How to Get the Watershed Stewardship Grants (Cost Share Program)

What you get

The Pelican River Watershed District cost-shares up to $1,000 for a single family home installing a rain garden, native shoreline planting or buffer, shoreline stabilization vegetation, or pollinator habitat. Eligible expenses include Minnesota native plants (trees, shrubs, perennials), mulch, and related materials; consulting fees and labor are not reimbursable. Minimum funding request is $250 (Pelican River Watershed District Cost Share Program document; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Up to $1,000 for single family homes

Are you eligible?

• Be a Pelican River Watershed District customer
• Property located in: Detroit Lakes
• Public or private landowner inside the Pelican River Watershed District
• One cost-share grant per year, minimum funding request of $250
• Site concept plan, plant estimate, work plan, timeline, photos, and permits submitted before approval
• Project must not already be required by regulation
• Completion within one year of the signed agreement

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Pelican River Watershed District and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.