Shoreline Restoration
Lakeshore management and restoration information
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a multitude of information regarding the ownership of shoreland along with its care and restoration possibilities. Below are some links to valuable information.
For the "A Guide for Buying and Managing Shoreland", click on the following link: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/guide/index.html
If you are planning to alter your shoreline, the DNR has created some information sheets which may be helpful to you. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alteration.html
The DNR has also developed "Restore Your Shore (RYS)" tool for shoreland owners and professionals to use in implementing shoreland restoration and protection projects: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/restoreyourshore/index.html
For information regarding harmful exotic aquatic plants, click on this link: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/shorelandmgmt/aquatic_plants_gardeners.pdf
Another source of information about helping fish & wildlife along the shore is a brochure entitled, "The Water's Edge." Click on this link for the .pdf version of it: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/shorelandmgmt/savewateredge.pdf
A guide to aquatic plant identification and management is found at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/apg/index.html
Information on using your shoreline in a sustainable manner is found at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/apg/index.html
Minnesota Board of Water Resources
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is a state agency dedicated to helping local governments manage natural resources. BWSR aims to improve local capability by providing technical, financial, and administrative assistance. To learn more about BWSR, visit their website at www.bwsr.state.mn.us or call them at (651) 296-3767.
Minnesota Council on Foundations
The Minnesota Council on Foundations produces the Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers, a directory of foundation and corporate grantmaking programs. They are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations identify potential partners and financial supporters to help sustain and improve Minnesota communities. For more information about their organization, visit their website at www.mcf.org or call them at (612) 338-1989.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
This Foundation has a variety of challenge grant programs that fund projects to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and native plants and their habitats. Federal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply. To learn more, call them at their Washington DC office at (202) 857-0166.
Cost Sharing Grant Opportunities
White Bear Lake is located in the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), a special purpose unit of government in charge of managing water resources within its jurisdiction. RCWD offers cost share assistance programs for property owners to install projects that help improve water quality and reduce flooding within the District.
The Mini-Grant Program is aimed at landowners in the district. This includes residents, churches, schools, communities, and businesses. It provides eligible applicants with up to $500 per year to implement projects that improve water quality in the watershed. Eligible projects include native plants, small buffer strips, waterspout gardens, rain barrels, and targeted water education activities.
The Water Quality Grant Program (formerly the Clean Water Grant Program) is primarily aimed at private landowners who wish to make improvements on their property that will result in improved water quality downstream. Raingardens and shoreline restorations are common projects funded through this program, although wetland restorations, agricultural practices, pervious driveways and other projects may also be eligible.
