Healthy Lakes & Rivers
Healthy Lakes & Rivers supports organizations installing shoreland practices on public or private property to improve habitat and water quality along Wisconsin lakes and rivers.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Year-round (applications) | May 1 annually (recommended eligibility review)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000 per practice and $25,000 per grant; 75% DNR cost share; maximum 3-year term
Summary: Supports installation of shoreland practices that improve habitat and water quality along Wisconsin lakes and rivers.
Key Information: Qualified organizations apply on behalf of projects on public or private property; participating landowners must sign a 10-year conservation contract.
Description
Healthy Lakes & Rivers is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Surface Water Grant subprogram that helps qualified organizations install practices on public or private shoreland property. Its goal is to improve habitat and water quality along Wisconsin lakes and rivers through five defined practices: fish sticks, native plantings, diversions, rock infiltrations, and rain gardens.
The practices address areas in and near the water as well as farther upland. Projects must follow DNR’s Healthy Lakes and Rivers Action Plan and supporting technical guidance. Fish sticks are eligible for lake projects, but not river projects.
