The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced 12 projects across the state have been approved for more than $7.7 million in grant funding through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Menasha will receive $920,000 to assist with the realignment of the Jefferson Park boat launch. It will separate park traffic from boat launch traffic, reducing congestion and improving safety. The realigned launch will include the construction of a three-lane boat launch and a new parking lot with a better flow pattern.
Neenah will receive $1 million to assist with the renovation and reconstruction of 1,362 linear feet of vertical seawall and 565 linear feet of habitat-enhanced riprap shoreline in Doty Park.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program gives the DNR spending authority to support recreational infrastructure on state and municipal properties, including boat ramp facilities, as well as campsite, restroom, and trail improvements through grants available to local governments and nonprofit organizations. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program also enables the DNR to purchase land and easement additions to state properties to aid in the preservation of Wisconsin’s unique outdoor spaces.
Stewardship funds are distributed under six categories:
- Local Government Grants for park land and development;
- Nonprofit Grants for conservation land acquisition;
- County Forests Grants for county forest acquisition;
- Recreational Boating Grants for recreational boating facilities;
- Friends Grants to local state property “friends of” groups; and
- Motorized Recreation Grants for snowmobile and ATV trails.
More information about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program can be found on the DNR’s website.
