Woody biomass project funding available

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News Releases
Woody biomass project funding available
(Released August 16, 2010)


A state project aimed at restoring native plant communities while providing fuel for bio-energy production and material for local biomass markets has money available for public and private landowners interested in habitat improvement, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
 
The Woody Biomass Harvest for Habitat Restoration project has $475,000 available for projects to restore high quality native plant communities by removing ecologically inappropriate woody vegetation such as buckthorn. The woody debris must be utilized for energy production or other biomass products. Funding is available for projects through June 30, 2013.

Launched in 2007 by the Minnesota Legislature, the project to date has restored 273 acres at 13 sites, generating nearly 10,400 tons of woody biomass that was utilized by District Energy St. Paul to provide more than 10 days of energy to heat and cool downtown St. Paul.

Current funding for this project comes from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Environmental Trust Fund, which consists of money generated by the state lottery, is a constitutionally-established permanent fund for protecting and enhancing Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.

Projects will be funded through a competitive grant process open to public or private landowners. First round applications must be postmarked or sent via e-mail no later than 5 p.m. Central time on Sept. 10. Any funds not awarded in the first round will be made available for a second round of grants, applications for which must be postmarked or sent via e-mail no later than 5 p.m. Central time on April 30, 2011.

For further details on this grant opportunity, contact Barb Spears, DNR Woody Biomass Project coordinator, at 651-259-5849 or barbara.spears@state.mn.us.