Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Threads That Shape Us: Fashioning A Sustainable Future From Silk, Bryne Croyle Johnson

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Silk has been used for centuries as a natural fiber, but has declined in popularity due to synthetic alternatives. In this pop-science article style paper, the history, present, and possible futures of silk are discussed at a generally accessible level. Anthropology, Biology, Sociology, and Environmental Science are brought together to present a case for a renewed interest in silk as a sustainable fiber.

Not-So-Super Superfund: Cercla’S Biggest Issues, Cameron Berthiaume

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund) is a federal law that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites and hold the parties responsible for the contamination financially liable. However, CERCLA faces a number of challenges to fulfilling its mission. This report examines some of the biggest issues facing the law in the past and present.

North Shore Prospecting, Shae Lindholm

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

If one wanted to pick a violently controversial issue in the North Shore region of Minnesota, mining and mineral prospecting would be at the top of the list. As someone who lives in the region, this EIS is a demonstration of policies directly relevant to my home, and is why I picked it. “Federal Hardrock Mineral Prospecting Permits” is an EIS originating from 2012 that, like the title of the EIS implies, deals with a request for permits to dig exploratory boreholes in various locations in the Superior National Forest, which would come from the USDA Forest Service and the …

Public Participation In The Vineyard Wind Project, Jude Humphrey

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

This paper analyzes the environmental and social impact of Vineyard Wind, a proposed offshore wind farm, as well as the public response to these impacts. This was done by reading and summarizing the draft and final environmental impact statement and comments made during the public participation process. Lawsuits brought against the company were also included in this analysis. The public participation process was deemed adequate and in some cases more than required by federal agencies, however the comments and lawsuits show that there are still concerns that were not included in the approved alternative. The public response to this project …

Umn Morris Carbon Footprint Calculations (2005 - 2020), Anneliese Tatham

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

The University of Minnesota Morris is well known for its commitment to sustainability. As a part of this commitment, the UMN Morris Office of Sustainability tracks and analyzes campus energy production, consumption and efficiency and summarizes this information as a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint combines all available greenhouse gas emissions data attributed to the institution from three categories: direct emissions from institution-owned or operated processes (Scope 1), indirect emissions related to the purchase of utilities (Scope 2), and indirect emissions from sources not owned by the institution but associated with its function (Scope 3). This project was an effort …

Water Scarcity In The Jordan River Basin, Matthew Cook

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

The watershed of the Jordan River stretches over four countries – Jordan, Syria, Israel, and Lebanon – and includes the region of Palestine. With the land and its resources hotly contested by all parties involved, the dwindling supply of drinking and irrigation water from viable sources has led to scrambling exploitation, leaving the river and its connected lakes in an ever-worsening state of deterioration. Increased suspended solids, presence of toxin-producing cyanobacteria, and accelerated evapotranspiration have led to a slower, shallower, murkier, and lower health quality trickle taking the place of the once-revered River Jordan (Comair et al., “Watershed Delineation” …

Pharmaceuticals In Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Waters, Nicole Deziel

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Waters.

Effect Of Human Disturbance On Small Mammal Communities In Itasca State Park, Minnesota, Nancy L. Staus, Kathleen Conforti, Leslie N. Clapper, Jennifer A. Longhenry, C. C. Schoenbauer, Michael S. Rentz, John R. Tester

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

We determined effects of different levels of human disturbance on small mammal richness and relative abundance from live-trapping data obtained in Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota. We developed a quantitative measure of human disturbance based on disturbance units and trapped small mammals on three study sites, each reflecting a different level of disturbance. Our data revealed that small mammal diversity decreased with increasing human disturbance. Amount of ground cover and litter depth also appeared to be important in explaining differences in the demographic patterns of small mammals among sites.

Climatology And Interannual Variability Of Wind Speeds In And Around Minnesota, Kevin J. Lawless, Katherine Klink

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Wind is receiving renewed attention as an energy resource. Unfortunately, many wind energy assessments are based on records that may not be representative of the long-term wind resource. To better evaluate wind energy potential in and around Minnesota, we analyze wind speeds from 1961 to 1990 for seven stations in the region at a height of about 6.1 m above ground level. We used hourly and three-hourly speed observations to develop a 30-year time series of mean monthly wind speeds, their maxima and minima, and the diurnal wind speed range. Simple linear regression was used to evaluate long-term trends in …

Soil Conservation/Water Quality Wetlands And Symposium

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Vegetated Wetlands On The Water Quality Of Two Glacial Prairie Lakes, Lois Haertel, Walter G. Duffy, Daniel E. Kokesh

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

We investigated the influence of vegetated wetlands on water quality of two eastern South Dakota glacial prairie lakes. Surface water from a 5,880 ha pastured basin drains into a 90 ha upstream Typha wetland and enters Lake Enemy Swim passing 400 m through Typha-Scirpus littoral wetland. A second 1,290 ha basin characterized by row crops and pasture drains into a 260 ha open water slough entering L. Enemy Swim adjacent to Typha-Scirpus littoral wetland. Water enters Lake Cochrane from two smaller drainage basins. Water from a 180 ha basin consisting of a pasture and wet meadow enters the lake after …

Wetlands/Groundwater Quality In Agricultural Landscapes, D. H. Rickerl, D. E. Kringen, T. A. Machacek

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

In the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR - SO, NO, MN, IA), wetlands classified as "semi-permanent" or "seasonal" can act as groundwater recharge sites. The nutrient filtering capacity of wetlands has been investigated for both natural and constructed wetlands linked to surface water, but there is little information available on their subsequent impact on groundwater quality. This study investigates four seasonal and two semi-permanent wetlands in the PPR of eastern South Dakota. Transitional no-till (TNT) and organic farm (ORG) management systems border the wetlands. The objective is to determine the effects of farm management system on wetland surface water and groundwater …

Restoring Agricultural Drained Wetlands: A "Reinvest In Minnesota" (Rim) Initiative, Thomas A. Wenzel, David H. Behm

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Minnesota possessed about 18.5 million acres of wetlands in 1950; by the 1980s, the acreage had been reduced to 7.5 million acres. An innovative, locally-administered state program is helping to bring back a part of this heritage.

The wetland restoration component of the Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Reserve Program acquires perpetual conservation easements from landowners to restore drained wetlands and convert them back to their natural state. The program provides limited funding to cover costs associated with restoring drained wetlands and establishing vegetative cover on adjacent uplands. The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) administers the program through local …

Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act: Wetland Banking System, John Jaschke, Greg Larson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), is a "no-net-loss" state wetland protection program that became law in June 1991. The WCA prohibits the draining and filling of wetlands unless replaced by restored or created wetlands of equal or greater public value under an approved replacement plan. Local government units (LGUs) administer this state program that includes a comprehensive yet simple wetland function and value assessment to achieve wetland replacement. The WCA also was the impetus for the development of a state wetland banking system which allows both public and private sector project sponsors to participate.

The resultant system evaluates existing …

The Role Of Economic, Management And Public Policy Factors On Post-Contract Conservation Reserve Program Land Use Decisions, Larry L. Janssen, Tecleberhan Ghebremicael

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Most Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts will expire from 1996 to 2001 , directly affecting land use of 36.4 million acres of highly erodible cropland enrolled in this land retirement program. The major objective of this study is to estimate the role of economic, management, and public policy factors on post-contract CRP land use decisions in South Dakota, a Northern Plains state with 2.1 million acres of enrolled land, 10% of the State's cropland base.

The major data source is a 1993 CRP survey sent to a random sample of 8.33 %of South Dakota CRP contract holders and completed by …

Influence Of Vegetated Wetlands On The Water Quality Of Two Glacial Prairie Lakes, Lois Haertel, Walter G. Duffy, Daniel E. Kokesh

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

We investigated the influence of vegetated wetlands on water quality of two eastern South Dakota glacial prairie lakes. Surface water from a 5,880 ha pastured basin drains into a 90 ha upstream Typha wetland and enters Lake Enemy Swim passing 400 m through Typha-Scirpus littoral wetland. A second 1,290 ha basin characterized by row crops and pasture drains into a 260 ha open water slough entering L. Enemy Swim adjacent to Typha-Scirpus littoral wetland. Water enters Lake Cochrane from two smaller drainage basins. Water from a 180 ha basin consisting of a pasture and wet meadow enters the lake after …

How A Refocused Crp Could Be Administered In Minnesota, David H. Behm

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Reserve and Permanent Wetland Preserves (PWP) are state conservation easement programs designed to keep certain marginal agricultural land, including drained restorable wetlands, and existing types 1, 2, 3, or 6 wetlands out of crop production to protect soil and water quality and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) suggests an alternative approach to administering a refocused Conservation Reserve (CRP) and the new Wetland Reserve Programs (WRP), in Minnesota. BWSR could enter into a delegation agreement with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to transfer easement acquisition, practice establishment, …

Water Quality In Minnesota

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Abstracts of articles on water quality in Minnesota.

Minnesota's Boundary Waters Wilderness: Time For A New Name And A New Philosophy, T. Jeffery Evans

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Agriculture-Benefits For Minnesota, Ron Kroese, Craig Cramer

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Preserving Minnesota's Natural Heritage, Nelson T. French

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Minnesota has a rich natural resource base that can be preserved only by maintaining and expanding private and public conservation programs that contribute toward the protection of forests, soils, waters, native plants, wildlife, natural communities, and endangered species. Although efforts to protect Minnesota's natural heritage have been a model for the Midwest, increasing pressure to plow up prairie, drain wetlands, consume old growth forest resources, and urbanize the landscape continue to erode an ever decreasing base of natural habitat. Significant alteration of our state's presettlement biological communities has occurred and, in spite of conservation laws and rules adopted over the …

The New Materialism: Managing Minnesota's Materials As If Matter Mattered, David Morris

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The St. Croix Field Research Station: A New Facility And Program Of The Science Museum Of Minnesota, Ronald W. Lawrenz

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Report On The Conference Of Post-Secondary Environmental Educators, Caryl Edward Buchwald, Shirley M. Dougherty

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Human Impacts To Minnesota Wetlands, Carol A. Johnston

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

ABSTRACT-Minnesota's 3.6 million ha of wetlands have been impacted by a variety of human activities, including agricultural drainage, urbanization, water control, and nonpoint source pollution. More than half of Minnesota's wetlands have been destroyed since the first European settlers arrived, an average loss of about 35,600 ha/yr. Drainage for agriculture is the major cause of wetland loss in Minnesota, particularly in southern Minnesota and the Red River Valley. In addition to impacting wetlands directly, wetland drainage affects downstream areas by increasing flood flows, and releasing sediment and nutrients. Urban development and highway construction affect a smaller proportion of Minnesota's wetlands, …

The Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant And The Mississippi River: 50 Years Of Improving Water Quality, D. Kent Johnson, Paul W. Aasen

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

ABSTRACT-The Metropolitan Waste Control Commission and its predecessors have operated the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Mississippi River at St. Paul, MN, for the past 50 years. Analysis of water quality data collected over the past 60 years shows a general improvement of water quality as the waste treatment process has been upgraded. In 1926, dissolved oxygen ranged from <1 mg/L to 2 mg/L in the river reach from St. Paul to Lock and Dam 3 (August mean values). In 1987, dissolved oxygen values in the same area were 7 mg/L or greater. The drought of 1988 produced severe low flow conditions in the Mississippi River, but dissolved oxygen values continued to meet or exceed the 5 mg/L water quality standard. Biological sampling in 1926 and 1959 showed an absence of clean water organisms. Biological sampling in 1985 showed an abundance of clean water organisms. The most dramatic evidence of this resurgence is the reappearance of the Hexagenia mayfly in St. Paul after a 50 year absence. The water quality improvements in the Mississippi River correlate directly with improved treatment plant processes, particularly the current advanced secondary treatment facility, and with improved waste control throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Small Mammal Responses To Roadside Habitat Management In South Central Minnesota, Jeffrey W. Grimm, Richard H. Yahner

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Responses of small mammals to management of roadsides in south central Minnesota were examined from August-October in 1980 and 1981. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources established and maintained vegetation along portions of these roadsides by planting Bromus inermis and Medicago sativa as nesting cover for ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and with infrequent mowing. Landowners or state and county transportation departments maintained other roadside areas by frequent mowing of native vegetation. Mowing of roadsides had a negative effect on abundance of Blarina brevicauda, Peromyscus leucopus, Microtus pennsylvanicus, and Mustela erminea during both summer and autumn and on abundance of Peromyscus …

Seasonal Variations In Water Quality Parameters Of The Mississippi River Near St. Cloud, Mn, Stephen B. Ellingson, Alfred J. Hopwood

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

ABSTRACT - Water quality parameters were monitored in the Mississippi River and three tributaries (Harris Channel, Watab Creek, and Sauk River) from July 1980 to April 1981. Results were correlated with water temperature and discharge to assess seasonal changes. Effects of tributary inflow on the river were determined. Planktonic carbon was estimated with the firefly luciferin-luciferase system which measures adenosine triphosphate extracted from viable cells. Particulate organic matter, planktonic carbon, and percentage viable carbon were correlated with temperature (p ~ 0.6) while nitrate plus nitrite was inversely correlated with temperature and discharge. Only the Sauk River affected the water quality …

An Overview Of Minnesota's Role In The Federal Nuclear Waste Disposal Process, Gregg Larson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Siting: A Political Process, James Pehler

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.