Grassland ecosystems evolved to depend on periodic disturbances, such as fire and grazing, to maintain their health and stability. Periodic disturbances help control invasive species, add nutrients back into the soil, germinate plant seeds, enhance wildlife habitat, and more. In Minnesota habitat managers have used fire as a disturbance tool for decades but the use of grazing has been much rarer, mostly because of a lack of necessary infrastructure such as fencing.
The HCSCC contracted with the Midwest Art Conservation Center to conduct a general preservation assessment survey of the HCSCC's collections and exhibit space. The report includes long range plans for improving and preserving objects and conditions.
As of 11/1/2023, the CPL program has provided over 970 grants totaling $115 million to over 250 different grantee organizations, improving or protecting over 577,000 acres of habitat. Demand for CPL grants has continued to grow each year as new applicants hear about the program and successful grantees return. In ML 2019 there were 99 grants awarded- 15 metro grants, 29 traditional grants, and 55 Expedited Conservation Partners grants. Through these 99 grants, over 34,000 acres were restored, enhanced, or protected. Over $10.6M was awarded to organizations for projects.
The "old school house" on the fairgrounds provides a look back at how things were once in Clay County. This building houses a large number of historical items from school houses in Clay County. The "old school house" is open to visitors of the Clay County Fair for educating all generations to the culture and heritage of Clay County. Typically, the Clay County Historical Society assists the fair board in providing education through visits to the schoolhouse, spelling bees and geography bees during the fair.
The Minnesota County Geologic Atlas program is an ongoing effort begun in 1979 that is being conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Geological Survey and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This portion, called Part B and conducted by the DNR, analyzes water samples to understand water chemistry and sensitivity to pollution.
To contract two entertainers for the free stage at the 2023 Big Stone County Fair. Both entertainers are from Minnesota. The first group will be a musical/comedy duo who will play mostly original musical material with comedy and funny stories mixed in with the songs and between songs. The second entertainer is a Native American stand-up comedian who will tell jokes and stories about his life and comment on current events.
This application is to contract two entertainers for the 2024 Big Stone County Fair. Both entertainers are from Minnesota. The first group will be a Polka Band who will perform Polka music on the Free Stage. The second group will be a band playing a variety of modern to classic music on our free stage.
The county appears to have a general interest in learning about different types of art as well as music. A local artist will provide glass-blowing demonstrations. Demonstrations will be provided during the fair on glass blowing, a form of art that interests a lot of people. The demonstrations will be provided by the House of Mulciber Mobile Engagement Unit which focuses on education of the art of glass blowing. The Clay County area has a rich heritage in country music along with other music types.
