Dakota County Newsletter - Fall/Winter 2016

county newsletter

fall/winter 2016

COMMUNITY

NEW iLAB Page 11

PARKS

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Page 15

GO GREEN

ORGANICS RECYCLING

Building a better Dakota County

We have the right stuff for a strong economy Page 26

Keeping compostable items out of the trash

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ADVANCED MAIL

Page 25

Dakota County Board of Commissioners Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033-2372

Free DIY makerspace at the Library

One of the reasons Dakota County is a great place to live is because of our strong economy.

Having a healthy economy provides residents stability and opportunities to support their families, grow businesses and enjoy a high quality of life. To support our economy, Dakota County government relies heavily on long-term planning, fiscal responsibility, well-built infrastructure and strong leadership.

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners is committed to these areas because we promote local business and provide residents with reliable public services. We will continue to plan for the long term, manage taxpayer dollars efficiently and strengthen public resources to make Dakota County a better place for us and for future generations.

Contents Feature

Building a better Dakota County Page 26 Dakota County has one of the strongest economies in Minnesota. What makes that possible? An integrated approach that touches every part of the County.

D E PA R T M E N T S

Page 3

Page 7

Page 11

Page 15

Page 23

IN BRIEF

OUR WORK

COMMUNITY

PARKS

GO GREEN

We know that staying healthy and on your feet can lead to greater independence and improved quality of life — so we’re helping our seniors do just that.

There’s a new voting system in town that will report results faster and make voting more accessible for residents with visual impairment.

Learn by doing — from making music and videos to sewing and 3D printing. That’s what our new iLAB makerspace at the Wescott Library is all about.

Enjoy views of the Mississippi that you won’t see by car. A new section of the Mississippi River Regional Trail through Spring Lake Park Reserve will open by year’s end.

As of Aug. 1, Dakota County added a nominal fee for recycling TVs and computer monitors at The Recycling Zone — all other electronics are still free.

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3 KEEPING OLDER ADULTS ON THEIR FEET 5 LOCAL ONLINE BUYING EXCHANGE 6 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

It’s a matter of balance STAYING UPRIGHT AND HEALTHY

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hen we are young, we think we are invincible; it never occurs to us how dangerous a fall can be.

But to older adults, a fall can be quite dangerous, even deadly. More than one in three people in the United States age 65 years or older experiences a fall each year.

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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In Brief | Keeping older adults on their feet

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ased on 2014 data, the most recent available, 2,325 people age 60 years and older in Dakota County received emergency care due to a fall and 769 of those were hospitalized. The costs associated with falls are significant, including hospital stays, recovery time in long-term care facilities and potentially the loss of the ability to live independently.

Dakota County is starting a program to help train and teach older adults about falls and how to adopt simple habits to prevent them. To help older folks remain upright and independent, Dakota County Public Health is partnering with community sites to offer A Matter of Balance, a program recognized by the National Council on Aging to prevent falls.

A Matter of Balance is an 8-week group intervention program that teaches real-world strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels. The group usually meets weekly for a two-hour session.

Participants learn to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and stability.

A study conducted in a 1993 Journal of Aging and Health article concluded that up to half of older adults experience a fear of falling at one point in their lifetime. A common response to this fear is for people to restrict certain activities such as going out with friends, exercising or even more common things such as using the stairs or moving about their home.

Although a restriction of movement seems like a logical choice to stop falls from happening, it actually can increase the chances of falling due to the weakening of muscles and joints which results in a loss of balance. It

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can also increase the risk of isolation, depression and anxiety due to limited interaction with others. A Matter of Balance helps older adults acknowledge the risk of falling and emphasizes practical strategies to reduce the concerns of falling since a large portion of falls are preventable.

The program includes group discussion, skill-building demonstrations, exercise training and sharing practical solutions. After completing A Matter of Balance, 97 percent of participants were more comfortable talking about the fear of falling with 99 percent continuing the exercises learned in the program. These measures indicate that the program has been successful in reducing the fear of falling by increasing participants’ confidence that they can manage fall risks better and, if an actual fall takes place, they can take action to help reduce injury.

According to a report done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2013, participants who completed the program had significant improvements in their physical risk of falling compared with adults who did not take the course, which enables A Matter of Balance participants to experience less interference with their social activities and a better chance to live a more fulfilling life.

Preventing falls is just one part of ensuring that Dakota County residents can maintain their independence as they age in our communities.

By the numbers:

Falls that required emergency care in Dakota County in 2014

of participants comfortable talking about their fear of falling post-program

www.dakotacounty.us, search A Matter of Balance

of participants continued exercising post-program

In Brief | Local online buying exchange

Swap spots New safe haven in Dakota County for in-person exchanges While online shopping provides customer ease, senseless tragedy can occur when a seller or buyer on an outlet such as Craigslist sees a crime opportunity in a planned merchandise exchange. To improve safety for residents participating in merchandise or other exchanges, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office recently designated two transaction locations called Swap Spots. Each Swap Spot is located at a law enforcement facility on the Dakota County Administration Center campus in Hastings.

Dakota County buildings, which are staffed by public safety personnel during business hours, provide a very visible location for online consumers or for anyone else making an in-person exchange. Swap Spots are also good locations for parents making a child custody exchange or anyone else in Dakota County who wants to make a transaction in a highly visible, welllit location near law enforcement.

Dakota County has two Swap Spot locations — the Law Enforcement Center lobby and the Juvenile Service Center parking lot.

The Law Enforcement Center lobby is located at 1580 Highway 55. The lobby is open 24 hours-a-day, staffed during business hours and monitored

by Dakota County Jail staff around the clock.

The parking lot in front of the Juvenile Service Center at 1600 Highway 55 is also available 24 hours-a-day and is a good spot to exchange larger items. While this area is not staffed,

a blue security pillar has 911-calling ability and video recording.

Crimes can occur anywhere, but they’re much less likely to happen in very visible locations with law enforcement nearby. Residents making an exchange within the County are encouraged to take advantage of these Swap Spots to help make their transaction a safe one.

For more information about Swap Spots, call

651-438-4700

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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In Brief | Dates for your diary

Get a grip on winter driving

Plan on it Know what to do this fall and winter Oct. 1

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Safely dispose of household waste for free. www.dakotacounty.us, search HHW events • Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Burnsville Maintenance Facility 13713 Frontier Court, Burnsville

Oct. 1

Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival Join us for a family mountain bike festival that’s second to none. Free demo bikes, build-your-skills sessions, gear talks, fix-it clinics, group rides, kids activities and timed competitive events from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park West Trailhead. Good food and cold beer for sale. See Parks & Events guide in this newsletter for more information.

Oct. 6¬Nov. 10

Master Recycler/Composter Class Master the basics of waste reduction, recycling and composting with this six-week training course. Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. www.dakotacounty.us, search Master Recycler

Oct. 8

Buckthorn Bust Event Head out to Lebanon Hills Regional Park from 9–11 a.m. to do good. Learn about the invasive buckthorn plant and help remove it from the park. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and pants.

Gloves provided. www.dakotacounty. us, search volunteer

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www.dakotacounty.us, search winter driving tips

Oct. 15

Fix-it Clinic Learn how to repair everything from a broken vac to a ripped sweater at this Fix-It Clinic from noon–3 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington. Find more clinics at www. dakotacounty.us, search Fix-it Clinic

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party Set your sights on a family New Year’s Eve celebration at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center from 5–8 p.m. Hike, snowshoe and ice skate by candlelight; slide on our lit sledding hill; and warm up at a roaring bonfire. Head indoors for live animals, storytelling, magic and a DJ dance party. Join the countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. See Parks & Events guide in this newsletter for more information.

Feb. 11

Trails By Candlelight Go wild for winter fun at Trails by Candlelight at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center from 6–9 p.m. Enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice skating by candlelight, slide on our lit sledding hill and warm up by roaring bonfires. See Parks & Events guide in this newsletter for more information.

Here are five things you can do to keep winter driving stress at bay and stay safe in your travels:

1

Give snowplows space

2

Slow down

3

Keep vehicles maintained

4

Plan for emergencies

5

Know the road

It’s difficult for snowplow drivers to see your vehicle. Make sure the plow operator can see you in their side mirrors. If you cannot see the mirrors, the operator cannot see you. Also, avoid driving next to snowplows, turning in front of snowplows, or driving into snow clouds produced by the plows.

Speed limits are set for ideal driving conditions. When road conditions are less than ideal, slow down — don’t take chances on winter roads.

Make sure your antifreeze, battery, brakes, exhaust and lights are all working properly and always keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.

Carry booster cables, road flares, a shovel, blankets, boots, mittens, a hat, a windshield scraper, two ropes and a winter survival kit in your vehicle during the winter driving season.

Before heading out on winter roads, get current information on road conditions. Call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

7 MAKING SURE YOUR VOTE COUNTS 10 EMERGENCY HELP IN REMOTE AREAS

VOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTE VOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTE VOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTE

A vote with confidence DAKOTA COUNTY MAKES SURE EVERY VOTE COUNTS

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t’s one of our most basic rights — the ability to vote for who represents us at the local, state and national levels of government. It’s a right Dakota County takes very seriously.

As administrator of all elections, Dakota County is responsible for making sure your vote is counted correctly.

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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Our Work | Making sure your vote counts

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e train election judges, print ballots and report results for all of the County’s 140 precincts. It’s a big job with more than 230,000 ballots cast in the 2012 general election alone. In all, the County oversees 4–5 elections each year, ranging from township and school board elections to countywide primary and general elections.

Recently, Dakota County purchased a new voting system to make reporting results faster and make voting more accessible. This new system will be in use for the first time during a general election this November.

The system, the ImageCast Evolution from Dominion Voting Systems, is the first device that both counts votes as well as provides an accessible ballot for those with disabilities.

For most voters, the new system will not change how they cast their ballot.

Minnesota law requires all ballots be cast on an optical scan ballot. This means filling in ovals with a black marker won’t be going away anytime soon.

But it does change how residents with hearing or visual impairment

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cast their vote. The device shows the ballot on a full-sized monitor for easier viewing. The user can navigate the ballot by using a hand-held device that resembles a video game controller.

The resident can also use headphones to have the ballot read to them.

After making their selections, the voter can load the machine with a blank ballot, and the device will fill in their choices. When the ballot is printed, the voter can review their choices before running it through the ballot counter.

The new system is also more transparent. In the event of a recount, each ballot has a record of how the vote was interpreted by the counter. If a ballot comes into question, the record will show how it was counted the first time.

The County’s old ballot counting equipment was purchased in 1998.

After 17 years of use, the equipment started to show its age — it was becoming more difficult to find spare parts when counters needed maintenance.

The counters also were separate from the accessible voting device, meaning election judges needed more and heavier equipment to do the same job.

The new system cost $2.06 million.

It includes 14 central ballot counters — one for each city and one for the County — and 165 precinct ballot counters — one for each precinct plus one for each city to use for absentee ballots and a few spares in case of technical issues.

Dakota County received $548,000 as part of a grant from the federal Help America Vote Act. The rest of the bill was split evenly between the County and its precincts. Each city and township paid about $5,400 for each precinct while the County covered about $750,000.

The new system was first implemented during November 2015 elections, but this will be the first time it is used during a presidential election.

The County is expecting 80–85 percent voter turnout.

www.dakotacounty.us, search voting & elections

Busting buckthorn

By the numbers:

Ballots cast in Dakota County in 2012 general election

Working to protect our natural treasures from invasive species

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y now, you’ve probably heard about buckthorn, the invasive shrub that is abundant in many of our local forests.

Buckthorn was brought here from Europe in the mid-1800s and was a popular hedge plant, widely available at garden nurseries until its sale was banned in 1930. Today, common buckthorn is found in nearly every Minnesota county and has caused enormous ecological damage to our woodlands.

Buckthorn invasion leads to a dramatic decline in native woodland biodiversity. Buckthorn

berries are considered mildly toxic to native wildlife, and it has no natural enemies in our area. Without human intervention, there is no promising way to reduce or stop it from spreading. That’s why Dakota County hosts periodic buckthorn busting events and welcomes volunteers to help with ongoing removal.

Help us eradicate buckthorn and keep it from harming our wildest places. Volunteer today.

www.dakotacounty.us, search jobs & volunteering

Buckthorn is detrimental to native ecosystems because it: Help America Vote Act grant received by Dakota County for voting equipment upgrades

• Grows quickly in a wide variety of conditions, allowing it to out-compete our native plants and forest understory for light, moisture and nutrients.

• Has a longer growing season (up to 58 days longer) than our native plants.

• Re-sprouts vigorously after being cut.

Expected voter turnout for the 2016 election in Dakota County

• Secretes toxins into the ground to prevent other plants from growing around it.

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

9

Our Work | Emergency help in remote areas

On the safer side Emergency location markers help park visitors get help in remote areas

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iking on a trail in Dakota County Parks might not seem as remote as a trek through the Boundary Waters, but if you have an emer emergency anywhere that doesn’t have a specific address, it’s just as frightening if there is no way to tell emergency responders where you are.

To make sure you get the help you need when you need it on the trails in Lebanon Hills and Whitetail Woods regional parks, Dakota County installed Emergency Location Markers (ELMs) — small blue signs with eight numbers that correspond to locations on the U.S. National Grid, a precise, easy-to-understand coordinate system used by the military that is now expanding into computer-aided dispatch systems.

Here’s how it works. When you’re using a park trail and need help, call 911 from your cellphone. Tell the dispatcher the nature of the emergency and then read the eight large blue numbers on the marker that identify your location. The dispatcher will transmit your location to multiple agencies in the area, and emergency responders

will use the unique coordinates to find you. The system is designed to pinpoint your location within 10 meters (+/- 33 feet), which is comparable to the accuracy of a simple GPS device or cellphone.

Giving accurate location information to emergency responders when every second counts can be particularly difficult when you don’t have an address to provide or when you can’t remember how many turns you took and in what direction when you left the parking lot. When you’re in Lebanon Hills or Whitetail Woods regional parks and you don’t have a smartphone or GPS unit or if you don’t know how to use the GPS function on your phone, the emergency markers can take the guesswork out of where you are when you need help.

Lebanon Hills and Whitetail Woods are among the first parks in Minnesota to be outfitted with ELMs. The ELMs are located on all trail intersection posts in Whitetail Woods and on 47 miles of trails in Lebanon Hills.

When you’re using a park trail and need help...

• Call 911 immediately from your cellphone.

HELP!

• Tell the dispatcher the nature of the emergency, then read the 8 large blue numbers on the marker that identify your location.

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11 DIY MAKERSPACE

iLAB for inquiring minds NEW WORKSPACE STIRS INNOVATION, INSPIRATION AND IMAGINATION

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nside the Wescott Library in Eagan, some of the most creative and artistic minds in Dakota County are hard at work.

Craft projects are being created, obscure inventions start coming to life and imaginations are running wild.

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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Community | DIY Makerspace

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here are 3D printers to build de detailed objects, software to make the next great film and even a high-tech booth to record sound.

It’s clear innovation is in full effect at the iLAB, the first makerspace opened for the public at a Dakota County library location. The iLAB adds a rich, new experience within the library, offering endless opportunity to explore and dream for free.

The iLAB, which is divided into two rooms, opened this summer and offers everyone the chance to use state-of-the-art technology to design, create and imagine projects of all kinds. Everything from a holiday card to a complex engineering project can be constructed and brought home.

Technology and equipment at the iLAB were not accessible for a number of residents before the makerspace opened, either due to high costs or availability. Now, people from across the state can come to the Wescott Library and work on projects seven days a week during normal business hours.

The first section of the iLAB is located in a space previously occupied by a café. After a slight remodel, the room was transformed into an area dedicated to sound and video production. Whether a group of kids are trying to shoot a goofy commercial or a musician is there to record a song, the equipment in the space is perfect for most projects. A digital video camera, GoPro® camera, green screen and Mac Pro computers are also on hand.

One of the main attractions in the iLAB is a WhisperRoom sound booth, which is located with the video equipment. The sound booth can be used to record low-volume instruments. It can also be used for voice-overs for projects, when an aspiring musician wants to try out their sound or by authors wanting to narrate their work.

The booth has a microphone that is connected to a computer used for audio production.

The second section, a converted computer lab, is home to a variety of electronics, software and machines.

There are 3D printers, a 3D digital scanner, an iMac®, a film converter and photo scanner. The hi-tech gadgets and software allow users to work on most projects imaginable, including animation creation, prototype building, film editing and much more.

For those wanting to work on more traditional arts and crafts projects, the space also includes sewing machines, a fabric cutter and a paper cutter.

Both spaces have a variety of tools for all types of artists and creators, from those just starting out to experienced inventors. Computer software includes Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Avid Pro Tools, Comic Life and Anime Studio Debut.

Results from a community survey were used to help identify what equipment to stock in the iLAB. Library staff also toured makerspaces at local schools, learned about science and technology curriculums, and spoke with teachers to help determine what our residents could use most.

The vision behind iLAB is to have a space where residents can gather to not only invent and create, but to learn and share ideas. Education plays a key role at the iLAB. Although the iLAB has some advanced technology that may be unfamiliar to some, the makerspace was designed to attract people of different skills, ages and interests.

The Library features online tutorials to help people get acquainted with technology, and staff can assist visitors with questions. The support system creates a stress-free environment where people can learn about new technology, get assistance on projects

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and become connected with community members. The Library also may offer specialized courses depending on needs to help educate residents.

Libraries have historically played a major role in educating the community and promoting art and technology.

As technology has advanced, libraries across the nation have had to adapt to the types of services they provide to residents. No longer are the libraries we use today the same ones older generations cherished. Dakota County libraries offer a variety of services geared towards helping residents advance their education and strengthen their knowledge of today’s evolving technology. The iLAB is the next step in that process.

www.dakotacounty.us, search iLAB

The iLAB is a space where residents can gather to not only invent and create, but to learn and share ideas. ...

Audio production equipment WhisperRoom sound booth Video equipment/Green screen

Media Suite Dedicated to sound and video production

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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Community | DIY Makerspace

Creative Suite High-tech gadgets for most projects imaginable ARTS & CRAFTS • Sewing machines • Fabric cutter • Paper die-cut machine

DIGITAL • 3D printer • 3D digital scanner • iMac computer • Film converter • Photo scanner

Sewing machines 3D printer Paper die-cut machine

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

YourParks FALL WINTER

2016

A WALK

IN THE PARK • WILD RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL • PARKS AND PINTS • HOLIDAY HIKES

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS

EVENTS

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAYS

SCOUTS

DAY CAMP FOR KIDS

A new gem

New ribbon of trail offers magnificent views you won’t see by car www.dakotacounty.us/parks

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he opportunity to take in one of the greatest rivers in the world while enjoying the most diverse recreational destination in Dakota County is here.

The newly constructed 4.3-mile section of the Mississippi River Regional Trail that winds through the majestic Spring Lake Park Reserve is expected to be open for public use by the end of the year. One look and you’ll understand why its beauty can’t be overstated.

Referred to as the “crown jewel” of the 27-mile trail that extends along the Mighty Mississippi from South St. Paul to Hastings, the newly paved section offers grandiose views of the world’s largest river that are both intimate and sweeping. Several observation decks and three overlooks allow people to take in the beauty of the park reserve and all it has to offer, including thousands of native plants and 25 acres of prairies and woodlands.

The new leg of trail rises gradually from west to east along limestone bluffs. A pair of pedestrian bridges, totaling more than 570-feet in length, with decks are the perfect platforms to look out over the landscape. Signs along the trail tell the history of the river and those who once called it home.

While the new section of trail offers a unique relationship with the

Mississippi River, it also connects people to important and highly used areas of Spring Lake Park Reserve, which has vast natural resources and attractions like Schaar’s Bluff, a wooded field archery trail and large picnic spots. People can now make their way through the park without ever having to get into a car.

The new trail provides the chance to enjoy oak woodlands and sand prairies, or birdwatch from a migration corridor. It also leads to the popular Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center and the adjacent area that provides one of the best views in the Twin Cities of the Mississippi River.

The trail connects Spring Lake Park Reserve to Hastings, home to riverfront recreation, shops and restaurants.

Residents can follow the trail into Hastings to enjoy a meal, an ice cream cone or a relaxing afternoon.

The section of trail gives people with different recreational interests the chance to walk, jog, bike, rollerblade and much more. It truly suits people of all needs, from families taking a stroll to others looking for more strenuous exercise. The trail provides access to people with disabilities, allowing them to navigate areas of the park that were previously unreachable.

Because the trail uncovers sections of the park that before were not accessible, the Parks Department

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will be able to increase the ecological health of the park through restoration.

A majority of the area where the trail was built is in a section of the park with low-grade natural resources. The trail will actually act as a vessel to help plant species and the surrounding area flourish.

The new section of trail is part of a large national project to build the Mississippi River Trail, which will span nearly 3,000 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Now that the section through the 990-acre Spring Lake Park Reserve is complete, only one portion needs to be built in Dakota County in order to complete the 27-mile segment. The work to complete the final section from Inver Grove Heights through Rosemount and to the west end of Spring Lake Park Reserve is scheduled for 2017. The trail, when completed, is expected to connect parks in 10 states, showing off woodlands, valleys, prairies and other natural wilderness throughout the country. www.dakotacounty.us, search Mississippi River Regional Trail

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

click Programs & Events

River to River Greenway Thompson County Park LILYDALE

BigRivers RiversRegional RegionalTrail Trail Big

MENDOTA

WEST ST PAUL

355E

1556 SOUTH ST PAUL

MENDOTA SUNFISH HEIGHTS LAKE

494

Lebanon Hills Regional Park 13

35E

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

43

32

55

71

38 ROSEMOUNT

APPLE VALLEY

BURNSVILLE

Spring Lake Park Reserve

56

31

355W

52

3

EAGAN

77

Mississippi River Regional Trail

494

333

52

42

42

42

COATES

46

HASTINGS

855

31

54

47

Dakota Woods Dog Park

9

MARSHAN 316 RAVENNA TWP TWP

62

EMPIRE TWP

23 FARMINGTON

35

55

NININGER TWP

VERMILLION

66 LAKEVILLE

61

VERMILLION TWP

91

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

50 HAMPTON

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

EUREKA TWP

3

NEW TRIER

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS TWP

50

61

MIESVILLE M

20

80

52

566

855

CASTLE ROCK TWP

86

GREENVALE TWP

19

WATERFORD TWP

NORTHFIELD

Archery Biking Boating Camper cabin Camping Canoeing/Kayaking Cross-country skiing

RANDOLPH TWP RANDOLPH

88

47 SCIOTA TWP

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

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Dog on-leash Dogsledding Fishing Gardening Geocaching Hiking Horseback riding

Horseshoes Ice skating Kicksledding Model airplane flying Mountain biking Nature play Picnicking

Play area Recreational bonfire Rollerblading Ski skating Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming

Call 952-891-7000 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

FAMILY PROGRAMS FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month with park activities and s’mores.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Campfire Stories Join us for stories, yarns and tales around the campfire.

Activity Number: 211001-01 • Fri, Oct. 7; 7–8:30 pm Nature Trivia Have fun playing team trivia and test your nature knowledge.

Activity Number: 211001-02 • Fri, Nov. 4; 7–8:30 pm Scavenger Hunt Join us for a nighttime scavenger hunt.

Activity Number: 211001-03 • Fri, Dec. 2; 7–8:30 pm Fun on the Ice We’ll light the lake for winter fun.

Bring your own ice skates or try out kicksleds from the Visitor Center.

Activity Number: 211001-04 • Fri, Jan. 6; 7–8:30 pm Sledding Party We’ll light the hill; you bring your sled, and we’ll have a nighttime party.

Activity Number: 211001-05 • Fri, Feb. 3; 7–8:30 pm Nature Bingo Play bingo with a twist during our family-friendly game.

Activity Number: 211001-06 • Fri, Mar. 3; 7–8:30 pm MINNESOTA STARWATCH See stars through two of the biggest mobile telescopes in Minnesota and hear Mike Lynch share stories about constellations and their legends.

Ages: 10 and older Fee: $10/person Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 211705-01 • Sat, Oct. 8; 7–9 pm

FULL MOON HIKE Explore the woods on a guided family hike under the full moon.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $12/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211401-01 • Sat, Oct. 15; 6–7:30 pm COBWEBS AND CACHES Use a GPS unit to find hidden jack-o-lantern caches and collect Halloween trinkets. Bring your own GPS unit or borrow one of ours. Limited quantity available.

Ages: All ages Fee: $5/person; youth 5 and under free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211002-01 • Sat, Oct. 29; 5–8 pm HOLIDAY HIKES Bring your guests to the park and enjoy family time while on a guided hike.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $8/person Harvest Hike Join us for a hike and learn about different ways nature’s harvest can provide a feast for animals, big and small.

Main Trailhead Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 211407-01 • Sat, Nov. 26; 10 am–noon Winter Walk Explore the park and learn about winter traditions and the origins many of them have in nature.

Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211407-02 • Mon, Dec. 26; 10 am–noon PARENT CHILD CROSSCOUNTRY SKI LESSONS Learn the basic skills of classic-style cross-country skiing in a family-friendly environment.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210602-01 • Sun, Jan. 8; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210602-02 • Sat, Jan. 28; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210602-03 • Sun, Feb. 5; 2–4 pm

OWL OUTING Delve into the world of owls and take a hike for a chance to hear and see these nocturnal hunters at work.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $8/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211702-01 • Fri, Jan. 13; 5–7 pm

YOUTH PROGRAMS SCOUT BADGES Earn your scout badge, adventure or petal in these two-hour programs.

Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Daisy Girl Scouts — Rosie Petal Learn about ways to make our world a better place and how you can help our planet by being green while earning your petal.

Ages: 5–6 Activity Number: 212301-01 • Sat, Oct. 1; 2–4 pm Tiger Cub Scouts — Tigers in the Wild Learn what you need to prepare for a hike. Then go on a hike and explore the trees, plants and animals on the trail while earning your adventure.

Ages: 6–7 Activity Number: 212305-01 • Sat, Oct. 8; 2–4 pm Wolf Cub Scouts — Finding Your Way Complete your adventure by learning how to read and use a compass and a map — including symbols and keys — and by going on a scavenger hunt.

Ages: 7–8 Activity Number: 212306-01 • Sat, Oct. 15; 2–4 pm Brownie Girl Scouts — Hiker Badge Learn what to bring on a hike, how to read a map and take a hike with a naturalist while earning your badge.

Ages: 6–9 Activity Number: 212302-01 • Sat, Oct. 22; 10 am–noon

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Bear Cub Scouts — Fur, Feathers and Ferns Take a hike to learn about endangered species and examine plants while completing your adventure.

Ages: 8–9 Activity Number: 212307-01 • Sat, Oct. 22; 2–4 pm Webelos — Into the Woods Learn about the park’s ecosystem and the roles animals and plants play in maintaining their health.

Take a hike and examine these creatures up close while earning your badge.

Ages: 9–11 Activity Number: 212308-01 • Sat, Nov. 5; 10 am–noon Junior Girl Scouts — Geocacher Badge Learn how to use a GPS and find geocaches in our park while earning your Geocacher Badge.

Ages: 9–11 Activity Number: 212303-01 • Sat, Nov. 5; 2–4 pm HOMESCHOOL LAB Use the park as your lab for hands-on study and scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Ages: 6–12 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Forest Ecology Learn the parts and products of our forest by conducting your own survey of forest health and diversity.

Activity Number: 211501-01 • Wed, Oct 5; 1–3 pm Project Feederwatch Join an international citizen science project and learn some of the science behind a popular hobby — feeding birds.

Activity Number: 211501-02 • Wed, Nov. 2; 1–3 pm Biology of Conifers Meet the trees that keep their leaves as we investigate the park’s conifers.

Activity Number: 211501-03 • Wed, Dec. 7; 1–3 pm Snowshoe Olympics Test your snow skills as we compete in our own winter Olympics.

Activity Number: 211501-04 • Wed, Jan. 4; 1–3 pm Under the Ice Delve into what’s happening under the ice in winter.

Activity Number: 211501-05 • Wed, Feb. 1; 1–3 pm

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Maple Syrup Learn syrup history and the science to identify maples and practice skills to tap your own trees.

Activity Number: 211501-06 • Wed, Mar. 1; 1–3 pm KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS Discover nature through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, art projects, storytime and more.

Ages: 3–6 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Losing Leaves Learn how trees change during fall to prepare for winter. Collect leaves, make bark rubbings and create leaf art to take home.

Activity Number: 212001-01 • Thu, Oct. 13; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-02 • Sat, Oct. 15; 10–11:30 am Rowdy Raccoons Learn about raccoons and the myths and truths about these rowdy animals.

Activity Number: 212001-03 • Thu, Nov. 3; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-04 • Sat, Nov. 19; 10–11:30 am Winter Tracks Explore the park to look for animal signs and tracks, and make your own track art to take home.

Activity Number: 212001-05 • Thu, Dec. 8; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-06 • Sat, Dec. 17; 10–11:30 am Frosty Fun Explore the park in the frosty winter using kicksleds or snowshoes.

Activity Number: 212001-07 • Thu, Jan. 12; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-08 • Sat, Jan. 21; 10–11:30 am Squirrel Tales Learn about squirrels, what they eat and where they live, and make a squirrel feeder to take home.

Activity Number: 212001-09 • Thu, Feb. 9; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-10 • Sat, Feb. 25; 10–11:30 am

www.dakotacounty.us/parks Animal Senses We can smell, taste, hear, touch and see. Other animals can too.

Explore the world of animal senses.

Activity Number: 212001-11 • Thu, Mar. 9; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-12 • Sat, Mar. 18; 10–11:30 am DAY CAMPS Join us during breaks or on school release days for winter day camps.

Fall Forests Discover how our forests are getting ready for winter through exploration, science and art.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $30/youth Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210406-01 • Wed, Oct. 19; 9 am–3 pm Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 210406-02 • Thu, Oct. 20; 9 am–3 pm Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210406-03 • Fri, Oct. 21; 9 am–3 pm Winter Warriors Explore the park in winter during this three-day camp, and learn how animals, plants and humans survive the cold Minnesota weather.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 210406-04 • Wed–Fri, Dec. 28–30; 9 am–3 pm Wild about Winter Embrace the season by getting outside to experience traditional and modern games.

Ages: 6–10 Fee: $30/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210406-05 • Fri, Jan. 20; 9 am–3 pm Snowshoe Archery Biathlon Learn the basic skills of archery and then strap on snowshoes to hike the biathlon route and practice your new skills.

Ages: 12–16 Fee: $30/youth Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210406-06 • Fri, Feb. 17; 9 am–3 pm

Lost in the Woods Learn how to use a map, compass and GPS to navigate the woods.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $75/youth Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210406-07 • Wed–Fri, Mar. 15–17; 9 am–3 pm Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210406-08 • Wed–Fri, Mar. 29–31; 9 am–3 pm WINTER GIFTS Join us to create a natureinspired present during our drop-off programs.

Build a Birdhouse Create a birdhouse for a special person in your life.

Ages: 10–14 Fee: $15/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210203-01 • Sat, Dec. 3; 10 am–noon Birchbark Ornaments Make an ornament out of fallen birch bark to brighten your winter days.

Ages: 6–10 Fee: $5/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210203-02 • Sat, Dec. 10; 10 am–noon CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS FOR YOUTH Learn the basic skills of classic-style cross-country skiing in a kid-friendly environment.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $15/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210601-01 • Sun, Jan 8; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210601-02 • Sun, Feb. 5; 10 am–noon CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS FOR TEENS Learn the basic skills of classic-style cross-country skiing in a teen-friendly environment.

Ages: 13–16 Fee: $15/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210601-03 • Sat, Jan 28; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210601-04 • Sun, Feb. 12; 2–4 pm

click Programs & Events

ADULT PROGRAMS WILD ART Join us to create nature inspired art.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: Free; pre-registration required Fall Poetry Join the Loft Literary Center as we capture the sights, sounds and tastes of the new season by learning how to write poems inspired by the season. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210202-01 • Sat, Oct. 1; 10 am–noon Needle Felted Leaves Learn how to turn loose fluffy wool into a felted leaf using the warm colors of fall with the Textile Center. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 210202-02 • Sun, Nov. 6; 1–3 pm Landscape Drawing Capture the essence of a landscape with artistry. Learn how to use a viewfinder, determine underlying scene structure, and simplify and organize what you see through discussion and demonstration. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-03 • Sat, Mar. 4; 10 am–noon YOGA Join this all-level class whether you are trying yoga for the first time or deepening your practice.

Ages: 10 and older Fee: $32/session Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park October Session Activity Number: 211201-01 • Wed, Oct. 5–26; 6:30–7:30 pm November Session Activity Number: 211201-02 • Wed, Nov. 2–23; 6:30–7:30 pm December Session Activity Number: 211201-03 • Wed, Dec. 7–28; 6:30–7:30 pm January Session Activity Number: 211201-04 • Wed, Jan. 4–25; 6:30–7:30 pm

Call 952-891-7000 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

February Session Activity Number: 211201-05 • Wed, Feb. 1–22; 6:30–7:30 pm March Session Activity Number: 211201-06 • Wed, Mar. 1–22; 6:30–7:30 pm PARKS AND PINTS Explore the mysteries and histories of Dakota County Parks. Bring your own bottle of beer or wine.

Participants will receive a free pint glass.

Ages: 21 and older Fee: $8/person; pre-registration required Landscape of Lebanon Hills Learn about the historical landscape of Lebanon Hills and current natural resources projects.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211602-01 • Tue, Oct. 4; 6:30–8 pm Spring Lake Park Ecology Learn about the ecosystem along the Mississippi River at Spring Lake Park Reserve and current natural resources projects.

Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211602-02 • Tue, Mar. 7; 6:30–8 pm HIKE THE PARKS Take a guided hike each month throughout the season to discover the unique beauty and character of Dakota County parks.

Ages: 16 and older Fall Colors Hike Hike among the fall colors and explore the ways nature gets ready for winter.

Fee: $8/person Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211406-01 • Sun, Oct. 9; 1–3 pm Winter Trees Hike Hike through the woods and learn how to identify trees in the winter.

Fee: $8/person Trailhead Thompson County Park Activity Number: 211406-02 • Sat, Nov. 19; 2–4 pm Solstice Hike Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a lantern-lit hike and warm up with hot cocoa and a campfire.

Fee: $8/person Trailhead Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 211406-03 • Wed, Dec. 21; 6–8 pm

Snowshoe Hike Explore Miesville on snowshoes.

Fee: $8/person Trailhead Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 211406-04 • Sat, Jan. 7; 10 am–noon Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Learn snowshoeing basics and take a guided hike to explore the woods by moonlight.

Fee: $18/person Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211406-05 • Fri, Feb. 10; 6–8 pm Spring Equinox Hike Join us for a hike on the first day of spring and explore the ways nature is waking up from winter.

Fee: $8/person Trailhead Lake Byllesby Regional Park Activity Number: 211406-06 • Sun, Mar. 19; 9–11 am CHAIR YOGA Discover gentle stretching, healthy breathing, core strengthening and muscle toning, all with the support of a chair. For students with limited mobility or chronic health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia or cancer. Yoga mat required.

Ages: 10 and older Fee: $32/session Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211202-01 • Tue, Jan. 3–24; 10–11 am CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS FOR ADULTS Learn about equipment, trails and technique in this introduction to classic-style cross-country skiing.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210603-01 • Sat, Jan. 7; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603-02 • Sat, Jan. 7; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603-03 • Sun, Jan. 22; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603-04 • Sun, Jan. 22; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603-05 • Sat, Feb. 4; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603-06 • Sat, Feb. 4; 2–4 pm

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

BACKYARD AGRICULTURE: Beekeeping Basics Discover all you need to know to start your own apiary with JoAnne Sabin of the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association.

Learn about honeybee biology and behavior, hive management, swarm prevention, and equipment.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $40/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211301-01 • Thu, Jan. 12, 19 & 16; 6–9 pm

TRAILS BY CANDLELIGHT Cross-country ski, hike, ice skate and snowshoe by candlelight.

Slide on a lit hill and warm-up at bonfires. Ski and snowshoe rental available. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. Hot food available to purchase.

Ages: All ages Fee: $10/person at the door. Youth ages 5 and under free. No preregistration option.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210803-01 • Sat, Feb. 11; 6–9 pm

EVENTS

INFORMATION

WILD RIDE Ride the best mountain bike trails in the metro at the annual Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival. Multiple bike demo trailers and local bike shops will be on hand for bike tune-ups, clinics, group rides and more. Free bike check-out available. Hot food and cold beer available for purchase.

Ages: All ages Fee: Free West Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210801-01 • Sat, Oct. 1; 10 am–4 pm NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Join us for our annual family New Year’s Eve Party and enjoy an evening of winter festivities.

Ice skate, hike and snowshoe by candlelight; slide on our lit sledding hill; and warm up at a roaring bonfire. Indoor activities include a magician, live animals, a storyteller and much more. Stay for the countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. Snowshoe rental available. Hot food available to purchase from food trucks.

Ages: All ages Fee: $10/person at the door. Youth ages 5 and under free. No preregistration option.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210802-01 • Sat, Dec. 31; 5–8 pm

REGISTRATION To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a key word in the program title. Registration is not required for free programs unless noted. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

PAYMENT Payment is due at registration. All major credit cards are accepted.

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL Cancellations posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL Refund policy is posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

SCHOLARSHIPS Call 952-891-7000.

ACCESSIBILITY At least three weeks before the program, tell us what accommodation would make the program accessible to you or your family.

EQUIPMENT Provided unless specified.

NEED EQUIPMENT?

Rent kicksleds, snowshoes and ski equipment at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. www.dakotacounty.us/parks search equipment rental

Celebrate

winter in the wild!

Family New Year’s Eve Party

Trails by Candlelight

Sat., Dec. 31, 5–8 pm

Sat., Feb. 11, 6–9 pm

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

23 A SMALL PRICE TO PAY 25 ADDING ORGANICS RECYCLING TO THE MIX

A small price to pay THE RECYCLING ZONE STARTS COLLECTING FEES FOR TV AND MONITOR RECYCLING

Y

ou may have first noticed the change at retail stores like Best Buy and Office Depot. Instead of offering free recycling of electronics, they started to charge fees for larger items or charging for different-sized boxes to put your recyclable electronics.

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Go Green | A small price to pay

S

tarting last month, Dakota County added a small fee for electronics recycling at The Recycling Zone located in Eagan — $10 for all sizes and types of televisions and monitors. Dakota County joins Hennepin and Carver counties as well as other government and retail recycling programs that now charge a fee for recycling of certain types of residential electronics.

The reason — the cost to process recycled electronics continues to climb.

Electronics manufacturers are required to pay for some recycling by state law. However, the amount of electronics collected at The Recycling Zone as well as other collection sites across the state well exceeds the amount manufacturers need to pay. The additional cost to collect and recycle the items is passed on to those collecting the items, such as The Recycling Zone.

Market prices for some computer parts are diminishing, which causes recycling facilities to raise their rates.

For example, copper, aluminum and steel have declined by as much as 50 percent. Also, there are fewer local options for collected electronics to be dismantled and recycled, increasing the cost to transport the larger electronics for recycling.

In 2015, the County spent $222,000 to recycle electronics from residents.

To continue to collect residential electronics for free, the County anticipated a $100,000 increase in its electronics recycling costs in 2016 with the likelihood of more increases in the future. Even with the additional fee, the County expects to spend more than $200,000 each year.

Electronics is the fastest growing waste stream. In 2013, The Recycling Zone collected more than 1.75 million pounds for recycling. The amount

increased to 1.96 million pounds in 2014 and more than 2 million pounds in 2015.

Last year, about half of the 64,000 residents that dropped off items at The Recycling Zone had electronics to recycle. Televisions and computer monitors accounted for 66 percent, by weight, of all electronics collected.

Electronics require special recycling and do not belong in curbside trash or recycling bins. They contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or mercury that are harmful to human health and can pollute our air, land and water if not managed properly.

Most electronics can still be dropped off at The Recycling Zone for free — cameras; computer equipment like keyboards, towers, hard drives and modems; DVD players; VCRs; gaming consoles; phones; printers; radio and stereo equipment; toasters; vacuum cleaners; and more. Only TVs and monitors have a $10 fee. Residents can pay with cash, check, Visa or MasterCard.

For more information, including a full list of electronics and other items accepted at The Recycling Zone, visit

www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling zone

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Ahead of the curve When it comes to recycling and protecting our planet, Dakota County is leading the charge.

In an effort to save natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of day-to-day business, the County recently required all departments to use 100 percent recycled-content paper, something that was groundbreaking for counties across Minnesota.

We were the first county in the state to use 100 percent recycled paper for internal operations, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The move to recycled paper is not only part of the County’s Green Initiative to create a healthier environment, but also is in line with a state mandate that public agencies purchase at least 30 percent recycled-content paper. The effort has led to the conservation of some of our valued natural resources — trees and water —and reinforced Dakota County’s commitment to bettering our environment.

Switching to a recycled product is making a positive impact on our planet. The Environmental Paper Network estimates that in one year 850 trees and 400,000 gallons of water will be saved by manufacturing recycled paper. That means Dakota County is doing its part to ensure a healthier environment for the future and closing the loop on recycling.

Go Green | Adding organics recycling to the mix

Getting the drop on organics County launches first organics drop-off location in West St. Paul

O

rganics — the next frontier of recycling. For years, we’ve let you know of all of the different items that could or couldn’t be recycled. Starting in October 2016, residents of West St. Paul and the surrounding area will have a new option to make the County greener — organics recycling.

The County is providing a residential organics drop-off site at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul. The drop off location will be the first in Dakota County, providing residents with a convenient and easy way to manage their organics, such as food waste and soiled paper.

The drop-off location will consist of two dumpsters in a separate, locked enclosure space in the south parking lot at Thompson County Park. Residents interested in recycling organics can gain access to the space by contacting Environmental Resources at 952-891-7557 or organics@co.dakota.mn.us.

Participants will receive a how-to guide for organics recycling, free compostable bags and the access code for the dumpsters.

During this pilot project, Dakota County is targeting residents within two miles of the park, but all County residents are eligible to participate.

Organics collected through the drop off location will be taken to a local commercial compost facility where it will turn into compost, a nutrient-rich soil additive. Com-

post improves soil quality, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers.

The drop-off location will support the County’s efforts to implement a variety of waste diversion programs to achieve the state’s 75-percent recycling rate goal by 2030.

The average household generates around nine pounds of food scraps per week. Getting this material out of landfills and incinerators will go a long way to reaching that goal.

The state also requires Dakota County to implement organics recycling projects. The drop-off location complements other organics recycling programs initiated by the County, including organics recycling in County campgrounds, park rental facilities and office buildings.

This new drop-off location will help to educate residents about organics recycling, including what is accepted, before additional locations become available.

www.dakotacounty.us, search organics recycling drop location

ALL FOOD

FOOD-SOILED PAPER

OTHER ITEMS: FLOWERS & LEAVES, COFFEE GROUNDS & FILTERS, TOOTHPICKS, CHOPSTICKS, POPSICLE STICKS

CERTIFIED-COMPOSTABLE FOODWARE

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F E A T U R E

Building a better We have the right stuff for a strong economy Striving to make Dakota County an even better place for future generations to live, work and play.

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6.25"

1.375"

.875"

r

1.5"

.9375"

B U I L D I N G

A

B E T T E R

D A K O T A

C O U N T Y

D

akota County’s economy offers a lot to feel good about these days. Since the end of the Great Recession, the total number of jobs in the county has rebounded to 183,000, an increase of nearly 8 percent since the low point in 2010. In addition, the County’s unemployment rate dropped from 8 percent in 2010 to 3 percent today, lower than the national and state levels. Wages and incomes have been growing gradually, and property values and new construction are increasing.

There are lots of great things residents appreciate about Dakota County, and a strong and growing local economy is near the top of the list.

Foreclosures have recovered to a rate lower than pre-recession levels, and the rate of home ownership is increasing again. More people are moving to Dakota County — pushing the population to nearly 415,000 at last count. Challenges remain, but the trends are increasingly positive.

There are a variety of factors and contributors that create and sustain a strong economy. Our local economic health is affected significantly by these and trends and decisions that are often far beyond our borders.

Most financial activity that drives local economic health is in the private sector, but there are some important things that local governments can do, too. Economists have identified the following major roles for government to play to help grow and sustain a strong economy: • Supporting a skilled workforce that can fill increasingly complex and demanding jobs.

• Delivering reliable public services and amenities that attract and retain residents and employers.

• Offering competitive, stable tax rates that encourage continued business investment.

• Building and maintaining a durable infrastructure — road and transit systems — that help get people to jobs and products to markets.

• Providing assistance to specialized firms, industries and workers to fill critical gaps.

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Here’s how Dakota County is helping to support a strong local economy:

A talented workforce Dakota County residents are highly educated and productive. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, 87 percent of students graduate on time.

About 41 percent of residents age 25 and older have earned their bachelor’s or graduate degree.

But sometimes residents need help to find or retain good jobs. That’s where the WorkForce Centers in both West St. Paul and Burnsville come into play. The WorkForce Centers help residents build or retool their job skills to support career development or occupation changes when moving from one industry to another.

The centers help job seekers find training, navigate a fast-changing employment scene and connect with businesses looking for skilled workers.

The centers also train disadvantaged job seekers in résumé writing, internet use and career searches, and provide workshops and job fairs to help residents find jobs in Dakota County.

increase in number of jobs in Dakota County since 2010

of residents age 25 and older earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree

reduction in unemployment from 2010

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29

B U I L D I N G

A

B E T T E R

D A K O T A

C O U N T Y

Desirable public services and amenities High-quality public services and facilities like parks and libraries are not only good for residents, but they are a significant draw when business leaders look for communities in which to locate — and that’s where Dakota County stands out from the rest. Our residents continually give us high marks in providing good public services and amenities. Based on the most recent Dakota County Residential Survey, we’re doing well at providing what residents want: • 95 percent of residents rated the overall quality of life in Dakota County as ‘good’ or ‘excellent.’

• 81 percent of residents rated the overall quality of services provided by Dakota County as ‘good’ or ‘excellent.’

• The top-rated services provided by the County — parks, libraries, and trails and bikeways — all rated much higher here than in the peer counties we compare ourselves with nationally.

Dakota County continues to invest in maintaining and improving these public assets.

Efforts now underway include adding six miles of new regional trail and 129 acres of landscape restoration in parks by 2017. A new iLAB hands-on learning center at Wescott Library in Eagan opened in July.

of residents rated overall quality of life as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’

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number of new county highway miles to be added by 2030

acres of landscape restored in Dakota County parks by 2017

Low property taxes Reliably-low county property tax rates make it easier for businesses to invest with confidence and bring jobs to Dakota County. The County has the lowest county property taxes per capita in the state this year and has had the lowest county tax rate in the metropolitan area for many years.

This helps encourage businesses to locate and stay in our county. In Dakota County, firms can invest more in their facilities and pay less in county property taxes than they would in neighboring counties. And they — and their employees — enjoy the benefit of high-quality services and amenities at the same time.

Low property taxes are the result of consistent and careful management of county government over many years. In fact, Dakota County has controlled tax dollars and spending so well that it is now debt free, meaning every tax dollar collected goes directly to current and future services for residents.

Road and transit systems Dakota County currently maintains 412 miles of county highways that are used by residents to travel more than a billion miles each year. We are also developing efficient transit options that reduce road congestion and offer convenient alternatives to driving. The Metro Red Line Bus Rapid Transit route along Cedar Avenue from Apple Valley to Bloomington opened in 2013. The Red Line is the first bus rapid transit in the region — connecting people and communities within the county and providing a vital link for Dakota County commuters to connect to the Mall of America and the Twin Cities regional transit system.

More transportation investments are planned to accommodate future economic and population growth through 2030, including adding 30 new miles of county highway and the new Metro Orange Line that will connect Lakeville and Burnsville to Minneapolis and extending the Metro Red Line further south to Lakeville. The County is also studying potential enhancements to transit services running eastwest across the county. Longer-term transit planning includes bus rapid transit service along Robert Street and linking Hastings to St. Paul through the Red Rock Corridor.

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B U I L D I N G

A

B E T T E R

D A K O T A

C O U N T Y

Assistance where it’s needed most Dakota County provides assistance for individual households, firms and industries, and communities in ways that help make the overall economy stronger. These include workforce housing initiatives that allow workers to locate closer to jobs, business assistance programs and other economic development activities. Most of these are operated through a distinct arm of the County called the Dakota County Community Development Agency.

Dakota County’s rebounding economy in recent years offers even more encouraging news on the horizon as new and existing businesses come and grow here. The Extreme Sandbox, a Hastings business, garnered national attention earlier this year after being highlighted on the popular television show Shark Tank. In addition, we’re proud that the Minnesota Vikings chose Dakota County as the new location for their new team headquarters in Eagan.

Our diverse business community includes companies specializing in information technology, transportation, aerospace, health care, insurance and other sectors with high growth. In 2013, the national consulting firm Fourth Economy ranked Dakota County as the sixth-best county among large U.S. communities for its ability to attract investments and manage economic growth.

Q

uality services, a well-built infrastructure and an exceptional workforce are the backbone of the strong economy we currently enjoy in Dakota County. They allow residents and business owners to dream big. It’s the reason people across the state and nation continue to vote with their feet and move to Dakota County. While the current economic environment is something to be proud of, continuing to plan for the long term, managing taxpayer dollars efficiently and strengthening public resources will make Dakota County an even better place for future generations to live, work and play.

Dakota County’s quality services, well-built infrastructure and exceptional workforce allow residents and business owners to

dream big.

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Help for a strong economy

T

he Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) plays a vital role in our economy. More than 30 CDA programs assist low-income residents and seniors in gaining affordable housing, fund programs that support local businesses, and promote development projects countywide.

The housing programs — which provide more than 2,700 homes countywide — help keep families that qualify off the streets and give residents access to jobs. The Workforce Housing Program offers significantly reduced rent in more than 800 homes in 24 units, so families can live near their jobs in

Dakota County’s major cities.

In addition to ensuring residents have affordable housing options, the CDA focuses on infrastructure improvements and giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to be successful. Over the past 10 years, the CDA’s Redevelopment Incentive Grant program awarded more than $10 million to Dakota County cities — providing assistance for 50 redevelopment projects and 21 planning grants which led to increased economic activity in the County. The agency also funds the Open To Business program, which offers free one-onone business counseling to current and prospective entrepreneurs.

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33

“N obody will ever deprive

the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.� ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

32nd President of the United States

VOTE ON NOV. 8, 2016 www.dakotacounty.us, search poll finder

Community | Your Commissioners Mike Slavik District 1

T: 651-438-4427 Includes the cities of Coates, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Vermillion, Northfield Precinct 2; townships of Castle Rock, Douglas, Empire, Eureka, Greenvale, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph, Ravenna, Sciota, Vermillion and Waterford.

Kathleen A. Gaylord District 2

Liz Workman

Schouweiler to retire

District 5

Nancy Schouweiler, Commissioner of District 4, retires after being elected to the Dakota County Board in 1998.

Schouweiler broke new ground in public service and leadership during her 18-year tenure — becoming the first woman Board Chair. During her service, the County built the Robert Trail Library, renovated the Inver Glen Library and opened Whitetail Woods Regional Park. She served on the National Association of Counties Board of Directors and was the only Dakota County commissioner to be named President of the Association of Minnesota Counties. Schouweiler is a South St. Paul native and a lifelong Dakota County resident.

T: 651-438-4431 Includes the city of Burnsville.

Mary Liz Holberg District 6

T: 651-438-4243 Includes the city of Lakeville.

Chris Gerlach

District 7 T: 651-438-4411 Includes the cities of Rosemount Precincts 3 and 5, and Apple Valley.

LILYDALE MENDOTA

T: 651-438-4428 Includes the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and Inver Grove Heights Precincts 1 and 8–10.

Thomas A. Egan

MENDOTA HEIGHTS

Nancy Schouweiler District 4

T: 651-438-4430 Includes the cities of Inver Grove Heights Precincts 2–7; Eagan Precincts 8 and 13– 17; and Rosemount Precincts 1–2, 4, and 6–7.

SUNFISH LAKE

2

3 EAGAN

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

BURNSVILLE

5

APPLE VALLEY

District 3

T: 651-438-4429 Includes the cities of Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Eagan Precincts 1–7 and 9–12.

SOUTH ST. PAUL

WEST ST. PAUL

4

7 ROSEMOUNT

NININGER HASTINGS

COATES

VERMILLION

6

EMPIRE

1

LAKEVILLE FARMINGTON

RAVENNA MARSHAN

VERMILLION TWP

NEW TRIER

MIESVILLE

HAMPTON EUREKA

CASTLE ROCK

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS

RANDOLPH TWP RANDOLPH SCIOTA

GREENVALE

WATERFORD NORTHFIELD

fall/winter 2016 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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