MADISON — 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.

Local recipients include:

●  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.