Preserving Wisconsin's River Heritage
River Planning &Protection Grants

• River Planning Grants
• River Protection Grants
• Learn About the Program
• Past and Current Grants
• Staff Contacts

River Protection Planning

Small-scale lake planning grants of up to $3,000 are available to get you started. They can be used to obtain and disseminate lake information, conduct education projects, and develop management goals. These grants are ideal for lake groups just beginning the planning process or for activities that supplement an existing plan.
More information

River Protection Management Grants

Large-scale lake planning grants of up to $10,000 per project are available for bigger projects. Multiple grants, up to a cumulative total of $100,000 per lake, can be used in phases to complete large projects but sponsors are limited to two grants per funding cycle. The intent of the large-scale program is to conduct technical studies to help develop elements of or complete comprehensive management plans. Depending on the condition and needs of the lake (which the planning process will help determine), the plan will specify activities, for example, improving water quality, managing user conflicts, or improving fishing.
More information

Learn about the program

Communities and nonprofit groups can receive state financial help to protect rivers under a program that aims to prevent water quality, fisheries habitat, and natural beauty from deteriorating as the number of homes and recreational, industrial, and other uses increases along rivers.

River Planning Grants

• $10,000 max per grant
• 75% state share max
• Some eligible activities include (in priority order): 1) river organization development, 2) information and education, 3) assessments of water quality, fish, and aquatic life, and 4) nonpoint source evaluations.

River Protection Management Grants

• $50,000 max per grant
• 75% State Share max
• Some eligible activities include (in priority order): 1) purchase of land or easements, 2) development of local ordinances, and 3) restoration of in-stream or shoreland habitat.

Eligible Sponsors

• Units of local government
• Nonprofit conservation organizations
• Qualified river management organizations
• (incorporated; purpose statement or past actions related to river protection; open membership)

The application deadline is May 1. If your group does not receive an application but would like one, contact the environmental grant specialist in your WDNR regional office (click here to return to grant support staff).

More Information

• Review the program language [Admin. Code exit DNR]
• Apply for grant (Program guidelines and instructions)
• Download application form (alphabetized forms, publications)

See Past and Current Grants

• 2011 River Grants
• 2010 River Grants
• 2009 River Grants
• 2008 River Grants
• 2007 River Grants
• 2006 River Grants
• 2005 River Grants
• 2004 River Grants
• 2003 River Grants
• 2002 River Grants
• 2001 River Grants
• 2000 River Grants

Staff Contacts