Awarding the Grant

After your project is approved, the Department will issue two original copies of the Grant and Management Contract, which outlines the conditions of the grant. We cannot provide a firm commitment on a grant until a grant award letter and the contract are issued. The contract defines the state's interest in the property and describes how the land will be managed to preserve its natural and recreational values. Read the contract carefully and call your CSS if you have any questions about the terms in the contract.

Both original contracts must be signed by the authorized representative of your organization and notarized. Return one original to your CSS within 30 days. The other must be recorded after the closing at the Register of Deeds Office in the county where the property is located. If the property (including sponsor match) is located in more than one county, the contract must be recorded in each county.

The DNR will encumber grant funds for the project after the signed contract has been returned to us.

When an NCO signs a Grant and Management Contract accepting Stewardship funds, it is also agreeing to comply with program requirements. These requirements are spelled out in the grant contract and in Ch. NR51, Wis. Adm Code. All obligations, terms, conditions, and restrictions of the grant contract are limitations on the use of the property in perpetuity.