St. Louis County, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) and other regional partners, will receive over $1.8 million in federal funds toward climate resilience work for the Lake Superior coastal region.
The award, announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association on July 26, will allow St. Louis County to establish a regional resilience collaborative and create a regional climate resilience plan while incorporating Indigenous knowledge, building community capacity, and providing resources and technical support to communities over four years.
“We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to better prepare our communities, infrastructure, economies and ecosystems for climate resilience,” said Karola Dalen, sustainability and capital planning coordinator for St. Louis County. “We know that collaboration is key to making a positive difference, and we look forward to working with MCAP, as well as neighboring counties, Tribal Nations and local governments in Northeast Minnesota, to be proactive and adaptable to projected climatic conditions.”
MCAP — a joint program of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences — will provide St. Louis County with research-based education and technical assistance related to climate change impacts, climate data and tools, appropriate adaptation actions, and integrating leading practices for adaptation planning and implementation.
“The Lake Superior coastal region plays a vital role in Minnesota’s tourism and recreation sectors, as well as for important industries and international trade,” said Nate Meyer, MCAP’s interim director. “Yet this region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We’re excited to partner with Arrowhead communities as we work toward a more resilient future.”
MCAP has a history of collaboration in the region, including as a partner in the development and update of the 1854 Ceded Territory Climate Change Adaptation Plan led by the 1854 Treaty Authority, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
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