The City of Crookston recently received an award for advancing to become a Step 2 city in the GreenStep program at the League of Minnesota Cities annual conference held June 21. “This recognition shows community members and other cities across Minnesota that the City of Crookston is taking great steps in the direction of energy and resource conservation and innovation,” shared Shannon Stassen, who serves as the GreenStep program lead with Crookston.
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a challenge, assistance, and recognition program. As one of 122 participating cities and tribal nations, the City of Crookston is helping to lead the way in sustainably across the state of Minnesota. The City of Crookston has worked hard to implement best practices in order to fulfill their sustainability goals. Actions that are taken within the program focus on cost savings, energy use reduction, resource conservation, and the encouragement of civic innovation. “This award is a great achievement for Crookston,” said Mayor Wayne Melbye of Crookston. “And by being part of the program, Crookston and our peers are helping to make Minnesota more resilient for the future while also helping our cities thrive economically.”
The City of Crookston has been a proud participant in the GreenStep Cities program since 2015. According to the City of Crookston website, the current initiatives Crookston has taken are listed below:
The city will enact an electronic shutdown policy within city buildings. This would involve turning off computers, lamps, and other electronics overnight or when otherwise not in use. By doing so, the city will decrease energy usage by preventing vampire energy.
Mass transportation: Crookston is serviced by T.H.E. Bus service. Call 218-281-0700 to schedule pickup. Same-day scheduling costs $3 to destination and $2 to return. Schedule a day in advance for $2 to destination and $2 to return. UMC students ride free with their U-CARD on class days.
Tree planting: The City of Crookston plans to plant between 90 and 110 trees per year. These will be planted within city parks, along roadways, and in new developments.
A committee will be formed in order to pursue GreenStep initiatives and investigate ways to achieve our goals. The committee will be made up of Shannon Stassen (City Administrator), Dr. Katy Chapman (UMC Associate Professor, UMC Sustainability Coordinator), and a UMC Sustainability Department student intern.
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. This free continuous improvement program is based upon 29 best practices that are tailored to Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation. More at www.MnGreenStep.org.
