On Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 25 non-profit organizations for improvement at DNR properties across the state. Governor Evers’ State Building Commission approved the funding, which includes 29 projects for a total of $326,600 in Stewardship grants, leveraging $371,500 in matching contributions and $3.4 million in total project costs.
Two of those approved projects are local to Lincoln County and will take place at Council Grounds State Park near Merrill. The following projects were approved and will move forward in the grant award process:
• Friends of Council Grounds State Park – Brown Trail Loop Invasive Species Removal
• Friends of Council Grounds State Park – Develop Blue Trail Loop
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural communities, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. Within this program, a portion of Stewardship funds from the state’s biennial budget is used to support important recreational projects and improvements at state properties. Many construction and property development projects at DNR’s state parks, trails, forests, and other state lands are made possible with the Stewardship Program’s annual funding.
Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs, including grants to DNR Friends Groups. Through the Stewardship Friends Grant Program, the DNR partners with Friends Groups and nonprofit conservation organizations to improve facilities, build new recreation projects, and restore habitat on state properties.
Each year, $500,000 from the Stewardship Program is set aside for grants to Friends Groups and nonprofit conservation organizations. The DNR recognizes the important role Friends Groups play in meeting the development and restoration needs of state properties.
Learn more about the Stewardship grant and Friends Group programs at the Grants to Friends Groups and Friends Group webpages.