As we navigate our everyday lives, we often overlook the vastness of the University of Minnesota. The University manages over 29,000 acres of land across the state. This extensive property comes mainly from its history as a land-grant institution, which received more than 200,000 acres from Congress by 1873—land that was largely taken from Native American communities.
Today, while the total land area may have diminished, the University still manages a significant amount. Recently, some property deals have stirred up controversy, raising questions about transparency.
One contentious deal involved UMore Park, a large 4,700-acre parcel in Rosemount and Empire Township. In May, the University sold 60 acres to North Wind, a technology firm with contracts related to hypersonic military technology. This sale sparked protests, with students and community members voicing strong objections. Some took to vandalizing regents’ homes, highlighting the intensity of their feelings over the issue. While vandalism is never justified, it underscores a deeper concern about how decisions are made at the University.
Keegan Smith, a third-year student and activist, emphasized that while regents’ meetings are public, vital information about property management often remains hidden. “Many important issues are buried under bureaucracy,” he said. He believes that earlier consultations with affected communities could have lessened the backlash.
Transparency is a recurring theme. Some University officials downplayed the military ties of North Wind, which many called concerning, especially since it was mentioned by the dean of the College of Science and Engineering that there’s little civilian use for hypersonic technology. Despite reassurances from Public Relations that the partnership is academic, many in the community still feel left out of the conversation.
Other recent property deals have sparked concerns as well. The sale of UMore Park land to Meta for a data center raised questions about environmental impacts, while plans to transfer Eastcliff Mansion to the University of Minnesota Foundation faced objections from regents.
Not all property transactions have been controversial. Last year, the University sold 75.6 acres of UMore Park to the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District for a new middle school. Additionally, the University is returning 3,400 acres of land in its Cloquet Forestry Center to the Fond du Lac Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa, aiming to rectify its past.
In a recent survey conducted by the University, nearly 60% of respondents expressed a desire for more engagement in decision-making processes. This shows a significant demand for improved communication.
It may be impossible to satisfy everyone in a large institution, but clarity and open dialogue are crucial. “We need to work with the community,” Smith stated. Listening to local voices and addressing concerns directly could foster trust and smooth out public relations issues in the future.
Land has been central to the University since its beginnings. It’s essential to ensure that community input is valued and considered in all future deals. By prioritizing transparency, the University can not only improve its relationships but also honor the history and significance of the land it manages.
For further insights, you can explore the University’s comprehensive land management report.
