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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.14.07 meeting packet _______n_______ ;;{ C I T Y o F NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planner SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes - October 10, 2007 DATE: November 14,2007 INTRODUCTION The Commission is asked to review and approve the minutes from the last meeting. DISCUSSION Please share any changes to the minutes at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED A motion, second and vote are necessary to approve the minutes. Attachment Minutes __n______~ 1 2 3 4 5 6 REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING 7 OCTOBER 10, 2007 8 MINUTES 9 10 11 The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Vice 12 Chairman Gretchen Sabel, October 10, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown 13 Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. 14 15 Commissioners present: Gretchen Sabel, Jody Keppers, Jim Olson, Winslow Holasek 16 (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), Bruce Perry and Kim Kovich (arrived at 17 7:31 p.m.) 18 Commissioners absent: Deric Deuschle 19 Also present: City Planner, Courtney Bednarz 20 21 22 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 23 24 September 12, 2007 25 26 Commissioner Sabel indicated Chairman Deric Deuschle's name was spelled wrong. 27 28 September 26, 2007 29 30 Commissioner Perry indicated the minutes show Commissioner Olson both absent and present. 31 32 Motion by Perry, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 33 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Deischle, Holasek, and Kovich) vote. 34 35 36 DISCUSS CHANGES TO PARKS AND OPEN SPACE CHAPTER OF THE 37 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 38 39 40 Commissioner Sabel indicated she would like to go through the changes and finalize them at this 41 meeting if possible. 42 43 Commissioner Olson wondered what the Parks Commission thought about this. Mr. Bednarz stated 44 they have reviewed and are satisfied with the chapter. 45 46 Commissioner Olson wondered if they should add the two million dollars on page three after the 47 bond referendum. Commissioner Keppers thought this wasn't necessary. Commissioner Perry 48 agreed with that. ---------- Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - October 10, 2007 Page 2 1 2 Commissioner Perry thought they were going to leave off educational in the last bullet point in the 3 list. Commissioner Keppers thought this was a catch all to include all other things. This would 4 include marginal items that could be taken into consideration. 5 6 Commissioner Sabel thought they should take out "Natural" in the Natural buffer area on page 3. 7 8 Mr. Bednarz thought when they read items IV and V they seem to overlap each other. Commissioner 9 Olson thought they decided to cross out "along trail corridors" in the new item IV. 10 11 Commissioner Keppers thought item b was there to set up the second step they will be taking which 12 will be setting up scoring and evaluation of how they will score the sites. He thought they should 13 think up some subheadings under this. Commissioner Perry thought this could be done after the 14 Comprehensive Plan because they do not want to be too firm in the plan. Commissioner Keppers 15 thought item b needed to be a little better defined. He suggested they state the Open Space 16 Commission will establish a system for the selection of sites. 17 18 Commissioner Sabel suggested they reword the first sentence in item b to read "The City of Andover 19 will select sites for open space preservation based on the number and vWl:le of the evaluation criteria 20 present. Other factors may be considered, including the amount of similar resources that exist, the 21 location of the area, the amount of funding available, and others. The Open Space Commission will 22 establish an objective svstem for the recommended selection of sites." 23 24 Commissioner Olson wondered if they would ever send anything to the City Council including 25 negative recommendations. Commissioner Keppers thought it would depend on the context of why 26 they were evaluating something. Commissioner Olson wondered ifthey would ever initiate contact. 27 Mr. Bednarz described the relationship of advisory commissions to the Council. 28 29 Commissioner Kovich arrived at 7:31 p.m. 30 31 Commissioner Sabel thought item ii under item a on page 4 should read "The area is sufficient in 32 size to preserve and enhance natural resources." She asked if the group needed to deal with Park 33 Land Site Selection Criteria. Mr. Bednarz indicated they did not but if they wanted to they could 34 insert something in there and then get Park Commission concurrence with it. 35 36 Commissioner Olson stated on the top of page five, item viii refers to open space corridors or other 37 parks and he wondered if this should be changed. Commissioner Keppers indicated the Park 38 Commission will provide a link to it and he thought this is acknowledging there is interplay between 39 the parks and open space. 40 41 Commissioner Sabel asked if Mr. Bednarz could expand on the Public Controls or Ownership 42 section. Mr. Bednarz explained that it was language from the previous Compo Plan that seems to 43 duplicate the goals and policies. The commission decided this section could be deleted. 44 Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - October 10, 2007 Page 3 1 Commissioner Kovich wondered what eminent domain meant under City purchase. Mr. Bednarz 2 stated they would not use bond funds for something like this. Commissioner Sabel thought this 3 could be worded differently. 4 5 Commissioner Kovich thought they should put in a policy indicating the land that is purchased 6 cannot be used for other things besides open space so there are not any problems in the future. An 7 easement should be placed on open space land. 8 9 Mr. Bednarz thought it could be placed on page under goal 2, policies, bullet point two. 10 Commissioner Keppers wondered if there were some instances where they would not want a 11 conservation easement. 12 13 Commissioner Kovich stated they will want to have a conservation easement on the property to 14 protect it in the future. Mr. Bednarz did not think there would be a problem with having a 15 conservation easement on land. 16 17 Commissioner Sabel thought item I under section b should have Park Dedication listed if they are 18 going to use it for Parks and Open Space. 19 20 Commissioner Sabel wondered if they should reword the heading to state "Methods of Parks and 21 Open Space Acquisition." 22 23 Commissioner Sabel thought they should add another item to the list "Actions by charitable 24 organizations and foundations" and strike foundations from item vii. Also delete item iii "State 25 purchase" . 26 27 Mr. Bednarz reviewed the next steps regarding the Comprehensive Plan review. 28 29 Mr. Bednarz indicated he included the Washington County Open Space Evaluation Criteria in the 30 packet for the Commission review. 31 32 OTHER BUSINESS 33 34 a. Next Meeting 35 36 November meeting: 37 38 . Feedback from Planning Commission meeting of November 13 39 . Start funding resources discussion regarding list from Anoka Conservation District 40 . Start evaluation criteria list 41 42 December meeting: 43 44 . Wrap up funding resources discussion - --.--.--- Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes - October 10, 2007 Page 4 1 . Continue evaluation criteria list 2 . Start to work on the identification and selection process 3 4 Commissioner Sabel wondered if there was any reason to have Trust for Public Land come and talk 5 to them. Mr. Bednarz thought that was a good idea. He hoped they could work with some of these 6 organizations to help them with acquiring land. 7 8 9 Motion by Olson, Seconded by Keppers, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting 10 adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 11 12 Respectfully submitted, 13 14 Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary 3 C 1 T Y o Ii' NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planner SUBJECT: Review Feedback from November 13th Public Forum DATE: November 14,2007 INTRODUCTION The Commission asked for an item to be placed on the agenda to discuss last night's public forum. DISCUSSION The discussion will be held by the Commission at the meeting. ACTION REQUESTED The Commission will need to determine if any action needs to be taken for this item. Respectfully submitted, /i; &OOMZ - -- --- ----- ---- ~ ~NDbVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planm~ SUBJECT: Review Funding Opportunities DATE: November 14, 2007 INTRODUCTION The Commission requested a summary of funding sources. DISCUSSION The primary source of additional funding for the city is the Minnesota DNR. A list of the programs is attached. Detail sheets for the most relevant programs follow the table in the attachments. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a variety of grants intended to preserve native plants and habitat for threatened, rare and endangered species. http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Grants The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a targeted watersheds grant program that funds projects with multiple partnerships and innovative protection and restoration techniques. A grant application would need to be made jointly by the city, watershed district(s) and others. http://www.epa.govltwg/twg basic.html The City could apply directly to the Legislative Citizens Committee on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). However, applications for projects that are eligible for other grants will not be accepted (LCCMR funds the DNR, BWSR and other programs). More information is available at: http://www.lccmrJeg.mnl2008Process.html Dakota County was able to achieve a favorable 2008 recommendation with an interesting application (attached). There are other specialized and usually smaller grant opportunities that a project may be eligible for depending on the specific goals of the project. More wor.k is needed to identify all of these that exist. It should also be noted that property owners are eligible for a variety of programs through the DNR, BWSR, U.S. Department of Agriculture and others. The city, although not eligible, should promote these programs in all areas identified as having valuable natural resources, and if requested, should assist property owners in the process. The University of Minnesota Extension Service has an excellent publication listing available programs at: www.extension.umn.edu/distributionlnaturalresources/DD5946.html. The Anoka Conservation District, local watersheds and Anoka County are also eligible for these funding sources. Partnerships to make applications for these programs may also be possible. Funding can also be solicited from nonprofit organizations, foundations and individuals. Many of these have specific and different priorities, but some are compatible. A list of foundations published by the Minnesota Council on Foundations is available at: http://www.mcf.org/mcf/links/mn grant.htm Attachments DNR Financial Assistance Program Matrix Detail Sheets ACTION REQUESTED The Commission is asked to discuss and add to this list. -- --- -- ----- ------- --- --- 5 ~NDbVE~ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Andover Open Space Advisory Commission FROM: Courtney Bednarz, City Planne~ SUBJECT: Review Evaluation CriteriaIRanking System DATE: November 14,2007 INTRODUCTION Now that the site evaluation criteria have been established, it is time to determine how they will be applied. DISCUSSION Staff has prepared a draft scoring matrix based on the evaluation criteria and examples from other sources. The Commission is asked to discuss whether this approach is worth pursuing or what approach it would like to use to apply these criteria to properties as they are considered for open space preservation. ACTION REOUESTED Please discuss how the evaluation criteria will be applied. Attachment Draft Scoring Matrix Washington County Example ~NDbVE~ Open Space Evaluation and Site Selection Criteria DRAFT Scoring Matrix Criteria (Scoring Methodology) Score 1 Sensitive Groundwater Area a Wellhead Protection Area b Within Subwatershed Adjacent to Lakes or Coon Creek c Adjacent to DNR Wetland 2 Natural Hydrological System a Comparative Subwatershed Analvsis Score 3 Native Plant Communities a Identified in DNR Subsection Profile of Anoka Sand Plain b Size of Area Greater than 5 acres Greater than 1 acre Up to 1 acre c Quality of Area HiQh Qualitv Medium Quality Low Quality 4 Buffer Adjacent To Lakes, Streams And Wetlands a Width 100 feet or greater b Width greater than 50 feet c Width Greater than 16.5 feet 5 Buffer Adjacent To Upland Natural Plant And Animal Communities a Width 100 feet or greater b Width greater than 50 feet c Width Qreater than 16.5 feet 6 Lands Important as Wildlife Habitat And Corridors a Contains Habitat of Native Animal Species Greater than 5 acres Greater than 1 acre Up to 1 acre b Connects Areas of Habitat of Native Animal Species Width Greater than 100 feet Width Less than 100 feet 7 Threatened or Endangered Species of Plants or Animals a Site Documented bv DNR NHIS Data 8 Other Notable Features (Historical, Educational, Archaeological, Aesthetic, Other) a As documented on a case bv case basis 9 The area to be protected is sufficient in size to preserve and enhance natural resources Yes or No The area presents an opponumty to protect significant n&rural 10 resources that would otherwise be negatively affected by development or negligence Yes or No 11 The area provides opportunities for passive recreation and observation of the natural environment Yes or No 12 The area provides views of the natural environment along transportation corridors including roads and trails Yes or No ---------- WASHINGTON COUNTY LAND AND WATER LEGACY PROGRAM PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals for the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program. At its sole discretion, the county reserves the right to reject any or aU proposals. L GENERAL For parcels to be considered for the acquisition and improvement of the land or an interest in the land through the Land and Water Legacy Program it must meet one of the program purposes: improving water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams; protecting drinking water sources; purchasing parldands, including trail corridors"; preserving wetlands and woodlands; and protecting land along water bodies from development The following factors should be present for a parcel to be considered for the Land and Water Legacy Program.. A. Purchase of Parkland and Trail Corridors Acquisition ofland or interests in land within the mapped boundary of actively developing county parks and trail corridors will be considered outside the competitive process. For these parcels, the county's highest priority is for fee acquisition. When the landowner is not willing to sell fee title, the county may pursue a partial interest in the property through the purchase of a conservation easement. B. Competitive Purchase of Development Rights Process A voluntary application is submitted by the landowner or on the landowner's behalf. The applicant is willing to sell or place a permanent conservation easement on the parcel. The criteria contained herein will be used to prioritize applications and determine which projects to pursue. C. Opportunity Purchases The county may act upon a proposal needing immediate action without going through the Competitive Purchase of Development Rights Process. These projects must have time constraints such as a limited time to purchase an interest in the land due to imminent sale or development or a limited time to use or apply for outside funding. D. Local Matching Grant Program The following criteria shall be met for a local unit of government to receive funds from the Purchase of Development Rights Local Matching Grant Program: (1) The county will approve funding on a parcel-by-parcel basis; and (2) The funds are to be used to protect property consistent with an officially adopted land protection plan or policy; and (3) To be eligible for the funds, the local unit of government must demonstrate a commitment to raising funds to cover at least 50% of the cost of the project (eligible costs include interests in property as well as any real estate transaction costs); and (4) The owner of the property must be willing to have the county or another unit of government hold a perpetual conservation easement over the parcel that limits future development of the parcel; and 1 (5) Payment to the local unit of government shall be made after the costs are incurred and paid for upon receipt of an invoice and proper documentation of the costs. II. ECOWGICAL FUNCflONS Natural areas and other open spaces provide a wide variety of environmental benefits to people. Potential parcels, if protected, could improve surface and ground water resources, stabilize soils, preserve woodlands and create natural flood storage capacity. Current and anticipated use of lands adjacent to the site should not, over time, significantly diminish the ecological quality of the site. A. Shoreland Frontage The parcel is located adjacent to an intermittent or perennial stream, river or lake. Ravine drains into water body: low Less than 1/4 mile offrontage: mediwn More than 1/4 mile offrontage: high B. Ground Water Sensitivity The parcel is located within an area identified on the Washington County Geologic Atlas as sensitive to ground water contamination. High sensitivity to ground water contamination: mediwn Very high sensitivity to ground water contamination: high Within a wellhead protection area: high c. Erosion-prone Soils and Steep Slopes The parcel is identified as being erosion prone or a steep slope according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service classifications. These are soils with a class greater than or equal to "5e". Some coverage: low About 50% coverage: mediwn 100% coverage: high D. County Biological Survey Sites The parcel contains one or more native plant communities, is relatively undisturbed and provides habitat for a wide variety of resident and/or migratory wildlife. The presence of a "state listed" species is an added value. These areas are identified on the National Areas Map created by the Department of Natural Resources Minnesota County Biological Survey project. County Biological Survey Site: low County Biological Survey Area: mediwn E. Forest Interior The parcel is a relatively large tract with a high interior to edge ratio. The parcel is located within a large block offorest interior, as shown on the "Forest Interior Criteria" map of the Green Corridor Project analysis. Some woods: low About 50% woods: mediwn 100% woods: high m. LoCATION A. Parcel Size Relative size is considered in the ranking. Multiple contiguous parcels under single ownership or a single application would be considered together. < 10 acres: low 10-40 acres: mediwn > 40 acres: high 2 -- ---- ---~ --------------- B. Connectivity The parcel is near or adjacent to other land which has already been permanently protected from development through a conservation easement, deed restriction, or public ownership. The parcel provides a corridor that promotes the movement of wildlife. Within 1/2 mi of private conservation easement or public protected land: low Adjacent to protected land and creates a corridor of local significance (shorter): medium Adjacent to protected land and creates a corridor of county significance (longer, contained in a state, regional or county land protection plan): high c. Buffer The parcel adds value to an existing public facility by buffering the facility from encroaching development The parcel protects the adjacent natural areas, important open spaces, rivers, streams and lakes by reducing current or futw"e negative impacts. Some visual or ecological buffer: low Significant visual or ecological buffer: medium Adjacent to a county park: high D. Imminence of Threat The parcel is threatened by development pressure and fragmentation. Only a short period of time may be available to protect an area from being permanently lost or degraded. Is in no threat of development: low Only a short period of time may be available to protect the area from being permanently lost or degraded: medium Has been offeredfor sale; other offers have been made on the property: high E. Showcase The parcel, because of its size, location, ecological characteristics, or history, can further natural resource protection and provide attention, identity and stature to the Land and Water Legacy Program. The parcel is a good 'showcase' for the program e.g. it is visible to and/or useable by the public; it creates ecological connections and corridors of natural space; or it demonstrates good water quality practices. No opportunity to shawcase the program: law Has one of the 'shawcase' characteristics: medium Has more than one of the 'shawcase' characteristics: high IV. PuBuc PuRPoSE Many natural areas have the potential to serve many public purposes. In order to maximize the public investment, propriety will be given to parcels that meet the needs of multiple partners. A. Public Use/ Access Applicants who are willing to provide public access to the parcel for purposes of education, stewardship or recreation will receive additional consideration. Public use allowed but will not be in public ownership: law In public ownership but will offer limited recreational or educational opportunities: medium In public awnership allowing unrestricted use, and enhances current recreational or educational opportunities: high 3 -- ------ ----- - ------ ------ B. Multiple Public Purpose The parcel has ability to serve multiple public purposes, such as water management, recreation, environmental education, etc. One purpose: low 2 purposes: medium 3 or more pwposes: high C. Preservation Plans The parcel is within an area that is included in a land preservation program or plan (e.g. wild and scenic river district, local greenways plan, conservancy zone district, historic preservation district, scenic roadway, county park, etc.). The parcel is located within a corridor designated as scenic by congressional or state legislative action, by local unit of government resolution or ordinance, or some other formal method. Existing corridors include St. Croix Riverway, Mississippi National River Recreation Area and County Road 21. Within a local plan: low Designation is in place: medium Regulation or other tools such as zoning in place to protect the surrounding area: high D. Historical Characteristics The parcel is listed as a historical site on the State Register of Historic Sites or the parcel has been registered as a Century Farm. Preserves a segment of the county's cultural landscape: low Centw'y farm or other historical feature: medium On national or state register: high E. Local Support Protection of the parcel is supported by the local community and other governmental agencies, and other interested groups. Some support: low moderate support: medium great amount of support: high V. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Additional factors may warrant consideration in evaluating the project. Such factors will be reviewed., evaluated, and documented on a case-by-case basis. VI. FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL AsSISTANCE Some parcels may quality for other financial resources such as contributions of in-kind services or matching funds from other public agencies; private or non-profit sources of funds; or a landowner willing to accept a payment ofless than the value of the property or development rights. If other resources have been committed, a letter or other documentation of the commitment must accompany the application. If other resources will be available at a future time, a statement describing the availability of the resources should accompany the application. A. Likelihood for Leveraging No opportunity for leveragingfimds has been identified: low Funding may be available from another organization: medium Funding has been committed by another organization: high B. Percent of Leverage A portion of the total project cost is contributed from non county sources. More than 0 but <50%: low 51% - 75%: medium > 75%: high 4 C. Technical Assistance Another organization is contributing staff time to complete the real estate transaction activities, the project documentation or the landowner negotiations. Some county staff time is reduced by the assistance of others: low County staff time is needed to coordinate the activities to 'ensure completion: medium Minimal county staff time is needed: high VIT. LIABILITY/fIMELINESS The parcel will not become an unacceptable legal or financial liability due to known public health or safety concerns (e.g. pollution concerns, abandoned wells, open dump sites, hazardous waste, unoccupied or degraded structures), or real estate problems or issues which would prevent reaching an agreement (e.g. title problems, survey problems, property encroachments, boundary disputes). 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(1) (ii' ..... 0.: :c lJl - ---- ---- - - - - ----------------- - Metro Greenways planning grants Program Purpose: To support implementation agencies in carrying out comprehensive natural resource inventories and local greenway plans in order to create a regional network of protected, restored, and connected lands, Eligible Projects: Baseline comprehensive natural resource inventories and land cover mapping; development of greenway/natural area plans which involve public input and which protect, connect or restore high quality habitats; additional surveyor planning work to complete or revise existing natural resource plans; community workshops to identify and prioritize locally and regionally important natural resources; development of management plans for high quality natural Who May Apply: Cities, counties, townships, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, soil and water conservation districts, and special park and conservation districts. Priorities: Project proposals should address the fOllowing elements: 1. Demonstration of how the proposed project will help protect, restore, or connect natural areas and open spaces 2. Discussion of the regional and local ecological significance of the project area 3. Collaboration with other public and private entities 4. Public support 5. Sound methodology and inclusive planning processes, Level of Assistance: Up to 50% of eligible costs with a maximum grant amount of $50,000. Average grant amounts will be about $25,000. Currently, the program has $200,000 annually to distribute throughout the seven county Metro area. General Information: The Metro Greenways Planning Grants Program, established by the 1998 Minnesota Legislature, identifies and plans sensitively for natural areas requiring protection, restoration, or buffering from future encroachment. Recreational opportunities may be accommodated in these areas if appropriate. How to Apply: For more information or to receive a grant application check the Metro Greenways pages or contact: Sharon Pfeifer, DNR Metro Regional Planner 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 Phone: (651) 772-7982 Fax: (651) 772-7977 E-mail: sharon. pfeifer@dnr.state.mn,us Related DNR Programs: Environmental Partnerships Grant Program Conservation Partners Grant Program Minnesota Re Leaf Program Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Critical Habitat Match Program Other Related Programs: Mississippi National River Recreation Area (MNRRA), National Service Kate Hanson, (651) 290-4160, ext, 223 Metro Greenways protection & restoration General information: The Metro Greenways program, created by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1998, demonstrates the continued importance that Minnesotans place on protection and managing important natural areas. For more information check the Program purpose: Protect, connect, restore and manage a regional network of natural areas, parks and other open spaces interconnected by ecological corridors in the seven county metropolitan region through collaborative public/private partnership. Eligible projects: For the 2007 funding cycle, financial and technical assistance is available for land protection and restoration projects. Potential sites must have high overall ecological significance, involve willing landowners, be supported by interested parties (nearby residents, local community, elected officials, etc.) and not exceed the funding limits of the program. Level of assistance: conservation easements, and fee title acquisition will be considered. In most instances, sites with significant financial involvement by other participants will receive higher consideration. Who may apply: Cities, counties, townships, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, soil and water conservation districts, special park and conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations may nominate sites located within the Metro in the seven county metro area, plus Isanti, Chisago, Goodhue, Wright and Sherburne counties. Priorities: - - - . . packet.) For example, sites which demonstrate regional ecological significance, have high levels of community support including financial involvement will receive high consideration. Timeline: Applications are due by March 31, 2007. Projects will be evaluated, ranked, and funding recommendations announced early summer 2007, contingent on final legislative approval of the overall program funding level. How to apply Download, complete and submit: Site protection grant application materials - deadline: March 31, 2007 MS Word version nomination form (1.5 Mb) and site selection criteria (36 kb) PDF version nomination form and site selection criteria (55 kb) Site restoration grant application materials - deadline March 31, 2007 MS Word Version nomination form (1.5 Mb) PDF version nomination form (55 kb) Further information Kate Drewry, Metro Greenways Program Coordinator Minnesota DNR 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106 Phone: (651) 772-7946 Fax: (651) 772-7977 E-mail: kate.drewry@dnr.state.mn.us Related DNR Programs: Environmental Partnerships Grant Program Conservation Partners Grant Program Metro Greenways Planning Grants Program Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Critical Habitat Match Program Other Related Programs: Big Rivers Partnership through Great River Greening Phone: (651) 665-9500 Green Corridor Project through 1000 Friends of MN Phone: (651) 312-1000 Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program Phone: (952) 891-7030 - -- .-- -- .--- -- -- ..-- .--- Natural and Scenic Area grants (updated 10/18/07) Program purpose To increase, protect and enhance natural and scenic areas. For more information, see the Natural and Scenic Area Program pages. How it works Provides matching grants to local units of government for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition of natural and Eligible applicants Cities, counties, townships and school districts. Eligible projects Eligible projects include fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition. Minimal betterment activities are eligible as part of the proposed acquisition project and include interpretive, educational or boundary signing Minimum requirements Project proposals must have a total project cost of at least $10,000. Program funding A maximum of 50% of the total eligible project costs not to exceed a maximum grant of $500,000. Applicants must be able to fund at least 50% of the total project costs. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made. Applicants are eligible to receive more than one grant. Significant progress must be completed on active projects before an additional proposal can be submitted. Grant awards The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the spring of 2008. Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2008. Project period Projects cannot begin until all requested final documentation has been submitted and an agreement between the applicant and the state has been signed. Project start dates may be in the fall of 2008 or later, depending on the funding available and the project ranking. Funded projects must begin promptly after an agreement has been signed. All work must be completed no later than December 31,2010. To apply To receive an application, please submit an Application Request Form. We recommend that the Application Request Form be submitted no later than January 31, 2008. The completed application is due on March 31, 2008. Further information: Grants Manager Local Grants Program Department of Natual Resources 500 Lafayette Road, Box 10 St. Paul, MN 55155-4010 Fax: (651) 296-6047 . Related DNR Programs: Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Critical Habitat Grant Program, Metro Greenways Protection & Restoration Other Related Programs: None. -- --. -- Environmental and Conservation Partnerships Grant Program (Updated 10/18/07) Program purpose: To encourage the enhancement of fish, wildlife, and native plant habitats; research and surveys of fish and wildlife directly related to specific habitat improvement projects; and to encourage environmental projects and related education activities through cooperation by private organizations and local governments. Eligible applicants: Private organizations, counties, cities, townships, and school districts. Eligible project categories: Habitat Enhancement projects include: restoration of native plant communities; reforestation; protection of wetlands; and abatement of soil erosion. Plantings must consist only of native species. Research/Survey projects include: monitoring environmental indicators and researching methods to conserve or enhance fish, wildlife and native plant habitat. These researchlsurvey projects must be directly related to a Environmental Service projects include: clean up of natural areas such as streams, lakes and wetlands, and developing educational exhibits that demonstrate environmental conservation principles. Other creative project ideas that meet the program purpose above are encouraged. Ineligible activities include: curriculum development; construction of trails, buildings, and boardwalks; project administration, overhead, and indirect costs. Matching funds required: Grants are awarded for a maximum of 50% of the total project costs. The maximum grant award is $20,000. Applicants ml!st be able to fund at least 50% of the total project costs from non-state sources. These matching funds can be in the form of cash, volunteer labor, and in-kind contributions of materials, equipment, and services. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis. The recipient must incur and pay expenses before they can be Project period: Projects cannot begin until all requested final documentation has been submitted and an agreement between the applicant and the state has been signed. Project start dates may be in the fall of 2008 or later, depending on the funding available and the project ranking. Funding projects must begin promptly after an agreement has been To apply To receive an application. please submit an Application Reauest Form. We recommend that the Application Reauest Form be submitted no later than January 31. 2008. The completed application is due bv March 31. 2008. Further information Grants Manaaer Local Grants Program Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road, Box 10 St. Paul, MN 55155-4010 Fax: (651) 296-6047 Related DNR programs Metro Greenwavs Protection & Restoration Minnesota ReLeaf Program Other related programs The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance offers a number of financial assistance opportunities. To learn more. check their web site. or call them at (651) 296-3417 or (800) 657-3843.