MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 24 nonprofit organizations for improvement at DNR properties across the state. Governor Evers’ State Building Commission approved the funding, which includes 29 projects for a total of $373,900 in Stewardship grants, leveraging $392,700 in matching contributions and $4.2 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. Within this program, a portion of Stewardship funds from the state’s biennial budget is used to support important recreational projects and improvements at state properties. The Stewardship program’s annual funding makes many construction and property development projects at the DNR’s state parks, trails, forests and other state lands possible.

Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs, including grants to DNR 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 on state 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 properties. Thank you to these partners for their dedication and continued support for DNR properties and these projects.

Among the projects is Friends of Yellowstone State Park — ADA Accessibility Kayak Launch Phase II.

Learn more about the Stewardship grant and Friends Group programs at the Grants to Friends Groups and Friends Group webpages.