2020 - Wellhead Protection Partner Grant (Pilot) (Okabena-Ocheda WD)
Annie Felix-Gerth
(g) $2,500,000 the first year and $2,500,000 the second year are for permanent conservation easements on wellhead protection areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.515, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), or for grants to local units of government for fee title acquisition to permanently protect groundwater supply sources on wellhead protection areas or for otherwise ensuring long-term protection of groundwater supply sources as described under alternative management tools in the Department of Agriculture Minnesota Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan, including using low-nitrogen cropping systems or implementing nitrogen fertilizer best management practices. Priority must be placed on land that is located where the vulnerability of the drinking water supply is designated as high or very high by the commissioner of health, where drinking water protection plans have identified specific activities that will achieve long-term protection, and on lands with expiring conservation reserve program contracts. Up to $250,000 is for deposit in a monitoring and enforcement account.
These projects are designed to decrease surface runoff and filter sediment, nutrients, and pesticides before reaching surface and ground water. The goal of this project is to reduce nitrate levels in this water supply.
Work was completed as per the approved work plan and included purchase of property of 56.8 acres in the Lake Bella Wellhead Protection Area which serves of the City of Worthington. The property was purchased for $465,000. Pheasants Forever made the purchase and with the help of these funds from the grant were used to cover the remaining amount.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS