In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council decided to recommend that the state Legislature grant the full funding that the Shell Rock River Watershed District had asked for in August.

“This is a tremendous step in achieving the district’s goals,” said District Administrator Brett Behnke. “This land acquisition will open the door for water quality and habitat restoration on Albert Lea Lake and the Shell Rock River.”

The total amount of funding recommended by the council to the state is $2.57 million.

Behnke said that $2.57 million was their original request, but they expected to only get partial funding, so the announcement that they have been recommended to receive the full amount came as a nice surprise. “We knew we had a good project and good support on the council, so they went with the full funding,” he said. Minnesota Legislature will review this proposal when it returns to session in 2011.

If this recommendation is approved by the state Legislature, the state will buy the land, which is 257 acres located around Albert Lea Lake Dam from the current landowner Greg Jensen. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would eventually own and manage the land.

According to Behnke, the land is being appraised and the watershed district estimates the price per acre is about $10,000.

Behnke and Director of Field Operations Andy Henschel appeared before the council to request the funding in August.

“This acquisition is the cornerstone of our efforts to create fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities for the public,” said Henschel.

He said they are working hard to continue to leverage local funds with state and federal funding sources.

He appreciates members of the council for their support to the project and said one of the members cited letters of support as a key factor in bringing this project to the top of the list.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this project with community support, the county and the city. It’s a nice payoff after everyone’s contributions,” said Behnke.

The council was established by the legislature to provide annual recommendations on how the money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund are used. In this round, the council is recommending $86 million in conservation efforts to the 2011 legislature session.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund receives one-third of the money raised by the constitutional amendment creating sales tax dedicated funds.