Posted at: 11/02/2009 2:21 PM

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Minnesota to Select Conservation Projects for Grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications through the end of business Tuesday for a new $3.7 million conservation grant program.

The Conservation Partners Legacy grants will offer $5,000 to $400,000 for habitat projects for fish and wildlife, including prairies, wetlands and forests. Officials expect to select hundreds of projects from government entities and nonprofit organizations.

The money comes from a voter-approved sales tax increase to pay for the outdoors and the arts. The amendment to Minnesota's constitution passed in the 2008 election, raising the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent starting in July.

DNR grant program manager Leslie Tannahill says the grants are expected to spark projects stalled by the poor economy.

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