Healthy Lakes & Rivers
Healthy Lakes & Rivers supports organizations installing five simple practices on public and private shorelands to improve habitat and water quality in Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (Grant applications) | May 1, 2027 (Organizational eligibility review, if applicable)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000 per practice and $25,000 per project; 75% DNR cost share; maximum three-year term
Summary: Supports installation of five simple shoreland practices that improve habitat and water quality in Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.
Key Information: All participating landowners must sign conservation contracts committing to maintain practices for at least 10 years.
Description
Healthy Lakes & Rivers is part of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Surface Water Management grant program. It funds qualified organizations that help install simple, inexpensive habitat and water-quality improvements on public or private shoreland properties. Its focus is practical implementation rather than a broader research agenda.
The program supports five defined practices: fish sticks, native plantings, diversions, rock infiltrations, and rain gardens. These improvements can be installed in the littoral, transition/buffer, and upland zones of shoreland properties. Projects must follow the department’s Healthy Lakes and Rivers Action Plan and supporting technical guidance, with location and maintenance requirements designed to preserve each practice’s function.
