ST. PAUL — Five Northern Minnesota soil and water conservation districts were awarded Keep It Clean grants from the state Board of Water and Soil Resources, the agency announced Tuesday, Nov. 25.
The Keep It Clean Program is a new initiative from the state that aims to protect our lakes by preventing water pollution from garbage and other waste left on the ice during winter recreation.
The Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing and Lake of the Woods SWCDs will put the grant funds toward activities that help prevent pollution, like ice cleanup events, as well as education and outreach events.
The new program was funded by a one-time $200,000 appropriation. The grant awards range from $24,500 to $40,000.
“This new program will engage winter sporting communities to help find ways they can proactively protect the resources Minnesotans rely on for ice fishing and other winter recreational activities,” said John Jaschke, Board of Soil and Water Resources executive director.
“Helping ice anglers reduce waste will improve water quality and keep our lakes ready for Minnesotans to enjoy throughout the year.”
