(FARGO, N.D.) – The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)-Fargo District-would like to update the traveling public on preliminary work beginning on the West Fargo Main Avenue project scheduled for 2012.
Starting today at noon, traffic is reduced from two lanes to one on Main Avenue in West Fargo. The westbound lane will be closed until inclement weather halts the project. The lane closure will begin at 9th Street NE and continue to 6th Street E. Crews will be starting the preparation work for new detention ponds that will line Main Avenue in the ditch areas.
“Detention ponds in a low lying area are designed to temporarily hold a set amount of water while slowing draining to another location, more or less created to aid in flood control,” said Kevin Gorder, assistant district engineer for NDDOT. “This initiative will help increase capacity of storm sewer drains in the area.”
The lane closure is needed to accommodate truck traffic that will be hauling materials from the worksite out toward the Red River Fairgrounds.
Motorists should be aware of trucks and equipment entering and exiting the work zone surrounding the lane closure. Speeds are 30 mph in the area.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Minnesota Organic Conference
St. PAUL, Minn. – Plan now for a mid-January jaunt to St. Cloud and the 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference. The annual event will grow in 2012 to include even more trade show vendors, educational breakout sessions, and nationally renowned keynote speakers.
Scheduled January 13-14, 2012, at the River’s Edge Convention Center (formerly the St. Cloud Civic Center), the conference is a great opportunity for organic farmers and processors to network and to showcase their products.
“This conference attracts more people every year because there’s something for everyone,” says Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Organic Specialist Meg Moynihan. “We make it worthwhile for those farmers just starting out in organic, those who are in transition and those who’ve been doing it for years. People tell us they love the education at the conference, but they also like seeing old friends and meeting new people.”
Featured speakers this year include Chuck Benbrook, Chief Scientist for The Organic Center in Boulder, Colorado; Jim Goodman, a journalist and organic farmer from Wonewoc, Wisconsin; and Elaine Ingham, President of Soil Foodweb, Inc., and Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. In addition, Minnesota farmer, conservationist, and author Jim VanDerPol will read from his new book Conservations with the Land.
Nearly 36 breakout sessions at the conference will cover timely topics like weed control, water management, soil biology, poultry production, beef genetics, vegetable season extension, contracting, and market outlooks.
The event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Major sponsors include the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and Horizon Organic Dairy.
The conference program will be announced soon. Check www.mda.state.mn.us/organic for the most up-to-date information.
Scheduled January 13-14, 2012, at the River’s Edge Convention Center (formerly the St. Cloud Civic Center), the conference is a great opportunity for organic farmers and processors to network and to showcase their products.
“This conference attracts more people every year because there’s something for everyone,” says Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Organic Specialist Meg Moynihan. “We make it worthwhile for those farmers just starting out in organic, those who are in transition and those who’ve been doing it for years. People tell us they love the education at the conference, but they also like seeing old friends and meeting new people.”
Featured speakers this year include Chuck Benbrook, Chief Scientist for The Organic Center in Boulder, Colorado; Jim Goodman, a journalist and organic farmer from Wonewoc, Wisconsin; and Elaine Ingham, President of Soil Foodweb, Inc., and Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. In addition, Minnesota farmer, conservationist, and author Jim VanDerPol will read from his new book Conservations with the Land.
Nearly 36 breakout sessions at the conference will cover timely topics like weed control, water management, soil biology, poultry production, beef genetics, vegetable season extension, contracting, and market outlooks.
The event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Major sponsors include the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and Horizon Organic Dairy.
The conference program will be announced soon. Check www.mda.state.mn.us/organic for the most up-to-date information.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Agriculture and Natural Resources Day at UMC
CROOKSTON, Minn. – Agriculture and Natural Resources Activities Day brings high school students from some 40 high schools to the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Friday, December 2, 2011. The annual event, which involves the students competing in more than 20 contests, has been held on the campus since 1969.
Ranging from horticulture and forestry to ag mechanics, livestock and sales, the day is fraught with excitement and culminates in an awards ceremony. The contests are overseen by U of M, Crookston Agriculture and Natural Resources Department faculty. The day begins early with registration for the equine contests beginning at 7:15 a.m. All activities conclude with the awards ceremony at 1:15 p.m.in Lysaker Gymnasium.
Scholarships, plaques and certificates are awarded to school teams and individuals for each contest. Over $32,000 in scholarships are available to award-winning students. Last year, $750 UMC scholarships were awarded for the high individual in each contest, $600 UMC scholarships were awarded for the second place individual, and $450 UMC scholarships were awarded for the third place individual.
More information regarding Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day is available by contacting Leah Stroot at 218-281-8101 or visit www.umcrookston.edu/agnatrday.
Ranging from horticulture and forestry to ag mechanics, livestock and sales, the day is fraught with excitement and culminates in an awards ceremony. The contests are overseen by U of M, Crookston Agriculture and Natural Resources Department faculty. The day begins early with registration for the equine contests beginning at 7:15 a.m. All activities conclude with the awards ceremony at 1:15 p.m.in Lysaker Gymnasium.
Scholarships, plaques and certificates are awarded to school teams and individuals for each contest. Over $32,000 in scholarships are available to award-winning students. Last year, $750 UMC scholarships were awarded for the high individual in each contest, $600 UMC scholarships were awarded for the second place individual, and $450 UMC scholarships were awarded for the third place individual.
More information regarding Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day is available by contacting Leah Stroot at 218-281-8101 or visit www.umcrookston.edu/agnatrday.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Public input helps create a ‘transportation vision for generations’
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Ensuring accessibility, building to a maintainable scale and connecting key regional centers are among the eight guiding principles that form the state’s new 50-year vision for transportation, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
“The ‘Minnesota GO’ vision is a transportation vision for generations,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “These are long-range objectives for all parts of the state’s transportation system that may take decades to be fully realized, but will ultimately help our communities achieve a high quality of life, a competitive economy and a healthy environment.”
The vision is the result of months of work that included input from the public and diverse representatives of the transportation community.
“We thank everyone who participated in this effort during the past year. Your contributions have shaped this important step in achieving a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation system for the future,” he said.
MnDOT and other transportation organizations will use the vision and information from this project to develop short-term and long-term plans. The vision will offer guidance in determining the transportation initiatives that the state chooses for investment, and will serve as the basis for updating the 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan beginning this fall. Updates to MnDOT’s plans for highways, rail, aviation, transit, freight and non-motorized transportation will also follow, so that all of MnDOT’s plans fully reflect the Minnesota GO vision.
“Although MnDOT initiated the effort to develop the vision, this is a vision for all forms of transportation,” Sorel said. “It is intended to guide planning for Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system.”
The Minnesota GO vision for transportation has a wide range of implications for different parts of the transportation system. Examples include:
• Waterways, rail, transitways, roads, trails, airports and pipelines that are integrated and strategically located to enable critical connections for Minnesota’s businesses and communities
• An integrated network of streets, roads and highways that collectively support freight, mass transit, non-motorized transportation and personal vehicles
• Reliable and affordable transit options for people who cannot or choose not to operate a personal vehicle in both rural and urban areas
• Connected options to walk and bike
• Zero deaths or serious injuries in any form of transportation
• An environment that allows safe travel using multiple modes for both an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old in every neighborhood and community
A number of opportunities and challenges were considered during the development of the vision, including the effects on transportation and communities of an aging and increasingly diverse population; the continued trend towards people living in cities rather than rural areas; shifts in energy sources and consumption; advances in vehicle technologies; and persistent budget challenges.
To view the vision, visit the Minnesota GO website at www.minnesotago.org.
“The ‘Minnesota GO’ vision is a transportation vision for generations,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “These are long-range objectives for all parts of the state’s transportation system that may take decades to be fully realized, but will ultimately help our communities achieve a high quality of life, a competitive economy and a healthy environment.”
The vision is the result of months of work that included input from the public and diverse representatives of the transportation community.
“We thank everyone who participated in this effort during the past year. Your contributions have shaped this important step in achieving a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation system for the future,” he said.
MnDOT and other transportation organizations will use the vision and information from this project to develop short-term and long-term plans. The vision will offer guidance in determining the transportation initiatives that the state chooses for investment, and will serve as the basis for updating the 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan beginning this fall. Updates to MnDOT’s plans for highways, rail, aviation, transit, freight and non-motorized transportation will also follow, so that all of MnDOT’s plans fully reflect the Minnesota GO vision.
“Although MnDOT initiated the effort to develop the vision, this is a vision for all forms of transportation,” Sorel said. “It is intended to guide planning for Minnesota’s multimodal transportation system.”
The Minnesota GO vision for transportation has a wide range of implications for different parts of the transportation system. Examples include:
• Waterways, rail, transitways, roads, trails, airports and pipelines that are integrated and strategically located to enable critical connections for Minnesota’s businesses and communities
• An integrated network of streets, roads and highways that collectively support freight, mass transit, non-motorized transportation and personal vehicles
• Reliable and affordable transit options for people who cannot or choose not to operate a personal vehicle in both rural and urban areas
• Connected options to walk and bike
• Zero deaths or serious injuries in any form of transportation
• An environment that allows safe travel using multiple modes for both an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old in every neighborhood and community
A number of opportunities and challenges were considered during the development of the vision, including the effects on transportation and communities of an aging and increasingly diverse population; the continued trend towards people living in cities rather than rural areas; shifts in energy sources and consumption; advances in vehicle technologies; and persistent budget challenges.
To view the vision, visit the Minnesota GO website at www.minnesotago.org.
Hunters urged to include tree stand safety in their plans
With the firearm deer season underway, the Minnesota Department of Resources urges hunters to take precautions to avoid crippling or fatal injuries from tree stands.
Three Minnesota deer hunters died in tree stand related incidents over opening weekend, while several others were injured in non-fatal accidents.
Minnesota’s 16-foot height restriction for elevated stands was removed prior to the 2011 hunting seasons.
Captain Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement education program coordinator, said the severity of injuries tends to increase with the distance the victim falls.
“For this reason, it makes sense to place stands as near the ground as practical. However, even short falls can cause spinal injuries and paralysis or death,” Hammer said.
Improper installation and careless use of tree stands and safety belts are also among the major causes of tree stand accidents.
Hammer said these findings prove the wisdom of checking equipment before and during the hunting season. Check moving parts of portable stands for wear, tighten loose nuts and bolts, and replace worn or rusty hardware.
"Most portable tree stands are well-designed and made of sturdy materials," Hammer said, "but they still require maintenance. Anchor straps and safety chains can get worn. Sometimes you even find cracks in metal or plastic parts. You should inspect every part of every stand before climbing into it the first time, and then check it periodically throughout the season."
Hammer said the same is true of permanent tree stands. Wood eventually rots, and nails rust and work loose.
"If you find that part of your stand is deteriorating, don't just shrug it off and tell yourself it's good enough for one more season. Ask yourself if the time you save by not fixing it right then is worth the chance of being paralyzed for the rest of your life. That's what you are really talking about."
Hammer said hunters should pay special attention to steps and ladders.
"You are going to be climbing up and down those rungs in the dark, in heavy clothing, sometimes in bad weather," Hammer said. "That is not the time you want to discover that a step is faulty."
Hammer recommended adding a non-slip covering to tree stand decks and to the upper surfaces of steps. This will help prevent loss of traction with muddy boots or in rain or snow.
-More-
The next check should involve your safety equipment. Inspect your safety harness for wear. Look over clasps to ensure they work properly. Check to be sure you have "haul rope" in your hunting gear so you can climb into your stand with hands free, and then pull your equipment up after you.
If you do not own a safety harness, invest in one. Hammer said a full-body harness is the only type that provides real protection.
Always wear your safety harness when putting your stand up in the field. If possible, also keep your harness tethered to the tree when climbing up to and down from the stand and when entering and leaving your stand. Studies of tree-stand accidents show that many falls occur at these times.
To further reduce your risk of tree-stand falls, observe the following rules:
• Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and using your portable stand.
• Choose the location of your stand carefully. Avoid trees that are leaning, dead or dying. Also avoid those with leaves, vines or other features that will prevent proper use of your stand.
• Don't leave equipment on the ground directly under you while climbing up or down. You could fall on an arrow or other item, worsening your injuries.
• Never hunt without telling someone where you will hunt and when you will return.
• Carry survival gear, including food, water, a whistle or air horn to signal for help, a blanket and matches.
Three Minnesota deer hunters died in tree stand related incidents over opening weekend, while several others were injured in non-fatal accidents.
Minnesota’s 16-foot height restriction for elevated stands was removed prior to the 2011 hunting seasons.
Captain Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement education program coordinator, said the severity of injuries tends to increase with the distance the victim falls.
“For this reason, it makes sense to place stands as near the ground as practical. However, even short falls can cause spinal injuries and paralysis or death,” Hammer said.
Improper installation and careless use of tree stands and safety belts are also among the major causes of tree stand accidents.
Hammer said these findings prove the wisdom of checking equipment before and during the hunting season. Check moving parts of portable stands for wear, tighten loose nuts and bolts, and replace worn or rusty hardware.
"Most portable tree stands are well-designed and made of sturdy materials," Hammer said, "but they still require maintenance. Anchor straps and safety chains can get worn. Sometimes you even find cracks in metal or plastic parts. You should inspect every part of every stand before climbing into it the first time, and then check it periodically throughout the season."
Hammer said the same is true of permanent tree stands. Wood eventually rots, and nails rust and work loose.
"If you find that part of your stand is deteriorating, don't just shrug it off and tell yourself it's good enough for one more season. Ask yourself if the time you save by not fixing it right then is worth the chance of being paralyzed for the rest of your life. That's what you are really talking about."
Hammer said hunters should pay special attention to steps and ladders.
"You are going to be climbing up and down those rungs in the dark, in heavy clothing, sometimes in bad weather," Hammer said. "That is not the time you want to discover that a step is faulty."
Hammer recommended adding a non-slip covering to tree stand decks and to the upper surfaces of steps. This will help prevent loss of traction with muddy boots or in rain or snow.
-More-
The next check should involve your safety equipment. Inspect your safety harness for wear. Look over clasps to ensure they work properly. Check to be sure you have "haul rope" in your hunting gear so you can climb into your stand with hands free, and then pull your equipment up after you.
If you do not own a safety harness, invest in one. Hammer said a full-body harness is the only type that provides real protection.
Always wear your safety harness when putting your stand up in the field. If possible, also keep your harness tethered to the tree when climbing up to and down from the stand and when entering and leaving your stand. Studies of tree-stand accidents show that many falls occur at these times.
To further reduce your risk of tree-stand falls, observe the following rules:
• Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and using your portable stand.
• Choose the location of your stand carefully. Avoid trees that are leaning, dead or dying. Also avoid those with leaves, vines or other features that will prevent proper use of your stand.
• Don't leave equipment on the ground directly under you while climbing up or down. You could fall on an arrow or other item, worsening your injuries.
• Never hunt without telling someone where you will hunt and when you will return.
• Carry survival gear, including food, water, a whistle or air horn to signal for help, a blanket and matches.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
MN receives $1.18 million federal transit grant for veterans and military families
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation today received a $1.18 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to create a transportation referral system that will improve transportation options and mobility for Minnesota’s veterans, service members, their families and other Minnesota residents.
The grant is from the USDOT Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative Capital Grants Program.
“It is very appropriate that we acknowledge this grant two days before Veterans Day,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “This will help us expand needed transportation services for our veterans and their families. The application was a collaborative project and we greatly appreciate the work of all of our partners.”
Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff made the announcement at a news conference held at the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul. Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum; Commissioner Sorel; Jean Wood, executive director, Minnesota Board on Aging; and Mike Schadauer, MnDOT Transit director, also spoke at the event.
The project will augment an existing statewide one-call/one-click center with technology and information about public, not-for-profit, and private transportation alternatives for veterans, military families, people with disabilities, and older adults.
As proposed, the transportation referral system would be developed in four phases. Phase 1 of the project, which will be facilitated by the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, builds a transportation information referral system for a 27-county region in southwestern Minnesota. Phase 2 builds a database of transportation data in all of Greater Minnesota (outside the seven-county Twin Cities Metro area) and a trip planner interface. Phase 3 builds a transportation information referral system for a 14-county region in west central Minnesota. Phase 4 does the same for a seven-county area in northeastern Minnesota.
The grant is from the USDOT Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative Capital Grants Program.
“It is very appropriate that we acknowledge this grant two days before Veterans Day,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “This will help us expand needed transportation services for our veterans and their families. The application was a collaborative project and we greatly appreciate the work of all of our partners.”
Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff made the announcement at a news conference held at the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul. Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum; Commissioner Sorel; Jean Wood, executive director, Minnesota Board on Aging; and Mike Schadauer, MnDOT Transit director, also spoke at the event.
The project will augment an existing statewide one-call/one-click center with technology and information about public, not-for-profit, and private transportation alternatives for veterans, military families, people with disabilities, and older adults.
As proposed, the transportation referral system would be developed in four phases. Phase 1 of the project, which will be facilitated by the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, builds a transportation information referral system for a 27-county region in southwestern Minnesota. Phase 2 builds a database of transportation data in all of Greater Minnesota (outside the seven-county Twin Cities Metro area) and a trip planner interface. Phase 3 builds a transportation information referral system for a 14-county region in west central Minnesota. Phase 4 does the same for a seven-county area in northeastern Minnesota.
MnDOT snowplow crews ready for winter weather
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s snowplow operators are trained, experienced and prepared to assist motorists through another winter season.
“Our crews have the equipment and technology to do an excellent job of clearing Minnesota’s roads,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “We need motorists to do their part to keep the roads safe this winter, by giving our plows room to work.”
Last year in Minnesota, there were 72 crashes involving vehicles that hit snowplows. This is typically caused by inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to the plow or motorists driving too fast for conditions.
Operators have much to monitor and control, and their ability to see behind them is limited by side mirrors. Their vision can also be hampered by the snow clouds they create while plowing.
“We all must get back into winter driving mode, which means increasing caution and patience while reducing distractions,” Sorel urged. “To keep themselves safe and the highways open, motorists need to stay at least five car lengths away from snowplows and give the plows time to remove the snow.”
Safe driving means:
- Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
- Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud. Snowplow operators will pull over when it is safe to do so to allow traffic build-up to pass.
- Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions, and give yourself plenty of travel time. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.
- Buckle up and ensure children are properly secured in the correct child restraint.
- Avoid unnecessary travel if road conditions are too poor.
Nov. 7-11 is Winter Hazard Awareness Week, and Friday, Nov. 11, focuses on safe winter driving. For additional safety tips, go to www.mndot.gov/workzone.
“Our crews have the equipment and technology to do an excellent job of clearing Minnesota’s roads,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “We need motorists to do their part to keep the roads safe this winter, by giving our plows room to work.”
Last year in Minnesota, there were 72 crashes involving vehicles that hit snowplows. This is typically caused by inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to the plow or motorists driving too fast for conditions.
Operators have much to monitor and control, and their ability to see behind them is limited by side mirrors. Their vision can also be hampered by the snow clouds they create while plowing.
“We all must get back into winter driving mode, which means increasing caution and patience while reducing distractions,” Sorel urged. “To keep themselves safe and the highways open, motorists need to stay at least five car lengths away from snowplows and give the plows time to remove the snow.”
Safe driving means:
- Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
- Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud. Snowplow operators will pull over when it is safe to do so to allow traffic build-up to pass.
- Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions, and give yourself plenty of travel time. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.
- Buckle up and ensure children are properly secured in the correct child restraint.
- Avoid unnecessary travel if road conditions are too poor.
Nov. 7-11 is Winter Hazard Awareness Week, and Friday, Nov. 11, focuses on safe winter driving. For additional safety tips, go to www.mndot.gov/workzone.
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