Nonpoint Source Priority Watershed and Priority Lake Program Grant

(s. 281.65, Wis. Stats., and ch. NR 120, Wis. Admin. Code)

This grant program is currently closed to new applicants. Funding for ongoing Priority Watershed and Lake projects will continue through 2009.

The nonpoint source priority watershed grant program provides funds to prevent or eliminate nonpoint sources of water pollution in existing, designated priority watershed projects in Wisconsin. To select projects, Wisconsin developed watershed-ranking criteria, and incorporated it into the water quality management plans written for each of the state's river basins. The system ranked streams, lakes, and groundwater separately--by watershed--in categories of high, medium, or low priority using the following factors:

• Potential to respond positively and/or be protected by nonpoint source controls.
• Unique environment for endangered or threatened species.
• Water quality and habitat degradation impacts on fish populations and biodiversity.
• Water chemistry criteria.
• Macro invertebrate biotic index rating.
• Negative changes in stream morphology and vegetation.
• Classification as a threatened stream.
• Classification as an outstanding or exceptional resource water.
• Sensitivity of a lake to phosphorus loading.
• Classification of a lake as a high resource or high recreation use lake.
• Susceptibility of groundwater to contamination based on depth to bedrock, bedrock type, depth to water table, soil characteristics, and surface deposits.

Once a priority watershed was designated, funding was provided to support local staff and conduct extensive land use inventories and detailed water resources appraisals. Following the initial planning process, watershed plans were implemented locally, with the DNR providing up to 70 percent cost sharing for the installation of best management practices. Implementation of priority watershed plans generally occurs over a 10 to 12 year period. Eligible types of projects include (but are not limited to):

• Cropping practices including nutrient management, pesticide management, grazing rotation, and crop protection, etc.
• Field diversions.
• Terraces.
• Grassed waterways.
• Stream and shoreline protection practices including crossing, fencing, shoreline buffers, shaping & seeding, etc.
• Barnyard runoff management (manure storage facilities, etc).
• Wetland restoration.
• Treatment of agricultural or lake sediment basins.

Materials for Current Grantees:

• 3200-53 - Cost Share Calculation and Practice Verification Form
• 3200-54 - Request for Advance or Reimbursement
• 3400-68 - Wisconsin Priority Watershed Cost Share Agreement
• 3400-68A - Wisconsin Priority Watershed Cost Share Agreement Amendment
• 3400-68B - Satisfaction of Cost Share Agreement
• 3400-68C - Release of Cost-Share Agreement
• 3400-68H - Economic Hardship Affidavit
• 3200-80 - Reimbursement Claim Summary Worksheet

Additional Information:

• Nonpoint Source Grant Contacts
• Runoff Management Administrative Rules
• Effectiveness of Priority Watershed Program
• Revised Financing Plan for Priority Watershed Projects
• Cropping Practice Methodology
• 2004 Joint Final Allocation Plan
• Ch NR 120 Best Management Practices Codes, Cost-Sharing Rates and Funding Source
• Ch NR 154 Best Management Practice Codes, Current Grant Eligibility and Funding Source
• Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants

Contacts:

Jeff Soellner
Bureau of Community Financial Assistance
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 267-7152
Jeffrey.Soellner@Wisconsin.gov

Corinne Billings
Bureau of Watershed Management
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 264-6261
Corinne.Billings@Wisconsin.gov