Eligible Projects

In general, land acquisition, development, and renovation projects for purposes.

Decisions by the department as to whether a particular project activity is "nature-based outdoor recreation" are made on a case by case basis.

Acquisition of a conservation easement (including the acquisition of development rights) that enhances or provides nature-based outdoor recreation. Because of the complexity of easements, the department has developed separate guidelines, including a model easement to explain the requirements for eligibility for Stewardship funding. Contact your DNR region Community Service Specialist for additional information.

• to preserve scenic or natural areas, including areas of physical or biological importance and wildlife areas. These areas shall be open to the general public for outdoor recreation use to the extent that the natural attributes of the areas will not be seriously impaired or lost.
• within urban areas for such uses as open natural space, undeveloped play areas, bicycling trails, walking and horseback riding trails, and day-use picnic areas.
• that preserve or restore urban rivers or riverfronts for the purposes of economic revitalization and nature based outdoor recreation activities.

Development and renovation projects for the purpose of nature-based outdoor recreation - e.g., trails, camping areas, picnic areas, water recreation areas, and educational facilities where there is a permanent professional naturalist staff and the facilities are for nature interpretation, etc.

Development and renovation of support facilities for the above - e.g., access roads, parking areas, restroom facilities, utility and sanitation systems, permanent landscaping, park signs, fences and lighting for the protection of park users, etc.

Shoreline habitat restoration projects that serve public recreation or resource conservation purposes and is dependent on being on a shoreline.

Riparian buffer rehabilitation including establishment of native vegetation, which may include slope and site preparation, and control of exotic plant species.

Shoreline enhancement projects associated with river corridor restoration following dam removal.

Shoreline stabilization, which may employ bioengineering practices, and other environmentally beneficial stabilization techniques.

Purchase of land for noncommercial gardening for inhabitants of urbanized areas.

Ineligible Projects

• Land acquired through condemnation by the applicant; development of facilities on lands that were acquired through condemnation by the applicant.
• Purchasing land for and development of recreation areas that are not related to nature-based outdoor recreation - e.g., sports that require extensively developed open space such as dedicated sports fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, skateboard parks, hockey rinks, indoor horse arenas, golf courses, and motorized recreation.
• Lands dedicated through a local park land dedication ordinance.
• Restoration or preservation of historic structures.
• Buildings primarily devoted to operation and maintenance.
• Indoor recreation facilities.
• Construction or repair of seawalls, dams and lagoons.
• Construction of lodges, motels, luxury cabins or similar facilities.
• Environmental remediation or clean-up of site contamination