NR 51.05(1)(h)(h) For acquisition of development rights to create agricultural, forestry or other buffers on lands adjacent to properties acquired for the purposes listed in this subsection.

NR 51.05(2)(2) Ineligible projects. The department may not award stewardship grants for ineligible acquisition projects including:

NR 51.05(2)(a)(a) Any property that has restrictions or other covenants that prevent or limit the property from being managed for the conservation or public recreational purposes of the stewardship program or that would preempt the department’s reversionary interests under s. 23.096 (5), Stats.

NR 51.05(2)(b)(b) Any property that was acquired more than one year before a grant application is submitted for that property. Eligible properties not funded in the fiscal year in which an application is submitted due to insufficient funds may be considered for funding in subsequent fiscal years.

NR 51.05(2)(c)(c) Any property that is used or may be used for licensed game farms, fur farms, deer farms, shooting preserves, forest nurseries or experimental stations.

NR 51.05(2)(d)(d) Any property used for commercial or industrial purposes, except with prior written approval of the department for sponsor fundraising and other activities that protect or enhance the conservation values of the project.

NR 51.05 HistoryHistory: Emerg. cr. eff. 9-1-00; CR 00-135: cr. Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01; correction in (1) (g) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register April 2005 No. 592; CR 10-127: am. (title), (1) (intro.), (2) (intro.), (b) to (d), cr. (1) (title), (2) (title) Register February 2012 No. 674, eff. 3-1-12.

NR 51.06(1)(1) The department shall base its evaluation of acquisition projects on information submitted in the application as well as site visits and technical review comments. Property shall be evaluated and grants awarded according to criteria and priorities specific for each stewardship grant program identified in s. NR 51.05.

NR 51.06(2)(2) In awarding grants under s. 23.0917 (3), Stats., the department shall give priority to all of the purposes listed in s. 23.0917 (3) (c), Stats.

NR 51.06(3)(3) Additional factors that may be considered by the department when awarding grants under s. 23.0917 (3), Stats., include:

NR 51.06(4)(4) A higher priority may be placed on existing projects or large projects, which may be pursued in collaboration with others, where the multiple acquisition of adjacent parcels will provide greater benefit for natural resource conservation than single-parcel projects.

NR 51.06(5)(5) A higher priority may be placed on projects that have been identified as important for natural resource protection in a comprehensive plan pursuant to s. 66.1001, Stats., the Wisconsin land legacy report, another plan that has as one of its purposes the protection of natural resources, or the natural heritage inventory database.

NR 51.06 HistoryHistory: Emerg. cr. eff. 9-1-00; CR 00-135: cr. Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01; CR 10-127: am. (1), (4), (5) Register February 2012 No. 674, eff. 3-1-12.

NR 51.07(1)(1) Stewardship grants shall be subject to the execution of a grant contract between the department and sponsor. The grant contract shall recognize the state’s interest in the property acquired and ensure that sponsors shall provide adequate land management, signage in accordance with s. 23.09165, Stats., and maintenance, or in the case of easements shall monitor and enforce the conditions of the easement, in accordance with provisions contained in the grant contract and in a land management plan approved by the department. The grant contract shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the appropriate county.

NR 51.07(1d)(1d) The sponsor shall declare the state’s interest in the Stewardship property on the warranty deed or other appropriate instrument of conveyance recorded in the appropriate county register of deeds office, using language provided by the department.

NR 51.07(2)(2) All obligations, terms, conditions and restrictions imposed by the grant contract shall be deemed to be covenants and restrictions running with the property and shall be effective limitations on the use of the property from the date of recording of the grant contract and shall bind the sponsor and all successors and assigns in perpetuity.

NR 51.07(3)(3) If the sponsor violates any condition of the grant contract identified as essential pursuant to s. 23.096 (5), Stats., and fails to correct it within 6 months after written notification from the department, it shall be a violation of the grant contract, and all title, right and interest held by the sponsor in and to the property shall vest in the state without the necessity of reentry or legal judgment. The following conditions of the grant contract are essential:

NR 51.07(3)(a)(a) Conversion of the property to any use other than that specified in the grant contract without the prior written approval of the department is prohibited.

NR 51.07(3)(b)(b) The sponsor may not convey any interest in the property to a third party nor allow any leases, permits or encumbrances without the prior written approval of the department. The department may take actions necessary to avoid the placement of liens, judgments or encumbrances against the property.

NR 51.07(3)(c)(c) The sponsor shall make property tax payments on time and keep taxes current unless property taxes are not required.

NR 51.07(3)(d)(d) The sponsor shall at all times maintain its tax exempt status as granted by the IRS. The sponsor shall keep the department informed of any changes in, or challenges to, its exempt status.

NR 51.07(3)(e)(e) Property acquired with a grant under this chapter may not be closed to the public unless the department determines that it is necessary to protect species of plants, wild animals or other natural features or if the right of public access is not acquired as part of the rights purchased with an easement.

NR 51.07(3)(f)(f) All grant applications and approved projects shall comply with the requirements for public access in ch. NR 52 and s. 23.0916, Stats.