Roadside prairie planting funds available

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Roadside prairie planting funds available
(Released April 7, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Roadsides for Wildlife Program currently has a cost share fund available to help applicants plant native prairie wildflowers and grass seed along rural roads.

“Roadside habitat is becoming increasingly important due to the loss of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands,” said Carmelita Nelson, Roadsides for Wildlife coordinator. “Roadsides provide nesting habitat for grassland birds such as pheasants, gray partridge, mourning doves and 40 other bird species. Prairie wildflowers along roads also provide significant habitat for our native pollinators and honeybees.”

Through the Roadsides Program, road authorities, conservation groups, and landowners are reimbursed up to 75 percent of the cost of local ecotype native prairie seed, with a maximum cost-share rate of $300 per acre. For example, the applicant pays $100 per acre for seed and the DNR pays $300 per acre.

Grant applications are accepted year round. The DNR notifies applicants within 30 days if their projects are accepted. A roadside technician will assist the applicant in finding a reliable seed source and selecting species. The applicant will purchase the seed initially and the DNR will reimburse the applicant upon inspection of the seeding project. Seeding equipment is available in many areas of the state.

This program was initiated in 1984 to inform the public of the important role roadsides play as wildlife habitat. The cost-share portion of this program is funded by pheasant stamp hunting fees and from hunting license sales.

The Roadside for Wildlife program primarily targets the agricultural areas of the state, but funding is available statewide for habitat improvement. To date, more than 3,455 acres of Minnesota roadside right-of-way have been seeded with funding from the DNR. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has also seeded thousands of acres of interstate and state highways with prairie grasses and wildflowers with other funds.

Converting road right-of-way to native plantings helps reduce mowing and use of pesticides. Native plants are very durable, long-lived perennials that are naturally adapted to local growing conditions. Other benefits of native vegetation include enhanced biodiversity, improved natural buffer and increased infiltration of storm water runoff, as well as added beautification and visual stimulation, which reduces fatigue in drivers.

An application form is available online.

To request an application or for information, contact Pete.Schaefer@dnr.state.mn.us, 507-225-3572, fax: 507 225-3795, or write to: Roadsides for Wildlife Program, DNR Division of Wildlife, 261 Highway 15 South, New Ulm, MN 56073-8915, Attention: Pete Schaefer.