MillerCoors and River Network, a national non-profit organization focused on water quality, today announced the recipients of $50,000 in grants to local non-profits. The funds, part of MillerCoors $75,000 donation to River Network, will go toward protecting and restoring local water resources through agricultural means.
The winning organizations were chosen by the public through an online voting competition in which more than 14,000 people voted. MillerCoors and River Network awarded the organization with the most votes, Thornapple River Watershed Council in Caledonia, MI, a $25,000 grant to complete its proposed project. The second place winner, Dan River Basin Association in Eden, NC, received $15,000 and the third place vote-recipient, Butler Soil and Water Conservation District in Hamilton, OH, received $5,000. Five remaining finalists received $1,000.
“We are proud to invest and support these organizations that help protect and conserve watersheds on a daily basis,” said Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Miller- Coors. “MillerCoors shares a strong commitment to water stewardship and believes in the power of community. Congratulations to these organizations that are making difference in their communities as well.”
Details for the first, second and third place winners’ proposals follow:
Winner: Thornapple River Watershed Council; Caledonia, MI
The project will provide support for the installation of riparian buffers and sediment and nutrient control structures along a designated trout stream in the Thornapple River Watershed. This installation will also serve as an education- demonstration site for agricultural Best Management Practices for water quality.
Second Place: Dan River Basin Association; Eden, NC
The goal of the project is to improve the quality of the Dan River by protecting streamside buffers, promoting the Purple Sweet Potato as a less chemical-intensive replacement for the traditional tobacco crop, monitoring/reducing bacteria levels and assisting locally-based efforts to identify opportunities to conserve riparian land.
Third Place: Butler Soil and Water Conservation District; Hamilton, Ohio
The Edgewood Storm Water Project is an innovative collaboration to preserve the quality of the Great Miami River Buried Valley Aquifer by treating storm water infiltrating the ground. Located on the property of a soon to be constructed area high school, the project will also serve as an awareness and educational model to the school, local community and region.
“To achieve a healthy water future, local organizations must have the capacity to protect and restore our rivers and watersheds,” said Matt Burke, director of community relations for River Network. “Thanks to the support and leadership from MillerCoors, communities around the country are actively moving forward with projects that will have long-term benefits for people, wildlife and future generations.”
MillerCoors and River Network will continue to work with the winning organizations throughout the year as the projects are executed. A portion of MillerCoors donation will be used to support River Network.
More information on MillerCoors commitment to sustainable development and water stewardship can be found on GreatBeerGreatResponsibility.com. You can also read more about the finalists on the River Network blog at www.RiverNetwork.org.
