Urban Green Space Program

S. 23.09(19), Wis. Stats.; ch. NR 51, subchap. XIII, Wis. Adm. Code

Program Objective

The intent of the Urban Green Space Program (UGS) is to provide open natural space within or in proximity to urban areas; to protect from urban development areas that have scenic, ecological or other natural value and are within or in proximity to urban areas; and to provide land for noncommercial gardening for the residents of an urbanized area.

UGS provides grants to cities, villages, towns, counties, and public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and NCOs. Twenty percent of the funds available in the Local Assistance Program are allocated to the Urban Green Space Program.

For more specific information about this program, including rating and ranking information, refer to the Grant Guidelines for Local Governments, which you can obtain on line or from your CSS.

Grant Criteria

This is a very competitive program, and it has been necessary to develop a comprehensive rating and ranking system to evaluate projects. Those projects that receive the highest scores will receive funding. For additional information on the rating and ranking system and on specific questions, refer to the Grant Guidelines for Local Assistance Program which you can obtain from your Regional Community Services Specialist.

Priority is given to projects that have one or more of the following characteristics:

Planning Considerations, including:

• Specifically implementing a priority of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
• Implementing the approved master plans of 2 or more units of government or regional planning agencies
• Preserving land that is listed on the natural heritage inventory database
• Implementing elements of water quality plans or initiatives

Project Considerations, including:

• Serving the greatest population centers
• Serving areas of rapidly increasing populations
• Providing accessibility
• Having unique natural features, threatened or endangered species, or significant ecological value
• Providing open natural linear corridors connecting open natural areas
• Having water frontage
• Containing or restoring wetlands
• Protecting sensitive wildlife habitat
• Protecting an area threatened by development
• Preserving a natural community or one that could be restored
• Having regional or statewide significance
• Relating to brownfield redevelopment

Administrative considerations, including:

• Projects that are ready to be implemented and/or continue previously started projects

Eligible Land Acquisition Projects

• Projects that implement priorities contained in local master plans.
• Projects that acquire land for open natural space within or in proximity to urban development.
• Projects that protect areas or naturally formed features that have scenic, ecological, or other natural values.
• Project that provide land for noncommercial gardening for inhabitants of urbanized areas.

Ineligible Projects

• Acquiring land to be used for non nature-based outdoor recreation purposes.