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| Natural Resources |
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We empower citizens in the stewardship of locally-valued open spaces and natural resources that maintain and enhance the quality of life in their communities by helping them:
- Recognize that natural resources are a key economic development asset and quality of life indicator for a community.
- Undertake citizen-based planning designed to manage growth and build needed infrastructure, while at the same time preserving the natural qualities with which the region is blessed.
- Obtain the information, training and resources needed to effectively address planning, preservation and conservation issues.
- Work with related organizations, institutions, and local units of government on planning and zoning, land use, preservation and conservation related issues.
- Implement shared visions and strategic plans developed through participation in our programs, workshops and training sessions.
- Cultivate personal relationships, mobilize volunteers and employ existing resources.
- Contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the natural and historic heritage of our region.
Leadership and Strategic Planning Programs
Healthy Lakes and Rivers Partnership Program (HLRP)
Provides leadership and capacity-building training for lake and river associations to assist them in developing and implementing their own lake or river management plans.
Healthy Organizations Partnership Program (HOP)
Addresses the unique issues facing nonprofits, providing tools and resources to help them more effectively carry out their missions. Twelve conservation organizations have participated in the program since its inception in 2001.
Healthy Communities Partnership Program (HCP)
A multi-year training and assistance program that provides community teams with the tools, information and resources they need to develop integrated strategic plans. Currently, over 65% of the HCP plans include environmental goals addressing resource conservation, parks, trails or open space, and planned growth and sustainable development.
Workshops
The foundation offers subject and skill-specific workshops on a regular basis in response to regional trends, demand or local concerns. Recent workshops and training programs have included:
- Wastewater, drinking water and storm water management infrastructure for elected officials.
- Strategic planning and funding mechanisms for parks, trails and open space.
- Downtown revitalization.
- Control of invasive exotic aquatic plants including Curlyleaf Pondweed.
- Developing farmers' markets.
- “Sharing Our Shores” on the future of commercial shoreland in central Minnesota.
- "Conservation Design", which encourages land conservation within profitable, private developments.
Technical Support
Community Wastewater Treatment Assistance
The foundation, supported by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Communities Development Initiative (RCDI) and in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Service and Minnesota Rural Water Association, will provide technical and financial support to rural communities and lake associations considering creative and cost-effective wastewater treatment methods.
Sustainable Development & Resource Conservation Assistance
Participants in one of the foundation’s partnership programs (HCP, HLRP, and conservation-based HOP) receive follow-up training, technical assistance, financial support, and resource and referral services to help them implement sustainable development and resource conservation projects in their neighborhoods and communities.
Programs on Public Service
The Foundation offers an annual series on running for and serving in public office and partners with the Government Training Services (GTS) to offer training for citizen members of Planning Commissions and Boards of Adjustment.
Planning and Preservation Fund
Those interested in applying their charitable gifts toward the preservation and enhancement of the natural and historic heritage of our region can make a direct donation to this and/or other Initiative Foundation field of interest funds.
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