The Big Picture – The NCO Application Process

Eligible applicants work with DNR regional community services specialists (CSSs) to plan projects, follow program requirements, and complete grant applications. CSS contact information can be found here.

1. Before Applying:

• Contact your CSS. Begin by discussing your project with your CSS who can give you initial feedback on whether or not your project is likely to qualify. An important aspect of your project is your future plan for the property; be sure to discuss these plans as it may effect what subprogram(s) for which your project will qualify. Information about Stewardship grant sub programs is here.


• Make sure your project is eligible. Certain projects are ineligible for Stewardship funding, these include:
• Property that was acquired more than one year before a grant application is submitted for that property. (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.)


• 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.
• Decide to apply for a grant. Every Stewardship grant application undertaken by your organization must be approved by your Board of Directors. Board members need to know the terms and conditions of Stewardship contract. Every application must include a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors (a sample is available here).
  The resolution must:
  • formally request financial assistance,
  • authorize a representative from the organization to act on its behalf,
  • and agree that the organization will abide the terms and conditions of the Stewardship program.
  
  2. The Application
  • Complete the Grant Application and submit it and all required attachments. Two copies of the grant application and all attachments must be delivered to your CSS by the postmark deadlines. An application is considered complete only when all required attachments in the application checklist have been received and are satisfactory.

  3. Scoring and Ranking

  • DNR staff review and score eligible projects using a set of ranking criteria that reflect each subprogram’s goals and priorities.
  • The projects within each subprogram are then combined in a statewide list and prioritized according to their score. Projects ranking the highest are selected for grant funding to the extent that funds are available.

  4. Reviews

  • DNR staff review land acquisition requests for due diligence to ensure that the project qualifies for state funding. The Department’s review, includes but is not limited to:
    
    • approval of the land management plan,
    • review and certification of appraisal(s),
    • title commitment/policy,
    • legal description,
    • and fulfilling requirements of the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act.
    
    
  • By law, depending on the conditions of your project, additional approvals maybe necessary. If you plan to restrict hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking or cross-county skiing on your property, a Department decision to fund your project will need to be approved by the Natural Resources Board. If your project is located within a DNR project boundary, your project will need to be approved by the Division of Lands. If your grant request is over $250,000, your project will need to be approved by State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.

  5. Grant Award and Payment

  • Awarding the Grant. After the project has received all required approvals, the Department will issue a Grant and Management Contract, which outlines the conditions of the award. 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. By signing the contract you are agreeing to the terms and conditions for perpetuity.
  • Grant Payment Options. Grant recipients have two options for receiving grant payments. An escrow closing allows the DNR’s share of the purchase price to be available at the time of closing. In a reimbursement closing, the DNR provides its share of the purchase price as a reimbursement to you after you have first paid all costs to acquire the property.
  • Once the grant project has been completed, the project sponsor must meet ongoing obligations per the Grant and Management Contract (e.g., keeping the property open to the public, signing the property, protecting the conservation values of the property.)
  Last Revised: Friday July 01 2011