Landowner Incentive Program: In The News

$972,000 destined for Driftless Area land management

Private and public landowners in what is known as the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota and northeaster Iowa will be able to restore more than 4,700 acres of prairie, savanna and oak woodland habitat thanks to a $972,000 federal grant awarded to a multi-state partnership.

“This grant will help us work collaboratively with private landowners to protect species and habitat in the Driftless Area,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. “Wisconsin’s Driftless Area is home to many unique plant and animal species with great need, and through these joint efforts we will continue our work to preserve these important natural resources.” Read the news story...(Sept. 2011)

Wisconsin awards $115,000 to Private Landowners for rare species habitat restoration work

More than 550 acres of overgrown prairie, savanna, and oak woodland will get some much needed attention this spring through partnerships of landowners and the Department of Natural Resources.

"Some people might be amazed to learn about the high level of interest from landowners in managing their property for rare and at-risk species," said Heidi Nelson, Landowner Incentive Program Coordinator. "The demand for this program shows that Wisconsin's conservation legacy continues, thanks in large part to the strong commitment by landowners to maintain our state's natural heritage for future generations."

Up to 75 percent of the cost of the each project may be funded by LIP, with the landowner contributing the remaining 25% either out of pocket, or as in-kind labor. The annual grants are awarded based on set criteria, including number of rare species that will benefit from the work and if the project will complement other restoration work occurring in the same area. Read more...

Local Group Restores 460 acres

For 23 years, the four friends and their Swamp Lovers Foundation have worked side-by-side, restoring the land to its original state. It's 460 acres of beauty that all started with four friends and a dream. The landscape is breathtaking but it wasn't always this way. Read the news story...

Protecting the Lower Kickapoo River Valley

Spring is Prescribed Burn Season on the Prairie and Savanna

DNR Program Assists Landowner Prairie Restoration

The Landowner Incentive Program gives grants to help people restore prairies and savannas and create habitat for threatened plants and birds. Mary Trewartha used a federal grant to help restore 10 acres of prairie. Now she's received a $9,000 grant through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) to restore another 10 acre valley. Read more...

Making a Difference: Empowering Landowners

Watch a video to learn how the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and the ATC Environmental Stewardship Fund are making a difference for conservation in Wisconsin. Watch the Video...