The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Department of Natural Resources, provided 56 competitive matching grants to non-profit organizations and governments, appropriating all the available ML12 funds.
With the ML 2015 appropriation The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program awarded 70 grants, 22 of these grants were the metropolitan area. Over 24,000 acres were enhanced, 2,500 acres were restored, and 386 acres protected through these 70 projects. Thirty-eight counties had CPL projects completed in them through 47 unique organizations. The average project for the ML 2015 grants was $96,000, with few exceptions most projects were completed on time and many were under budget.
The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program will be managed by the Department of Natural Resources to provide competitive matching grants of up to $400,000 to local, regional, state, and national non-profit organizations and government entities.
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.
1. Pioneer Photography by Doug Ohman - photography of historical and agricultural themes., 2. I Polka Band - old time music from local group., 3. The Coyotes - blue grass music from local group., 4. Church Cabin repair - Replica cabin of 1839 needing new logs and repair.
The premise for securing entertainment at the Hanson Memorial Free Stage is that it has to have ethnic significance and it should provide an elementary level of agriculture that kids can understand and adults can appreciate. This year the fair is showcasing one the premier children's acts the state has to offer. Tricia and the Toonies provide three shows, each different and each relevant. One show focuses on the basics of agriculture, another show focuses on the environment and the third show shows the differences of ethnic heritage.
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.
We will be looking at the way the early pioneers lived, worked and enjoyed themselves in the early days of Minnesota. Repairing a log cabin on the grounds, showing how metal work was done and explaining how early lumberjack camps worked will be a great educational experience. Also the sound of the music of the early descendants of the area will be greatly enjoyed.
The Polk County Fair is proposing to use the Legacy funding to provide the Free Stage audience with a unique musical experience. The first act is entitled the "The Woodpicks." They are a classic blue grass band using instruments familiar with blue grass, fiddle, stand-up bass, and banjo. The second act is called "the Radio Stars." It is a classic country western group that plays old time classics.
