists annual meeting held in

Duluth, June 2013. The same presentation was also given at the Partners in Flight meeting, held in

Snowbird, Utah in August, 2013. At the same meeting in Utah, Niemi, Anne Grinde, and Ed Zlonis

presented research titled "Long-term monitoring of forest breeding birds of the Western Great Lakes

Region -- What have we learned?"

At the 98th Annual Ecological Society of America meeting, Euan Reavie presented “Longitudinal

Variation and Response to Anthropogenic Stress in Benthic and Planktonic Diatom Assemblages of the

Lower Mississippi River, USA.”

Gerald Niemi and Matthew Etterson (NRRI adjunct/EPA Duluth), were co-presenters with L. Condon,

UMD master's student, and R. Green, on a presentation titled "The effects of urbanization on migrating

birds at the western shore of Lake Michigan" at the American Ornithologists Union meeting in Chicago,

IL, in August 2013.

At the same meeting, Niemi was co-author with H. Panci, UMD master's student, on a talk titled

"Landscape characteristics that influence the distribution and abundance of Marsh and Sedge Wrens in

the coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes.”

In August, Euan Reavie and Lisa Allinger traveled to Budapest, Hungary, to present “New problems,

new tools: Updating the paleolimnology of the Laurentian Great Lakes” at the 32nd Congress of the

International Society of Limnology.

Gerald Niemi, Valerie Brady, Terry Brown, Lucinda Johnson and Euan Reavie were co-authors,

along with R. Howe, N. Walton, E. Giese, J. Ciborowski, and J. Gathman on a talk titled "How do

different taxa respond to landscape stressors in Great Lakes coastal wetlands?" at the Ecological Society

of American annual meeting held in Minneapolis in August, 2013.

Euan Reavie also presented at the American Geophysical Union 46th Annual Fall meeting, sharing his

work on how “Anthropogenic Climate Change has Driven Lake Superior Productivity Beyond the Range

of Holocene Variability.”

George Host was invited to present “Assessing Ecological Quality and Environmental Stressors for

Landscape-scale Conservation Design” at the Seven Mile Creek Biomass Planning Workshop as part of

the Critical Ecological Habitat project. In October, Host presented his work “Field Assessment and

Geospatial Modeling for Developing an Ecological Design for Restoration in the St. Louis River Estuary”

at the 5th World Conference on Ecological Restoration.

124

Valerie Brady, Terry Brown, Jeremy Erickson, and Lucinda Johnson presented “Developing a GIS

based wetland restoration tool for Minnesota” at the Minnesota Water Resources Conference in St. Paul

in October.

Lisa Allinger and Euan Reavie presented “An updated paleolimnology of the Laurentian Great Lakes”

and “The ecological history of Lake Erie according to algae” at the 22nd North American Diatom

Symposium.

Lucinda Johnson was invited to present a seminar at the University of Western Ontario in October,

entitled “Identifying and calibrating indicators for Great Lakes Ecosystems”. Johnson was hosted by

members of the Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystem Services, for which Johnson serves as a

scientific advisor.

Lucinda Johnson and Randall Hicks were invited to visit the Beijing University for Civil Engineering

and Architecture in November. Johnson presented a seminar entitled “Identifying and calibrating

indicators for Great Lakes Coastal Ecosystems” at the university and again at the Chinese Research

Institute for Environmental Science. A research collaboration involving Dr. Yuansheng Hu and Euan

Reavie has been established.

Ron Moen was invited to speak at the Moose Health: Management challenges with growing ungulate

populations workshop held in Uppsala, Sweden, in October. He presenting his work addressing moose

habitat use, population, parasite, and predation issues.

Lucinda Johnson participated in a state-wide conference in November entitled “Preparing Minnesota for

Climate Change: A Conference on Climate Adaptation. Johnson participated in a panel discussion and

presented an invited talk entitled “Impacts of climate change on water quality and aquatic life: what are

we seeing and what can we do about it”.

In cooperation with MN DNR, Ron Moen planned and arranged the Moose Research and Management

Meeting held in December. At this conference Juliann Terry presented “The habitat and fire ecology of

the winter tick in moose habitat;” Michael Joyce presented “Moose home range calculations from GPS

collar data;” and Kim VanderWaal, a post-doctorate scientist from MN Zoo, presented “Dynamics of

parasite transmission between deer and moose.” Amanda McGraw presented “Calving site habitat and

space use;” Rachel Ward presented “Measuring browse availability for moose in northeastern

Minnesota:’ Tim Cyr presented “Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Voyageurs National

Park;” and Brian Kot, a post-doctorate scientist from MN Zoo, presented “Wolf-moose interactions in

northeastern Minnesota, year 1.”

Outreach

Ryan Hueffmeier gave a Great Lakes Worm Watch “Train the Trainer” workshop and a class on the

Invasive Earthworm Rapid Assessment Tool (IERAT) for the Minnesota DNR.

In July, Hueffmeier was an invited speaker at the National Tree Farm Convention's Big Woods Farm

Field Day held at the Big Woods Farm in Isanti, MN, and gave a presentation about Great Lakes Worm

Watch to the CYCLES professional development workshop for 5-12 grade teachers at the Boulder Lake

Environmental Learning Center.

Hueffmeier was also interviewed in the German science magazine “Bild der Wissenschaft” (The Picture

of Science). October 2013, for an article titled "Invasion der Wurmer" ("The Worm Invasion").

125

George Host was interviewed by several groups about watersheds and ecological restoration. KDIO,

KBJR, and Fox News asked him to speak on tree planting and stream restoration efforts within the Amity

Creek watersheds. KUMD’s ‘Green Visions’ program interviewed Host about NRRI’s computer

modeling and its applications in the ecological restoration efforts at the 21st and 40th Avenues West sites

in the St. Louis River Estuary.

Host also did an extended interview with Channel 6’s Kevin Jacobson on the use of the newly-released

LiDAR imagery for stormwater management in Duluth.

Gerald Niemi gave an invited talk titled "Spotlight on Lake Superior" at the Great Lakes Legislative

Caucus held in Duluth on June 30. In July, Niemi was invited to give a speech titled "Spotlight on Lake

Superior" at the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus held in Duluth on July 30.

Ron Moen was interviewed by CBC Radio in Newfoundland about the declining Moose population in

Minnesota and the research currently taking place.

Ed Zlonis had his commentary on bird counting published in the local Budgeteer News in October.

Muffin Meetings As part of CWE’s outreach to the UMD campus and greater community, we hold frequent short lectures

on various topics relating to our research projects. These lectures feature both CWE researchers and also

visiting researchers and collaborators. Between July and December we held six meetings:

In September, one of our graduate students, Michael Joyce, presented ‘Space-use behavior and multi-

scale habitat selection of American marten in Minnesota.’ In his research, he assisted MN DNR

collaborators to radio-collar 202 marten between 2008 and 2013. Joyce used the collected location data to

characterize space-use and habitat selection.

Kate Ruskin, who visited and worked with CWE and the EPA’s Midcontinent Ecology Division during

fall, presented work on modeling seasonal fecundity of the Saltmarsh Sparrow across its global range.

The sparrows are on the Audobon Society’s WatchList as a species of global conservation concern due to

habitat loss from sea level rise.

Ryan Huffmeier presented how his work in the Center aims to develop applied research tools, evaluate

those tools’ effectiveness, and incorporate outreach into the research process.

Visiting speaker Anna Peterson from the Conservation Biology Program at UMN shared her research into

airspace and bird migration. Her work examined airspace adjacent to the Northshore region of Lake

Superior, seeking to understand how birds migrate and how their movements may be impacted by the

presence of wind turbines.

Bridget vonHoldt, visiting researcher from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University,

presented her work on canid conservation genetics. Her presentation was widely attended and proved to

be one of our most successful campus-wide lectures.

Our final Muffin Meeting of the 2013 featured visiting speaker Stacey Stark, the Director at the

Geospatial Analysis Center in the College of Liberal Arts at UMD.

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NRRI Business Development

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Small Business Development Assistance The UMD Center for Economic Development (CED) supports NRRI with assistance to small business focusing on the commercialization or conservation of natural resources. The assistance is related to business planning, financial planning, financing plans, marketing plans, ecommerce, etc, which complements the research and development activities at NRRI. From July through December 2013 fourteen businesses with a base in natural resources or energy conservation were provided one-on-one consulting. During 2013 eight businesses brought new products to market and deal with alternative energy production, particularly in the use of biomass or wood pellet production. Between July and December 2013, CED continued to assist businesses that would be considered “green.”

The industries included alternative energy using solar, wind or alternative fuels, energy saving initiatives, environmentally sustainable products and geo-thermal processes. One CED supported business entered the Intuit contest for a SuperBowl commercial and became the national runner-up receiving a professional commercial run at a spring 2014 sporting event. CED continues to market the MN Cup Business Plan Competition throughout the NE region, and advise participants in the student and alternative fuel categories. One CED staff person is a judge in the student competition. The Minnesota Cup is sponsored by the University of Minnesota, Wells Fargo and the State of Minnesota. One of the NRRI Product Development Fund recipients is also participating in the CED Business Incubator Program and has been working on numerous business and financial projections with CED staff members. This business is a past semi-finalist in the MN Cup competition and is reviewing new investors and financing, including product licensing agreements. Through various program prioritization efforts, the University may not fund the incubator after June 2014. CED continues to work with one of the regional communities on a solution to a biomass project, and its partnership with the Minnesota Logger Education Program. The 20th Annual Basic Economic Development Course was held in July 2013. This course is accredited through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and is the first course in a series of six that is required for the certification as a Certified Economic Development Professional (CEcD). The 24 participants come from six states - Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota and represented various levels of, private industry and the energy sector. The course is composed of ten required topics that are covered during the week. Through the years, this course has received very high ratings in the required evaluation structure. Teen Enterprise - the Youth Entrepreneurship Camp – was held in Virginia in August, with participants from Virginia, Eveleth and International Falls. This camp was developed over a year ago and gives high school youth the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and business ownership. The participants are given the opportunity to develop a Business Plan and they present their business idea at the closing session. From the classroom to the computer lab students participate in activities that focus on the challenges and opportunities that come with starting a business. The teens also visit and speak with members of the business community and meet with entrepreneurs. The teens comment that their favorite part of the camp is meeting real business owners and talking to them. This program was just recognized as a finalist for the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Awards for Excellence.

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Expansion of SBDC network in northwestern Minnesota - The UMD Center of Economic Development was recently notified that UMD and CED will be the new host for the NW SBDC in addition to the NE SBDC. The NW SBDC covers eleven counties in north central and north western Minnesota. UMD has been host to the NE SBDC for over 30 years and will be working with the regional partners in the NW region to transition the NW SBDC to a regional host during the coming three years. The NW SBDC had previously been hosted by Bemidji State University and most recently by Concordia College in Moorhead until December 31, 2013. CED will work closely with UM Crookston and Bemidji State as well as other regional partners to bring a new vision and direction to the NW SBDC. There are a number of efficiencies that can be accomplished with UMD covering both regions and there are additional partnerships that can be increased to focus on the various industries that are more specific to the northern third of Minnesota such as the timber industry and certain types of agricultural activity. The SBDC network directs its activities to assisting entrepreneurs and existing business owners expand and stabilize their businesses by providing one-on-one consulting, information resources, and educational opportunities. 2013 Metrics – # Counties served - Seven (over 18,000 square miles) Businesses and Entrepreneurs provided with consulting services - 476 Debt/Equity investment activity - $15,528,386 New Business Starts - 36 Center Service Profile of Businesses served - Service 19%; Retail 13%; Manufacturing 8%; Accommodation/Food 6%; Construction 5%; Health 4%; Agriculture 2%; All other 16% 2013 Segmentation Totals: PreVenture (includes in business less than 1 year) 27%; Emerging/Established 62%; Mid-Sized 6%; Non Profit 5%

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NRRI Public Relations

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PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT – July 1 – December 31, 2013 Media Progress/Results Burrelle’s Luce Clipping Service Media Value = $172,473.08 Other media value (Not tracked by Burrelle’s) = $3,444.00 Total Media Value $175,917.08 (-$271,005.92 since last report) Articles by Media Type: 76.6% print, 23.4% online Print Newspaper mentions/stories: - Duluth News Tribune 5 - Twin Cities Business 1 - Minnesota Business mag. 2 - Small towns/Weeklies 28 Online mentions/stories: 11 Television broadcasts: 2 Radio broadcast: 1 Social Media

- Facebook (1/30/14) 255 Likes/Fans (+59) - LinkedIn (1/30/14) 117 members of the NRRI Group (+67)

Print NRRI Now Newsletter: 2,013 subscribers (-73) Electronic Now Newsletter: 695 active contacts (+78) Open Rate: 46.4% (Industry Avg. = 20%) NRRI Website: 116,913 Avg. successful requests per day (+995) Activity for requested reports:

- Economic Geology Group = 39.14% - Moose in Minnesota = 14.47%

- Great Lakes Worm Watch = 10.60% - CARTD = 5.62%

- Canada Lynx = 4.51% - Coastal GIS = 4.35% - Default = 3.48% - NRRI Now Newsletters = 2.35%

Visibility/Other PR Projects Total number of people toured NRRI: 70 Other Public Relations Promotions:

Coordinating effort to compile a book about NRRI’s 30 year history. Held public open house/tour attracting 32 guests – July 18 & 19 Held 3rd Annual “UMD Day” at NRRI, hiring a bus to bring UMD colleagues for a tour

at NRRI.

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