Stewardship Programs and Priorities

The architects of Stewardship envisioned a comprehensive program that addresses a broad spectrum of land conservation and recreation needs across the state. Consequently, the program supports projects as diverse as acquisition of a pristine boreal forest in Ashland County to restoration of an urban riverfront in Beloit. Stewardship has four major components:

Nonprofit Grants

Acquisition of land and easements for a wide range of conservation and outdoor recreation purposes.

Eligible: DNR and nonprofit conservation organizations (NCOs)

• Natural Areas
• Habitat Areas and Fisheries
• State Trails, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail
• Streambank Protection
• Wild Lakes

Local Assistance Grants

Grants for acquisition of land and conservation easements of land and development projects that support nature-based outdoor recreation.

Eligible: Local governments, tribes and NCOs

• Acquisition and Development of Local Parks
• Urban Rivers
• Urban Green Spaces
• Acquisition of Development Rights

Property Development on State Lands

Development of recreational facilities on state properties.

Eligible: DNR , Friends groups, and NCOs

Baraboo Hills

Conservation of the hardwood forests of the Baraboo Hills through easements and acquisition. This category closed to new applications.

Eligible: DNR, local governments, tribes and NCOs