2 Bemidji residents appointed to Minnesota DNR’s Community Grant Program Advisory Council

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen appointed two people from Bemidji to the inaugural 15-person advisory council for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program.

Karl Anderson and Robert Tibbetts were chosen to the council for their experience, knowledge and geographic perspectives, the DNR said in a release.

“The insights and knowledge of advisory council members will help the DNR ensure grants support communities in addressing environmental and health impacts; promoting natural resource stewardship; protecting and restoring air, land, water and wildlife; maintaining and improving existing trails; and managing aquatic invasive species,” it added.

The grant program

funds projects that protect, conserve, preserve and enhance Minnesota’s natural resources. Grant awards will benefit communities and residents in all regions of the state, according to the DNR.

Anderson, Tibbetts and the rest of the advisory council will provide recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature and DNR commissioner on implementation and improvements of the program. Their meetings will be open to the public and available virtually, the DNR said.