DNR Watershed Planning Grants

If you’re interested in creating a local group to improve your community’s lake, stream or river, DNR Watershed Planning Grants can help you get started. The DNR is now accepting applications for the grants, which help local groups develop comprehensive, long-term Watershed Management Plans to improve rivers, lakes and streams on the state’s impaired waters list. These plans identify problems in the watershed and propose solutions for better water quality. Groups can request $10,000 to $50,000 in grant funding to create a plan. Please click here for more information.

“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

·         Vince Sitzmann, south central and southeast Iowa, 515.242.6008 or Vince.Sitzmann@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 are due April 1, 2010 by 4:30 pm.

Find application forms and additional details at: www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/planning.html or contact Steve Hopkins at 515.281.6402 or Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov.