Minnesota BWSR Shares $1.16 Million in State Clean Water Fund Grants

Three organizations serving northwest and north-central Minnesota will share in $1.16 million in state Clean Water Fund grants announced this week: The White Earth Nation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota in Mahnomen are among eight recipients selected from 24 applicants. Tribal governments and nonprofit conservation groups were eligible for this competitive funding round.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources awarded the grants for projects protecting and restoring water quality through agricultural best management practices, shoreline stabilization, and drinking water protection efforts.

Executive Director John Jaschke said tribal governments and nonprofit partners play a key role in implementing conservation projects that protect local lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water Fund in 2008. It receives 33 percent of sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment.

Minnesota DNR Seeks Input on Duck Limits

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on a proposal to create an optional three-duck bag limit aimed at recruiting new waterfowl hunters. The alternative limit would allow hunters to harvest any three ducks, regardless of species or sex, as opposed to the current six-duck limit with species-specific restrictions.

DNR officials say duck identification complexity may be a barrier to new hunters. Similar programs in Nebraska and South Dakota have shown success in attracting new participants. Comments can be submitted through an online questionnaire, a webinar on August 6th, or by email until August 17th. More information is available at mndnr.gov/waterfowl.

United Way Northeastern Minnesota Step Into School Program Returns

Applications are due July 24th for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s Step Into School program, which provides qualified students with new athletic shoes for the school year. The event takes place August 12th, starting with dinner at Backus Community Center, followed by shopping for shoes at Ronnings with transportation provided by local emergency responders. 

To qualify, students must be K-12 enrolled in Koochiching County and live in households under ALICE guidelines – those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed. According to the latest report, 11% of county residents live in poverty, while another 22% are classified as ALICE. 

UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay notes the program “provides community support in a way that builds pride and resilience.” This is the fourth year of the program, which is free to qualifying students thanks to community sponsors. Applications can be submitted at www.unitedwaynemn.org/step.