WISCONSIN DNR ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR FRIENDS GRANTS

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 29 nonprofit organizations yesterday. The grants will be used to make improvements at DNR-managed properties across the state. Funding was approved by the State Building Commission for 32 projects totaling $499,144 in Stewardship grant dollars, leveraging $572,061 in matching contributions and $3 million in total project costs.

In an effort to preserve important natural communities, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to protect water quality and fisheries and expand outdoor recreation opportunities. A portion of the Stewardship funds from the state’s biennial budget is used to support important recreational initiatives and improvements at state properties, including projects at state parks, trails, forests and other state-managed lands. Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs, including grants to Friends Groups. $500,000 from the Stewardship Program is set aside annually for grants to Friends Groups and nonprofit conservation organizations, as the DNR recognizes the important role Friends Groups play in meeting the development and restoration needs of state-managed properties.