Grant funds available for habitat restoration projects!
HABITAT RESTORATION GRANTS
Habitat restoration grants are for projects that restore native plant and wildlife habitat and lead to a healthier ecosystem.
Grant funds for habitat restoration projects are available to:
- residents
- associations
- nonprofits
- schools
- businesses
- cities
Projects must be located within the boundaries of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (the District).
Check if you are located in the watershed district
Cost Share Information Session
Listen to this cost share information session to learn about the different types of grants available and how to apply!
Native Habitat Restorations
A native habitat restoration restores native plant communities, restores wildlife habitat, and may include other activities, such as invasive plant removal, that lead to a healthier ecosystem by growing plants native to Minnesota. A healthy ecosystem is one well suited to function naturally by doing things such as providing habitat, filtering water, and helping to regulate climate.
Landscaping does not qualify for habitat restoration grants. Landscaping alters land for aesthetics or human functionality. Landscaping is not considered habitat restoration and is not eligible for grant funding.
Bee lawns and fescue lawn conversions are not eligible for habitat restoration grant funding.
Shoreline buffers, raingardens and other projects that work to prevent pollution to our lakes and creek system are funded through our stewardship fund grants.
Eligible Projects
In order to be eligible for grant funds, the habitat restoration project must support one or more of the following goals:
- Improve water quality or increase the capacity of the watershed to store or infiltrate water
- Protect and preserve groundwater quality and quantity
- Preserve, protect, and restore native plant and wildlife habitats, with emphasis on projects adjacent to or near lakes, rivers, and wetlands
Projects must exceed minimum regulatory requirements (projects required by District permits are not eligible for cost share grants).
Application deadlines are May 15, 2023, and August 14, 2023, by 4 PM. Learn how to apply.
Funding Amounts
Grants are reimbursed for up to 50% of a project’s cost for materials, labor, engineering, and consulting fees. The minimum grant award is $500.
Maximum grant award:
- $3,000 for residential projects
- $5,000 for townhome, condominium, or lake associations
- $10,000 for commercial, government, or nonprofit projects
In 2023, the District will allocate a maximum of $50,000 for habitat restoration grants.
Required Grant Match
All habitat restoration grants are required to have a 50% match.
In-kind materials and services can be used as match. Landowner/volunteer labor is eligible as an in-kind contribution at $20 per hour.
Removal of vegetation and/or invasive species, including buckthorn removal, garlic mustard, turfgrass, etc. is not an eligible grant expense, but may be used as grant match.
Lifetime Funding Limits
A site can only receive one grant per year. The lifetime watershed district grant award limit a site can receive over multiple grant cycles are as follows:
- Residential: $10,000 lifetime per site
- Townhome, condominium, or lake associations: $40,000 lifetime per site
- Commercial, government, or nonprofit: $100,000 lifetime per site
Refer above for the maximum grant amount awarded per grant cycle.
Apply for a Grant
Funds are available in 2023. Application deadlines are May 15, 2023, and August 14, 2023, by 4 PM.
Plants
To be eligible for reimbursement, plants must be selected off a District plant list.
Restoration Plant List (Excel)
Restoration Plant List (Google Sheets)
Reporting Forms
Final Reports
If you have completed your grant project, a copy of the final report form is below. This form must be submitted to the District within 30 days of project completion.
Yearly Reports
If you are currently in the maintenance period of your grant agreement, a yearly report is required. This report must be submitted by December 30th each year for the duration of the maintenance period.
Cost Share Yearly Report Form (PDF)
Cost Share Yearly Report Form (Word)
In-Progress Reimbursement
The District will reimburse for cost share project expenses throughout the grant period upon submitting a progress report and receipts/paid invoices. The District will hold the final 10% of the grant until the project is successfully completed and a final report is submitted and approved.
Reimbursement Progress Report Form (PDF)
Reimbursement Progress Report Form (Word)
Questions?
Have questions or want to talk through a project idea? Contact Erica, Program & Project Manager, at 952-358-2276 or esniegowski@ninemilecreek.org.