The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting applicants for its Natural and Scenic Area Grants to increase, protect and enhance natural and scenic areas.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 03/31/2022
Size of the Grant: $500,000
Details:
The Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program assists local governments and school districts in acquiring fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition to protect high quality natural and/or scenic areas. Public access should be provided to the extent necessary to allow users to experience the natural and scenic qualities protected. High levels of development or active use are not appropriate.
There are two sources of funding for the Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program: federal and state funds. Federal funds come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Federal funding available for FY 2023 has not yet been allocated but should be at least $2 million for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and the Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program.
Funding Information
Grants are reimbursed based up to 50 percent of the total eligible costs. The maximum grant award is $500,000 (for a total project of $1,000,000). The local match can consist of cash or the value of materials, labor, and equipment usage by the local sponsor or by donations or any combination thereof.
Eligible Projects
- Fee title acquisition of natural or scenic areas.
- Permanent easement acquisition of natural or scenic areas.
- Minimal betterment activities are eligible as part of an acquisition project including site surveying, boundary signage, and immediate measures needed to stabilize the site and ensure the safety of users.
- Active restoration efforts are eligible as part of an acquisition project that would significantly improve the site’s natural resource values.
Eligibility Criteria
- Cities, counties, townships, and school districts.
Note: The applicant must be the current or intended owner and manager of the property to be acquired or developed. Multi-organization collaboration is not required for this program.
For more information, visit Natural and Scenic Area Grants.
