In This Issue
Apply through Dec. 7 for funding aimed at increasing outdoor experiences, education and stewardship
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce another phase of the No Child Left Inside grants. These grants help more children cast a line, study animal tracks, hike or bike, or simply learn more about nature.
?This successful outreach grant program continues to send resources to schools and organizations to help get children outdoors,? said Jeff Ledermann, DNR education and skills team supervisor. ?These grants help boost outdoor programs and initiatives all around the state and especially in communities with limited opportunities to connect with nature.?
Public entities and nonprofit organizations serving youth younger than 18 can apply for No Child Left Inside grants.
Grant funds will help implement the vision of the Minnesota Children?s Outdoor Bill of Rights? (mn.gov/children-outdoors/) for each and every Minnesota child to experience outdoor recreational activities and discover the natural environment regardless of where they live, learn, or play
Starting Thursday, Oct. 20, the DNR will accept applications for both mini grants (less than $5,000) or larger grants ($5,000-$25,000). The request for proposals will be available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/No-Child-Grants). Applications will be accepted through 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Mini grant awards will be chosen by lottery, while larger grant awards will be selected using a competitive review process. Funding can be used for outdoor recreation equipment, transportation, and related natural resource education expenses.
The DNR will host an informational webinar at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to review grant requirements, the application process and to answer questions. Attendees must pre-register using the registration link on the ?Who should apply for No Child Left Inside grants? page?of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/No-Child-Grants/Who-Should-Apply.html). The webinar will be recorded and posted on the website for those who are unable to attend.
The 2021 Minnesota Legislature appropriated $900,000 from the state?s General Fund and the Heritage Enhancement Account of the Game and Fish Fund to continue the work of the No Child Left Inside grants program. Half of those funds were awarded to 44 mini grants and 16 larger grants in 2022, and this current application process will distribute the remaining funds available under this appropriation. For more information about the grant program, instructions for how to apply, and a link to the application or informational webinar registration, visit the?No Child Left Inside grants page of the DNR website?(mndnr.gov/no-child-grants).?Questions about these grants or the application process should be emailed to?[email protected]?with ?Grant Questions? in the subject line. People may also call 888-646-6367.
The DNR extends its thanks to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for the use of the ?No Child Left Inside? name.
###
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed reports of zebra mussels in Smith Lake, near Nelson in Douglas County, and in West Rabbit Lake, near Cuyuna in Crow Wing County.
Douglas County staff contacted the DNR after receiving a zebra mussel that was found on a dock being removed from Smith Lake for the season. A DNR invasive species specialist found a total of 10 zebra mussels during a follow-up search in four areas of Smith Lake.
Property owners on West Rabbit Lake contacted their lake association and posted information on social media about finding zebra mussels in the lake. A DNR invasive species specialist searched several areas of the lake and found at least one zebra mussel at each location. East Rabbit Lake, Clinker Lake and Turner Lake will also be listed for zebra mussels because they are connected to West Rabbit Lake.
?Lake property owners and lake service provider businesses can play an important role in detecting invasive species by carefully examining boats, docks and lifts when they are being removed from the water at the end of the season,? DNR Invasive Species Unit Supervisor Heidi Wolf said.
Lake property owners should carefully look for invasive species on the posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons and rafts that may have been submerged in water for an extended period.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
-
Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
-
Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
-
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
-
Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
-
Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one waterbody to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
-
Decontaminate watercraft and equipment ? find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Decon).
-
Spray with high-pressure water or rinse with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).
-
Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another waterbody.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist (mndnr.gov/Invasives/AIS/Contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/AIS).
###
|
? 
? 
? 
? 
