GLENWOOD -- Lakeshore or riverfront property owners in designated areas of southern and western Minnesota are eligible to apply for lakescaping demonstration project grants for projects to be completed during the spring of 2006.
"Lakescaping is a relatively new approach that shoreland owners can take to help improve water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and the aesthetic appearance of their shoreline," explained Lindy Ekoa, Department of Natural Resources Shoreland Habitat Specialist at Glenwood.
The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources has approved $560,000 for the Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality effort since 2000. It recently approved an extension of the project with an additional $205,000 in funding.
Project areas eligible in southern and western Minnesota are in the Upper Minnesota River (parts of Traverse, Big Stone, Swift, and Lac qui Parle counties), the Alexandria Moraine Project Area (parts of Pope, Todd, and Kandiyohi counties), and the Big Woods North Project Area (parts of Meeker, Wright, and Sherburne counties).
According to Ekola, lakescaping involves using a combination of aquatic plants, native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers as an alternative to rip-rap, sand blankets or mowing down to the water's edge. "Using various types of vegetation along shorelines helps prevent erosion and run-off and can be a real plus for water quality and fish and wildlife," Ekola stated.
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"And once established, it's a lot less work for the property owner."
In order to be considered for a lakescaping demonstration project, sites must be located within the targeted corridor areas noted above. DNR staff will evaluate the sites for suitability and then select approximately four to six sites statewide for restoration next spring.
Project grants provide up to $3,500 of plants and services. Matching funds of $500 are required from the successful applicant as well as $500 of "in kind" contributions such as materials or labor.
Applications will be accepted until Nov. 30. For additional information or to nominate a project, contact Ekola at: DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, 23070 N. Lakeshore Dr., Glenwood, MN 56334, call (320) 634-4573 or email Lindy.ekola@dnr.state.mn.us .
