Item Description:
title
Work Order PR00008783 for land-based carbon sequestration measurement and modeling with the University of Minnesota, 01/01/27-03/31/29, NTE $450,000
end
Resolution:
body
BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Work Order PR00008783 with the Regents of the University of Minnesota to provide land-based carbon sequestration measurement and modeling for the period from January 1, 2027 to March 31, 2029, with a not-to-exceed amount of $450,000, be approved; that following review and approval of the County Attorney’s Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign the Work Order on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
end
Background:
Work Order PR00008783 is a continuation of a multi-year project through the Hennepin-University Partnership (HUP), managed by the county to incorporate carbon sequestration from natural land features - like forests, prairies, and wetlands - into the county’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory (Resolution 24-0391). The project is developing a methodology for quantifying land-based GHGs, estimating avoided emissions associated with land protection activities, assessing potential sequestration of carbon through various natural resource projects at a parcel-scale, and developing a framework that will guide the county’s approach to using nature-based climate solutions to meet climate mitigation and adaptation goals, including the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Land-based carbon emissions and sequestration were not included in the GHG inventory that was completed as part of the development of the Climate Action Plan due to the complicated nature of the methodologies involved. However, carbon sequestration accounts for more than 10% of the required structural reductions to meet the net zero by 2050 goal. Existing roles, responsibilities and programming, like tree planting, conservation easement acquisition, soil health improvements, wetland protection and restoration, and the county’s role as a Soil and Water Conservation District are included in the Climate Action Plan as ways to accomplish climate action goals.
Incorporating land-based emissions into the GHG inventory is a necessary step toward accounting for carbon emissions reductions achieved through investments in nature-based climate solutions. Carbon sequestration cannot be counted toward the goal until it is accurately measured and incorporated into the GHG inventory.
Nature-based climate solutions are climate solution multipliers because they address both sides of the climate change response - mitigation and resiliency. In addition to cost-effective mitigation benefits, nature-based climate solutions increase resilience to a changing climate, especially in reducing flooding and extreme heat. Resilience benefits are challenging to quantify but are particularly important to understand when evaluating investments in nature-based climate solutions in an area with significant human vulnerabilities to climate change.
Current Request: This request is to authorize the County Administrator to negotiate Work Order PR00008783 with the U of M to continue progress on measuring and modeling land-based carbon sequestration for the period of 1/1/2027 to 3/31/2029, with a not-to-exceed amount of $450,000.
Funding for this work comes from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. The University also supports this project financially. In 2026, the project leveraged $1.15 in university funds for every dollar spent by the county.
Impact/Outcomes: This project brings together a team of scientists to support incorporation of land-based carbon emissions and sequestration into the county’s GHG inventory, helping to reach the county’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The project will result in a framework that will guide the county’s approach to prioritize, invest in, and measure climate mitigation and resiliency impacts of nature-based climate solutions that are a key component of meeting the net zero by 2050 goal. This ground-breaking research, and subsequent methodology and framework, will be shared with other regional partners to further leverage nature-based climate solutions.
This request funds services that are: non-mandated / discretionary
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval