Apply Now For DNR Grant to Improve Your Local Lake, River or Stream
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
DES MOINES – The DNR is now accepting applications for a grant designed to help locally-led groups develop water quality improvement efforts in Iowa communities.
Groups can request Watershed Planning Grants from $10,000 to $50,000 to develop plans to improve a local river, lake or stream on the state’s impaired waters list. Offered by the DNR’s Watershed Improvement Program, the grants help local groups passionate about improving water quality create a Watershed Management Plan, which identifies problems in the watershed and proposes solutions for better water quality. Making changes in the watershed (the land that drains to a lake, river or stream) can reduce pollution reaching our waters.
“The first step in applying for one of our grants is to give us a call, so we can discuss your group’s vision for water quality and talk about the resources available to you, as well as answer your questions about the grant application process,” said Steve Hopkins, who coordinates DNR Watershed Improvement grants. “Call your basin coordinator to get started.”
Basin coordinators include:
- Adam Kiel, Upper Des Moines and Raccoon River basin
(515) 242-6149 or Adam.Kiel@dnr.iowa.gov - James Martin, southeast Iowa
(641) 472-8411 or James.Martin@iowaagriculture.gov - Jeff Tisl, northeast Iowa
(563) 422-6201 or Jeff.Tisl@iowaagriculture.gov - Bob Waters, western Iowa
(712) 243-2913 ext. 207 or Bob.Waters@iowaagriculture.gov
Applications for Watershed Planning Grants and Watershed Implementation Grants are due April 1, 2011 by 4:30 p.m., Central time. For application forms, contact information and additional details, visit http://watershed.iowadnr.gov/grants.html or contact Hopkins at (515) 281-6402 or Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov.
The Section 319 program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides DNR funding for nonpoint pollution programs, including Watershed Planning Grants.
