Lake Grants: A good investment in our lakes

DNR has awarded over $30 million dollars through nearly 1500 lake grants in the past 15 years. These grants—lake planning grants, lake protection and classification grants, and aquatic invasive species control grants (funded by the motorboat gas tax)—assist organizations in managing and protecting Wisconsin lakes.

Lake Planning grants
Lake planning grants have funded projects involving watershed analyses, nutrient budgets, plant surveys, habitat analyses, educational programs; social surveys often follow in larger-scale phased lake management planning projects.

To date, nearly 1,200 lake planning grants have been awarded providing nearly $10 million in awards. Thanks to these grants and the matching funds raised by dedicated organizations, we have a wealth of information on water quality, watersheds, nutrient budgets, aquatic plants, habitat, and recreational use of the waters of Wisconsin.

Information on small scale lake planning grants
(Exits site)

Information on large scale lake planning grants
(Exits site)

Contact your DNR Regional Lakes Coordinator
(PDF 20 KB)

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Lake Protection and Classification grants

Since 1994, lake protection and classification grants have provided funds to organizations to help implement lake management plans, purchase property and conservation easements, restore wetlands and shorelands, develop ordinances, and implement county lake classification projects.

In its first five years, lake protection grants helped organizations acquire nearly 3,500 acres of land. Lake classification grants have enabled counties to increase the minimum lot size and enact other zoning improvements to protect thousands of smaller lakes (generally less than 100 acres) throughout the northern part of the state from over-development.

Information on lake protection and classification grants (Exits site)

Contact your DNR Regional Lakes Coordinator
(PDF 20 KB)

Are lake grants helping protect your lake?
Share your successful project.

Aquatic Invasive Species grants

Aquatic invasive species control grants have been made available to support local efforts in preventing and controlling aquatic invasive species infestations. Projects involving identification and removal of new infestations, and projects involving education, prevention, planning, or the restoration of native plant species may be eligible for funding under this grant program.

Sixty-eight aquatic invasive species control grants have been awarded, providing funds for organizations to develop plans, eradicate and control purple loosestrife and Eurasian watermilfoil, and conduct whole-lake treatments of aquatic invasive species.

Information on aquatic invasive species grants
(Exits site)

Contact your DNR Regional Lakes Coordinator
(PDF 20 KB)

Are lake grants helping protect your lake?
Share your successful project.