St. Paul, MINN. – Funding is now available from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, or BWSR, to help protect drinking water sources across the state.

Two opportunities are now open through the newly updated Reinvest in Minnesota Drinking Water Program. This program supports conservation easements on private land and land purchases by local governments in areas that are vulnerable to pollution.

The goal is to protect drinking water by keeping harmful substances, like nitrogen, out of sensitive soil and groundwater. Landowners who enroll in the program can now receive more competitive payments, with added flexibility in how the land is used.

A total of $11 million from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund is up for grabs.

For private landowners, the program offers payments in exchange for placing their land into permanent conservation easements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed monthly. Interested landowners should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to apply.

For local governments, funding is available to purchase land that helps protect drinking water sources. Cities, counties, tribes, and water suppliers can apply by submitting materials through BWSR’s website.

To learn more, visit bwsr.state.mn.us.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding its free library park pass program, giving more Minnesotans the chance to explore state parks and recreation areas at no cost.

In partnership with over 200 libraries and bookmobiles across the state, the program now covers all 87 counties and offers 450 seven-day park passes—more than double the number previously available. These passes can be checked out just like a book, offering free vehicle entry to any Minnesota state park or recreation area.

Originally piloted in 2018 and launched statewide in 2021, the program has seen usage nearly double over the past three years—from under 2,000 checkouts in its first year to nearly 4,000 this past year.

The program is funded by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund and aims to reduce cost barriers, especially for lower-income families. A recent survey found most users checked out a pass to save money, and many were trying out a park for the first time.

Passes don’t cover camping fees, but anyone interested in an overnight stay can make a reservation at mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757.

To find a participating library or bookmobile near you, visit http://mndnr.gov/librarypass.