Conservation Legacy grants awarded to improve Minnesota habitats

Smaller grants that are part of Legacy Amendment funding for the state's environment and fish and wildlife habitats have been awarded.

The grants, 20 in all, total $1.83 million.

These are the smaller grants funded by the Legacy Amendment intended to involve local conservation groups, as well as government entities.
"Every year, Minnesotans envision new projects that can make our lands healthier and our waters cleaner for fish and wildlife habitat," said Ed Boggess, director of DNR's Fish and Wildlife Division. "The CPL program is funded by appropriations from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and enables people to convert these dreams into realities."

The National Wild Turkey Federation was among those awarded funds, receiving $48,000 to restore and enhance 100 acres of oak savanna on state wildlife management areas (WMAs)./

Also, the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club received $17,000 to restore native grasses to 178 acres of current cropland on new federal Waterfowl Production Areas.

And Minnesota Pheasants-Blue Earth Chapter received $10,000 to remove encroaching woody vegetation on 110 acres of prairie on the Maple River WMA.
A complete list of successful grant applications can be found here. (NOTE: The same 20 winning groups/entities are listed seven different ways on the attached PDF, preceded by a summary. The first listing of the 20 groups is by "Project ID number." The second is by amount ((see green shaded area of each listing)), the third by habitat type, the fourth by type of activity, the fifth by planning area, the sixth by group type and the seventh by land or water ownership type.)
Boggess encouraged nonprofit organizations to take advantage of the program.

"Funds are available," Boggess said. "The application process is easier than ever. It's a great way to leave a conservation legacy in your local community." Remaining funds will be awarded in a second round of applications that will be announced soon.
Since the program began, more than 100 grants totaling $9.7 million have been awarded. The program is an outgrowth of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which recommended its creation to the Legislature.