Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)

Contact your local DNR forester for help. Applications go to the local DNR forester for approval; sending materials to the Madison office delays processing. Complete Form 2400-126 and attach a W-9. Work done before the award letter arrives is not eligible.

Deadline text on the page: Applications can be submitted at anytime. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to submit your grant application well before the project needs to begin. Grants may be awarded on August 1st, November 1st, February 1st, and May 1st depending on funds available and the number of applications in the waiting list.

Sadie Brown

Private Forestry Specialist

Elisabeth (Lis) Kuisis

Grant Manager

General office

DNR customer service; local tax law forestry specialists via the Forestry Assistance Locator

DNR cost-share that reimburses non-industrial private woodland owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible forestry practices. Priority 1 practices are stewardship plan development, tree planting and regeneration, forest health and improvement, and soil and water protection. Priority 2 practices are wetland and riparian protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, and protection of endangered resources and cultural sites.



- Non-industrial private forest landowners in Wisconsin.
- Must own at least 10 contiguous acres of forest and no more than 500 acres of forest in Wisconsin.
- Must have a forest stewardship plan in place, or apply to have one prepared through WFLGP.
- Only non-commercial practices can be cost-shared.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

Reimburses 50% of paid invoices and receipts, or an hourly rate for landowner labor. Payments cannot exceed the grant amount. Projects must be completed within two years of the award. The DNR reports grant payments to the IRS as income.

Published amounts: This program reimburses woodland owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible practices. Grant amounts are based on the type of project and number of acres to be completed. The page publishes no dollar cap.

Request an application from the Forest Legacy Program coordinator and return the completed application to Ron Gropp, WI DNR Division of Forestry, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. Applicants are encouraged to review the National Forest Legacy Program Scoring Guidance while completing it.

Deadline text on the page: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Ron Gropp

Forest Legacy Program coordinator / Private Forestry Staff Specialist

WI DNR runs the federal Forest Legacy Program in Wisconsin. The state buys conservation easements, or sometimes fee title, from willing owners of environmentally important private forest that is threatened with conversion to other uses. Under an easement the land stays privately owned and managed. Projects compete at the state and national levels and can take several years to complete.



- Land must be inside one of Wisconsin's five Forest Legacy Areas.
- Land must be 75% forested, or the owner must plant trees to meet the forest cover requirement.
- Owner must be willing to sell or donate the interest in perpetuity.
- Landowner must practice sustainable forestry under a management plan prepared by a natural resource professional.

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

Perpetual conservation easement, or a fee sale to the state. A 25% non-federal cost-share is required and can be cash, in-kind services, or donated land or interest in land. Ranking is competitive at the state and national levels, and projects take several years.

Published amounts: The Forest Legacy Program provides federal matching funds which are used to purchase conservation easements from willing sellers. Projects selected for funding require a 25% non-federal cost-share, with FLP funds contributing no more than 75% of the project costs.

Submit an application together with a management plan written by a DNR certified plan writer. The Forestry Assistance Locator (https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/fal/) lists certified plan writers by county. The application deadline is June 1, and entry takes effect the following Jan. 1.

Deadline text on the page: The deadline for submitting an application and required attachments is June 1 for entry effective the following Jan. 1.

Wisconsin's forest property-tax program. Landowners who follow a sound forest management plan pay reduced property taxes on enrolled woodland. MFL is the only Wisconsin forest tax law still open to enrollment, and the DNR calls it the state's largest incentive program for private landowners, with over 3 million acres enrolled.



- Open to all private owners of forested land.
- Parcel must be at least 20 contiguous acres under the same ownership, or at least 10 contiguous acres connected by land under the same ownership to at least one other parcel of at least 10 contiguous acres.
- At least 80% of each parcel must be productive forest.
- Land must be managed according to a plan agreed to by the landowner.

A reduction or waiving of fees for meeting a certain criteria.

Discount

The management plan covers landowner objectives, timber management, wildlife management and water quality. Landowners choose open status (public hunting, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and cross-country skiing) or closed status; closed land pays a higher per-acre fee. Land may be withdrawn voluntarily at any time, but a withdrawal tax plus a $300 withdrawal fee applies. A new owner must file a Transfer of Ownership (Form 2450-159) within 30 days.

Published amounts: Enrolled land pays MFL tax rates instead of regular property tax. Current rates (per acre, calculated in 2022 for use in 2023 through 2027): land entered 2005 and later, Open land (acreage share tax) $1.90, Closed land (acreage share tax plus $7.59 closed acreage fee) $9.49; land entered 1987-2004, Open $0.72, Closed $1.68. Source: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/forestlandowners/taxrates

Submit a completed application electronically to the DNR Regional Nonpoint Source Coordinator at any time. Applications are bundled for review on April 15, June 15 and Aug. 15 (and Oct. 15 if funds allow). Unfunded applications stay under consideration for up to one year.

Deadline text on the page: Applications will be bundled and reviewed jointly by DNR and DATCP at two or three scheduled times each calendar year depending on available funding: April 15, June 15, Aug. 15. An additional Oct. 15 submittal and review may be established if funds are available.

Ben Uvaas

Agricultural NPS Implementation Coordinator

DNR CFA Nonpoint Grants

Joint Wisconsin DNR and DATCP cost-share for livestock operations that have received a DNR Notice of Discharge (NOD) or a Notice of Intent to issue one (NOI). Your county or other local governmental unit applies on your behalf and passes the money to you for best management practices that fix pollution discharges at your animal feeding operation. Applications are accepted any time and bundled for review on April 15, June 15 and August 15 (plus October 15 if funds allow).



- Applicants: governmental units working with livestock operation owners or operators who received an NOD or NOI from the DNR.
- Eligible projects: best management practices that improve water quality impaired by discharges at an animal feeding operation and satisfy the NOD or NOI.
- Not eligible: facilities already in compliance, projects offered cost-sharing before, routine maintenance, or significant expansion of the operation.

Grantees sign cost-share agreements with landowners and need DNR approval first. Final reports go through the BMP Implementation Tracking System (BITS).

Published amounts: Cost-share limits follow NR 154.03(1) and can be exceeded when the landowner or operator meets the economic hardship rules in NR 154.03(3). The page publishes no award cap.

Pick the application that fits the project: Large-Scale Agricultural TRM (Form 8700-333), Small-Scale Agricultural TRM (Form 8700-300) or Small-Scale Urban TMDL TRM (Form 8700-332). Submit it electronically by April 15 of the year before the grant starts.

Deadline text on the page: Applications must be sent electronically by April 15 of the calendar year prior to the awarded grant start year. (Applications for projects beginning in 2027 were due April 15, 2026.)

Matthew Kaelin

Municipal Storm Water Infrastructure Specialist

Wisconsin DNR's Targeted Runoff Management grants go to counties and other local governments to control nonpoint-source pollution, mostly agricultural runoff, in targeted critical areas. Farmers don't apply to DNR: your county applies, then signs cost-share agreements with you for practices that meet state agricultural performance standards or EPA-approved TMDLs, at up to 70% of eligible costs. Applications are due each April 15 for projects that start the following year.



- Applicants: cities, villages, towns, counties, regional planning commissions, tribal governments, and special purpose lake, sewerage and sanitary districts.
- Agricultural projects that implement state agricultural performance standards and prohibitions (NR 151) or EPA-approved TMDLs; small-scale urban TMDL projects also qualify.
- Not eligible: croplands or livestock facilities defined as 'new', CAFO permit-required point source controls, construction site erosion control, and dredging.

Up to 70% cost-share. Large-scale projects run 3-4 years and small-scale projects 2-3 years. Grantees must get DNR approval for each cost-share agreement with a landowner. Cost-share limits can be exceeded for landowners who meet the economic hardship rules in NR 154.03(3).

Published amounts: The cost-share rate for TRM projects is up to 70% of eligible costs. Large-scale projects: Funding is limited to $600,000. Small-scale projects: Grants are limited to $225,000.

Submit Form 2400-141, signed by 3 persons including at least one person participating, with a project narrative, a W-9 and the Participation Agreement (Form 2400-141a). Email it to dnrwmagrantprogram@wisconsin.gov by April 13; rapid response applications are accepted any time. Contacting the Forest Invasive Plant Specialist before applying is encouraged.

Deadline text on the page: Applications are due April 13 and are awarded July 1, annually. Except for rapid response applications that are accepted at any time and are awarded as warranted.

Becky Gray

Forest Health – Invasive Plant Specialist

WMA Grant Program

DNR reimbursement grant for weed management groups that control invasive plants on nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land and run related education and outreach. It covers up to 75% of eligible costs with a 25% match. Up to 20% of funds go to year-round rapid response against prohibited and early-detection invasive plants.



- A Weed Management Group of 3 or more persons, at least one of whom owns 500 acres or less of NIPF land in Wisconsin where a practice will be done.
- A Responsible Party (nonprofit, for-profit, government entity or individual) submits a W-9. Funds must be used on NIPF land.
- A Participation Agreement must include the NIPF landowner's written permission.
- Not eligible: work on public or industrial forest land, aquatic plants, and costs incurred before the award.

Up to 75% cost-share with a 25% match. Grants expire 24 months after award. Volunteer labor counts as in-kind match at $15/hour. Capital purchases are capped at $5,000.

Published amounts: This is a reimbursement program that covers up to 75% of the eligible costs, 25% match is required. Capital purchases - maximum $5,000. Rapid response funding does not require match.

Get a proposal and cost estimate from a licensed well driller or pump installer. Complete the Well Compensation Program Claim (Form 8700-174) and email it with attachments to DNRCFAWellGrantsIntake@wisconsin.gov, or mail it to Well Grants Intake, WI DNR, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg WI 53711. Do not start work before the approval letter.

Deadline text on the page: No application deadline is published. The page warns: 'Do not do any work until you receive a well compensation grant award approval letter from the DNR.'

Katherine Burk

Well Grants Intake

DNR grant to replace, reconstruct or treat a contaminated private well that serves a residence or provides water to livestock. Family income may not exceed $65,000 for the prior calendar year. Nitrate contamination (at or above 40 ppm nitrate-nitrogen) qualifies only when the well supplies both livestock and the residence. Livestock fecal bacteria contamination also qualifies.



- The landowner (or spouse, dependent, heir, or assignee or legal representative), a renter, or a shared well owner may apply. Local governments, school districts and state or federal agencies cannot.
- Family income may not exceed $65,000 for the prior calendar year.
- The well must meet a contamination criterion: chemical contamination; arsenic at or above 50 ug/l; nitrate at or above 40 ppm nitrate-N where the supply serves both livestock and the residence; livestock fecal bacteria; or other contaminants with an advisory letter.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Pays 75% of eligible costs up to $16,000, so the maximum grant is $12,000. Financial hardship funding may be available when family income is well below $45,000. The award check usually goes to the licensed well professional.

Published amounts: The grant program will pay 75% of eligible costs up to $16,000. The maximum grant possible is $12,000.

Talk to WWCT coordinator Josh Brown before applying. Submit the WI Wetland Conservation Trust Grant Application (Form 8700-363) using the form's 'Submit by email' button. Proposals are reviewed each quarter; submission deadlines are Jan. 31, Apr. 30, Jul. 31 and Oct. 31.

Deadline text on the page: The current Request for Proposal (RFP) is open on September 1, 2026, with a deadline on October 31, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their proposal status November 30, 2026.

Josh Brown

ILF Program Coordinator

DNR's Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust pays for wetland restoration projects that generate in-lieu fee mitigation credits. Public agencies, municipalities, private landowners, consultants, nonprofits, tribes and registered entities can propose projects. Every project site must be protected by a conservation easement and stay a mitigation site in perpetuity. The Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2026 RFP funds only the SW Lake Michigan service area.



- Standard subprogram: open to public agencies, municipalities, private landowners, environmental consultants, nonprofit conservation organizations, Wisconsin tribes, or any entity registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- The project site must be in a service area with available funding and be protected by a conservation easement or comparable legal instrument in perpetuity.
- The applicant, or its contractor, must provide qualifications and a list of wetland mitigation or restoration projects completed in the last 10 years.

The project site needs a perpetual conservation easement. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers review generally comes before a WWCT contract is signed.

Published amounts: Funding available as of September 1, 2026: SW Lake Michigan service area (HUC 040400), preferred credit generation 20, available project funds $1,600,000.

File a complaint with the county, or the county's agent, within 14 days of the first damage each year. Follow the recommended abatement. Call 10 days before harvest (for each cutting and each crop or field) to schedule an appraisal. Then file a Wildlife Damage Claim (Form 2300-192) with the county contact.

Deadline text on the page: File a complaint with the county, or the county's agent, within 14 days of the first damage each year. Call the county, or the county's agent, 10 days prior to harvest to conduct an appraisal.

Chris Keiser

Wildlife Damage Specialist

DNR Damage and Nuisance Staff

WDACP gives farmers help preventing damage and partial compensation when wild white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, Canada geese and turkeys damage agricultural crops. It is a state program run through participating counties. Enrolled farmers must allow public hunting of the damaging species and follow the recommended abatement.



- Must own the crops being damaged.
- Must control hunting access on each crop field and on all contiguous acres under the same ownership and control.
- Must allow public hunting during the open season for the species causing damage. Exception: a farmer with only a deer damage shooting permit does not have to allow public deer hunting, but gives up deer damage compensation.
- Must follow normal agricultural practices and may not charge any fee related to hunting the species causing damage.
- Farm must be in a participating county (all except Kenosha and Menominee).

Each claim has a $500 deductible and a $10,000 maximum. Crops must not be planted or manipulated to attract the eligible species. Enrollees issued deer shooting permits must meet the deer harvest objectives. Enrollees under the Managed Hunting Access option must keep a hunting log and provide parking. Failing any provision means no compensation that year or the next.

Published amounts: $500 Deductible per claim; $10,000 Maximum per claim.

If you suspect wolf depredation, immediately contact USDA-Wildlife Services (northern Wisconsin 1-800-228-1368 or 715-369-5221; southern Wisconsin 1-800-433-0663 or 920-324-4514). Preserve evidence at the site and limit human activity there. The DNR Wolf Depredation Program (608-576-3914) handles payments.

Deadline text on the page: No deadline is published. The wolf page says to immediately contact USDA-Wildlife Services to investigate a suspected depredation.

Randy Johnson

Large Carnivore Specialist (wolf/dog depredations)

USDA-Wildlife Services (investigations)

WI DNR pays compensation for verified wolf depredation of livestock (calves, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, farm-raised deer, horses and poultry), hunting dogs and pets, including some veterinary costs, after USDA-Wildlife Services investigates. The DNR publishes annual payment summaries for 2021 through 2025.



- Loss must be verified; USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services investigates reported wolf conflicts for the DNR.
- Compensable categories published by the DNR: calves (including missing calves), cattle, sheep, goats, swine, farm-raised deer, equine animals, poultry, other farm animals, hunting dogs and pets, plus vet costs for cattle, hunting dogs and pets.

Paid per verified loss. The DNR publishes annual payment summaries; for summaries older than five years, email DNRWMWildlifeDamageAndNuisance@wisconsin.gov.

Published amounts: Published payment categories: calf, missing calf, cattle, cattle vet, sheep, goat, swine, farm-raised deer, equine, poultry, other farm animals, hunting dogs, hunting dog vet, pets and pet vet. 2025 figures: calf payments $57,986.36 (25 losses), missing calf payments $47,005.36 (24 losses), cattle payments $11,660.00 (4 losses). No per-claim cap is published.

List of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Funding Opportunities