The City of Elk River is home to 1256 wetlands, according to the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). Wetlands play a vital role in our community’s flood management, water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. In 2006, the city updated their ordinance to include a 25-foot Wetland Buffer Strip around all wetlands and stormwater ponds. The Buffer […]
University: University of St. Thomas
Modeling Pollutant Levels in Lake Orono After Rainfall Events
The City of Elk River is working to improve water quality in its lakes and rivers. As a part of this effort, Elk River is examining the overall management of Lake Orono to build a better understanding of the lake as a whole. Environmental Problem Solving students will build upon the work of Aquatic Biology […]
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German Translation for Elk River’s Climate-Smart Municipalities Partnership
The City of Elk River was selected to participate in the Climate Smart Municipalities partnership for 2016-2018. This partnership is between the state of Minnesota and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Five Minnesota cities (Elk River, Morris, Warren, Duluth, and Rochester) have been paired up with NRW cities (Iserloh, Saerbeck, Arnsberg, Munster, and Siegen) […]
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Modeling Pollutant Levels in Lake Orono After Rainfall Events
The City of Elk River is working to improve water quality in its lakes and rivers. As a part of this effort, Elk River is examining the overall management of Lake Orono to build a better understanding of the lake as a whole. Environmental Problem Solving students will build upon the work of Aquatic Biology […]
Read More… from Modeling Pollutant Levels in Lake Orono After Rainfall Events
Designing an Outdoor Performance Space for Big Lake’s Lakeside Park
The City of Big Lake is interested in designing a bandshell for Lakeside Park. Concerts are held at the park every week during the summer and the performances currently take place on a temporary stage. Many lake-oriented parks throughout the region feature a lakeside bandshell as a signature architectural piece and this is something Big […]
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Analyzing Energy Efficiency Upgrades of Public Infrastructure
The City of Delano seeks to increase the energy efficiency of its public infrastructure to reduce energy use and costs. Students will collaborate on two projects: 1) a benchmarking study of public buildings and 2) an analysis for street lighting upgrades. Based on their analysis, students will propose potential improvements/upgrades to public buildings and evaluate […]
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Designing an Outdoor Performance Space for Big Lake’s Lakeside Park
The City of Big Lake is interested in designing a bandshell for Lakeside Park. Concerts are held at the park every week during the summer and the performances currently take place on a temporary stage. Many lake-oriented parks throughout the region feature a lakeside bandshell as a signature architectural piece and this is something Big […]
Read More… from Designing an Outdoor Performance Space for Big Lake’s Lakeside Park
GIS Projects
Students will work with the Metropolitan Council on climate vulnerability and resiliency story maps of the Metro area and examine flood and heat data layers in the area. Project details coming in October! Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner. Sustainable Communities Partnership Contact Info University Faculty Contact David Kelley Geography […]
GIS Projects
Students will work with the Metropolitan Council on climate vulnerability and resiliency story maps of the Metro area and examine flood and heat data layers in the area. Project details coming in October! Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner. Sustainable Communities Partnership Contact Info University Faculty Contact David Kelley Geography […]
Examining Land Use Scenarios for Vacant Lots
Students will examine the effects of various land use scenarios on stormwater runoff and pollinator habitat connectivity. Specifically, students will examine possible effects of the conversion of vacant lots in North Minneapolis to alternative uses (e.g., urban agriculture, pollinator habitat, raingardens, or a combination of uses) on stormwater runoff rates. Students will also examine optimal […]
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