Big North Distributing, MN Waters partner to help Blue Lake

Big North Distributing has partnered with Minnesota Waters and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to improve the quality of water in Hubbard County's Blue Lake.

This effort is part of the Minnesota Waters/Michelob Golden Conservation Grant Program, funded by Anheuser Busch and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The program is designed to assist in the conservation of wildlife habitat along Minnesota's lakes and rivers.

"We are proud to join with Blue Lake in a project that will assist them in their efforts to create shoreland buffer on the abandoned roadbed around Blue Lake," said Shelly Baker from Big North Distributing in Bemidji.

Launched in 2007, the conservation grant program awarded $35,000 to seven MN Waters affiliates for 2009 conservation projects, including Blue Lake's shoreland restoration initiative on a recently vacated township road.

"We want to thank Michelob Golden and Big North Distributing for their support and participation in this project," said Melodee Monicken, a member of Blue Lake's shoreland restoration committee. "Their efforts are truly helping us make a difference for wildlife and water quality on this small, fragile lake."

An advisory team composed of state regulatory officials and water experts developed the project's criteria and application process. They continuously provide feedback to improve the program.

For details, visit www.minnesotawaters.org,