Funding available for shoreland vegetation projects

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News Releases
Funding available for shoreland vegetation projects
(Released August 19, 2010)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites grant proposals for projects that would restore native shoreline vegetation across Minnesota.
 
More than $300,000 is available for projects, which are limited to $50,000 to $100,000 per individual request.

“This is an opportunity for lake associations, local communities and conservation organizations to help enhance native shoreline vegetation and fish habitat in their local lakes, streams and rivers,” said John Hiebert, DNR shoreland habitat coordinator. “Since 2003, a total of 237 restoration projects have been funded, restoring more than 80,000 feet of shoreline.”

The program provides cost share grants to counties, cities, watershed districts, other local units of government, conservation groups and lake associations to conduct shoreline restoration projects with native plants to improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Projects on private properties will have at least 75 percent of the frontage restored with an adjacent buffer zone that is at least 25 feet deep or wide. The focus of these projects must be on re-establishing vegetation for fish and wildlife habitat. Funds cannot be used for rock riprap stabilization or permanent wave breaks.

Grants recipients will be reimbursed for a maximum of 75 percent of the total project costs. Applicants must be able to fund at least 25 percent of the total project costs from non-state sources. Matching funds may be cash; volunteer labor; and in-kind contributions of materials, equipment and services.

Applications for grants are available on mndnr.gov/grants/habitat/shoreland.html or by calling the DNR at 888-646-6367. Completed grant applications are due Friday, Oct. 1.

Successful applicants will be notified in February and their funds will be made available after July 1, 2011.

The grants are funded from state lottery proceeds deposited in the Heritage Enhancement Account. Grants are administered through the DNR Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and selected and designed with guidance from local DNR fisheries managers.