As of 11/1/2022, the CPL program has provided over 900 grants totaling $109 million to over 200 different grantee organizations, improving or protecting over 339,000 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 2018 there were 107 grants awarded- 18 metro grants, 20 traditional grants, and 69 Expedited Conservation Partners grants. Through these 107 grants, over 18,000 acres were restored, enhanced, or protected. Over $11M was awarded to organizations for projects.
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 Cottonwood River watershed is one of the last remaining watersheds to complete Cycle I of the Watershed Restoration & Protections Strategies (WRAPS) process. The scope of this project upon completion is have two reports developed; a Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies report and a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the entire watershed.
This project will establish a framework with County, Soil and Water Conservation District and watershed staff that will outline their involvement throughout the development of the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) for the Cottonwood River and Redwood River watersheds.
1: Homeward Bound Theater Company based out of Chanhassen, MN will be presenting Alfy's "World of Robotic Puppets" for our fairgoers to enjoy all four days of our fair. Their interaction with young and old is very entertaining., 2: The Lac qui Parle County Museum is located next to the fair grounds with access to it from our fairgrounds. They will be open all 4 days of our fair. Our museum has many ag related patents from our county residents along with antique machinery displays from around the county.
We will have the White Sidewalls Band and Sherwin Linton Band. Both bands are very popular. The Whitesidewalls are a band the Senior Citizens look forward to. It has been many years since Sherwin Linton has been at the Lyon County Fair.
Wanda the Clown plays Kazoo, ukulele, sings, juggles preforms magic, shares her sillness and fun with all ages. Wonda the Clown is with Homeward Bound Theater Company in Chanhassen, MN.
The Route 68 Band (Big Band Sounds) is a group of musicians from southwest Minnesota.
They will be our band for Senior Citizens Day.
