DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Apply For Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Funds
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) program has issued a Request for Proposals; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has received CPL grant funds from the Minnesota DNR to restore and enhance natural areas within Dakota County for over 10 years; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Parks Department proposes to submit two grant applications for CPL grants for the following projects:
• Natural Area Enhancement (2027 - 2029): Up to $500,000 request to perform system-wide prescribed burns, overseeding, and other maintenance and enhancement activities in prairies and woodlands within Dakota County Park lands
• Big Rivers Regional Trailhead Restoration: Up to $150,000 request to perform oak savanna and oak woodland restoration on 11 acres of land surrounding the Big Rivers Regional Trailhead in Mendota Heights, Minnesota to address both habitat and site safety enhancements
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WHEREAS, Dakota County is required to provide a 10% match for any award, which would be supplied by in-kind resources as defined in the Minnesota DNR CPL Request for Proposals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Assistant County Manager, or delegate, to apply to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for Conservation Partners Legacy grant funds in an amount not to exceed $650,000 for the grant period of December 30, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
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BACKGROUND
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) program provides funding to local, regional, state, and non-profit organizations and government entities for the restoration, protection, or enhancement of prairies, wetlands, and forests in Minnesota.
For fiscal year 2027, a total of $11,100,000 in CPL funds are available to fund projects taking place in the seven-county metro area.
Dakota County will submit two applications: Parks System-Wide Natural Area Enhancement and Big Rivers Regional Trailhead Restoration (Attachment: BRRT Map). The 10% match requirement for the grants will be met by Dakota County providing in-kind resources including staff time, volunteer time, and plant material supplied to the projects such as seed and plugs which will be installed on sites included in the grants.
The Request for Proposals was released on August 1, 2026 (Attachment: CPL RFP). Applications are due to the Minnesota DNR by September 16, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends approval to apply for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Partners Legacy grant funds in an amount not to exceed $650,000
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
If awarded, staff will submit a Request for Board Action to amend the 2027 Parks Capital Improvement Program budget.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: BRRT Restoration Boundary
Attachment: Presentation Slides
Attachment: CPL RFP
CONTACT
Department Director: Niki Geisler
Author: Kyle Barnes