SNC APPROVES RIVER GRANTS FOR FIVE COMMUNITY PROJECTS
South Nation Conservation recently allocated a total of $1,500 in River Grants to five Eastern Ontario community projects deemed to meet the criteria of promoting responsible recreational use of the South Nation, St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers and their tributaries within the watershed.
The projects share several attributes in common, notably that they draw visitors to the riverside, teach them about the 4000 square-km South Nation watershed, and raise funds for worthy local causes.
Each of the projects has been granted $300 after being reviewed by South Nation’s Communications Committee. They include: The Russell Poutmaster Tournament April 26-28, Russell; Annual Canoe Poker Run, May 11, Spencerville; Festival of Art on the Waterfront June 8-9, Chesterville; John Crysler Memorial Day July 21, Crysler; and Grand Opening of the rejuvenated Rothesay Dive Site, Augusta Township, date to be determined.
Ronda Boutz, SNC’s Team Lead, Communications and Outreach, noted that $4,000 has been set aside in the River Grants budget this year for projects similar to the ones already supported.
“We invite applications,” Boutz said, underlining that the program is very popular. “The funds are there and we want to apply them to eligible community undertakings. When the money runs out, the program ends for the year.”
The program is open to non-profit groups and to municipalities. Organizers must agree to several conditions, including promoting and publicizing events and affiliation to SNC, and submitting full summaries of events within six weeks of completion.
“Distribution of the funds is carefully monitored,” Boutz noted. “Only environmentally friendly events that enhance communities and the watershed as a whole are approved.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ronda Boutz, 877-984-2948, ext. 251.
Rboutz@nation.on.ca