Dakota County Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2021

county newsletter

spring/summer 2021

PERFORMANCE ISSUE

COMMUNITY

Protecting our natural resources Page 11

PARKS

Programs & events

Caring for the community H elping residents and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic

Page 26

Page 15

GO GREEN

Fix-It Clinics go virtual Page 23

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

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

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ADVANCED MAIL

Please recycle

Welcome to the spring 2021 edition of the Dakota County newsletter. In this edition, we take a close look at our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and update you on other county services supported by your tax dollars. Despite new and growing needs caused by the pandemic, Dakota County will maintain the metro area’s lowest tax rate and Minnesota’s lowest county property tax per capita. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners is committed to being a careful steward of your tax dollars while ensuring Dakota County continues to be a great place to live and work.

Contents Feature: Page 26

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dakota County responded to the urgent health and economic needs of residents, businesses and community partners. Learn how we used $52 million in federal relief to help those in need and continue providing important services.

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 reimagined many of the ways we serve the public when in-person services were limited. Find out how we made the library an essential tool for residents during the pandemic.

To keep the public safe, we changed how we assist families, our military veterans and other residents during the pandemic. These changes helped more people get the vital services they need.

We all need clean water, fresh air, natural areas for recreation and a safe place to live and work.

We’re working with landowners to restore and manage land and water throughout the county.

There are more reasons to visit Lake Byllesby and Whitetail Woods regional parks. Learn about upgrades to Lake Byllesby and new features at Whitetail Woods.

Get more life out of household items and keep them out of the trash.

Fix-It Clinics went virtual during the pandemic, and we’re launching an online workshop focused on popular repair items.

Keeping you informed for 37 cents Letting you know how your tax dollars are spent is important to Dakota County commissioners, and this newsletter is a cost-effective way to do just that. To keep costs down, we limit production to twice a year and combine it with the Dakota County Parks program guide. The newsletter is written and designed by county staff. Printing is awarded to the lowest bidder through a competitive bid process. The total cost, including postage, per residential household is 37 cents — less than the cost of a postage stamp.

Contact information Mary Beth Schubert, Communications Director, marybeth.schubert@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-438-8179

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3 REIMAGINING THE LIBRARY 5 SERVING OUR RESIDENTS 6 DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

An open book Keeping library resources available during the pandemic

The Dakota County Library reimagined its services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of being a place for the community to gather and learn, the library closed its doors last March to keep the public safe.

But even though the doors were closed, the library remained open to help residents.

spring/summer 2021 | www.dakotacounty.us |

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In Brief | Reimagining the library

Computer reservations Following safety guidelines, we reopened our library buildings on June 1 for reserved computer appointments.

Residents could schedule computer time online using the library website.

We highlighted existing services and added new services to allow residents to use library resources while reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Increased use of digital resources and adding services such as curbside pickup and books by mail, online appointments for computer use, enhanced Wi-Fi, and virtual programs made the Dakota County Library an essential tool for residents to navigate the pandemic.

Digital resources

Some digital resources were available before the pandemic but have become even more important. E-books, digital audiobooks and movies were available to residents even when locations were closed. More than 1 million digital materials were checked out in 2020 — an increase of 27 percent compared to the same span in 2019.

1,001,789 Digital materials checked out in 2020

Curbside pickup and books by mail All nine library locations offered curbside pickup starting April 1.

After placing a hold using the library catalog or app or calling the library directly, residents are notified when their materials are ready. Residents schedule a pickup appointment online and drive up for contactless curbside pickup.

We mailed books directly to users who were unable to drive due to illness, disability, visual impairment or high risk for severe illness.

From April through December, 286,174 books and other items were picked up curbside in 71,925 appointments. Another 654 books were mailed directly to customers.

71,925

Curbside appointments, April–December

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The service limited the number of people inside while still making library equipment available to the public. Many residents rely on library computer equipment to access the internet. Reducing the number of residents in the libraries made social distancing easier and gave staff the opportunity to clean computer stations thoroughly.

We later added walk-in computer availability when the library opened for in-person express services.

More than 81,400 computer appointments were made in 2020.

81,404

Computer appointments in 2020

Enhanced Wi-Fi signals With buildings closed or with reduced capacity, we strengthened our Wi-Fi signals so residents could use their phones, computers or other devices from library parking lots. From May 29 through October, more than 12,904 Wi-Fi sessions totaled 8,812 hours.

12,904 Free Wi-Fi sessions

In Brief | Serving our residents

Virtual programs The library canceled all in-person courses and programs on March 13 to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Instead, the library went online, hosting virtual events on Facebook and Zoom.

The library hosted 205 live programs with 4,397 total participants. We also recorded 122 programs and posted them online. Those videos were viewed for 161,585 total minutes — more than 2,693 hours.

205

Virtual programs offered

Anticipating new needs The library is always looking for new ways to meet resident needs.

We opened express services to allow residents to browse our selection while following social distancing guidelines.

We also used federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebook computers for public use.

This new service, which launched in November 2020, provides internet service at home or on the go to households that lack service.

Residents can check out a hotspot or a kit with a hotspot and a Chromebook for up to six weeks.

There were 687 items checked out in the first two months of the service.

Keeping services Last March, Dakota County closed all of its service and license centers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The decision helped keep our community safe, but it caused a backlog of residents who needed to renew their driver’s license, apply for a REAL ID or enhanced license, or transfer a vehicle title.

The county needed to perform its duties differently and provide innovative solutions to keep business moving. We moved quickly to ensure residents could get the services they needed. Beginning in April, we started taking documents by mail, or residents could leave paperwork at drop boxes located in the entrances of each service and license center. We then launched

an online appointment scheduler to minimize the number of people in our buildings while still following social distancing guidelines.

Even with a month-long closure, staffing limitations, and reduced building and appointment capacity, Dakota County completed about 80 percent of transactions we normally do. Most of the decrease was due to fewer residents applying for passports because of reduced travel.

Service and license centers had 23,936 scheduled in-person appointments from June¬November 2020 — or about 4,000 appointments each month. In addition, there were 46,308 walk-in, mail-in and drop-off transactions from June–November.

4,000

APPOINTMENTS/MONTH

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In Brief | Dates for your calendar

Plan on it

Know what to do this spring and summer

Construction updates Ongoing–September

Robert Street — West St. Paul

Monthly

April

Get free virtual help fixing everything from sweaters to lamps. Clinics run 10 a.m.–noon. www.dakotacounty.us, search fix-it clinic.

Volunteer with the Wetland Health Evaluation Program to help monitor county wetlands. Registration opens April 1. Volunteering is June–August. www.dakotacounty.us, search WHEP.

Virtual Fix-It Clinic

• March 21 • April 17

• May 15 • June 19

Immunization Clinics Immunizations are available for uninsured adults and children at the Northern and Western service centers. www.dakotacounty.us, search immunization clinics.

April

Virtual Storytime Join librarians virtually for 20-minute storytimes with books and songs.

Geared for families with children ages 3 and older. www.dakotacounty.us/library, search storytime.

• Mondays through April 26, 9:30 a.m.

• Recordings on Dakota County Library YouTube and Facebook.

Meet the Author Hear best-selling author William Kent Krueger speak about his novel This Tender Land. Geared for adults. www.dakotacounty.us/library, search events.

• April 24, 7:30–9 p.m.

• Virtual program. Registration required.

April 15–May 20

Master Recycler/Composter Class Master waste reduction, recycling and composting and learn to inspire others on Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center in Eagan. www.dakotacounty.us, search master recycler.

WHEP Volunteering

AIS Detector Join the statewide aquatic invasive species detector network to learn about aquatic invasive species and how to curb their spread. Registration opens April 1. Training in April. www.dakotacounty.us, search AIS.

Trail construction on north side of Wentworth Avenue and under Robert Street.

Ongoing–June 2022

County Road 70 — Lakeville Reconstruct from Kenrick Avenue to Cedar Avenue. Intermittent detours.

April–October

County Road 78 — Castle Rock Township Reconstruct from Blaine Avenue to Hampton Boulevard. Traffic detoured.

March–October

April–November

Landscaping for Clean Water

County Road 42 — Rosemount

Learn simple yard landscaping that also improves water quality and provides pollinator habitat.

Virtual Program www.dakotaswcd.org/cleanwater.html

Reconstruct from Akron Avenue to Blaine Avenue. Lane closures.

May–September

March

Rain Barrels and Compost Bins

County Road 30 — Eagan Reconstruct Diffley Road from Lexington Avenue to Trenton Road.

Traffic detoured.

Dakota County residents can order rain barrels and compost bins while supplies last. Use code “Dakota” at checkout for 30% discount.

Order beginning March 1 at www.recycleminnesota.org.

June–November

Turf Care Workshop

August–October 2023

Public and private businesses will learn best practices for turf maintenance during a virtual workshop, March 17.

Email environ@co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7000.

Reconstruct from Highway 55 to Highway 3. Traffic detoured.

County Road 86 — Castle Rock Township Reconstruct from Galaxie Avenue to Highway 3. Traffic detoured.

County Road 26 — Inver Grove Heights and Eagan

March–May

County Road 63 — Inver Grove Heights

Dakota County will accept unused, clean salt from winter maintenance professionals to prevent improper disposal. Call 651-755-3121 for appointment from March 1–May 31.

Find a full list or have updates sent to your inbox at www.dakotacounty.us, search road construction.

Salt Take Back

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Reconstruct from Amana Trail to O’Neill Drive. Traffic detoured.

7 GOING VIRTUAL 9 SAVING TAX DOLLARS 10 CONDUCTING ELECTIONS

Serving you remotely and efficiently

At Dakota County, we know how important it is to get residents the assistance they need. We also work hard to give residents ways to share their input on projects such as roads and parks.

Virtual services have improved efficiency, offered flexibility

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Our Work | Going virtual When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, we changed how we deliver important services. Across the county, we paused meetings with residents in person to keep our clients and employees safe. In many cases, we replaced in-person appointments with phone calls and video meetings.

Helping you virtually Virtual meetings have been used for a variety of services.

Counties help military veterans get the state and federal benefits they have earned — physical and mental health services, grants, and other financial assistance. Prior to the pandemic, roughly 80 percent of our meetings with veterans were in person — only 20 percent were by phone. During the pandemic, all appointments switched to phone or video.

Not only did we change how we meet with veterans, but we also served more last year. In 2019, we handled 13,649 veteran requests, and that grew to more than 14,200 in 2020.

We’ve also been successful in getting veterans more well-deserved assistance. In a typical year, we help secure $80,000 to $100,000 in grants for veterans struggling financially.

From April to December 2020, we helped get $550,000 as more veterans faced pandemic-related financial challenges.

Some county services required inperson meetings before the pandemic.

These included skill-building groups for adults and youth on probation to help them avoid negative behaviors.

The skills learned can make them less likely to commit another offense after probation.

Virtual meetings have worked well for adults, and the county will continue to offer them.

Participation increased when we started offering virtual sessions. In 2019, 117 people took part in the program. When it went remote in 2020, that increased to more than 150 participants.

Handled more than

14,200 veteran requests Helped get

$550,000 for financial challenges

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Served more than

5,400 WIC clients

Virtual meetings have worked well for adults, and the county will continue to offer them. Youth attendance was better when sessions were in person, and we will return to that format when we can meet safely.

The pandemic created more demand for some services, including the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. WIC offers nutritional counseling and food support to children up to age 5 and women from the time they are pregnant up to a year after their baby is born.

We served about 200 more individuals who qualified for the WIC program during the pandemic. In November 2020, we had 5,328 clients, including 1,131 women and nearly 4,200 infants and children. A year earlier, we had 5,110 total clients.

While we have provided good service remotely, WIC will return to an inperson service for most appointments when it is safe to do so. During those appointments, we check a child’s health, such as measuring their weight and height.

Getting input remotely We want residents’ ideas on road construction, park improvements and projects that protect natural resources. In-person meetings were

Our Work | Saving tax dollars not possible during the pandemic, but we still found ways to get public input.

The county is developing a new plan for improvements to Spring Lake Park Reserve near Hastings. We conducted a virtual open house meeting on Zoom and held another 11 meetings virtually with community partners. Nearly 950 people also provided input on the park project on the county website.

We found other ways to get public input on important projects. Plans for a new greenway that will honor veterans have included virtual meetings with a group of veterans and other community partners who offer valuable ideas on greenway features.

The county website has been an important tool to share information with the public during the pandemic.

More than

1,000

groundwater video views More than 1,000 people viewed online materials for the county’s plan to protect groundwater. Another plan that identifies how we will work to protect and improve valuable land and natural resources saw nearly as many online viewers. Hundreds of residents also went to the website to learn more about our transportation planning.

As we continue serving residents during the pandemic, we are finding ways to provide services in safe and efficient ways.

SMART purchases save money

Dakota County is always looking for ways to save tax dollars and work more efficiently. Over the past decade, we’ve saved thousands of dollars and reduced our environmental impact through smart and efficient equipment purchases.

Like many governments, Dakota County operates and maintains vehicles and equipment used to deliver services and maintain buildings, parks and other property. It’s more than trucks and snowplows — it’s everything from chainsaws and lawn mowers to construction vehicles and emergency rescue boats.

The price is right BUYING FUEL IN BULK SAVES

$20,000

Saving money without sacrificing service is always our priority. We work hard to get the best price when buying equipment, supplies and other materials. Fuel is purchased in bulk at a discount rate, and that’s important because our vehicles travel 2.8 million miles annually. It’s made a difference, saving taxpayers more than $20,000 annually.

Much of our repair work and maintenance is completed in-house, which is more efficient and economical.

We also complete bigger jobs — converting a sedan to a fully equipped squad car for the sheriff’s office, maintaining snowplows that keep our roads safe, and repairing equipment to keep parks and greenways looking beautiful.

Going green We also want to limit the environmental impact of our vehicles. Since 2006, we’ve added hybrid electric and flexible-fuel vehicles and made sure they are the most efficient for the job.

We moved from full-size and heavyduty pickup trucks to smaller models.

These changes pay off. Our improvements resulted in a 30-percent boost in fuel economy, a nearly 30-percent reduction in greenhouse emissions and a 34,000-gallon drop in gasoline use annually.

34,000

GALLON DROP IN ANNUAL USE To learn more about our efficiencies, visit www.dakotacounty, search county energy use.

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Our Work | Conducting elections

elections in a busy year The year 2020 was many things, but “normal” was certainly not one of them.

One of the county’s challenges last year was conducting a presidential election during a global pandemic. And the general election in November wasn’t the only one we administered. We oversaw a total of four elections between March and November — the presidential nomination primary on March 3, township elections March 10, the state primary Aug. 11 and the general election Nov. 3.

It’s not unusual for our elections staff to conduct four elections in one year, but it doesn’t usually include three countywide elections like we saw last year.

Even with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, elections ran

smoothly in Dakota County. We had enough election supplies even though the pandemic made it more difficult to order and receive everything from paper to technology. Many supplies were backed up or unavailable, but we worked with our state and city partners to ensure supplies were in place for successful elections.

people voted by absentee ballot as in other recent presidential elections.

Running a smooth election requires coordination and cooperation among the county and our partners. The state provides policies and guidance; the county provides voting equipment, ballots and absentee voting services, and training; and cities provide election judges and polling places. We all worked together to pull off a historic presidential election. Nearly three times as many

We expect to continue to see more residents vote absentee and during the early voting period now that more people know about those options.

160,482 people cast an absentee ballot 103,119 people voted in person on Nov. 3

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In the 2020 general election, 160,482 people cast an absentee ballot.

This included 27,633 residents who participated in early voting during the week prior to Election Day. Then, 103,119 people voted in person at their polling location on Nov. 3.

We know how important it is to conduct secure elections, and we are committed to ensuring the materials and training are in place to make that happen.

11 CONSERVING LAND 13 GETTING HELP 14 IMPROVING TRAFFIC SAFETY

Protecting our natural resources Conservation work helps preserve land, water and wildlife habitat

We all need clean water and fresh air, natural areas for recreation and relaxation, and a safe place to live and work. That’s why Dakota County is dedicated to working with landowners, local cities and other partners to protect our natural resources.

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Community | Conserving land

… live on the land, farm it or otherwise enjoy it …

There has been an ongoing concern about the loss of valued areas like open spaces, diverse landscapes and ecosystems due to residential development and other land uses.

We know it’s important to protect land for its ecological, social and economic benefits.

Since 2003, the county has protected and improved natural areas outside of our park and greenway system through the Land Conservation Program. We work with willing landowners and partners to make a lasting impact throughout the county: • Shoreline has been protected, resulting in cleaner rivers, streams and lakes.

• Drinking water supplies are better protected.

• Habitat for wildlife, including pollinators, has been protected and improved.

• Opportunities for outdoor recreation and education have been increased and enhanced.

How it works We partner with landowners to help them meet their conservation goals, such as ensuring family land will be forever protected, and learn to be good natural resource stewards.

One of the most effective tools for permanently preserving natural areas and improving natural resources

is a conservation easement. It’s a voluntary agreement between a landowner and the county to protect private land and limit development and the loss of natural vegetation.

Landowners are paid for the easement but still own and maintain the land and can use the property for any purpose that is consistent with the agreement. They can live on the land, farm it or otherwise enjoy it for hiking, fishing or hunting. The county can help landowners with natural resource management on their protected property that may be too complex or expensive to complete themselves. Conservation easements can also help a landowner plan for future generations as a part of estate and tax planning.

Since 2003, more than 11,800 acres of private land, outside of the county park and greenway system, have been protected or improved through the land conservation program. Together with landowners and partners, the county has: • Acquired 71 agricultural easements, protecting 7,811 acres and 49 miles of shoreline • Acquired 47 natural area easements, protecting 2,005 acres and 31 miles of shoreline • Helped local cities and other partners protect 2,000 acres for public uses like parks and greenways, and 16 miles of shoreline • Restored 1,236 acres to a more natural condition

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The Dakota County Board of Commissioners in late 2020 approved the new Land Conservation Plan that builds on this success. Conservation Focus Areas have been prioritized and landowners with restorable wetlands, water that feeds into lakes and streams, forests, significant or historical features, or land within or adjacent to parks, greenways and other public or protected private land are eligible for consideration.

Since 2003, more than

11,800 acres have been protected

Valued partnerships Private landowners are important partners, but we also work with other government agencies such as local cities, the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and nonprofits including Conservation Minnesota and Friends of the Mississippi River. They share information with landowners, provide financial resources, restore habitat and monitor easements so we can better serve Dakota County residents and protect and improve valuable land now and for future generations.

To learn more about conservation opportunities and how to participate, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search land conservation.

Community | Getting help

Helping those in need

After Dakota County saw its first confirmed COVID-19 case last spring, we quickly changed how we offered critical services to limit the virus spread and make sure residents got the help they needed. We moved from inperson appointments with clients to phone calls and video conferences.

Residents had access to essentials like food, medication and household items. A new online dashboard helped the public stay informed on COVID-19 numbers in the county.

ANSWERING THE CALL The county launched a COVID-19 public health hotline to answer residents’ pandemic-related questions.

Managed by our public health experts, we answered questions on how to stay healthy, where to locate testing sites and how to access other important services. From March–December 2020, we answered 1,455 hotline calls and handled 103 emails from people seeking help.

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

GETTING YOU BACK TO WORK

Dakota County partnered with local mental health agencies to improve access to mental health resources.

We worked with community organizations to share COVID-19 resources with residents who are impacted by the virus at a higher rate.

As more people looked for work, Dakota County’s CareerForce Center transitioned most in-person services and events to online and virtual formats. We expanded our services and offered new resources to help employers and job seekers:

Health care workers had access to group therapy to help cope with increased stress levels. Local youth received homework support, and we helped connect residents with mental health professionals to alleviate feelings of loneliness, isolation and other challenges related to the pandemic:

• During a drive-thru food pantry event, we provided residents with information about area employment opportunities and applications while keeping a safe distance.

• 9,315 residents and community partners used the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit hotline • 1,120 residents received mental health services • 272 residents used a toll-free hotline that provides mental health assistance, reducing the need for hospitalization or other intensive services • 25 residents learned wellness skills and ways to help cope with stress • 22 youth received educational and emotional health support • 12 first responders attended trauma recovery training

• The county website was updated frequently with companies and organizations currently hiring. We also provide links to access other online job databases and posted indemand careers during a pandemic.

• Job fairs were offered virtually to help connect job seekers to employers. Those looking for employment visited a virtual booth to learn more about available positions and to showcase their skills and experience. At least 18 employers and more than 50 people looking for work participated in a December virtual job fair.

Throughout 2021, we will continue virtual hiring events the first and third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m.–noon.

For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search COVID-19 response.

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Community | Improving traffic safety

Making roads safer for everyone Dakota County’s population is growing, and we have many industrial businesses, so we’re all sharing the road with more commercial vehicles.

This traffic is a sign of positive growth, but as truck volume has increased so have concerns about road safety.

We responded by dedicating a sheriff’s deputy to focus on enforcement and education of commercial vehicle laws.

We’re doing this because other law enforcement agencies do not patrol county roads, where many commercial vehicles travel, and this work improves road safety.

280 stops in 2020 found 540 violations

Since our specially trained deputy started in April 2019, we’ve stopped more than 500 vehicles for suspected violations. In 2020 alone, we stopped more than 280 vehicles and found 540 violations. Citations are for operator violations, such as failure to have the correct driver’s license or for not accurately reporting hours behind the wheel. We also write tickets for equipment violations, including unsafe loads on a trailer and faulty brakes.

Making sure these large vehicles are safe takes time — a full inspection can take an hour.

We regularly patrol some of our busiest roadways, including County Roads 42 and 46. In 2020, there were 54 stops on County Road 46 that resulted in 135 violations. But we also patrol roadways throughout the county where residents have reported commercial vehicle traffic concerns.

We work with commercial hauling businesses to prevent the need for enforcement later.

Enforcement is necessary, but education is also important. Commercial drivers are informed of license regulations as well as vehicle and hauling requirements.

We work with commercial hauling businesses to prevent the need for enforcement later.

We’ll keep working to make sure our roads are safe for everyone.

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Your Parks

PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING & SUMMER 2021

A destination for everyone

INSIDE

Family Fridays Music in the Park Day Camps www.dakotacounty.us/parks

New reasons to visit Lake Byllesby, Whitetail Woods This spring, Dakota County will put the final touches on dramatic improvements to Lake Byllesby Regional Park. It’s our largest park project in six years, and it makes this park in the southern part of the county a true regional destination.

Lake Byllesby isn’t the only park we’ve improved — last fall, we finished eye-catching upgrades to Whitetail Woods Regional Park near Farmington.

Lake Byllesby Lake Byllesby Campground is popular with all campers, so expanding it was a big part of the project. There are now 83 campsites, an increase from 57.

Water and electric service is available at 46 sites, while 37 sites have just electric service. All 83 campsites have paved parking, making it accessible for all visitors.

26 more campsites

2 new play areas

A new canoe launch along the Cannon River, east of the Byllesby Dam, is scheduled to be available for use

by Memorial Day 2021. The launch features metal decking designed for safe entrances into the river. Visitors will access the canoe launch from a new foot path off the pedestrian bridge that spans the Cannon River. This path, which connects to the Mill Towns State Trail, is just one of the new ways to enjoy a walk in the park.

We created a paved, accessible trail connecting the campground to Echo Point, where you can catch stunning sunset views over the lake. Gathering spaces along the trail offer a fire pit, a new fishing pier and a seating area perfect for a peaceful break.

The park now has more than 2 miles of paved trail to explore. Beginning this spring, visitors will see interpretive 2 miles of paved trails

panels featuring poems about the landscape — one features an Ojibwe poem about the importance of the prairie. Each poem is translated into Braille. The panels will be located along the trails and throughout the lakeside play area.

We’ve added two new play areas. One replaces a traditional playground. The other is a nature-based play area with a large space designed like a giant bird nest, rope climbing nets, small tables and stump-style seats, play structures made with fallen trees, a tire swing, a cable zipline, and embankment slides.

A new splash pad flows through the play area.

The $3.86 million Lake Byllesby project included recreation improvements as well as conservation work.

We added 850 shrubs and small plants, planted 250 trees, restored 13 acres of prairie to native oak savanna, and restored natural vegetation along the lake shoreline.

VIDEO DAKOTA COUN TY PHOTO

2 new camper cabins

More walking & ski trails

600 new trees & shrubs

Bringing the outdoors to you Many residents discovered Dakota County Parks for the first time or returned to their favorite park during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visiting a park or walking along a trail is a safe way to enjoy time with family outdoors, get fresh air and exercise, and improve your physical and mental health.

We’ve also found new ways to bring parks to you. Beginning in March 2020, we started offering online programs and other virtual tools to learn about the natural world. In-person programs were not possible for much of 2020, so we used Facebook, YouTube, Zoom and other creative ways to educate adults and children alike.

Whitetail Woods

Naturalists led virtual nature expeditions through Wild Inside, an online educational series hosted on Facebook which included more than 20 sessions. Participants learned about weather, animal signs, tree identification, birdwatching and other topics. Nearly 1,900 people engaged in the six-week series from March–May 2020.

There is more to experience at Whitetail Woods following the $3.1 million improvement project completed in late 2020.

Two new camper cabins welcome visitors looking for a comfortable, overnight trip. Each heated and airconditioned cabin offers a full-overqueen bunk bed and a queen sleeper sofa, an indoor sitting area, an outdoor gathering space, a campfire ring, and access to a nearby restroom and shower building. The prairie-style cabins are a short walk from three other camper cabins nestled among tall pine trees.

All cabins are fully accessible.

Three miles of new ski and hiking trails make it possible to explore even more areas of the park, which includes nearly 13 miles of trail. The new paved, looped trail winds around Empire Lake, and 1,800 feet of new boardwalk gives visitors close-up views of wetland plants and wildlife.

Fawn Crossing, the park’s nature-based play area, has been expanded

to include more climbing structures and additional picnic areas. A paved path leads from the upper play area to fort-building grounds in a shaded area below. Visitors can walk along a large deck that extends into the trees to see the forts being built below.

We added 600 trees and shrubs around Fawn Crossing, and new interpretive displays tell visitors about plants and animals in the park.

You will find new ways to enjoy Dakota County Parks whether camping, fishing, hiking, skiing or just enjoying the great outdoors.

To make camping reservations, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search camping.

Overall, virtual programs reached more than 3,200 people through Facebook from March–December.

More than 350 people took advantage of virtual park programs available on the county website.

Residents have told us in previous surveys that they value county parks, and we know it’s important to find new and exciting ways to introduce people to the outdoors.

While we’re offering some in-person activities, we will continue to make virtual experiences available. For program information and to view past virtual programs, go to www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

Biking Boating

• •

• •

• •

Camper cabin Camping Canoeing/Kayaking

• •

Cross-country skiing Dog on-leash

Pick up a Parks and Greenways Guide at any park facility.

Dogsledding/Skijoring Fishing

• • •

• •® •® •

•

•

•

• • •

• •

•

Gardening Geocaching Hiking

• •

Horseback riding Horseshoes

•

Ice skating In-line skating

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Kicksledding Mountain biking

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Nature play Paddleboarding

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Thompson County Park

Archery

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

PARKS AND GREENWAYS

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Equipment Rental

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS HOMESCHOOL LAB YOUTH KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

Discover nature with a child through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, art projects, storytime and more.

Ages: 3–6 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Quackers

Explore the world of ducks and how they waddle and call. Make egg art and explore duck feathers.

Activity Number: 112001-01 • Thu, April 15; 10¬11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-02 • Sat, April 17; 10–11:30 am

Spring Wildflowers

Have fun with flowers, play with puppets and go on a wildflower hunt.

Activity Number: 112001-03 • Thu, May 13; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-04 • Sat, May 15; 10–11:30 am

Water Fun

Learn about water, explore its tiniest critters and paint a watercolor masterpiece.

Activity Number: 112001-05 • Thu, June 10; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-06 • Sat, June 12; 10–11:30 am

Turtles and Snakes

Explore the world of turtles and snakes, and take a walk to search for these creatures. Create turtle art.

Activity Number: 112001-07 • Thu, July 8; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-08 • Sat, July 10; 10–11:30 am

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

Dress up like a bug, catch bugs with a net and learn how important bugs are to our ecosystem.

Activity Number: 112001-09 • Thu, Aug. 5; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-10 • Sat, Aug. 7; 10–11:30 am

Tree Tales

Learn how trees tell stories and how you can talk to a tree. Explore the different parts of a tree.

Activity Number: 112001-11 • Thu, Sept. 9; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 112001-12 • Sat, Sept. 11; 10–11:30 am

Use the park as your lab for handson study and scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Ages: 6–12 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Bark and Buds

Celebrate Arbor Month by learning to identify Minnesota trees by buds, bark and branches.

Activity Number: 111501-01 • Wed, April 7; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-02 • Thu, April 8; 1–3 pm

Frogs and Toads

Learn about Minnesota frogs and toads and how to listen for the frog song calendar.

Activity Number: 111501-03 • Wed, May 5; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-04 • Thu, May 6; 1–3 pm

Ants Go Marching

www.dakotacounty.us/parks Click Programs & Events

Junior Girl Scouts: Geocacher Badge

Learn how to use a GPS unit and find geocaches in the park while earning your badge.

Activity Number: 112303-01 • Tue, Sept. 14; 5–7 pm

SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAYS Learn about the seasons and what's happening outdoors through books and short activities in our indoor classroom.

Ages: 5–10 Free; registration required Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111002-01 • Sun, April 11; 10–11 am Activity Number: 111002-02 • Sun, July 11; 10–11 am

FAMILY FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Explore the world of ants, how they live and why they are important.

Activity Number: 111501-05 • Wed, June 2; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 111501-06 • Thu, June 3; 1–3 pm

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month with outdoor park activities and a bonfire.

All ages Free; registration required Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Decomposers

Celebrate the Sky

Learn how mushrooms, millipedes and other decomposers recycle nutrients and make soil.

Activity Number: 111501-07 • Wed, Sept. 1; 1–3 pm

Enjoy hands-on activities and learn about comets, meteors and more.

Activity Number: 111001-01 • Fri, April 2; 6–7:30 pm

SCOUT BADGES

Learn all about pollinators and how your garden can help them.

Activity Number: 111001-02 • Fri, May 7; 6–7:30 pm

Earn your scout badge, petal or adventure in these two-hour programs.

Ages: 6–9 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Brownie Girl Scouts: Hiker Badge Learn what to bring on a hike, how to read a map and take a hike while earning your badge.

Activity Number: 112302-01 • Sun, April 11; 1–3 pm

Daisy Girl Scouts: Rosie Petals

Learn ways to make the world a better place and how you can help the planet by being green.

Activity Number: 112301-01 • Sun, April 25; 10 am–noon

Webelos: Geologist Badge

Earn your badge while learning about rocks and minerals and taking a walk through time.

Activity Number: 112308-01 • Sat, April 24; 2–4 pm

Pollinators

Say it! Sing it! Play it!

In Cherokee

Z Puppets brings fun storytelling and catchy songs in their performance Say it! Sing it! Play it! In Cherokee. Learn how to count to three, make the basic language sounds, and say hello and thank you in Cherokee.

Activity Number: 111001-03 • Fri, June 4; 6–7:30 pm

Yard Games

Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy yard games by the lake.

Activity Number: 111001-04 • Fri, July 2; 6–7:30 pm

Stories and Songs

Join us around the campfire for stories and songs about the natural world.

Activity Number: 111001-05 • Fri, Aug. 6; 6–7:30 pm

Scavenger Hunt

Head outside for a fall-themed scavenger hunt.

Activity Number: 111001-06 • Fri, Sept. 3; 6–7:30 pm

WOODCOCK WALK

Discover the well-camouflaged woodcock and take a walk to try to spot and hear this fascinating bird.

Ages: 8 and older Fee: $8/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111702-01 • Fri, April 9; 7:30–9 pm

STARWATCH

See the stars and hear Mike Lynch share stories about constellations and their legends.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111704-01 Thu, April 15; 8–10 pm

ECO FOLDING

Celebrate spring by making biodegradable paper pots to germinate your seeds, a nature journal and more.

Ages: 10 and older Fee: $6/person Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110201-01 • Sat, April 17; 1–3 pm

MILKWEED PAPERMAKING

Learn how to create paper using natural fibers and native prairie seeds.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $12/person Lebanon Hills Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110206-01 • Thu, May 6; 6–8 pm

PATIO POTS

Join us on Mother's Day to build a small patio pot. Learn about the importance of native plants for local pollinators.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111302-01 • Sun, May 9; 10 am–noon

PROGRAMS & EVENTS NATURE NIGHT

Join us for free family fun each season with park activities and a bonfire.

All ages Free; registration required Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park

Spring Birds

Head outside for a spring bird walk.

Binoculars provided.

Activity Number: 111003-01 • Fri, May 21; 6–7:30 pm

Stories and Songs

Gather around the campfire to hear stories and songs from the natural world.

Activity Number: 111003-02 • Fri, Sept. 10; 6–7:30 pm

STORYWALK

Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail.

All ages Free Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110902-01 • Fri–Mon, May 28–31; 8 am–8 pm Activity Number: 110902-02 • Fri–Mon, Sept. 3–6; 8 am–8 pm

PARENT/CHILD CANOE

Spend an evening with your child learning the basics of canoeing and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111902-01 • Tue, June 8; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 111902-02 • Tue, July 6; 6–8 pm

LEARN TO FISH

Learn everything you need to know to fish from Minnesota Trout Unlimited.

Ages: 5 and older Free; registration required Holland Lake Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111104-01 • Sat, June 12; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 111104-02 • Thu, July 15; 6–8 pm

www.dakotacounty.us/parks Click Programs & Events

PARENT/CHILD KAYAK

Spend an evening with your child learning the basics of kayaking and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111901-01 • Tue, June 22; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 111901-02 • Tue, July 20; 6–8 pm

INTRO TO TROUT STREAMS Learn about trout streams and fly fishing with Minnesota Trout Unlimited.

Ages: 5 and older Free; registration required Trout Brook Shelter Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 111104-05 • Sun, June 27; 10 am–noon

MONARCH MIGRATION

Learn about the life of a monarch, including its amazing migration.

Catch monarchs in our prairie and participate in monarch tagging.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111703-01 • Sat, Sept. 4; 10 am–noon

PARENT/CHILD ARCHERY

Learn basic shooting techniques and range safety through games and activities.

Ages: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110101-02 • Sun, Sept. 12; 1–4 pm

FULL MOON HIKE

Explore the park by moonlight with a naturalist.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-03 • Mon, Sept. 20; 7:30–9 pm

BIRDING ON THE MISSISSIPPI ADULT FLY FISHING WORKSHOP

Join the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota for an in-depth introduction to fly fishing, casting techniques and fly tying.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-02 • Tue, April 20 & 27; 6–8 pm

INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Join us for a hands-on introduction to fly fishing, designed especially for women, taught by the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-01 • Sat, April 24; 10 am–noon

BEGINNING BIRDING

Explore the parks and learn basic birding tips and identification.

Binoculars available.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $8/person Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111705-01 • Wed, April 28; 5:30–7:30 pm Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111705-02 • Wed, May 19; 8–10 am

WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom. Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $8/person

Trout Brook Shelter

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-02 • Sun, May 2; 9–11 am

East Shelter

Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-01 • Sun, May 2; 2–4 pm

NEED EQUIPMENT? Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center.

www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental.

Explore the Rock Island Swing Bridge and its unique vantage point over the Mississippi River while learning birding tips.

Ages: 16 and older Free; registration required Swing Bridge Park Shelter Mississippi River Greenway Activity Number: 111701-01 • Sat, May 8; 8–10 am

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR MEN Learn mountain biking skills for men from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more.

For all skill levels. Limited number of demo bikes available for use.

Ages: 15 and older Fee: $50/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-01 • Wednesdays, May 19, 26, & June 2; 6–8 pm

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN Learn mountain biking skills for women, taught by women, from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels. Limited number of demo bikes available for use.

Ages: 15 and older Fee: $50/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-02 • Wednesdays, May 19, 26, & June 2; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 110301-03 • Wednesdays, July 28, Aug. 4 & 11; 6–8 pm

ZUMBA

Enjoy an energizing workout with upbeat music and fun dance moves. Classes led in both Spanish and English.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $8/person Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111202-01 • Thu, May 20; 6–7 pm Activity Number: 111202-02 • Thu, May 27; 6–7 pm Activity Number: 111202-03 • Thu, June 3; 6–7 pm Activity Number: 111202-04 • Thu, June 10; 6–7 pm

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

FOREST BATHING

Immerse yourself in nature while learning the principles of forest bathing. Learn how to slow down and use your senses to reconnect with nature in a peaceful hike.

Guided by Silvae Spiritus.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Camp Sacajwea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111406-01 • Fri, May 28; 6–8:30 pm Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111406-02 • Sun, Aug. 15; 4–6:30 pm

PAINTING MUSHROOMS IN WATERCOLOR

Learn basic mushroom identification and explore watercolor and drawing techniques with Artistry.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110201-02 • Thu, Aug. 26; 5:30–8 pm

BUCKTHORN SPOON CARVING

Learn how to carve a spoon with instructors from Women's Woodshop using freshly cut buckthorn and traditional Nordic carving techniques.

Tree anatomy, axing out a blank, knife holds, drying and finishing will all be covered.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $60/person Camp Sacajwea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111710-01 • Sat, Sept. 11; 1–4 pm

CAMPS SMALL FRY FISH CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for young anglers. Learn the basics of fishing, how to cast, tie knots and get out on the water to catch the big one.

Ages: 6–8 Fee: $35/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110407-01 • Fri, June 18; 9 am–3 pm

LITTLE RIPPERS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for young riders, taught by Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet. No experience required.

A limited number of bikes available for rent.

Ages: 6–10 Fee: $30/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110406-01 • Wed, June 16; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110406-02 • Wed, Aug. 11; 9 am–noon

ARCHERY CAMP

Learn the basics of archery, including proper technique and range safety, through fun activities and spend afternoons target shooting.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $90/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110402-01 • Wed–Fri, July 14–16; 9 am–3 pm Activity Number: 110402-02 • Wed–Fri, Aug. 18–20; 9 am–3 pm

FISH CAMP

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities and spend the afternoons learning to cast, catch and release.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $90/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-01 • Wed–Fri, June 23–25; 9 am–3 pm

BOOKS IN THE WOODS CAMP

A camp for young nature explorers.

Read a different book each day and use the story to explore the park.

Ages: 4–6 Fee: $75/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110412-01 • Mon–Fri, June 28–July 2; 9 am–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join the experts from Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required. A limited number of rental bikes available.

Ages: 10–15 Fee: $100/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-01 • Mon–Thu, July 5–8; 9 am–noon Activity Number: 110403-03 • Mon–Thu, Aug. 2–5; 9 am–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR GIRLS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join the experts from Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No previous experience required. A limited number of rental bikes available.

Ages: 10–15 Fee: $100/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-02 • Mon–Thu, July 5–8; 9 am–noon

EVENTS MUSIC IN THE PARK

Head to Whitetail Woods for entertaining musical performances and tasty food trucks.

All ages Free; vehicle ticket required Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 112601-01 • Tue, June 29; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 112601-02 • Tue, July 27; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 112601-03 • Tue, Aug. 31; 5–7 pm

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CAMP

Learn to survive in the woods by constructing survival shelters, building fires, and learning knot-tying skills, wayfinding and more.

Ages: 8–12 Fee: $150/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110404-01 • Mon–Fri, July 19–23; 9 am–3 pm

JUNIOR NATURALISTS CAMP

Enjoy live music, yard games, food and fun now that summer is here.

All ages Free; vehicle ticket required Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 110803-01 • Sun, June 20; 4–8 pm

INFORMATION REGISTRATION To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a keyword in the program title.

Get a feel for science in the field.

Work with park naturalists and ecologists to track and study plant and animal populations.

Ages: 10–14 Fee: $150/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110417-01 • Mon–Fri, Aug. 9–13; 9 am–3 pm

In response to COVID-19:

BACKYARD BIOLOGIST CAMP

• F or updated information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

Use the park for fun science experiments, from backyard bugs to playground physics.

Ages: 6–8 Fee: $90/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110418-01 • Wed–Fri, Aug. 18–20; 9 am–3 pm

ULTIMATE HIKER CAMP

Learn basic wayfinding and how to prepare for a hike and to stay safe. Have fun with challenges and scavenger hunts as you explore nearly every trail in Lebanon Hills.

Ages: 10–14 Fee: $90/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110408-01 • Wed–Fri, Aug. 25–27; 9 am–3 pm

•R egistration is required for all classes and events.

•M odifications have been made to all programming to follow current COVID-19 state health guidelines.

• All programs and events are in-person, but may be converted to a virtual format.

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.

EQUIPMENT Provided unless specified.

You’ve got to see this.

We’ve improved Lake Byllesby Regional Park.

Check out the expanded campground, new playgrounds and expanded picnic areas. Stunning sunsets included.

www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search Lake Byllesby

Hiking Horse Trail

(Pass Required)

Canoe Route Paved Trail

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Lebanon Hills Visitor Center LEARNING REPAIR Parking

SKILLS 24 KNOWING WHAT TO RECYCLE 25 ADDING ORGANIC SITES

Equestrian Trailer Parking Restroom Restroom & Shower Portable Toilet Hiking Fire Ring Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Shelter Beach Playground Fishing Pier Boat Launch - Non-motorized Canoe/Kayak Rental Park Boundary Private Property www.dakotacounty.us/parks

Fix-It Clinics go virtual Stay at home and learn valuable repair skills

When COVID-19 paused in-person services and activities, Dakota County responded by offering some services in a virtual format, including our popular Fix-It Clinics. Offered through Zoom, virtual Fix-It Clinics include the same great household repair tips just like in-person classes, but with the opportunity to join from the comfort of your home.

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Go Green | Learning repair skills

How it works The goal of Fix-It Clinics remains the same — to help you get more life out of everyday items and keep them out of the trash.

In the virtual clinics, residents are asked to register in advance and indicate items that need repair. Our skilled volunteers review each item to ensure it can be fixed and explained easily over video chat. Items include small household appliances, clothing, electronics or larger items not easily transported to a traditional in-person clinic.

Residents receive guided assistance from volunteers to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items while using a smartphone, tablet or computer at a location that works best for you.

It’s recommended to have a few common household tools handy like Phillips and standard screwdrivers, a flashlight, and needle-nose and regular pliers.

From June to December, we offered 10 virtual events with more than 50 attendees, but even more people can learn later. Virtual Fix-It Clinics are recorded and available to the

public on Dakota County’s YouTube channel — go to www.youtube.com, search Dakota County Fix-It Clinics.

More virtual clinics will be offered throughout 2021.

What’s next We’re also expanding the clinics to serve more residents. Fix-It At Home, a new online repair workshop series, will be offered in 2021. Each virtual class will feature a popular item that’s frequently seen at Fix-It Clinics — items such as vacuums, radios, sewing machines or lamps. Fix-It At Home attendees will learn together in a virtual classroom-like setting, basic maintenance and how to fix common issues. The class will then conclude with a question-and-answer session.

For more information about virtual Fix-It Clinics, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search fix-it clinic.

Making organics collection easier

At Dakota County, we made dropping off organics easier and more convenient for residents last year by adding a new drop-off site in Hastings.

We now offer five residential organics drop-off locations throughout the county —Thompson County Park in West St. Paul, Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, The Mulch Store in Rosemount, Lakeville’s Water Treatment Facility and the Dakota County Transportation Shop in Hastings. And we plan to open more sites this year.

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Bringing organics to a drop-off site is easy and can dramatically reduce waste. The typical Dakota County household can divert up to one-third of their trash by dropping off items such as food scraps, spoiled produce, coffee grounds and stale bread.

Nearly 6,000 Dakota County households have already registered to participate in the organics drop-off program. Across the five locations,

6,000

Nearly registered households

Our Work | Knowing what to recycle

Updated guide makes recycling easier “Can I recycle this?” is something we all wonder — likely on a regular basis. We want to know how to dispose of household items such as microwaves, carpeting, mattresses, box springs and many other things in an environmentally friendly way. The county makes that easier with an online guide.

more than 10,000 pounds of food scraps and other compostable products are collected each week. Instead of sitting in a landfill, this material is turned into compost.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the free program. All registered participants receive helpful tips and compostable bags to use at home.

4,100

searches per month recycling cart or trash and let you know about donations, mail-back programs and drop-off locations. We’ll also let you know if there’s anything you need to do to prepare your item for disposal, including flattening cardboard and putting sharps in a puncture-resistant container.

The newly updated Recycling Guide has been available since 2017. It was previously called the Green Guide.

We changed the name to better reflect its purpose and to help residents understand what the guide can do for you.

We review and update the Recycling Guide regularly, so you can be sure the information you’re viewing is current.

Currently, 435 items are featured in the Recycling Guide — and that number grows every month as residents suggest new ones.

Residents search the Recycling Guide more than 4,100 times online each month. The county's phone app makes it more convenient to use the guide.

When you visit the Recycling Guide on the county website, just type the name of your item in the search bar and you’ll find all you need to know to properly dispose of it. We’ll let you know if it can go in your home

To find the Recycling Guide, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search recycling guide. Several Dakota County cities have included our guide on their own recycling webpages, so you might see it there too.

5 Dakota County

drop sites now available

To sign up, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search organics, email organics@co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7557.

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Caring for the F E A T U R E

Helping residents and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic

community

C A R I N G

F O R

T H E

C O M M U N I T Y

Dakota County provides “safety net” services — help for residents that may not exist elsewhere — and offers resources to support our businesses and communities. We help people when they need it most, but in the COVID-19 pandemic the county needed help too.

Like other local governments, we faced economic challenges and needed to change how we serve our residents and taxpayers.

COVID-19 is the largest public health crisis in a century. Our communities have been hit hard in many ways. The virus took the lives of 277 Dakota County residents through December, and left hundreds of thousands ill. Residents struggled to stay current on their mortgage, cover rent payments and pay utilities. Businesses and community organizations had to change their operations, lay off employees and limit services.

$52 MILLION CARES FROM CARES ACT In July 2020, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners accepted $52 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Over several months, the board approved spending on more than 24 programs that directly benefited Dakota County residents, businesses, community organizations and schools.

The county met a Dec. 1 deadline to spend and distribute all of its CARES Act funding.

28 | www.dakotacounty.us | spring/summer 2021

$24 million

was spent on urgent needs for struggling residents and businesses We worked together in new ways and relied on community partners to get federal money into the hands of those who needed it. We tracked how every dollar was spent. We made sure those decisions were transparent and information was easily accessible to the public.

We spent more than $24 million on urgent community needs, including grants for struggling businesses and assistance for residents who could not afford food and housing payments, COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination clinics.

Another $28 million of the county’s CARES Act funds was used to provide services to residents in safe and efficient ways, including offering some services in new ways and protecting the nearly 2,000 employees who continued to serve Dakota County taxpayers. CARES Act funds also were used to reimburse the county for COVID-19 work by public safety, health care and other employees.

“It feels good to know the county cares about the residents struggling to make ends meet due to COVID-19.”

–Unemployed resident who received housing assistance

HELPING RESIDENTS Some residents lost their jobs and fell behind on housing payments. Landlords lost income when rent payments stopped arriving.

From the end of July to Dec. 1, the county provided $2.1 million to help cover rent and utility expenses in nearly 800 total payments.

This helped residents get caught up and allowed apartment owners and other landlords to pay their own bills.

A similar state program covered an additional 1,500 payments to renters and landlords in the county who qualified for assistance.

The pandemic also affected the county’s homeless population. We partnered with hotels in five cities to provide temporary housing to 231 individuals.

This included 135 adults, 77 families with children and 19 young adults. The $1.17 million used for this program also provided important support services, including help with basic living needs, food and housing searches. As a result, 88 people moved from emergency hotel rooms into permanent housing.

$2.1 million

in rent assistance and utility payments

“Without this grant, I strongly believe my salon would not be open today.”

–Dakota County Small Business Relief Grant recipient

A LIFELINE TO BUSINESSES The county made it a priority to help local businesses. Many had cut back on their workforce, reduced services due to state executive orders and struggled to stay afloat.

The county board created the Small Business Relief Grant program — direct payments to businesses that qualified for relief, totaling more than $13.5 million through grants, up to $15,000 per business. We partnered with several cities, combining our funds to make the process easier for business owners. They faced many tough decisions in recent months, so a smooth process to get financial help was important.

After the first round of grants was distributed and businesses still needed help, the board increased spending for the program. In all, the county helped nearly 1,100 businesses. They included salons, bowling alleys, dental offices, auto repair shops, farms, bakeries and others.

“I cannot thank you enough for the $5,000 grant. I have been in business for 25 years and have never experienced anything like this before.”

–Bar owner who received CARES Act funding

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C A R I N G

F O R

T H E

C O M M U N I T Y

Provided 10 public schools and five public charter schools in the county with

$2.5 million

When restaurants and bars were prohibited from offering in-person service in November and December, the board quickly approved another $1.9 million in grants up to $5,000. We sent checks to more than 150 restaurants, bars and event centers.

In all, Dakota County directed nearly 30 percent of its total CARES Act funding to struggling businesses, providing a critical lifeline when they needed it most. The money helped cover operating costs, including rent, mortgage and personal protective equipment.

The county was preparing a fourth round of business grants, totaling an additional $8.3 million, early this year.

It wasn’t just homeowners and businesses struggling to cover their rent — many nonprofit organizations in our community also were suffering. These include food shelves, faith-based organizations, health care clinics, cultural organizations and services for people with disabilities.

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We created grants to help cover their expenses, including operating costs, rent, safety equipment and technology. Nearly $847,000 in grants averaging $14,362 went to more than 50 nonprofit organizations. Applications that were not complete or were ineligible did not receive county funds.

Because schools had to develop new ways to teach students remotely in spring 2020 and for much of the fall and winter, we provided 10 public schools and five public charter schools in the county with $2.5 million in CARES Act funds.

Schools used nearly half of that money to improve their broadband internet capacity to better serve students. They purchased new technology, including computers and digital tablets. They paid for additional staff, busing, food, building ventilation equipment and remote learning materials. We have strong partnerships with our schools, and this was another way for us to work together to help local families.

FOOD AND HEALTH ASSISTANCE The pandemic created very difficult circumstances for many Dakota County families. Services we provide saw an increase in need, from food support to mental health assistance.

Some families needed help getting food and paying for gas. A total of 162 households throughout the county received nearly $27,000 in food assistance and $8,250 in fuel cards. Households received an average of $200-$225 in payments, which helped to feed families and made it easier for residents to cover their fuel costs. In order to receive assistance, they had to meet income guidelines and other criteria.

“Thank you so much for your help. You saved me. The burden of having to find rides to pick up food has been heavy.”

–Transportation assistance recipient

Some Dakota County residents did not have access to safe, reliable transportation during the pandemic. They needed a way to get to work, a job interview, the grocery store or an appointment.

We put $206,000 in CARES Act funds toward transportation services, helping about 850 people from 11 cities in the county. More than 400 people received bus rides or money to pay for bus rides from public transportation. Our partnership with Lyft, a rideshare service, helped more than 200 people get to work or appointments. Another 230 residents received food deliveries because they could not safely travel on their own.

TESTING AND VACCINATIONS COVID-19 hit older individuals especially hard, and residents in long-term care facilities made up 55 percent of the county’s coronavirus-related deaths in 2020. When COVID-19 testing became available in late spring 2020, the county board made it a priority to offer testing at these facilities, including nursing homes and assisted-living centers. From July to December, more than 3,780 residents and 2,740 staff were tested.

Testing was done at 145 sites — 88 assisted-living centers, 44 group homes and multi-unit care centers, and 13 other facilities.

used $230,000 in CARES Act funds, helped to slow the spread among some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Testing was one of the most important tools to help control COVID-19 in the community. The county partnered with a nonprofit clinic to offer 43 public testing clinics in Burnsville and West St. Paul from August to mid-November. More than 6,400 people used the clinics, and there were 541 positive cases identified through this testing.

The county used $150,000 in CARES Act funds to operate the testing clinics. We also supported other testing clinics led by state and community partners.

We worked to make the testing experience easy for residents who don’t speak English as their first language. Clinic information was translated into multiple languages and distributed online, by email, through social media and to local organizations.

6,400 Residents used

community testing clinics

Our testing found 84 positive results among residents and 51 staff cases. These clinics, which

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C A R I N G

F O R

T H E

C O M M U N I T Y

People of color were affected by the COVID-19 virus and related economic challenges at a higher rate. We partnered with community organizations to provide important information and resources to these populations, with a focus on Black and Latino residents. COVID-19 materials were shared through virtual meetings, social media, one-on-one meetings with social workers and visits to stores and neighborhoods.

These partner organizations reached 25,000 people with health and financial support information through virtual education forums alone. The county and our partners worked directly with hundreds of residents and families to help them find housing assistance, business grants and health services. This work was supported with $173,000 in CARES Act funds.

More than

$300,000

in CARES Act funds were used to add necessary technology to aid resident services, nurses and testing clinics

PREPARING FOR THE VACCINE

$214,000

in CARES Act funding was used for vaccination planning: • Delivery • Storage • Sites • Supplies • Mobile clinic

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Much of our work during the pandemic was in response to challenges facing the community, but we also prepared for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning in summer 2020. CARES Act funding of $214,000 was used for vaccination planning.

We planned for the delivery and storage of vaccine doses and other supplies, and prepared the Western Service Center to safely host clinics. Purchases included vaccination supplies, technology to schedule clinics and a mobile clinic trailer that will be used to offer neighborhood clinics. In the future, the trailer will also be used for mobile seasonal influenza clinics.

All of the planning and coordination with state and federal partners led to a big moment after many difficult months — the county received its first shipment of 2,100 vaccine doses Dec. 23.

We started vaccinating just days later.

“I would not have been able to have my doctors’ appointments or attend work. My children would not be able to attend school online or complete their school work.”

–Library digital equipment recipient

HELPING YOU WORK REMOTELY Many residents started teleworking during the pandemic, but that is difficult in areas of the county where high-speed internet is not available.

Working with private internet providers, the county spent $1.3 million to bring wireless and fiberoptic internet service to some areas with limited coverage. One project improved wireless access for township residents while others provided equipment needed to serve nearly 1,000 residents. That gave people the ability to work from home, learn remotely and participate in telehealth appointments.

The county does not directly provide internet to residents, but worked with private internet service providers to make broadband expansion possible.

Technology allowed the county to continue providing services safely. We used more than $300,000 in CARES Act funds to add technology to greet visitors at building entrances, provide public health nurses with communication equipment for testing clinics and to improve video conferencing capabilities for staff to meet virtually with clients.

Technology upgrades were necessary in other areas. The county board conducted meetings

in a hybrid format — some commissioners in person, others remote — to follow pandemic safety measures. New equipment helped make their meetings easier for residents to view online.

The county also used nearly $300,000 in CARES Act funding to support elections during a pandemic that changed how people chose to vote. Some of those funds paid for technology to improve absentee ballot equipment. That was important because 57 percent of voters in the Nov. 3, 2020 general election cast absentee ballots, up from 27 percent in 2016.

The county cannot provide residents the critical services they rely on if employees and building visitors are not safe. We used $1.1 million in CARES Act funds to purchase personal protective equipment given to county employees, visitors, local first responders, community partners and residents. That included more than 134,000 masks and face shields, 75,000 gloves, 300 gallons of hand sanitizer and 110 gallons of surface cleaner.

We also added glass and plastic panels in our buildings for the safety of employees and customers.

We know how important it is to serve our residents and taxpayers in a safe and cost-effective way.

Throughout the pandemic, Dakota County has wisely spent tax dollars to provide critical services to our community, made sure our employees could safely do their work and kept the safety of staff and residents as our priority.

To learn more about how the county helped residents and our communities respond to COVID-19, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search CARES Act funding.

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mattresses plastic bags cardboard laundry jugs How do I get rid of

furniture

The searchable Recycling Guide can help you get rid of hundreds of household items the right way — from home recycling to drop-off locations. www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling guide

?

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

Laurie Halverson

T: 651-438-4428

Includes the cities of Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Eagan Precincts 1–7 and 9–12.

District 3

T: 651-438-4429

District 2

Includes the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and Inver Grove Heights Precincts 1 and 8–10.

Joe Atkins

Liz Workman

Mary Liz Holberg

T: 651-438-4430

T: 651-438-4431

T: 651-438-4243

District 4

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.

District 6

District 5

Includes the city of Lakeville.

Includes the city of Burnsville.

LILYDALE MENDOTA MENDOTA HEIGHTS

WEST ST. PAUL

SOUTH ST. PAUL

Contact us

SUNFISH LAKE

2

3

Email: board@co.dakota.mn.us

EAGAN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

BURNSVILLE

4

7

5

APPLE VALLEY

NININGER

ROSEMOUNT

HASTINGS

COATES

6

Mary HamannRoland District 7

MARSHAN

1

LAKEVILLE FARMINGTON

VERMILLION TWP NEW TRIER

MIESVILLE

HAMPTON EUREKA

CASTLE ROCK

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

RAVENNA

VERMILLION

EMPIRE

HAMPTON TWP

RANDOLPH RANDOLPH TWP SCIOTA

GREENVALE

DOUGLAS

County Attorney Backstrom retires Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom retired Feb. 27, 2021 after 33 years as the county’s top prosecutor and a legal career totaling 44 years.

Backstrom started in the County Attorney’s Office in 1977 as a law clerk in the civil division. He was hired as an Assistant County Attorney in August 1978 and continued working in the civil division until he was appointed Civil Division Head in 1982 by then-County Attorney Robert F. Carolan. Backstrom was appointed County Attorney following Carolan’s appointment to a judgeship in 1987.

Backstrom was the 23rd county attorney and the longest-serving in Dakota County history.

“I am extremely grateful to those who gave me the initial opportunity to hold this important position of public trust and responsibility, and to the citizens of Dakota County who have elected me to continue my service as County Attorney eight times since 1990,” Backstrom said.

“I am very proud of the work I have done as Dakota County Attorney. I could not have chosen a more meaningful and fulfilling career.”

WATERFORD NORTHFIELD

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Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine • How and where to get a vaccine • Vaccine safety • Answers to common questions

Vaccine Hotline: 952-891-7834 For more information and to sign up for a weekly COVID-19 vaccine e-newsletter, visit

www.dakotacounty.us, search covid-19 vaccine.

Obtenga más información sobre la vacuna COVID-19 • Cómo y dónde obtener la vacuna • La seguridad de la vacuna • Respuestas a preguntas comunes

Línea de contacto directo: 952-891-7834 Para obtener más información y registrarse a un boletín semanal por correo electrónico sobre la vacuna COVID-19, visite:

www.dakotacounty.us, busque covid-19 vaccine.