In an effort to improve walleye spawning in the Rat Root River, the Koochiching Soil & Water Conservation District, in partnership with the Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club was awarded a small grant through the Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL), a small grants program which is part of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Hertitage Fund.

The project goal is to remove channel blocking log jams which impede the ability of walleye to run up the Rat Root River to spawn. In addition, the new grant will allow stream bank restoration projects to occur and spawning rock to be placed in locations determined by DNR Fisheries.

The $215,000 project is one of 21 that will share $1.82 million through the program which is administered through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

CPL grants are intended to restore, enhance, or protect fish, game and wildlife habitat in the state. Local, state, and federal nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000.

A complete list of the successful grant applications can be found at