NR 51.975(1) (1) Project data. No application is required by counties that are assisting the department.

NR 51.975(1)(a) (a) The department shall provide the following:

NR 51.975(1)(a)1. 1. A comprehensive description of the property to be acquired, including proposed land use, future operation and maintenance plans, and public access provisions consistent with ch. NR 52.

NR 51.975(1)(a)2. 2. A map of the property that identifies items such as land forms, water features, forest types, trail systems and wildlife habitat.

NR 51.975(1)(a)3. 3. A completed checklist as provided under s. NR 52.03 (2) (a).

NR 51.975(1)(a)4. 4. An estimate of eligible project costs as provided under s. NR 51.965 (1).

NR 51.975(1)(a)5. 5. A real estate option or offer to purchase signed by the seller.

NR 51.975(1)(a)6. 6. A letter of intent, signed by the department secretary or its designee, addressed to the county, indicating the department’s commitment with regard to the parcel in question.

NR 51.975(1)(b) (b) The county shall provide the following:

NR 51.975(1)(b)1. 1. Proof of matching funds for the project, consistent with s. NR 51.975 (2).

NR 51.975(1)(b)2. 2. A resolution approved by its governing body that indicates the county’s willingness to assist the department and the availability of matching funds.

NR 51.975(1)(b)3. 3. A management plan for the property developed by the county.

NR 51.975(2) (2) Matching funds. To receive a grant under this subchapter, counties shall contribute matching funds that are equivalent to at least 50 percent of total project costs. Notwithstanding s. NR 51.006 (3) (a), eligible sources of matching funds shall include any combination of the following:

NR 51.975(2)(a) (a) Cash from the sponsor.

NR 51.975(2)(b) (b) Funds generated by local or federal governments.

NR 51.975(2)(c) (c) Grants or contributions from foundations, businesses, private individuals, or nonprofit organizations.

NR 51.975(2)(d) (d) The amount of the difference between the fair market value of the land being acquired by the county, as determined by a department approved appraisal, and the price for which the land was purchased, if the price is less than the fair market value.

NR 51.975(2)(e) (e) The fair market value of land or land rights already in public ownership acquired by the county not more than one year prior to the date the department submits a request in writing to the county under s. NR 51.972, if the department determines that land is suitable as stewardship program match.

NR 51.975(2)(f) (f) Fifty percent of the fair market value of land or land rights owned by the county at the time of application that was acquired by the county more one year prior to the date the department submits a request in writing to the county under s. NR 51.972, if the department determines that land or land rights are suitable as stewardship program match.

NR 51.975 History History: CR 10-127: cr. Register February 2012 No. 674, eff. 3-1-12.

NR 51.976 NR 51.976 Grant contract and contract violations.

NR 51.976(1) (1) Grant contract. The department shall formalize each grant award by also issuing a grant contract to each successful county. The grant contract shall recognize the department’s interest in the property acquired and shall ensure that the county provides adequate land management and property maintenance in accordance with the management plan submitted to the department. The county shall record the grant contract on the property deed at the county register of deeds office.

NR 51.976(2) (2) Contract violations. If a county violates any condition of the grant contract and fails to correct that violation within 6 months after written notification from the department, the county shall be in violation of the grant contract, and all title, right, and interest held by the county in and to the property shall vest in the state without the necessity of reentry or legal judgment.

NR 51.976 History History: CR 10-127: cr. Register February 2012 No. 674, eff. 3-1-12.

NR 51.977 NR 51.977 Grant payments.

NR 51.977(1) (1) The department shall provide grant payment in the form of an escrow check if requested by the county.

NR 51.977(2) (2) The department may issue final grant payments for miscellaneous costs after the following conditions have been satisfied:

NR 51.977(2)(a) (a) The county has submitted a reimbursement request on a form provided by the department. The county shall attach to the reimbursement request all receipts, cancelled checks, and other supporting documentation related to the project. The county shall use generally accepted accounting principles and practices in its administration of the project. The county shall retain all financial records associated with the project for a period of 4 years after the department issues final payment.

NR 51.977 Note Note: Reimbursement request forms are available from any department region office or the DNR bureau of community financial assistance, Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.