SOMFAM's vision is to build a strong Somali community. With this grant, we will facilitate new avenues for deepening Somali women's cultural identity. SOMFAM will launch a Somali language YouTube channel and Somali Cooking Classes to educate the Somali diaspora, particularly Somali women living in Minnesota, about culture and critical resources, and to empower them to engage with and share their cultural heritage.
A large portion of Otter Tail County has been identified as being susceptible to groundwater contamination from nitrates and other water soluble contaminants. Agriculture is the predominant land use activity in this area. Irrigation in the county has increased in the last few years. With the vast majority of the residents getting their drinking water from groundwater sources, protecting ground is a priority for the county.
The glacial geology of Ramsey County includes many layers of impermeable and semi-permeable material that can protect aquifers from contaminated waters. Many municipal public supply wells exist to draw water from these aquifers to supply thousands of consumers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, abandoned/unused wells also penetrate the protective layers of glacial material and can "short-circuit" the natural protection our glacial geology can provide allowing unfettered movement of contamination to even deeper aquifers below the ground.
Protect and restore 590 acres of significant wildlife habitat through conservation easements and restoration projects on private lands within Important Bird Areas with an emphasis on those located in within priority areas identified in the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan.
Public engagement, provide venues for cultural activities& training for participation in natural resource-based activities for the portion of the Great River Passage within Battle Creek=Indian Mounds Regional Park, Lilydale-Harriet Island PR, Hidden Falls/Crosby PR, Mississippi Gorge RP, Cherokee Heights RP, Sam Morgan & Robert Piram RT's (year 2 of 2)
Public engagement, provide venues for cultural activities& training for participation in natural resource-based activities for the portion of the Great River Passage within Battle Creek=Indian Mounds Regional Park, Lilydale-Harriet Island PR, Hidden Falls/Crosby PR, Mississippi Gorge RP, Cherokee Heights RP, Sam Morgan & Robert Piram RT's (year 1 of 2)
To regrant 4 Public Art Planning Grants in the SMAHC Region: Gail Holinka, Worthington; Kristen Allen, New London; Lisa Bergh, New London; Upper MN Valley RDC, Appleton.
Public art grant program and services. Dollars regranted in Region 7W to Bill Gorcica of St Cloud Chris Wilson and Gene Olson from Otsego and Elk River Area Arts Alliance
Public art grant program and services. Dollars regranted in SMAHC region to Barb Hawes of Marshall Michon Weeks of Marshall Andrew Nordin of New London and City of Hutchinson
$2,000 Bill Mund, $2,000 City of Holdingford, $2,000 ISD 728 Community Ed, $2,000 Visual Arts Minnesota (these were partially funded from a carry over of funds in the amount of $1,229).
Realizing the need for increased technical capacity in the field offices, the Becker, East Otter Tail and West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation Districts have developed an agreement that will increase technical capacity while minimizing costs to each district. The first step was taken in this agreement through the recent hire of a shared engineer. Currently, minimal survey grade equipment is owned by the districts. This grant will be used to purchase an integrated survey system.
To hire a qualified and experienced HVAC engineer to evaluate the current system in preparation for better control of the Roseville Historical Society museum environment.
