DNR offers seed dollars for projects

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources is offering to help fund select conservation monitoring projects.

The DNR’s Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program offers organizations seed money to start or expand volunteer monitoring programs. The agency selects anywhere from 18 to 25 programs each year to receive up to $5,000. DNR officials said 180 projects have benefited from $580,000 worth of funding since 2004.

Recent projects include stream monitoring in Buffalo County, water quality monitoring in Fond du Lac County, mussel monitoring on Eau Claire County streams and aquatic invasive species monitoring in Shawano County.

The DNR is taking project proposals through midnight on April 26. The agency will notify winners on May 24.