NR 47.86(1) (1) Grant calculation.

NR 47.86(1)(a) (a) A matching grant provided through s. 20.370 (5) (av), Stats., or other state funds may not be more than 75% of the actual eligible costs depending on availability of funds. If a federal or nonprofit organization grant agreement provides for cost-share limitations different from those specified in this subsection, the cost-share rate from funds provided through the federal or nonprofit organization grant agreement may apply.

NR 47.86(1)(b) (b) An annual grant under the program may not exceed $10,000 or be less than $100 for any individual, person, or project.

NR 47.86(2) (2) Grant selection system.

NR 47.86(2)(a) (a) In selecting practices for grant assistance, the department shall give preference to projects which are directed to accomplish one or more of the following; these are not listed in order of priority:

NR 47.86(2)(a)1. 1. Establish or reestablish forests through various methods of regeneration, including planting, direct seeding or natural regeneration.

NR 47.86(2)(a)2. 2. Improve forest stand productivity, stand vigor, forest health, and the value and quality of wood products.

NR 47.86(2)(a)3. 3. Encourage sustainability of forest lands.

NR 47.86(2)(a)4. 4. Provide protection of soil and water resources.

NR 47.86(2)(a)5. 5. Include additional land under written forest stewardship management plans.

NR 47.86(2)(a)6. 6. Provide protection and enhancement of riparian area and wetlands.

NR 47.86(2)(a)7. 7. Provide protection and enhancement of terrestrial wildlife habitat.

NR 47.86(2)(a)8. 8. Provide endangered, threatened or rare species habitat enhancement and natural community habitat maintenance and enhancement.

NR 47.86(3) (3) Application and approval.

NR 47.86(3)(a) (a) Application deadlines are as follows unless otherwise provided on the application, and are contingent upon availability of funds: May 1 and August 1. State funds for this program other than those provided through s. 20.370 (5) (av), Stats., federal funds awarded pursuant to a federal grant agreement and nonprofit organization funds awarded pursuant to a nonprofit organization grant agreement may specify other application deadlines.

NR 47.86 Note Note: Applications can be obtained from the local department of natural resources forester or from the State Forester, P.O. 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921.

NR 47.86(3)(b) (b) The department shall make basic eligibility determinations, including whether the applicant meets nonindustrial private forest land ownership criteria and minimum and maximum acreage criteria.

NR 47.86(3)(c) (c)

NR 47.86(3)(c)1. 1. Annually, the department may designate a percentage of the total annual funds for any of the following:

NR 47.86(3)(c)1.a. a. A statewide forestry emergency, as designated by the chief state forester. A statewide forestry emergency includes, but is limited to natural and man-made events which cause large areas of forest mortality due to wind, ice, hail, flooding, forest fires, forest insect, or disease.

NR 47.86(3)(c)1.b. b. Practices that accomplish objectives or groups of objectives identified under sub. (2) (a).

NR 47.86(3)(c)2. 2. If funds are available following distribution under subd. 1. a. and b., the funds may be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis to any approved applications awaiting funding.

NR 47.86(3)(d) (d) Applications not able to be funded during one application period will be held until the subsequent application period unless the landowner requests the application be canceled.

NR 47.86(3)(e) (e) The department shall review applications to determine practice eligibility, based on the following:

NR 47.86(3)(e)1. 1. Consistency with a department approved landowner forest stewardship plan unless the applicant is applying for a grant to develop one.

NR 47.86(3)(e)2. 2. The practice is needed and feasible.

NR 47.86(3)(e)3. 3. The practice is eligible under this subchapter.

NR 47.86(3)(e)4. 4. The practice cost is determined to be at least $200 or more.

NR 47.86(3)(e)5. 5. Applications will be approved provided grant funds are available. Department approval of an application shall constitute an agreement between the state and the landowner.