Central RSDP

The Central RSDP is comprised largely of the Upper Mississippi River Basin and serves citizens in the area of north central Minnesota including Becker, Benton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties. The Central RSDP service region also shares geography with these sovereign Native nations: Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation.

Since its establishment, the Central RSDP has supported more than 120 projects with an investment of over $2 million. An additional $3 million in funding from other sources, volunteer and in-kind contributions has supported these project efforts for a total investment of nearly $5 million.

Safe drinking water at the kitchen tap

The Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO) partnered with the SE RSDP, the Central RSDP and a graduate student from UMN Applied Economics who shared new qualitative tools (e.g., incentives, value proposition design) with MNWOO to use for their community engagement. The student also developed quantitative tools to measure and understand community participation in MNWOO well testing clinics. Additionally, a UMN medical student conducted a survey of rural physicians about their understanding of well water quality’s effect on health and level of engagement with patients about water and health to assess awareness. Survey results were published in the MN Association of Family Physicians magazine (Spring ’23 issue). The project findings and recommendations can be found in the full report.

Kernza meets the kitchen

Kernza is more than just a grain. It is defined as the trademarked name for the perennial grain harvested from an improved variety of intermediate wheatgrass co-developed by the Land Institute and the University of Minnesota. But it represents “a web of people with a storied vision to make agriculture, farmers and the world better.” Learn more about the growers, cooks and researchers working together to explore Kernza.

Central Minnesota organization strengthens community through collective action

Promise Neighborhood is a nonprofit located in southeast St. Cloud, serving the community with academic programs for youth and resources and training for adults. The organization provides multi-generational support to improve and sustain family stability, increase academic commitment and achievement and develop new leadership. With help from the University of Minnesota Extension Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Central RSDP), they’re finding new routes to expand the organization’s impact.

Seeking tree lovers in Central Minnesota: Tree Seed Collector Network

Last summer and fall, a network of more than fifty collectors gathered tree seeds from across the southern half of Minnesota. Hundreds of thousands of seeds of basswood, yellow birch, black cherry, red, bur, white and swamp white oak, red and white pine, and white and red cedar have been collected to date. After collection, the seeds were transported to University of Minnesota - Duluth, where they were processed and distributed to 17 farmers, who will nurture tree seedlings from more than 90,000 seeds. Read more about the Forest Assisted Migration Project.

Cental RSDP Board visits Centro de Bienvenida and WAVE/Saludos

In September, the Central RSDP Board traveled to Long Prairie to hear firsthand about the Welcome Center/Centro de Bienvenida and WAVE/Saludos: Welcoming Advocates Valuing Everyone. The group met at the Long Prairie Community Gardens, one of the welcoming and inclusive spaces all community members are invited to enjoy and to come together. Welcome Center/Centro de Bienvenida community leaders shared highlights about their work serving as the “hub” of resources for Latino community members, newcomers and others who are looking for support to find key access points for living and working in the area. 

Central Board members and the Centro de Bienvenida team also discussed the long list of critical partnerships helping to sustain the work and continue the momentum, including: Central Minnesota Adult Basic Education, Central Minnesota, Council on Aging, CentraCare, City of Long Prairie, Initiative Foundation, Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, Long Prairie Grey Eagle Public Schools, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Long Prairie Police Department, Pregnancy Resource Center, Rainbow Rider, Sourcewell, Todd County Health and Human Services, Todd County Veterans Services, Todd County Development Corporation, Vida Interpreting, Vocational Restoration Services Inc. and University of Minnesota Extension.

Future shines bright for solar schools

The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), a partnership that includes Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, will serve as technical advisers to participating districts, helping them assess their readiness and connect to needed resources. The role is a natural for Extension, which has a longstanding commitment to renewable energy, community development and strengthening rural economies. Read more about how school district's can draw on University of Minnesota Extension’s clean energy expertise.

Are you interested in natural resources or supporting resilient communities in Central Minnesota?

Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (RSDP) is seeking new members for their Natural Resources Work Group. Participating in RSDP offers valuable opportunities to connect with networks at a local, regional, and state level. In work groups, community members join University staff in identifying innovative solutions to community-identified needs, setting priorities, and reviewing project ideas. Learn more and apply to serve on an RSDP work group.

New survey reveals challenges and opportunities facing rural grocers.

Minnesota rural grocery stores are finding ways to adapt to a challenging year such as strengthening connections to the local food system. Learn key findings from RSDP's latest statewide survey of rural grocers. 

• Shirwa Adan, [email protected] - Wright
• B.J. Allen, [email protected] - Staples
• Vicki Chepulis, [email protected] - Wadena
• Kate Droske, [email protected] - Sauk Centre
• Jon Fabre, [email protected] - Fergus Falls
• Don Hickman, [email protected] - Brainerd
• Steve Jorgenson, [email protected] - Princeton
• Mark Kaelke, [email protected] - Fergus Falls
• Sharon Nordrum, [email protected]- Laporte
• Dr. Hikaru Peterson, [email protected] - St. Paul
• Maggie Rousu, [email protected] - Callaway
• John Smith, [email protected] - St. Cloud

Have a project idea? Learn more about what we look for in a partnership and how to share your idea. We would love to hear from you!