River Protection Planning

(ss. 281.70 and 281.71, Wis. Stats.; ch. NR 195, Wis. Admin. Code)

Counties, cities, towns, villages, tribes, other local governmental units as defined in s. 66.0301 (1)(a) Wis. Stats, qualified river management organizations, and qualified nonprofit conservation organizations are eligible to apply for funding to:

• Collect, assess and disseminate information on riverine ecosystems.
• Assist in developing organizations to help manage rivers.
• Assist the public in understanding riverine ecosystems.
• Create management plans for the long term protection and improvement of riverine ecosystems.

In order for nonprofit conservation organizations and lake associations to apply, they must be a qualified organization. Please check with your appropriate DNR Regional Environmental Grant Specialist to see if your group is currently eligible to apply, otherwise please review the qualification requirements.

Funding for this program comes from a portion of the gas tax on boating fuel.

Eligible grantees can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $10,000. Eligible projects include:

• Organizational development for existing river protection/improvement organizations
• Assistance with the formation of a qualified river management organization.
• Public education projects.
• Planning and assessment projects such as:

• Development of management strategies, plans, and special project designs to identify appropriate river protection projects.
• Collection and assessment of water quality, water quantity, and biological/environmental data.
• Collection of sociological data necessary for the development of a river management plan.
• Description and mapping of existing and potential land and water resource conditions.
• Development of local ordinances to control activities that may impact the riverine ecosystems.
• Dissemination of information obtained during the project.

Capital improvement projects are not eligible for funding under this grant.

Applications are reviewed by regional staff and ranked according to statewide priorities. Applications must be received in the DNR regional offices postmarked no later than May 1.

Caution to Project Sponsors - Protect Confidential Data

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) takes seriously its responsibility to protect all confidential data that are collected as the DNR administers its programs. For DNR grant programs, “confidential data” typically includes:

• Personal -- Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, signature
• Financial -- Bank account numbers on cancelled checks and statements. Credit card numbers on submitted receipts. Account and credit balances or limits. Federal or Wisconsin tax returns.

If a grant is being issued to an individual, we need most of the personal data listed above before we can issue payments or reimbursements. This needed data comes to the DNR on completed W-9 forms. The DNR has a process to restrict access to and secure W-9 forms.

The DNR, however is often sent unnecessary confidential data that are attached to proofs of payment, receipts, or other documents in support of a reimbursement request. Please protect confidential data by blackening out – also called “redacting” – bank account numbers, credit card account numbers, and other confidential data before proofs of payment are sent to the DNR. Please do not redact check numbers from bank statements.

With each of us doing our part, we can protect confidential data and minimize identity theft.

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

Application Information

• River Protection Grant Program Guidelines & Application Instructions (PDF, 132KB)
• 8700-284 River Protection Grant Application (PDF, 34KB)
• 8700-287 River Management Organization Application (Prints Blank Forms only)
• 8700-287 River Management Organization Application Fillable and Printable (PDF, 26KB)
• Helpful Hints for River Protection Grant Reporting (PDF, 12KB)
• Choosing a Contractor (PDF, 724KB)
• Force Account Labor, Equipment and Materials (PDF, 23KB)
• Summary/Worksheets (PDF, 23KB)
• Financial Administration Instructions for River Protection Grants (PDF, 131KB)
• 1800-001 Environmental Hazards Assessment (PDF Fillable Form 248KB)
• 8700-001 Grant Payment Request (PDF, 62KB)
• 8700-002 Grant Payment Worksheet (PDF Fillable Form 53KB)
• 8700-287 River Management Organization Application (PDF, 5KB)
• Donated Labor & Services Worksheet (PDF, 34KB)
• Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants (PDF, 183KB)

For more information about rivers go to the Bureau of Bureau of Fisheries Management.

Contacts:

For questions about eligible projects, contact the appropriate DNR regional River Coordinator.

For questions about eligible costs, contact the appropriate DNR regional Environmental Grants Specialist.

Last Revised: Thursday June 26 2008