FALK ANNOUNCES GRANT AWARDS FOR CONSERVATION PROJECTS

August 31, 2007
Mindy Habecker, 224-3718 or Topf Wells, 266-9069

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and the Dane County Environmental Council announced three organizations that will share nearly $13,000 to restore streams, maintain trails, and promote conservation in Dane County. Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and the Ice Age Trail Foundation have been selected by the Dane County Environmental Council to share $12,998 in grants. “These organizations work tirelessly to protect and share special places in Dane County,” said Falk. “By partnering with these dedicated conservation groups, we are improving our environment in ways that all of Dane County’s residents can enjoy.” The Environmental Council, a five-member panel appointed by Falk and approved by the County Board, recommended the following grants: -- Upper Sugar River Watershed Association to purchase tools and a trailer for volunteers working on stream bank maintenance and habitat restoration projects -- $5,000. -- Aldo Leopold Nature Center to obtain equipment for establishing trails and restoring prairie and oak savanna at their Black Earth campus -- $5,000. -- Ice Age Trail Foundation to purchase mowers for maintaining the Dane County portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail -- $2,998. Funding for this program is provided through Falk’s Land and Water Legacy Initiative and private donations. All of the awards will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the recipients. The Council’s mission is to assist groups in recognizing and protecting natural areas in Dane County and to assume an educational role in the awareness, conservation and protection of the environment. For more information on the Dane County Environmental Council, visit: http://www.countyofdane.com/commissions/environmentalcouncil or contact Mindy Habecker at habecker@co.dane.wi.us or 224-3718. # # #