The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 is providing a $100,000 Project Grant award under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). The funding will support the MN DNR's efforts to update the 2002 Lower St. Louis River Habitat Plan and develop a comprehensive list of habitat restoration projects to guide conservation work in the St. Louis River Estuary. Key deliverables include an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan, a set of quantifiable habitat metrics, an assessment of progress from the 2002 plan, and a completed updated habitat plan that will be integrated with the Lake Superior Headwaters Partnership. This project aims to advance the removal of beneficial use impairments and delisting of the St. Louis River Area of Concern, supporting the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.