ST. Paul, MN -(Ammoland.com)- Minnesota park and recreation departments that would like to construct a recreational archery range can apply for funds through a new Department of Natural Resources grant program.
Matching grants of $2,500 to $10,000 are available to city, county and regional parks for constructing backstops, berms, bow racks, fencing and other features deemed essential to creating an archery range.
“The goal is to increase opportunities for families and individuals to get outdoors and enjoy this popular activity,” said Jay Johnson, DNR hunting recruitment and retention coordinator.
The new archery grant program is a response to growing interest in archery and bowhunting. Johnson said youth and adult archery hunting licenses have increased in recent years. DNR Archery in the Parks programming has been a hit. And, hundreds of thousands of Minnesota students have launched arrows at targets through the state’s National Archery in the Schools Program during the past decade.
“Awareness and interest in archery has been on the rise,” said Johnson. “If we can help communities provide another family-friendly activity in their park system, that’s a good thing.”
DNR archery grants require an equal match. A total of $50,000 is available during the next 12 months. Applications will be scored and ranked. Winners will be announced in September.
The application deadline is Aug. 29. Projects must be completed by June 3, 2015.
Grant application packets are available now at MNDNR Grants Archery-Range.
About the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Minnesota charged with conserving and managing the state’s natural resources. The agency maintains areas such as state parks, state forests, recreational trails, and recreation areas as well as managing minerals, wildlife, and forestry. The agency is currently divided into sections Ecological Resources, Enforcement, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Lands and Minerals, Waterways, Parks and Trails, and Waters.