Governor Pawlenty awards $150,000 to protect rare species in Avon Hills

Submitted by the Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty

Avon Hills will receive $150,000 to protect rare species and restore the natural environment in a part of the state that is experiencing rapid growth. Governor Tim Pawlenty urged for the funding and signed the final bonding bill for the 2005 legislative session on Monday April 11.

The land has old growth forests, rare species habitats, and native prairie that have been identified by the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) as scientific and natural areas that need to be protected to preserve our natural heritage.

“We have proposed an aggressive bonding bill for the outdoors and the legislature has worked together to get things done to improve our environment,” Governor Tim Pawlenty said. “Signing the bonding bill and securing the package of outdoor projects into law is one of my proudest accomplishments as Governor.”

In Minnesota, there are presently 19,485 acres that MCBS has deemed as land containing rare resources of exceptional value that need to be preserved. The land that will be acquired in Avon Hills is the top preservation priority in the state.

An additional $150,000 has been secured in the bonding bill to develop and restore other statewide land that is of scientific and natural value. The development funds will be used to restore old fields, remove woody encroachments, construct fences, among other projects.

“Avon Hills is located in a metropolitan and rapidly development area of the state and the development of the land could threaten the natural habitat,” Commissioner of Nature Resources, Gene Merriam said. “Minnesota is known for its natural beauty and it is something that we all take pride in. It is important that we work to protect our natural resources, securing over $128 million for the outdoors and the Department of Natural Resources.

Among the top funded DNR projects were $27 million for flood control, $10 million for landfill cleanup, $23 million for Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), and almost $15 million for metro parks.

More information about this capital budget request is available on the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/  Click on “About DNR” and then on “Legislative Information”.