The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday the approval of Stewardship Funding for Friends grants to 29 nonprofits for improvements at DNR-managed properties across the state.
The State Building Commission approved the funding for 32 projects totaling $499,144 in stewardship grant dollars, leveraging $572,061 in matching contributions and $3 million in total project costs.
Among the Northeast Wisconsin projects receiving funds are trail rehabilitation efforts at High Cliff State Park, campsite expansion at Newport State Park and visitor center improvements at Navarino as well as improvements at Potawatomi State Park, Kohler Andrae State Park, Peninsula State Park and Point Beach State Forest.
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. A portion of the stewardship funds from the state’s biennial budget is used to support recreational projects and improvements at state properties.
Each year, $500,000 from the stewardship program is set aside for grants to Friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations.
A full list of projects can be found online.
