Sister Bay seeks stewardship grant for Waterfront Park addition

Sister Bay, Wis. – The Village of Sister Bay has applied for a grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program’s Urban Green Space fund to purchase approximately .96 acres of land along Lake Michigan to expand the Sister Bay Waterfront Park.

Sister Bay will provide the matching funds. The expanded park area will be available for hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, picnicking, fishing, swimming, and boating, including canoe and kayak. Purchase of this property will give the village ownership of the entire Sister Bay downtown shoreline, stretching from the north side of the Marina Park to the Sister Bay Yacht Club; totaling approximately,936 linear feet of public access to the waterfront.

The public can mail written comments on the proposed acquisition to Carrie Mickelson, Director, Division of Customer and Employee Services, care of Chris Halbur, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI, 54313, or sent by e-mail to Christine.Halbur@Wisconsin.gov. Persons with questions about the project may call Chris Halbur at 920-662-5121. Written comments will be accepted through February 4, 2011.

In accordance with s. NR 52.04 (2) (b), Wis. Adm. Code, objections about the prohibited activities on this property must show that the proposed prohibition is inconsistent with s. 23.0916 (2) (b), Stats., and s. NR 52.05, Wis. Adm. Code.

City of Lake Geneva seeks grant for acquisition of land to protect White River Corridor

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – The City of Lake Geneva has applied for a 50 percent matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for costs incurred in the purchase of 60.6 acres of land in the city of Lake Geneva, Walworth County. The city will provide match to the grant award.

Preservation of the property will help protect the White River Corridor and provide opportunities for trail development along the White River within the city. The property will be left in its natural state and will be open to the public for low impact recreational activities including trapping, hiking, cross-county skiing, fishing, non-motorized boating, biking, nature study and snowshoeing.

The Department of Natural Resources has made a preliminary determination that the proposed acquisition will not involve significant adverse environmental impacts and neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action. Address public comments on the proposed acquisition to Carrie Mickelson, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, care of Dan Kaemmerer, Community Services Specialist, 2300 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53212, (414) 263-8704, daniel.kaemmerer@wisconsin.gov. In accordance with S. NR 52.04 (2)(b), Wis. Adm. Code, objections about the prohibited activities on this property must show proposed prohibitions to be inconsistent with S. 23.0916 (2)(b), Wis. Stats., and S. NR 52.05, Wis. Adm. Code. Comments must be received by February 7, 2011.

$100,000 awarded for Citizen Monitoring Projects

MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank today announced the 2009 Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program awards, providing $100,000 to help fund 22 high-priority natural resource monitoring projects conducted by citizen groups across the state. For the $100,000 awarded by the DNR this year, citizen groups will invest an estimated $188,600 in volunteer time and $98,500 in cash from other sources for an effort totaling $387,100.

“Wisconsin has been an international leader in environmental stewardship for decades, and citizen-based monitoring has a long history here,” Frank said. “It is important to recognize the valuable contributions these programs make to the conservation of Wisconsin’s natural resources and support their efforts. These projects help engage Wisconsin students and citizens in the proactive conservation of our vital natural resources,”

Through the Citizen-Based Monitoring Partnership Program, the Department of Natural Resources works with community and school groups, conservation organizations and other agencies to gather critical information on plants, animals, water and other natural resources. Projects are selected through a competitive review process with projects eligible to receive up to $4,999 in funding per year. Since 2004 the Partnership Program has helped fund 114 high priority natural resource monitoring projects statewide.

One of the selected projects, the Eau Claire County Forest Barrens Inventory, will receive $4,980 in funding and the project’s sponsors, Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center and Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Department, will contribute $6,400 in cash and 300 volunteer hours worth another $6,000.

More information on Wisconsin’s citizen-based monitoring program is available on the Wisconsin Citizen Based Monitoring Web site [cbm.wiatri.net] (exit DNR).

The 22 projects and sponsoring organizations awarded Partnership Program funding for the 2010 fiscal year are:

• Volunteer Carnivore Tracking Master Tracker and Training Program – Timber Wolf Alliance ($4,999).
• Middle and Lower Sugar River Citizen Monitoring Program Development – Upper Sugar River Watershed Association ($4,890).
• Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring on Rusk County Lakes – Rusk County Waters Alliance ($1,569).
• Monitoring Lake Level Trends in Northeastern Wisconsin – North Lakeland Discover Center ($4,999).
• Iron County American Marten Monitoring – Expanding a School and Community-Based Research Project - North Lakeland Discover Center ($4,999).
• Expanding on a Landowner Monitoring Strategy for Native Biodiversity in Southwest Wisconsin – Blue Mounds Area Project ($3,445).
• Kickapoo River Watershed Extended Water Quality Monitoring Program- Valley Stewardship Network ($4,500).
• Monitoring Protocols for Landowners – Development of a Monitoring Handbook of Tiered Skill-Level Techniques, Protocols and Data Collection – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ($4,999).
• Piloting a Landowner Monitoring Strategy of Indicator Species for Habitat Health in the Lower Kickapoo River – Kickapoo Initiative ($3,900).
• Third Annual Kirtland’s Warbler Census in Wisconsin – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ($4,818).
• Project RED (Riverine Early Detectors) – River Alliance of Wisconsin ($4,999).
• Citizen-Based Monitoring Field Practicum & Curriculum: Flambeau Mine Biodiversity Assessment – Bruce High School, Rusk County, Wisconsin ($4,999).
• Aquatic Macrophyte Surveys in Rivers of the Upper St. Croix Watershed: Working to Identify and Limit the Spread of Eurasian Water – Grantsburg High School, Burnett County, Wisconsin ($4,998).
• Citizen sampling to confirm, quantify and identify sources of E. coli pollution in the Bad River Watersheds – Bad River Watershed Association ($4,990).
• Implementing a Statewide Red-shouldered Hawk Survey in Wisconsin - Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ($4,999).
• Monitoring Kilbourn Creek: A Service-Learning Program at Indian Trail Academy – Indian Trail Academy, Kenosha Unified School District ($3,992).
• Monitoring Phosphate in the Creeks Feeding Little Sturgeon Bay – Little Sturgeon Area Property Owners Association ($528).
• Eau Claire County Forest Barrens Inventory – Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center and Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Department ($4,980).
• Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group: A Partnership for Action – Tainter and Menomin Lake Improvement Association ($4,999).
• Carnivore and Timber Wolf Population Survey and Training of Friends of Crex Volunteers – Friends of Crex Volunteers and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ($4,150).
• Building a Diverse Audience through Citizen-based Monitoring: A Career Pipeline Approach – Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee ($4,999).
• Expanding Invasive Species Identification in Manitowoc County – Manitowoc County Lake Association & Woodland Dunes Nature Center ($4,950).

Cottage Grove: Village seeking stewardship grant

COTTAGE GROVE - The Village of Cottage Grove has applied for a 50 percent matching grant from the Urban Green Space and Acquisition & Development of Local Parks components of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to assist with the purchase of 59 acres of land in the Town of Cottage Grove. The village will provide match to the grant award.

The property is being acquired to: provide a green space buffer between surrounding developments; allow for the future improvement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails; offer safe routes to schools; and linkage with the Glacial Drumlin Trail and Fireman’s Park.

Property uses will include trapping, hiking, cross-county skiing, picnic areas, nature study, wildlife observation, bicycle trails, dog exercise areas, disc golf, and educational opportunities.
The DNR has made a preliminary determination that the proposed acquisition will not involve significant adverse environmental impacts and neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action.

Persons can address comments on the proposed acquisition to Vance Rayburn, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, care of care of Renee Sanford, Customer and Employee Assistance 608 275-3213 Renee.Sanford@Wisconsin.gov. Comments must be received by April 10, 2009.

Town of Westport: Dane County seeks stewardship grant

WAUNAKEE – Dane County has applied for a 50 percent matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to assist with the purchase of 172 acres of land in the Town of Westport in Dane County. Dane County will provide match to the grant award.

The property would be purchased with money from the Urban Rivers and Urban Green Space sub-program, and is being acquired to provide green space within a rapidly developing area, protect a significant portion of Six Mile Creek from development, and create an integrated, naturalized stormwater system for minimizing runoff.

This purchase will create diverse opportunities for recreational uses, including hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-county skiing, non-motorized boat access, biking, picnics, snow-shoeing, nature study and wildlife observation.

The DNR has made a preliminary determination that the proposed acquisition will not involve significant adverse environmental impacts and neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action.

Persons should address public comments on the proposed acquisition to Vance Rayburn, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, care of Renee Sanford, Customer and Employee Services (608) 275-3213, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711-5397 or e-mail to Renee.Sanford@Wisconsin.gov. Comments must be received by April 10, 2009.

Land Acquisition and Recreation Grants Deadline is May 1, 2009

SPOONER - May 1, 2009 is the deadline for land acquisition and outdoor recreation area grants administered by the Department of Natural Resources. Grant application booklets are available for Department of Natural Resources’ Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance Grants, Federal Recreational Trail grants, and the Federal Land and Water Conservation fund.

Through these programs local units of government and nonprofit conservation organizations can receive funds to acquire land and land rights, and develop public outdoor recreation areas. Project selection and grant awards will be made after July 2009. Grants are available for up to 50% of eligible project costs. A copy of the booklets or application assistance can be obtained by contacting either Ed Slaminski, DNR Regional Community Services Specialist, at 715/635-4130 (e-mail) at edward.slaminski@wisconsin.gov for Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Rusk, Polk, Sawyer, and Washburn counties, or Pat Zatopa, DNR Regional Community Services Specialist, at 715-365-8928 (e-mail) patricia.zatopa@wisconsin.gov for Oneida, Vilas, Taylor, Lincoln, Forest, Florence, Price, Iron, and Langlade counties.

Application information is available at the DNR’s website under the Community Financial Assistance page.

Grants planned for nine northeastern Wisconsin counties

Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Waushara and Winnebago

GREEN BAY – The Department of Natural Resources plans to award more than $900,000 to local governments for recreation projects in northeastern Wisconsin. The funding comes from the Knowles-Nelson State Stewardship Program, federal Land and Water Conservation Program, federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, and federal Recreational Trails Act Program.

These projects are tentatively selected for grant awards, subject to additional reviews that may include the Wisconsin State Historical Society, various First Nation groups, Environmental permit administrators, and approval by the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or the National Park Service. The applications approved are:

• Calumet County: Funding for the county to develop and improve the harbor of refuge and public boat launch facility at Brothertown Harbor.
• Door County: Funding for the county to purchase an additional 2.5 acres to be added to Olde Stone Quarry Park.
• Kewaunee County: Funding for a trail and fishing pier at Blahnik Park.
• Manitowoc County: Funding for the city to rehabilitate the beach and boardwalk trail at Red Arrow Park.
• Marinette County: Funding for the Town of Pembine to rehabilitate restrooms and parking, and to add a new trail segment at the American Legion Park.
• Oconto County: Funding for the rehabilitation of a trail access road to the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest.
• Outagamie County: Funding for the Village of Little Chute to develop a new trail and observation deck along the Fox River in Heesakker park.
  Waushara County: Funding for the City of Wautoma to install a fishing pier at Library Park.
• Winnebago County: Funding for the Town of Menasha to continue their redevelopment of Fritse Park.

Projects of these types normally do not involve significant environmental effects. The department has made a preliminary determination that neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement will be required. The department is seeking public comments, either written or oral, on any of these projects. Comments should be directed to Chris Halbur, DNR Northeast Region Grant Manager by mail at 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI, 54313; by phone at 920-662-5121; or by email at Christine.Halbur@Wisconsin.gov. The deadline for comments is Friday, February 27, 2009.

Village of Pleasant Prairie seeks grant for acquisition of park land

KENOSHA – The Village of Pleasant Prairie has applied for a 50 percent matching grant from the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks sub-program of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to assist with the purchase of 0.19 acres of land with approximately 150 feet of Lake Michigan frontage in the Village of Pleasant Prairie in Kenosha County. Pleasant Prairie will provide match to the grant award.

The property is being acquired to expand existing Village-owned parkland in the Chiwaukee Prairie-Carol Beach area and improve public access to Lake Michigan. The additional lakeshore property will provide expanded opportunity for public hiking, fishing, trapping, cross country skiing, swimming, picnicking, and non-motorized boating access.

The DNR has made a preliminary determination that the proposed acquisition will not involve significant adverse environmental impacts and neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action. Address public comments on the proposed acquisition to Vance Rayburn, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, care of Tom Blotz, SER Government Outreach Supervisor, at 414-263-8610, or e-mail to tom.blotz@wisconsin.gov. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2009.

Land Acquisition in Grant County: Conservancy requesting stewardship grant

LANCASTER – The Mississippi Valley Conservancy has applied for a 50 percent matching grant from the Natural Areas Program of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to assist with the purchase of 138 acres of land in the Grant County Town of North Lancaster. The US Fish and Wildlife Service will match the grant award.

The property contains endangered native prairie, several springs, and a coldwater creek. The goals are to preserve, protect and restore the prairie and to provide opportunities for low impact outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-county skiing and biking, nature study and wildlife observation.

The DNR has made a preliminary determination that the proposed acquisition will not involve significant adverse environmental impacts and neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action. Address public comments on the proposed acquisition to Vance Rayburn, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, care of Stefanie Brouwer, 608- 275-3218, email: stefanie.brouwer@wisconsin.gov.

Comments must be received by Feb. 25, 2009.

Stewardship grant to City of Marion for frontage along the Mill Pond

Community access to Mill Pond and North Branch of Pidgeon River improved

GREEN BAY - The City of Marion has applied for a 50% matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to assist with the purchase of .95 acres of land in the City of Marion along the Mill Pond in Waupaca County.

The property is being acquired to increase the community's access to the Mill Pond and the North Branch of the Pigeon River. This acquisition will support fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, picnicking, nature study, and other community activities. The property includes 360 feet of frontage on the water.

The proposed action is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental effects. The Department has made a preliminary determination that neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action.

Address public comments on the proposed action to Vance Rayburn, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, in care of Chris Halbur, by phone at 920-662-5121, or by e-mail at Christine.Halbur@Wisconsin.gov. Comments must be received by February 23, 2009.

Inland Fisheries Grant Applications Due March 31

Jan. 15, 2009

(Michigan) The Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2010 Inland Fisheries Grant (IFG) program, which offer grants up to $200,000 for local projects that enhance Michigan's aquatic resources.

The IFG program is intended to foster citizen and community understanding and appreciation of inland fisheries resources and to encourage participation and commitment to the improvement and protection of inland fishing opportunities, habitat, and fish communities. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations, and units of government, including school districts. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations and governmental units. [Full Story]

Source: Michigan DNR

Environmental Review of Tentative Grant Awards

MILWAUKEE - The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting public comment on several outdoor recreational grant applications that have tentatively been selected as potential grant recipients. These potential recipients have been chosen from among more than 30 applications totaling nearly $3 million. Requests are submitted annually from numerous local units of government in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources will eventually award approximately $1.1 million in grants to local governments for the acquisition of land for nature-based parks and trails or for the development of nature-based parks and trails through the following programs: Stewardship - Aids for the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks and the federal National Recreational Trails Act.

"DNR is proud to be able to provide resources to Southeastern Wisconsin communities so they can enhance recreational opportunities for their citizens," said Tom Blotz, Community Assistance Supervisor.

Grant awards are subject to acceptance by the local unit of government and may require additional reviews by state and federal agencies such as the Wisconsin State Historical Society, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Office of the Governor.

The following park development projects have been tentatively offered grant awards at this time:

Ozaukee County

• Town of Grafton to construct a non-motorized boat launch facility on the Milwaukee River ($19,715).

Waukesha County

• City of Muskego to install a recreational trail bridge crossing over the Muskego canal located along STH 36 ($42,940).
• Town of Delafield to develop an off-road recreational trail along Cushing Park Road ($225,000).
• City of Delafield to develop an off road recreational trail along Cushing Park Road ($100,000).

Sheboygan County

• Village of Oostburg to develop a trail head facility on the Inter Urban recreation trail ($105,000.)
• Sheboygan County to reconstruct a portion of the Old Plank Road Trail ($150,000).
  Village of Random Lake to make access improvements to Library Bay Park ($200,000)

Racine County

• Village of Mt. Pleasant to develop Phase IV of the Pike River Trail ($65000).

Kenosha County

• Town of Salem for passive area development at new Community Park ($100,000).

Walworth County

• City of Whitewater for the development of a restroom/shelter building at Trippe Lake Park ($100,000).

These types of projects typically do not have the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts; therefore, the Department has made a preliminary determination that an environmental analysis will not be required for these projects.

Information regarding the Department's grant determinations can be reviewed at the DNR Southeast Region Headquarters. Contact Tom Blotz at (414) 263-8610 or Dan Kaemmerer at (414) 263-8704. Comments on the proposed projects are welcome and should be received by Mr. Blotz no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2008. Additional grants are planned for similar public outdoor recreation projects in other local communities in the Southeast Region. DNR makes grants available under State Law 23.09(20).

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources