River Protection Management Grants

(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 protect and restore rivers and their 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 $50,000. Eligible projects include:

• Purchase of land or conservation easements.
• Development of local regulations or ordinances to protect or improve water quality.
• Installation of practices to control nonpoint source pollution.
• Restoration projects including instream or shoreland habitat and protection.
• DNR approved activities needed to implement planning recommendations.
• Education, planning, and design activities necessary for the implementation of a management project.

The following projects are not eligible for funding under this grant.

• Dam repair and operation.
• Purchase of property on which a dam is located (unless for the purpose of facilitating dam removal).
• Dredging.
• Design, installation, operation, or maintenance of sanitary sewers, treatment plants, or onsite sewerage systems.

Applications are reviewed and ranked by regional staff and ranked according to statewide priorities.

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

Applications must be received in the DNR regional offices postmarked no later than May 1.

• River Protection Grant Program Guidelines and Application Instructions [PDF 170KB]
• 8700-284 River Protection Grant Application [PDF Fillable Form 571KB]
• 8700-284 River Protection Grant application [PDF 34KB]
• 8700-287 River Management Organization Application [PDF 41KB]
• 8700-287 River Management Organization Application [PDF Fillable Form 47KB]
• Interim Protocol Policy Letter [PDF 22KB]
• Helpful Hints for River Protection Grant Reporting [PDF 12KB]
• Choosing a Contractor [PDF 724KB]
• Force Account Labor, Equipment and Materials Summary/Worksheets [PDF 23KB]
• Financial Administration Instructions for River Protection Grants [PDF 131KB]
• Donated Labor & Services Worksheets [PDF 34KB]
• 1800-001 Environmental Hazards [PDF Fillable Form 248KB]
• 8700-001 Grant Payment Request [PDF 62KB]
• 8700-002 Grant Payment Worksheet [PDF Fillable 53KB]
• Rivers Resolution [PDF 15KB]
• Land Acquisition Guidelines for Local Governments (PDF, 220KB)
• Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants (PDF, 183KB)

Property Acquisition Appraisal Guidance

• Real Estate Appraisal Guidelines
• Appraisal Report Checklist
• Appraiser List

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 March 19 2009