NEW ULM -- A campaign to enroll additional lands in the Minnesota River basin into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is enlisting the help of a photographer whose passion for the watershed is well known.
Ron Bolduan, New Ulm, has devoted himself to photographing the natural beauty of the Minnesota River watershed since 1992. Beginning in 1998, he has been presenting slide shows and educational programs on the scenery, wildlife and river basin's environment to schools, civic groups and other organizations.
Bolduan has developed a photographic journey that looks at the success stories made possible by the CREP program in the basin. He is offering to present the photographic story to schools and other groups to promote the CREP program.
It offers pictorial look at the environments regenerated by CREP and the relationship of wildlife and their natural habitat. Along with a pictorial journey, he also offers a hands-on presentation of natural artifacts.
The Minnesota River Watershed Alliance is seeking to raise $7 million by December, 2007 to enroll additional acres of CREP in the watershed.
ADVERTISEMENT
CREP is a voluntary land retirement program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, and restore habitat, according to the Farm Services Agency.
The Minnesota River Watershed Alliance credits the program with making possible improvements in water quality and increasing wildlife habitat in the river basin.
The $7 million sought by the Alliance would allow for the enrollment of 15,000 acres. The campaign got a boost recently with the announcement that a foundation was awarding $250,000 to the campaign. It will be matched by another $500,000 in federal funds.
Schools or groups interested in Bolduan's presentation can contact him at 507-354-8367 or visit his website at www.experiencenature.com .
