RESEARCH
Reilly Albert
Geography Major
Andrew Cotter
Geography Major
Title: Successful Brownfield Redevelopment Projects in Minnesota: Laws, Policies, and Case Studies
Abstract:
Minnesota is home to over 10,000 brownfield sites. A brownfield site is previously developed land that has a known or potentially hazardous environment. The cleanup of brownfields is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Funds including grants and loans have been set up for communities and developers in the hope to redevelop urban land.Minnesota has a successful history in land redevelopment and awards developers and communities alike for their efforts to minimize the development of green fields. Brownfield sites are redeveloped in the hope for community growth. Future research on the success of community growth should be completed surrounding the completed redevelopment.
Title: Economic Impacts of Rural Tourism in Northern Minnesota
Abstract:
The tourism industry in Minnesota brings in over $15 billion, while also adding nearly another billion dollars in sales tax revenue. Statewide, tourism also accounts for eleven percent of all jobs in the private sector. I will take a closer look at the idea of rural tourism and how much of an impact it has on the economy of Minnesota, specifically in the Northwestern and Northeastern regions of the state. Rural tourism focuses on the activities happening in a non-urban region to give people a “rural experience.” Examples of rural tourism include rural accommodations like cabins or bed and breakfasts, or leisure/recreational activities in the area like fishing or hiking. Economic impact will be measured by looking at revenue produced by rural tourism, as well as how many jobs the sector has produced.
Mckenzie Hendrickson
Geography Major
Alex Huddock
Geography Major
Title: Corporate Negligence: A Case Study of Minnesota's 3M and the Impacts of PFAS
Abstract: This paper analyzes and discusses the health impacts of PFAS exposure along with the negligent corporate behavior that caused the exposure. The group of man-made chemicals called PFAS are known for their lack of degradation and their persistence in the environment. This paper discusses the spatial distribution of PFAS chemicals in the East Metro area of Minnesota due to the disposal of the chemicals from the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) PFAS production. The health of the population is further analyzed to give a basic understanding of how the chemicals may be impacting public health. Cancer data has been reviewed to draw conclusions that explain that higher exposure to PFAS can result in higher instances of cancer and other related diseases. This paper also discusses that 3M does not claim responsibility for the exposure, does not recognize the health risks of exposure regardless of the results of their own studies and furthermore has kept this information from the public for decades.
Title: Bank Erosion on the Le Sueur River and Potential Solutions to this Problem
Abstract:
One of the pressing issues of the Mississippi river ecosystem is its water quality and the amount of sediment it contains. As we discussed in our field excursion to the Le Sueur River, we
learned that much of this sediment is happening from bank erosion on the Le Sueur which is a tributary of the Mississippi. This problem is a huge problem for the greater Mississippi river with its water quality, all the sediment being brought to the gulf, and the smaller Le Sueur watershed having massive amounts of land lost due to bank erosion. In this paper, I will explain the different sources of this pollution and sediment, as well as provide multiple solutions to stop their production and mitigate their long-term effects. be looking at different sources of this pollution and sediment as well as multiple ways to stop their production and mitigate their long-term effects. This process is not primarily anthropogenic, but the side effects of this river incising further and pulling sediment downstream has detrimental effects on both the coastal communities and Le Sueur communities.
Emily Huerta
Geography Major
Makayla Jones-Klausing
Geography Major
Title: Paper not submitted
Title: Benefits of Aquaponic systems on the environmental and local food markets along with barriers involving economic and policy factors in urban areas of Minnesota
Abstract:
With growing populations in urban areas and the negative environmental effects from traditional farming methods, many scientists are working on alternative methods to agriculture. One that would lessen the strain on the environment and bring produce into urban areas is aquaponics. Many say that this system has a great deal of potential to be implemented in Minnesota but there are certain setbacks that inhibit the growth of this alternative to producing food.
Megan Kangas
Geography Major
Zachary Kosel
Geography Major
Title: The Minnesota River: How a Shift in Land Use has Impacted the Water Quality
Abstract:
The state of the Minnesota River has been listed as impaired dating back to the 1850’s after colonizers began to settle the land and shift from the natural landscape to a more agriculturally based lifestyle. Removal of riparian buffers like the prairies and wetlands has led to a river with vast amounts of excess pollutants such as sediments, bacteria, and nutrients from agricultural runoff like phosphorous and nitrates. There are many different uses of the Minnesota River and many different ecosystems rely on the stability of a healthy river life. The goal of this research paper is to determine if restoration of the Minnesota River is possible to achieve the water quality standards that deem the water safe for aquatic life, consumption, and recreation.
Title: Authentic Experiences and Symbolic Displays in New Ulm, Minnesota and other German American communities
Abstract:
German Americans are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the United States of America. From kindergartens to Christmas trees, aspects of German culture have become so ingrained within the cultural consciousness that it’s difficult to envision the American society as separate from German civilization. In turn, the question of what “authentically German” has become muddled as well. For many people, their concept of German culture is dependent on a perception that is never challenged. While many German American towns would provide an accurate representation of their heritage, other communities are built on marketing the culture as what tourists would already expect. In this paper, the cities of New Ulm, Minnesota, New Braunfels, Texas, and Leavenworth, Washington, will be analyzed on their history and presentation of German culture to determine whether they are authentically German.
Sam Kuhlmann
Geography Major
Tristan Mcglauchlen
Geography Major
Title: Paper not submitted
Title: Do Minnesota Meaderies Model Third Space Practices of the Booming Brewery Business?
Abstract:
This paper reviews how the rise of mead in the United States is making its way to Minnesota. Mead has risen in popularity in recent decades and is now making its way into Minnesota’s craft beverage scene. Utilizing third space practices, meaderies in the Twin Cities seem to be modeling their business approach after that of the local breweries.
Cole Perkins
Geography Major
Zach Reed
Geography Major
Title: Potential Effects of Allianz Stadium on St. Paul and Urban Development
Abstract:
The construction of sports stadiums is highly disputed as to whether it is beneficial to local communities and their economics. Many argue that the construction of sports stadiums is a bad investment for the public because it does not bring in as much money as the public will spend on the construction. This acts as if the public is subsidizing the construction rather than investing in it. Many times, the parties benefiting are the sports franchise and the construction company that builds the stadium itself. The reason why many places decide to publicly finance a stadium is the potential economic boost it can bring. The construction will create jobs in the short term, which can lead to more spending and job creation through the multiplier effect (Vegesna 2019). The problem with these models is the income that stadiums generate does not go back into the communities, but rather into the pockets of the sports franchise owners. So how will Allianz field change the local economy and community of St. Paul in the future? Through literature review and an analysis of local businesses I will determine potential economic and social effects that Allianz field may have in St. Paul. Data on local businesses was collected by the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Field seminar class of fall 2019. Properties were logged by location and categorized by use. I aim to use this information to determine what potential changes may happen in the area surrounding Allianz field over the next decade.
Title: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts
Abstract:
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) as it is now known has existed as some form of protected wilderness since the early 1900s. The social, economic and environmental impacts associated with the BWCAW are complex, and much research pertaining to these topics has been conducted. Previous literature was reviewed to create a comprehensive understanding of the BWCAW and develop future goals. Socially, the BWCAW provides recreation opportunities for many thousands of people, but more could be done to promote diversity and inclusion. The area boosts Northeastern Minnesota’s economy, though the region would benefit from more comprehensive economic research and policy. The environment of the area is at risk of pollution from mining and other sources and would benefit from more environmentally friendly policies. The BWCAW is an amazing natural resource that requires thoughtful and holistic maintenance for optimal protection and recreation.