Funding Available for Conservation Practices on Your Land
By Marilyn Shy, Kalkaska Conservation District
Do you have a conservation project on your property that you have been wanting to do, but need just a little financial help to get started?
The Kalkaska Conservation District (KCD) has a mini-grant program that might be able to help! Grants will range from $500-$10,000 each. The projects must be directly tied to improving the health of Kalkaska County’s water, soil, natural resources and environment.
The following activities are listed in order of funding priority:
Tree planting or reforestation after harvest
Erosion Control
Establishment of pollinator or rain gardens, natural shoreline protection, or riparian buffers
Improving compliance with Natural River Zoning Standards
Hands-on outdoor natural resources education or service project
Agriculture education or community/school garden expansion
Natural resources educational signage for public parks, trails, walkways
Other
There is a minimum match requirement of 20% for each proposed project. Match can be cash or in-kind services. Eligible applicants include individuals, local school districts, private landowners, Native American tribes, libraries, townships, local municipalities, non-profit organizations, lake associations, school groups, and other community groups. Proposals will be evaluated on positive impact to the environment, short and long-term goals of the project, overall feasibility, provisions for maintenance, and promotion of the project to the general public.
The application deadline for this round of mini-grants is September 15th. Applications received after this deadline will be considered in the following round of grants. More information and application materials can be found on KCD’s website: kalkaskaconservation.org, or you may call the District office at (231) 258-3307.