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.
A partnership of local, state and federal organizations has used multiple funding sources to target nonpoint pollution reduction efforts to the Hay Creek Watershed, a 24-square-mile area in Becker County that features several high- quality lakes. Clean Water Legacy grants were received in 2008 by the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District and in 2011 by the Becker SWCD. The grants leveraged both local and federal dollars, and it built on previous efforts to identify locations where conservation projects could provide the greatest benefits for water quality and wildlife habitat.
Terrestrial invasive plants such as buckthorn, wild parsnip, garlic mustard, and others are becoming widespread threats throughout many sites in Minnesota. Present chemical and mechanical control methods tend to be costly, effective only in the short-term, or have other negative environmental impacts. However, an alternative practice of using grazing animals for invasive species management is used successfully in many parts of the western United States.
In an attempt to protect existing exceptional lake and wetland resources, the Cormorant Lakes Watershed District (CLWD) is proactively implementing erosion and sediment control practices. At the present time, since none of the lakes are impaired but development pressure is increasing, a non-degradation strategy is necessary to ensure the desired long-term water quality in the District's lakes.
Bejou, Shoe and Dahlberg lakes are located in the upper reaches of one of the most popular fisheries in the region, the Cormorant Lakes chain.
Water quality issues impacting Bejou Lake were identified through the use of aerial photography. Results determined that a significant amount of sediment was being deposited into Bejou Lake from the 84 acre adjacent watershed. Several areas where water, sediment and erosion control basins could greatly reduce the amounts of sediments being delivered to the lake were identified.
This grant is intended to provide access to cultural music of this area of the state. We are inviting in musical groups for our old-time music afternoon and a special concert in our north entertainment area. These groups include The Concord Singers, The Marv Nissel Band, and the Over-60 band. We are trying to pass on old-time music to younger audiences and keep the tradition of this music as a part of the fair. We also have a fair museum, and the doors are sticking making it difficult for people to get in. This is a controlled environment building so we need to keep the doors closed.
1) We are intending to book a family comedy/magic performance by the name of "Mixed Nuts". They are based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. , 2) We have a One Room School house that is in need of repair and paint. We are intending to use the remaining money from the legacy grant to fulfill the needed attention to this historical attraction at our Becker County Fair.
We intend to hire internationally renowned potter, Jim Ulmer, to demonstrate and explain the historic nature and science of creating usable ceramics and glazes. We intend to hire Andrew Osten, a local steam engine tractor owner to bring his tractor to the fair for steam engine demonstrations. We intend to hire Jody Marquardt, a locally known, publicized metal worker (blacksmith) who creates historical items out of metal.
Each year we try to highlight some form of the arts that the public may not get to see often. In 2024, we will be featuring a glass blowing demonstration in our Family Zone. The Glass artists do shows demonstrating techniques and create a piece for the audience to see each step off the process. They do multiple shows daily between 10am to 9pm.
