Dear neighbors and friends,
The DNR has recently announced that there are still funds available through one of their conservation grant programs. If you or anyone you know has an idea for a project in our area, I encourage you to apply. More information can be found below. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.
Andrew Falk
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Last Chance for ECP Money!
There is still money available for the Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP) grant cycle, but the fourth round is anticipated to be the final funding opportunity for FY14. Applications must be submitted online by the end of day March 12th to be considered. Apply now!
Grants from $5,000 to $50,000 are available for conservation projects that restore or enhance forests, prairies, wetlands, or habitat for Minnesota's fish, game, and wildlife. Projects must be on public lands or waters open to all seasons of hunting and fishing. Government entities and nonprofit organizations may apply, and a 10% match is required.
ECP is non-competitive, but projects must be listed on the Eligible Activities List and are subject to departmental review. Some categories include:
# Forest habitat:
1 Winter (thermal) cover
2 Tree planting
3 Promotion of natural regeneration
4 Bud capping
5 Rx burning within BMP prescription, including aerial support
# Prairie habitat:
1 Establish new prairie/ grassland
2 Seed purchase of native species
3 Rx burning within BMP prescription
4 Mowing/ herbicide for invasives control in recently established grassland/ prairie
5 Tree removal/ woody encroachment management
6 Interseeding of monoculture/ low biodiversity sites
# Wetland/ water habitat:
1 Water level control structures
2 Fish Barriers
3 Upland vegetation enhancement
4 Tile breaks/ ditch blocks
# Fish Game and Wildlife habitat:
1 Brushland shearing
2 Dam removal/ modification
3 In-stream habitat modification
4 Trout stream restoration/ habitat improvement
5 Site prep for habitat enhancement
6 All ECP activities from forest, prairie, wetland habitats
For more information, please visit mndnr.gov/ecp or check out the RFP/Program Manual. For questions, please email LSCPLgrants.dnr@state.mn.us.