Laserfiche WebLink
Agenda Item 4-E <br />long-term conservation contracts and public ownership. Eligible lands include those with Reinvest in <br />Minnesota (RIM) Reserve easements, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) easements, non-profit <br />conservation preserves, city and county parks, and protected natural areas. Eligible applicants <br />include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management <br />organizations and counties. <br />“The decline of bees, butterflies, dragonflies and other at-risk pollinators that support ecosystems <br />and food production has raised significant alarm among conservation professionals both locally and <br />globally,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “It’s critical that we support these beneficial <br />species by restoring and enhancing habitat in strategic areas of the state.” <br />Funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the HELP pilot program is offering <br />$273,740 in grant funding during this application period. Grant amount requests can range from <br />$20,000 to $60,000. Projects may focus on establishing new floral-rich habitat areas or riparian <br />plantings, or converting existing non-native cover to native vegetation. Projects can be located on <br />multiple land parcels. <br />Applications will be accepted until Feb. 23, 2023. Information on how to apply can be found on the <br />program’s Request for Proposals on BWSR’s website. <br />### <br />BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent <br />sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife <br />habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state <br />government agencies and citizens. BWSR’s mission is to improve and protect Minnesota's water <br />and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.