Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN DEDA AND THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ON BEHALF OF ITS NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE RELATED TO RESEARCH AT BECKS ROAD PROPERTY
Body
RESOLVED, by the Duluth Economic Development Authority ("DEDA") that the proper DEDA officials are hereby authorized to enter into a license agreement with the Regents of the University of Minnesota, on behalf of its Natural Resources Research Institute (“NRRI”), substantially in the form of that attached hereto as Exhibit A, allowing the NRRI to conduct carnivore field research at the Becks Road property from October 29, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to authorize a license agreement for use of the Becks Road property by the Natural Resources Research Institute (“NRRI”). The license agreement between DEDA and the Regents of the University of Minnesota on behalf of NRRI will be authorized through March 31, 2027, unless terminated early. The Becks Road property will be utilized for carnivore research, including the following objectives:
1. Evaluate carnivore movements and map hotspots for human-carnivore conflicts in the greater Duluth area.
2. Evaluate carnivore attractants, diet, and foraging behavior in the Duluth area.
3. Determine how frequently carnivores move into and out of suburban areas.
4. Summarize foundational data on the ecology of carnivores occupying human-dominated landscapes.
5. Provide the information needed to improve conflict management and raise public awareness of conflict mitigation strategies.