River Protection Grant Program

Communities and nonprofit groups can receive state financial help to protect rivers under a program that aims to prevent water quality, fisheries habitat, and natural beauty from deteriorating as the number of homes and recreational, industrial, and other uses increases along rivers.

River Planning Grants

• $10,000 max per grant
• 75% state share max
• Some eligible activities include (in priority order): 1) river organization development, 2) information and education, 3) assessments of water quality, fish, and aquatic life, and 4) nonpoint source evaluations.

River Management Grants

• $50,000 max per grant
• 75% State Share max
• Some eligible activities include (in priority order): 1) purchase of land or easements, 2) development of local ordinances, and 3) restoration of in-stream or shoreland habitat.

Eligible Sponsors

• Units of local government
• Nonprofit conservation organizations
• Qualified river management organizations
• (incorporated; purpose statement or past actions related to river protection; open membership)

The application deadline is May 1. If your group does not receive an application but would like one, contact the environmental grant specialist in your WDNR regional office (click here to return to grant support staff).