The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 29 nonprofit organizations for improvements at DNR-managed properties across the state. The State Building Commission approved the funding for 32 projects totaling $499,144 in Stewardship grant dollars, leveraging $572,061 in matching contributions and $3 million in total project costs.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural communities, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. A portion of the Stewardship funds from the state’s biennial budget is used to support important recreational projects and improvements at state properties.
Many construction and property development projects at state parks, trails, forests and other state-managed lands are made possible with the Stewardship Program’s annual funding. Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs, including grants to Friends Groups. Through the Stewardship Friends Grant Program, the DNR partners with Friends Groups and nonprofit conservation organizations to improve facilities, build new recreation projects and restore habitat at state-managed properties.
Each year, $500,000 from the Stewardship Program is set aside for grants to Friends Groups and nonprofit conservation organizations. The DNR recognizes the important role Friends Groups play in meeting the development and restoration needs of state-managed properties. Thank you to these partners for their dedication and continued support for the DNR and these projects.
The following projects were approved and will move forward in the grant award process:
Friends of Aztalan State Park – Aztalan Visitors Center Phase II
Friends of Blue Mound State Park – Amphitheater Phase III
Friends of Buckhorn State Park – Hiking Trail Bridge Replacement
Friends of Copper Falls State Park – Signage Renovation
Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park – Quartzite Campground Picnic Tables
Friends of Governor Nelson State Park – Hogan House Restoration Phase II
Friends of Harrington Beach State Park – Welcome Center Deck Replacement
Friends of High Cliff State Park – Lime Kiln Trail Remediation Phase III
Ice Age Trail Alliance – Trail Development at Interstate Park
Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks – Pollinator Pocket Prairie Median Signage
Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks – Nature Journaling Trail Signage
Friends of the Kettle Moraine, Inc. – Ice Age Visitor Center Vegetation Rehabilitation
Kettle Moraine Natural History Association – Firewood Storage and Sales Lockers
Friends of Lapham Peak – Accessible Fishing Pier and Path
Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park, Inc. – Kohler-Andrae Amphitheater Phase II
Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group – Universal Kayak Launch
Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail – Wayfinding Trail Signage Phase I
Friends of Mirror Lake State Park – Interpretive Signs and Updated Trail Maps Phase II
Friends of Mirror Lake State Park – Sandstone Campground ADA Restroom Improvements
Friends of Mirror Lake State Park – Beach Shelter Concrete Expansion
Friends of Navarino Wildlife Area – Visitor Center and Facilities Improvements
Newport Wilderness Society – Expansion of Backcountry Campsites
North Country Trail Association – Nemadji Segment Development Phase I
Friends of Pattison and Amnicon Falls State Parks – Firewood Shed Replacement
Friends of Peninsula State Park, Inc. – Fire Rings and Picnic Tables Phase II
Friends of Perrot State Park – Entrance Sign Installation
Friends of Point Beach State Forest – Playground Update Phase II
Friends of Potawatomi State Park – Open Air Shelter Design and Construction Phase I
Friends of Red Cedar State Trail – Trailhead Depot Visitor Safety Upgrades
Friends of Rib Mountain State Park – Safety Handrail Replacement
Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks – Universal Kayak and Canoe Launch
Friends of Yellowstone Lake State Park – Universal Beach Facilities and Beach Access
Learn more about the Stewardship Grant and Friends Group programs on the DNR’s Friends Groups webpage.
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