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Minnesota statewide news and notes Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Study to look at wind power transmission needs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Several Midwest utilities, including Sioux Falls-based NorthWestern Energy, are studying the economics of building high-voltage transmission lines to carry wind energy to eastern markets.
Pewaukee, Wis.-based American Transmission Co. joined with utilities in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota on a study that will address the need for new transmission lines to carry electricity from renewable power sources.
ATC chose Quanta Technology of Raleigh, N.C., to come up with recommendations for transmission development in the Dakotas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan's upper peninsula.
Some of the same utilities backing the Strategic Midwest Area Renewable Transmission Study also have endorsed a plan by Novi, Mich.-based ITC Holdings Corp. to develop a high-voltage power line to move wind energy from the Midwest to homes in Chicago and other cities.
Outdoor Women program planned at Eagle Bluff
LANESBORO, Minn. -- The Department of Natural Resources' "Becoming and Outdoor Women'' Program is hosting their annual fall workshop Sept. 11-13 at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro.
Classes offered will include canoeing, kayaking, fly-fishing, 3-H archery hunts falconry, shooting sports, birding and ropes courses.
Lodging, meals, instruction and entertainment are included for $170.
To register, call Eagle Bluff at 1-888-800-9558.
Reimbursement available for organic producers
ST. PAUL -- Organic farmers and processors can receive a partial rebate for the cost of organic certification, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Applications are being accepted until Oct. 15.
"This program provides some regulatory relief from a financial burden that is unique to organic operations,'' said Meg Moynihan, MDA organic and diversification specialist.
Certified operations are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of certification-related costs they incurred between Oct. 1, 2008 and Sept. 30, 2009. The maximum reimbursement is $750.
Applicants must submit an MDA application form. For more information, call (651) 201-6616.
Native prairie seeds focus of Sept. 3 event
WILDER, Minn. -- Rural Advantage and the Extension Service have partnered with the Department of Natural Resources to host a field day Sept. 3 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in the Timber Lake Wildlife Management Area near Wilder.
The Native Prairie Seed Production Walk-n-Talk will look at native seed demand, native seed certification, and native species used for biomass production. The second half of the field day will focus on viewing native prairie seed harvest.
For more information, contact Jill Sackett at (507) 238-5449.
CSP informational meeting planned Aug. 27
STEWARTVILLE, Minn. -- An informational meeting on the revamped Conservation Stewardship Program will be held Aug. 27 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in the American Legion in Stewartville.
The meeting is designed for farmers who are interested in learning more about how CSP can help them get rewarded for maintaining and improving conservation. Information will be available on how to get started in the sign-up process. The sign-up period runs through Sept. 30.
For more information, call (612) 722-6377.
Local food producers asked to participate
MONTEVIDEO, Minn. -- Big Stone Lake are farmers raising food for local consumers and who would like to reach more local markets should contact the Big Stone Local Foods Group.
The group says producers can call them toll-free at 1-877-328-9419 if they are interested in selling directly to consumers and institutions or through retail stores and distributors.
Producers will be asked to take a short survey.
The Big Stone group, in partnership with the Land Stewardship Project, University of Minnesota Extension, the West Central Partnership and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota are conducting a community food assessment to better understand the local foods situation.
Pheasant hunters took 522,000 birds
ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says hunters harvested 522,000 pheasants during the 2008 season. It's the fifth year out of the last six that hunters bagged more than 500,000 birds.
The 2008 harvest fell well short of the 655,000 record harvest of 2007, hunter success remained high. |
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