Project Eligibility and Program Priorities

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is actually an umbrella for several subprograms, two of which have multiple components with their own clearly defined goals and criteria. These subprograms are summarized in the “Stewardship Family Tree”. In addition, there is detailed information about the different components of the program under Stewardship programs and priorities.

The Department may award a grant for a project that benefits the public and meets the criteria of one or more of these subprograms. Both fee simple and easement acquisitions are eligible for funding.

In addition to the criteria listed under Stewardship programs and priorities, other factors will also be considered when evaluating a grant application including:

Whether the project has regional, statewide or local significance.
Whether a property is part of an existing project (that may be pursued in collaboration with others), where the acquisition of adjacent parcels will provide greater benefit for natural resource conservation than single parcel projects.
Whether the project has been identified as important for natural resource protection in a Smart Growth Plan; comprehensive natural resource or outdoor recreation plan; the Natural Heritage Inventory; or the Department’s Land Legacy Report
The degree to which the site is threatened by development or other conversion of land use.
Likelihood of success. Whether an organization has the capacity to complete and maintain the project. An organization will not receive funding until there is a sound land management plan that ensures the long-term viability of a project.
Eligible parcels that are not awarded grants in the fiscal year in which they are submitted due to insufficient funds may be considered for funding in the following fiscal year.

Ineligible Projects

Property that is not eligible for grants includes:

Property that was acquired more than one year before a grant application is submitted for that property.
Property that has restrictions or other covenants that prevent or limit the property from being managed for the conservation or public recreational purposes of the Stewardship Program or that would preempt the Department’s reversionary interests in the property.
Property that is used or may be used for licensed game farms, deer farms, shooting preserves, forest nurseries or experimental stations.
Property that will not be used for nature-based outdoor recreation. “Nature-based outdoor recreation” is defined as activities where the primary focus or purpose is the appreciation or enjoyment of nature. Typical activities are hiking, bicycling, wildlife or nature observation, camping, nature study, fishing, hunting, picnicking, cross-country skiing, canoeing and multi-use trail activities. Ineligible activities are activities where the primary focus is not appreciation or enjoyment of nature, such as sports that require extensively developed open spaces, such as dedicated sports fields, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
Property where negotiations were not conducted on a “willing seller – willing buyer” basis. (More applicable for local government grants where the local government has the right to condemn land.)

Last Revised: Thursday February 14 2008