NEWS RELEASE

April 5, 2011

Contact: 

Telly Mamayek, Communications Manager 
952-641-4508; tmamayek@minnehahacreek.org

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Launches Cost Share Grant Programs
Cash Grants Available for Projects That Protect Water Resources

Deephaven, Minn. –  As property owners make plans for their gardens and landscaping this spring, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is lending a helping hand.  It is kicking off a program that offers grants for projects that protect water resources by stabilizing shorelines and streambanks or utilizing stormwater best management practices (BMPs).

Polluted stormwater runoff is the biggest water quality problem in Minnesota and the country.  In a natural environment, most rainwater soaks into the ground or is captured by trees or other plants.  But in developed areas, rainwater runs off roads, parking lots and rooftops, carrying dirt, fertilizer, pesticides and other harmful material into lakes, streams and wetlands.  The poor water quality that results affects recreation, fish and wildlife, and reduces property values near affected lakes and streams.

“There is a real need to capture this runoff before it pollutes our valuable natural resources,” said Aldis Kurmis, MCWD Cost Share Specialist.  “We’re hoping these new grants will be an incentive for people to take action right in their own backyard.”

The MCWD’s Cost Share programs help property owners make improvements that prevent runoff from occurring.  Eligible projects for Stormwater BMP Cost Share grants include raingardens, which filter stormwater, and pervious pavement, which allows rain to pass through the material to a drainage system below.  Eligible projects for Shoreline and Streambank Stabilization Cost Share grants include native plant borders.  There are many benefits of using native plants along streambanks and shorelines.  Their roots filter and absorb polluted runoff, they prevent erosion by anchoring the soil and they beautify the shoreline. Their natural height and density also discourage geese, which are attracted to turf adjacent to water.

“There are several options people can take to enhance their property and help the environment at the same time,” Kurmis said. “Cost Share grants will be issued for up to 50 percent of a project’s cost, within maximum funding limits, so we encourage property owners to check out the program.”

Grants are available for improvements to private property including residential, business and private schools.  Shoreline and Streambank Cost Share grants also are available to public entities.   For more information, contact MCWD Cost Share Specialist Joe Barten at 952-641-4523 or jbarten@minnehahacreek.org.

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.

NEWS RELEASE

August 30, 2010

Contact: 

Telly Mamayek, Communications Manager 
952-641-4508; tmamayek@minnehahacreek.org

Call for Proposals
MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT FUND TO GRANT $100,000 FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INNOVATIVE PROJECTS THAT ADDRESS WATER STEWARDSHIP AND NEW METHODS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

DEEPHAVEN, MN – August 30, 2010 – The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District seeks grant proposals for Education and Innovation that it will award in January 2011 through the Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund. The fund currently has $100,000 available for projects within the District that create public awareness and education about water stewardship and that use innovative methods to improve water quality.

Representatives of schools, churches, lake associations, neighborhood associations, local businesses, and other community groups within the watershed are encouraged to submit their proposed projects that will improve the water quality of their local lakes and streams or encourage people to become better stewards of these vital environmental resources. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Applicants can submit a pre-proposal any time between now and Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Full proposals are due by Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Pre-proposals are encouraged, but not required. Both forms are available online.

Education Grants must result in greater public awareness of ways to improve water quality. These projects may include a water quality improvement project. Past examples of Education Grants include:

• Institute on the Environment. Institute on the Environment coordinated a team of University of Minnesota students, faculty, and local professionals to produce a film about citizen-based efforts to improve water quality in Powderhorn Lake. Community screenings will provide multiple perspectives, increase participation and promote watershed stewardship. ($11,470)
• Carver County Land & Water Services.  CCLWS worked with Boy Scout Troop 589 to install two demonstration raingardens in Minnewashta Park.  The gardens will restore native habitat, reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality, and show visitors the benefits and construction of a raingarden. ($7,350)

Innovation Grants must use new and innovative techniques for stormwater management, water quality improvement, or habitat enhancement. Past examples of Innovation Grants include:

• Metro Blooms.  Metro Blooms is completing the second of a three-year approach that includes new neighborhood and youth partnership and measurable improvements to Powderhorn Lake.  This program will develop and ongoing raingarden evaluation and maintenance program integrated with their successful Garden Evaluation and Recognition program. ($5,500)
• Western Hennepin County Pioneers Association.  WHCPA installed a green parking lot and interpretive signage outdoors at their building.  The sign will explain the technology of the parking lot, the need for stormwater management, and the natural resources features on the site. ($20,000)

About the Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund

The Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund was established in 2000 to honor the late MCWD employee and tireless advocate for environmental water quality issues. In 10 years, the fund has invested in more than 95 grants totaling $736,132.77 to schools, businesses and community organizations in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a community service component, promoting civic involvement by youth, families, and other citizens. All funded activities must be within the boundaries of the MCWD.

For details about the application process and past grant recipients, visit http://www.minnehahacreek.org/ckrieg.php.For more information, contact our education coordinator. 

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District                            

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.