The Confluence                   July 2007

The Confluence is a monthly electronic newsletter for members of Minnesota Waters providing up-to-date information and resources to help citizens protect Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.  If you’ve received this newsletter and are not yet a member of Minnesota Waters, click here to learn more about how you can support Minnesota Waters programs and services by becoming a member.  To have material included for announcement or to request removal of your name from this mailing list, please contact info@minnesotawaters.org.  Do not reply to this listserv from which you received this message.

 

 

In this issue:

 

Minnesota Waters News

 

Minnesota Waters Welcomes New Citizen Monitoring Coordinator

Citizen Monitors Working on Rivers and Lakes

RIVERNIGHT TICKETS GOING FAST

 

Hot Off the Press:

 

~ DNR Finds Eurasian Watermilfoil In Six New Lakes

~ Invasive Virus Threatens Fish, Prompts Emergency Measures in Wisconsin

~ Algae Blooms Show Up Early On Minnesota Lakes

~ Noncompliant Garage Removed From Shoreland

~ Drought Update for Minnesota

~ Late Summer Hearings Set for Proposed Amendments to Water Quality Rules

~ Survey of the Nation’s Lakes Under Way

~ Outdoor Corps Input Sought

 

Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship

Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations

The Bucks Start Here-Funding Resources

 

~ Minnesota Waters News ~

 

Minnesota Waters Welcomes New Citizen Monitoring Coordinator

Patty Born Selly joins the MW team as the new citizen monitoring coordinator. Most recently, Patty has worked with MW in a contract position for the Lake Ecology program and prior to that was the Environmental Education Coordinator for Dakota County parks. She has a B.A. degree from Metropolitan State University and a M.A. Ed. In Natural Sciences and Environmental Education from Hamline University. Her Master’s thesis project was an evaluation of citizen-led wetland monitoring programs.  Patty is excited to be a part of MW’s efforts with citizen monitoring and will be based out of Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband and daughter.  Join us in welcoming Patty to Minnesota Waters.  She can be reached at pattys@minnesotawaters.org

 

Citizen Monitors Working on Rivers and Lakes

Over 150 people attended Minnesota Waters’ eight citizen monitoring workshops this spring to learn what they could do to protect their lakes and rivers, get proper sampling methods, and write action plans for their sampling season.  In our four spring trainings supported by funds from the Minnesota Legislature, through the MPCA Clean Water Legacy Act for Surface Water Assessment Grants, 33 sampling sites were established on 30 different lakes and 44 stream sampling sites were established on 27 rivers.  Citizen monitors are now busy in the middle of their sampling season.  For more information on the citizen monitoring program please visit: www.minnesotawaters.org and click on programs.

 

RIVERNIGHT TICKETS GOING FAST

RiverNight is an annual fundraiser that brings friends and colleagues together to celebrate Minnesota’s river and lake groups for their grass-roots efforts in protecting water resources in Minnesota. As of July 23, 222 tickets have been reserved! Don’t miss this grand annual event! RSVP deadline is August 8.  Call 218-824-5565 and reserve your individual ticket at $125 or sponsor a table of 8 at $1,000.

 

RiverNight 2007

Wednesday August 15^th , Harriet Island, St. Paul

4-6 p.m. Awards and Special Guest Ron Schara (Centennial Showboat)

6-9 p.m. Dinner Cruise & Cash Bar (Anson Northrup)

 

 

~ Hot Off the Press ~

 

DNR Finds Eurasian Watermilfoil In Six New Lakes       

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the discovery of Eurasian watermilfoil in six new lakes, all but one of which are within 50 miles of the Twin Cities.  Eurasian watermilfoil is now known to occur in 197 bodies of water in the state since it was discovered in the late 1980s.  The majority of infested water bodies are in central and north-central Minnesota.  The following lakes have been added to the list of Minnesota waters infested with invasive species: Kimball Lake, Crow Wing County; Maple Lake, Wright County; Spectacle Lake, Isanti County; McMahon Lake, Scott County; and Big Lake, Sherburne County.  In addition, milfoil was discovered in one body of water with no public water access: Wilmes Lake, Washington County.  The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or contact Chip Welling, DNR Ecological Resources, (651) 259-5149 for more information.

 

It is illegal to transport aquatic plants, prohibited invasive species, and water from infested waters on public roads in Minnesota. Boaters are required to drain water when leaving infested waters and to remove the drain plugs when leaving water infested with zebra mussels and spiny waterfleas. Anglers who have live bait and want to keep it should drain lake water from the bait container and replace it with tap or spring water. Boaters and anglers are reminded to:

o Inspect and remove any visible plants, animals, and mud before launching your boat.

o Drain water from motor, bilge, live well, and bait containers before leaving the access.

o Dispose of unwanted live bait and worms in the trash, not in the lake or on land.

o Spray, rinse or dry boat and equipment before going to another waterbody to remove or kill species that may not be visible.

 

Invasive Virus Threatens Fish, Prompts Emergency Measures in Wisconsin

From Wisconsin Association of Lakes June E-Newsletter

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, known as VHS, is an infectious viral disease of fish that can cause them to bleed to death. It was diagnosed for the first time in the Great Lakes as the cause of large fish kills in lakes Huron, St. Clair, Erie, Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River in 2005 and 2006. Recently the virus has been discovered in the Lake Winnebago (NE Wisconsin) and Lake Michigan systems.  The VHS virus is considered an invasive species (not native to the Great Lakes), but scientists are not sure how the virus arrived. It may have come in with migrating fish from the Atlantic Coast, or may have hitch-hiked in ballast water from ships. The VHS virus is not a threat to people who handle infected fish or want to eat their catch, but it can kill more than 25 fish species.

 

Fish biologists consider the virus a serious threat to Wisconsin fish for several reasons: it can spread easily among fish of all ages, it affects a broad range of native game fish, pan fish and bait fish as well as "rough" fish, and it often kills fish. Wisconsin fish biologists are also concerned that if VHS spreads to Wisconsin's inland waters, which are much smaller than any of the Great Lakes, it could spread rapidly among fish and potentially large numbers of fish within that water could be affected.

 

The state Natural Resources Board has adopted emergency rules that prohibit anglers, boaters and other recreational users from moving live fish, including bait minnows, and water from the Lake Winnebago watershed, Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and those waters' tributaries up to the first dam impassible by fish. The rules also require that people fishing in those waters use minnows purchased only from Wisconsin licensed dealers, or, if harvesting their own minnows, that the bait is used only on the water it is caught in.

 

Algae Blooms Show Up Early On Minnesota Lakes

Courtesy of Steve Heiskary, MPCA

Blue-green algal blooms are making an early and intense appearance this year on many lakes.  MPCA has been responding to numerous calls of severe blooms from lake residents across the state, as well as at least one veterinarian-documented dog death that was directly attributed to a dog drinking water from a lake with an extensive bloom.  Given the hot and dry conditions we can expect severe blooms on many of our lakes as the summer progresses -- in particular many of our nutrient-rich lakes across central and southern Minnesota.  The MPCA has information on blue-green algal blooms and what to watch out for on their web site at: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/clmp-toxicalgae.html.  Also there is a new technical report that looks at the concentration of Microcystin, one of the algal toxins of concern, in several south central MN lakes: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/reports/wq-lar3-11.pdf. Copies of this report may be obtained by contacting Matt Lindon at 651-297-8218. 

 

Noncompliant Garage Removed From Shoreland

Pope County Tribune, 7/24/07

Several years of back-and-forth battles between Pope County Commissioners and a Villard property owner came to a dramatic end with the smashing thud of bricks and lumber demolished and carried away in trucks.  The building was in violation of the county's lake setback rules.   Heavy machinery was brought in to raze the building and remove the debris.  [The property owner] complied last year with the order to move his 1,585 square foot house back from the lake, but, after several notices and deadline extensions from the county board, he did not take action to move the garage/loft.  The Pope County Board of Commissioners had set May 15, 2007, as the deadline…to move or remove the garage/loft.  A summary judgment from district court authorized Pope County to "take all necessary steps to abate the violation, including but not limited to complete removal of the offending structure."  The cost of removing the structure will be taxed to the…property [owner].  Read the entire article at http://www.pctribune.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=4466&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=16

 

Drought Update for Minnesota

From Greg Spoden, Climatologist, DNR Division of Waters

As of the third week in June, the U.S. Drought Monitor (http://drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html) placed portions of north central and northeastern Minnesota in the "Moderate Drought" category. This categorization is the result of lingering moisture deficits established during the very dry 2006 growing season and a snow-sparse winter. Fortunately, conditions throughout northern Minnesota have improved greatly from the "extreme drought" situation that existed only a few months ago. Thanks to above-average precipitation during the late winter and spring: lake levels, stream flows, soil moisture content, and wildfire danger conditions have all shown marked improvement.  Other areas of Minnesota are drifting in a different direction. Much of central and eastern Minnesota (including the metropolitan area) is described as being "abnormally dry". In these counties, below-average rainfall in May and June has combined with very warm June temperatures to create deficits in topsoil moisture and lower-than-average levels in surface water systems.

 

According to a July 25 article in the Star Tribune, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency to begin a formal assessment of drought damage to Minnesota's farmland as a first step toward a possible disaster declaration.  The Governor and state agriculture officials will work with FSA offices in the state to review the county-by-county damage assessments and prepare a formal disaster declaration request if needed, Pawlenty said Wednesday.  The full article is available at:  http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1324883.html

 

Late Summer Hearings Set for Proposed Amendments to Water Quality Rules

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is revising Minnesota Rules chapter 7050. These rules contain water quality standards and other provisions that help protect surface and ground waters from pollution. Major changes being proposed include the addition of eutrophication standards for lakes, extension of the 1 mg/L phosphorus effluent limit to new or expanding discharges above a certain size, addition of a fish tissue standard for mercury, and the addition of new standards for two herbicides, acetochlor and metolachlor.  Full details and documents can be accessed via the MPCA Public Notice Web page or at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/standards/rulechange.html#hearingnotice.  The MPCA will hold public hearings at the following dates and locations:

 

MPCA-St. Paul, Board Room, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until all parties are heard.  The hearing will resume at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 30, 2007: MPCA-St. Paul, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until all parties are heard. 

MPCA-Duluth, 525 Lake Avenue South, Suite 400, Duluth, Minnesota 55802. 

Tuesday, September 4, 2007, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until all parties are heard.  The hearing will resume at 6:30 p.m.

MPCA-Brainerd, 7678 College Road, Suite 105, Baxter, Minnesota 56425.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until all parties are heard.  The hearing will resume at 6:30 p.m..

MPCA-Detroit Lakes, 714 Lake Avenue, Suite 220, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501.

Thursday, September 6, 2007, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until all parties are heard.

MPCA-Marshall, 1420 East College Drive, Suite 900, Marshall, Minnesota 56528.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing until all parties are heard.

MPCA-Rochester, 18 Wood Lake Drive Southeast, Rochester, Minnesota 55904.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and continuing until all parties are heard.

 

During the official comment and throughout the public hearings and post-hearing comment period, the public is urged to follow the guidelines for submitting comments contained in the Notice of Hearing. All e-mails and written comments received while the rulemaking record is open will become part of the record.  Contact David Maschwitz (david.maschwitz@pca.state.mn.us) or Mark Tomasek (mark.tomasek@pca.state.mn.us) for more information, or call 800-657-3864.

 

Survey of the Nation’s Lakes Under Way

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states, and tribes are conducting a nationwide survey this summer of the condition of the nation’s lakes.  The survey will help citizens and governments measure the health of our waters, take actions to prevent pollution, and evaluate the effectiveness of protection and restoration efforts.   Designed to estimate the percentage of lakes that are in good, fair, or poor condition, the survey will serve as a scientific report card on America’s lakes.  It will examine ecological, water quality, and recreational indicators, and assess how widespread key stressors (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and acidification) are across the country.  The survey is a collaborative effort that involves dozens of state environmental and natural resource agencies, federal agencies, universities and other organizations.  In most states, state water quality staff will conduct the water quality sampling and habitat assessments.  For more information, and to find out if your lake has been selected for the survey, visit: www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/lakessurvey, or email lakessurvey@epa.gov

 

Outdoor Corps Input Sought

The University of Minnesota Extension seeks input on its Outdoor Corps program that empowers high school students to meet environmental stewardship needs in their communities. The program was initiated in March 2001 to address monitoring needs as identified in comprehensive water plans and inform management decisions on Minnesota lakes.  Communities and lake associations contract with Outdoor Corps teacher-led student crews to evaluate the water quality of their local lakes. The Outdoor Corps crews, in cooperation with Extension specialists, collect water samples and data, analyze results, and interpret results for local community "clients." Through participation in the Outdoor Corps program, students apply math, science and leadership education in real-world situations, explore careers in natural resources, develop skills for owning and operating a small sustainable business, and work with a variety of community members to meet environmental stewardship needs. Stakeholder input will be a key factor in formulating our decisions about the future of the Outdoor Corps program.  Three sessions are scheduled:

 

Tuesday, August 7, 11a to 2p; Initiative Foundation Headquarters, Little Falls
Tuesday, August 14, 11a to 2p; Cass County Land Department, Backus
Tuesday, August 28, 11a to 2p; Cabela's Conference Room, Rogers

 

Contact Nate Meyer, Extension Regional Educator at meyer179@umn.edu or 218.726.6473 with questions, concerns or to RSVP for one of the sessions.

 

~ Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship ~

 

Free “Get the Lead Out” Kit Helps Keep Lead Out of Lakes and Streams

Lead poisoning of loons, eagles and other wildlife is avoidable.  Help spread the word about safe and effective alternatives to lead tackle.  Order a free “Get the Lead Out!” kit for your next lake association or river group gathering and help us encourage anglers to use environmentally friendly lead-free fishing tackle.  Attractive educational kits include a table top sign, fact sheets, and sample packs of lead-free jigs and weights.  For more information visit www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/sinkers.cfm or contact Dan Miller of the MPCA at 800-657-3864 or at daniel.miller@pca.state.mn.us. 

 

The MPCA and the DNR are also partnering with retailers and others to help anglers “get the lead out” at exchanges across state, offering more than 30 lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer. The exchanges are educational and offer anglers a chance to try out the growing variety of lead-free fishing tackle. There is no charge to exchange tackle.  Depending on what anglers turn in, lead tackle will be swapped for jigs and weights made of bismuth, tin, tungsten, and steel.  For the complete list of 2007 summer exchanges, visit, www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/sinkers.cfm or call 651-297-8319, toll free 800-657-3864.

 

Water Education Toolbox

The U.S. EPA has released the Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox, a set of Web-based resources designed to assist communities conduct locally effective watershed education and outreach activities.  The Toolbox, online at www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox includes a searchable catalog of nearly 800 print, radio, and TV ads and outreach materials in the following categories: lawn and garden care, motor vehicle care, pet care, septic system care, household chemicals and waste, and general stormwater and storm drain awareness.  This is designed to meet the needs of organizations who might be strapped for ideas, money, time, or staff.  The Toolbox also includes EPA's publication "Getting in Step -- A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns," as well as a comprehensive collection of surveys and evaluations of outreach programs from around the country and a collection of logos, slogans, and mascots to help unify a commmunity's campaign.  www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox

 

2007 Lake-Friendly Development Awards

Have you recently noted a beautifully re-vegetated shoreline project on your favorite lake or river?  Perhaps you can recall a wonderfully intact shoreline that the property owner has protected and left natural in a conservation easement for decades?  Or maybe you know of an innovative measure implemented by a local unit of government focused towards long term shoreline and water quality protection?  If so, consider nominating them for one of this year’s Brainerd Lakes Region Lake-Friendly Development Awards!  1000 Friends of Minnesota, the Brainerd Lakes Area Audubon Society, Minnesota Waters, the Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance, the DNR, the Minnesota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, The Nature Conservancy and A.W. Research Laboratories are combining efforts to publicly recognize homeowners, contractors and local units of government who have chosen to develop, redevelop or protect lakeshore or riverfront properties in full compliance with shoreland zoning ordinances and ecologically sustainable and sensitive principles.  For more information or to obtain an application for the 2007 Brainerd Lakes Region Lake-Friendly Development Awards, contact Phil Hunsicker at phunsicker@1000fom.org.  Entries will be accepted until September 1, 2007 from any homeowner, contractor, lake association, local government unit, developer, or other interested party.

 

 

 

~ Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations ~

 

Minnesota River Reunion: “Come Gather at the River”

Saturday, July 28, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; Riverside Park, Carver

Sponsored by Friends of the Minnesota Valley.  Learn about freshwater clams from expert Mike Davis, MN Department of Natural Resources.  Presentation of Elaine Mellott Award, FREE Refreshments; Call Chad at 612-370-9122 to RSVP or email to friends@friendsofmnvalley.org

 

Mississippi River Challenge

August 4 & 5

Join Friends of the Mississippi River for a two-day, 44-mile paddle to discover the Mississippi River and support FMR's river protection efforts.  Find out more at the Mississippi River Challenge web site: http://www.mississippiriverchallenge.org.

 

RiverNight

August 15; Harriet Island, St. Paul

Think warm thoughts of a sunset evening dinner cruise on the Mississippi River in St. Paul for Minnesota Waters' annual RiverNight event.  All proceeds help support Minnesota Waters continued efforts to help citizens protect and improve their lakes, rivers and watersheds in Minnesota.  Come celebrate those dedicated citizens and our beautiful water resources in Minnesota.  Contact Linda Hamilton at lindah@minnesotawaters.org for ticket and sponsorship information and watch for more details in future issues of Confluence.

 

Leading Cooperative Efforts: Skills for Survival and Success

August 28; Neighborhood House, St. Paul

This one-day workshop facilitated by the Institute for Conservation Leadership offers skills and tools to effectively manage and participate in a variety of cooperative efforts.  Networks, coalitions, and other cooperative efforts require distinct leadership skills if they are to be effective.  Working together collaboratively is a challenge and this workshop will encompass leadership practices in collaborative work to make groups successful.  For further information,  email or call Bonnie Haigh (bonnie@icl.org) at ICL, (406)582-1838x1

 

Conservation Summit – 2007.

September 6; U of M Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul

Sponsored by the Minnesota Land Trust, the conference will focus on emerging issues in land protection and will highlight current topics and trends in land and water conservation in Minnesota.  Learn about conservation easements, conservation funding, local land use, conservation development and more.  For more information, contact Minnesota Land Trust, 2356 University Avenue W., Suite 240, St. Paul, MN 55114, 651-647-9590.

 

2007 Land-Use Planning Workshops

The Government Training Service (GTS) announces its 2007 schedule for Land-Use Planning Workshops, including: Your Role as a Planning Commission Member, Basics of Planning & Zoning, Beyond the Basics of Planning & Zoning, Site Planning Basics for Non-Design Professionals, Getting the Most Out of Your Comprehensive Plan, Spotlight on Sub-Divisions, and How To Avoid Drowning in Lakeshore Development.  Classes will be held in St. Paul and  Little Falls. For dates and details, see: http://www.mngts.org/LandUse/LandUse2007a.html

 

Sixth National Monitoring Conference, May 18-22, 2008 Atlantic City, NJ

The National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) presents its 6th conference, Monitoring: Key to Understanding Our Waters, in Atlantic City, NJ. Conference Themes Include: Connecting and Integrating Data About Hydrologic Resources Collecting, Assessing and Interpreting Data: New Technologies and Analytical Methods, Describing the Sustainability and Condition of Water Resources; Understanding Water Quality Stressors; Exploring Federal, State, and Local Monitoring Needs; Improving Communication through Innovative Outreach.  If you have questions about the conference or would like to be placed on a mailing list, contact the 2008 National Monitoring Conference Manager, Lara Hughes, at Monitoring2008@wef.org.  For more information on the NWQMC, visit: http://acwi.gov/monitoring/ .

 

2008 Lakes and Rivers Conference, Sept. 11-13, 2008, Rochester, MN

If you enjoyed the 2006 Lakes and Rivers Conference in Duluth you will love what we have in store for you in 2008!  Everything will take place at the Mayo Civic Center linked by skywalk to the beautiful Radisson, Galleria Mall, restaurants and shopping. We have lined up great rates so mark you calendars, get the event in your budget and come enjoy what southeastern Minnesota has to offer!

~ The Bucks Start Here -- Funding Resources ~

 

Make It Your Own

The Case Foundation has just launched an exciting new grant program called Make It Your Own. It is designed to help grassroots leaders involve their fellow citizens in dialogue, deliberation, and action on community problems. This is one of those rare instances where a national foundation will make grants directly to local and neighborhood-level projects.  It is even more unusual in that the decision-making process on who gets the grants will be made, in part, by citizens themselves (see "Foundation Lets Public Help Award Money" in the New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/us/26charity.html). This is a citizen-centered funding effort that will produce citizen-centered projects.  Grant amounts will be in the $10,000 - $35,000 range.  Details at http://www.casefoundation.org/make-it-your-own. Applications will be accepted online June 26-August 8

 

Patagonia Environmental Grants Program

Patagonia funds environmental work that is action-oriented, builds public involvement and support, is strategic, focuses on root causes, and which accomplishes specific goals and objectives.  The company supports small, grassroots organizations with provocative direct-action agendas and multi-pronged campaigns designed to preserve and protect the environment.  Applicants must have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status or a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor.  Most grants range between $3,000 and $8,000 each. Deadline is August 31, 2007. Visit the Patagonia Web site for complete program information:  http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2942

 

Shoreline Vegetation Grants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making more than $300,000 available for grant proposals for restoring native shoreline vegetation across the state. Individual grant requests can range from $10,000 - $75,000.  This program provides cost share grants to counties, cities, watershed districts, other local units of government, conservation groups and lake associations to conduct shoreline restoration projects with native plants to improve fish and wildlife habitat.  "This is an opportunity for lake associations, local communities and conservation organizations to help enhance native shoreline vegetation and fish habitat in their local lakes, streams and rivers," said John Hiebert, DNR shoreland habitat coordinator. Applications are available by clicking on grants on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or by calling the DNR at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Completed applications are due Sept. 17.

 

Heritage Enhancement Grants to Local Outdoors Clubs Program

The Minnesota DNR is making $476,000 available to local conservation organizations interested in working on wildlife habitat improvement projects on wildlife management areas throughout the state.  The funds, available through the Heritage Enhancements Grants Program, will allow outdoors clubs to work on projects such as grassland plantings, brushland shearing, wetland restoration and hunter walking trails.  Grants are administered through the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife with input from local DNR wildlife managers.  Grant applications and information packages are available now on the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/habitat/heritage.html or by contacting Leslie Tannahill at leslie.tannahill@dnr.state.mn.us or (651) 259-5242. Completed grant applications are due Sept. 25.

 

Minnesota Grants Directory 2007

The 2007 Minnesota Grants Directory is designed to help grantseekers by providing an overview of the state's most active foundations and giving programs. The Directory includes basic information on 82 community foundations, corporate giving programs, and private foundations. Each funder profile includes the name, address, phone number, fax number, Web site, and e-mail at which to contact the foundation for more information. Key staff members are also listed to provide some insight as to who should receive inquiries. Information on the foundations' giving priorities, geographic focuses, types of grants available, and a sample list of previous grant recipients may provide grantseekers with enough background to identify those funders that may have an interest in their programs and are worth exploring in more depth.  For more information and to order this publication visit: http://www.mncn.org/publications.htm

 

State and federal grant opportunities

The Governor's Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives was created by Governor Tim Pawlenty to develop a closer connection between the state government and faith and community organizations by increasing access to existing funding resources, reducing barriers to the delivery of services and promoting best practices. This web site will help you to find valuable information regarding current funding opportunities, available training workshops, seminars, technical support and existing service providers.  You may also link directly to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Faith-Based Agency Centers within the federal departments. For more information visit: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=FCSI

 

 

 

Minnesota is truly on top of the “water world” in North America.  We are at the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi draining to the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Louis River draining to the Great Lakes and the Red & Rainy Rivers draining to Hudson Bay.  The “land of 10,000 lakes” and 92,000 miles of river is blessed not only with an abundance of water resources, Minnesota is also home to countless citizens poised to protect and preserve these resources for generations to come.  Minnesota Waters celebrates the coming together of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, the partnerships of engaged citizens and stewardship-minded leaders, and the inseparable bond connecting Minnesotans with its water.  In this light, The Confluence delivers timely news and information on the state of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, and what citizens, policy makers and organizations can do to protect Minnesota’s priceless water resources, today and tomorrow.  

 

Minnesota Waters promotes responsible stewardship of our water resources by engaging citizens, state and local policy makers and other like-minded partners in the protection and restoration of our lakes and rivers.  We achieve our mission through watershed education, citizen monitoring, supporting conservation stewardship, influencing public policy and empowering citizen groups to manage their local water resources.                             

 

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