DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Renew Lease With University Of Minnesota For Natural Resources Collaboration
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize agreements with the University of Minnesota (U of MN) Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) for rental of hoop houses for the 2025 growing season.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 17-274 (May 23, 2017), the County Board adopted the Dakota County Natural Resources Management System Plan (NRMSP) to create a healthy environment with quality natural areas. The NRMSP's Tier 1 Goals include expanding volunteerism, pursuing partnerships, and leveraging additional external funding. Implementation of the NRMSP has included the initiation of a plant production program to grow native plants with local genotypes to be used for restoration that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to purchase, and expansion of this program would provide yet additional cost savings and positive ecological impacts to the County.
By Resolution No. 22-124 (March 22, 2022), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized agreements with Dakota County Master Gardeners (DCMG), a volunteer program of the U of MN Extension, and the U of MN RROC, establishing a collaborative relationship. This collaboration provided for the expansion of Dakota County's native plant production efforts using RROC growing facilities until the new shared greenhouse facility at Lebanon Hills Regional Park is completed.
A program update was presented at the May 14, 2024, Community Services Committee of the Whole meeting. To date, this collaboration has resulted in the production and installation of 170,700 native plants, valued at $443,820, and 5,200 volunteer hours. The relationship has exceeded expectations, and all partners wish to continue in 2025.
A lease Agreement has been prepared with the U of MN for the lease of two RROC hoop houses during the 2025 growing season for use by DCMG and Dakota County in an amount not...
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