Polluted runoff from land remains the most widespread water pollution problem in Illinois. Because this type of pollution is generally not addressed by regulatory programs, reducing pollution in Illinois lakes and streams depends on voluntary efforts by people to develop, fund, and carry out clean water projects. This workshop taught attendees about available grants and funding sources for lake and watershed projects, as well as tips on how to write and submit funding proposals.
TOPICS AND PRESENTERS:
This half-day workshop, held in central Illinois (Peoria) on February 18, 2009, was a pre-conference activity at ILMA’s 2009 Annual Conference. Dozens of funding programs from over 10 agencies were addressed by speakers from Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Wonder Lake Master Property Owners Association (MPOA), and Lake Sara Forever Foundation.
Major topics presented included:
- what grants are available for lake and watershed projects
- funding priorities of available grants
- tips on writing and/or applying for grants
- who to contact for grant information or assistance
A panel was held after the individual presentations, providing the opportunity for agencies to interact with each other and for workshop participants to ask questions of the experts.
WORKSHOP AGENDA AND PRESENTATIONS:
- IEPA Funding Programs (pdf – 3.29 mb)
by Amy Walkenbach, IEPA - IDNR Grant Opportunities and Funding Options (pdf – 14.4 mb)
by Tammy Watson, IDNR - Grant-Funded Watershed Projects (pdf – 17.9 mb)
by Trent Thomas, IDNR - Special Service Area Taxing District (pdf – 5.53 mb)
by Dick Hilton, Wonder Lake MPOA - Obtaining Grants from a Homeowner’s Perspective (pdf – 3.75 mb)
by Tom Ryan, Lake Sara Forever Foundation
WORKSHOP HANDOUTS:
- List of Grant Programs – Feb 2009
- 319 Watershedbased Plan Requirements (nine minimum elements)
- The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan: Defining a Vision for Conservation Success
- Floodplain Management Resource Guide for Illinois Communities
VIEW ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.
