Northeast RSDP

Our Northeast region spans a large, geographically diverse area that spans the North Shore, Iron Range and beyond. The Northeast RSDP service region includes all of Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties and parts of Aitkin, Crow Wing, Itasca, Koochiching and Pine counties. It also includes these sovereign Native nations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Grand Portage Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa.

We support projects in the areas of agriculture and food systems, resilient communities, clean energy and natural resources across the region. All projects we support are connected to University of Minnesota resources.

Northeast RSDP supported Monica Haynes, UMD Labovitz School of Business and Economics, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, and an undergraduate research team in developing The Economic Impact of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad on the City of Duluth study.

With support from the Northeast RSDP, Hartley Nature Center in Duluth boosted the storage capacity of an older solar array with a new battery system. This forward-looking project resulted in a model not only for peers, but for future generations.

Northeast RSDP helped develop and provides ongoing support for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Sustainable Development Research Opportunity Program (SDROP). This program provides students opportunities to work closely with a variety of Northeast Minnesota communities on their sustainable development projects. Students gain valuable research and project experiences, and community partners benefit from the skills and work contributions of UMD students.

Northeast RSDP supported development of a regional geotourism map and website in collaboration with National Geographic.

Learn more about projects supported by Northeast RSDP in our storymap.

You might be interested in these new and upcoming reports and happenings from the Northeast RSDP:

• David Abazs named Executive Director of Northeast RSDP
• Itasca Area visitor profiles developed with support from Northeast RSDP
• Video photo collage of February 2017 open house at Organic Consumers Association Deep Winter Greenhouse in Finland, Minnesota
• RSDP Happenings profiles Northeast RSDP Board Chair Doug Franchot

Project ideas are submitted to one or more of RSDP’s regional boards based on the location of the project. These project ideas are reviewed based on the following shared criteria:

• Community members identify project goals in one or more of the four RSDP sustainable development focus areas.

• The project involves meaningful roles for both local community members and University of Minnesota faculty, staff and/or students.

• The project engages diverse populations and advances new community collaborations.

• The project supports environmental, social and economic sustainability for public purpose or benefit. Project learning or actions will be shared.

• Community partners provide leadership and support throughout the life of the project.

• Priority may be given to projects that leverage funds or other contributions.