NR 51.960(2)(2) Applicability. This subchapter applies to counties seeking financial assistance from the department under s. 23.0953 (2) (a) 1., Stats., to acquire land for a county forest under s. 28.11 (4), Stats., that have entered into a memorandum of agreement with the department under s. NR 51.963.

NR 51.961NR 51.961 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in s. NR 51.002, the following definitions apply to this subchapter.

NR 51.961(2)(2) “Matching funds” means the portion of the acquisition cost which is not funded by the state, except as provided for in this subchapter.

NR 51.962(1)(1) Eligible Applicants. Only counties that have land entered in the county forest law program under s. 28.11 (4), Stats., may apply to the department for a grant under this subchapter.

NR 51.962(2)(2) Eligible projects. Eligible projects under this subchapter are the fee simple acquisition of land for a county forest under s. 28.11, Stats.

NR 51.962(3)(a)(a) Any property that has restrictions or other covenants that prevents or limits the property from being managed under s. 28.11 (1), Stats., or s. 23.09 (2) (d), Stats., or that would preempt the department’s reversionary interests.

NR 51.962(3)(b)(b) Any property that was acquired more than one year before a request for funding under this subchapter is submitted to the department.

NR 51.962(3)(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 51.962(3)(d)(d) Any property used for commercial or industrial purposes inconsistent with the purposes of the county forest law under s. 28.11 (1), Stats.

NR 51.962(3)(e)(e) Any property with a perpetual easement for a use inconsistent with the purposes of the county forest law set forth in s. 28.11 (1), Stats., and this subchapter.

NR 51.962(4)(a)(a) To receive a grant under this subchapter, counties shall contribute matching funds that are equal to at least 50 percent of total eligible costs. Notwithstanding s. NR 51.006 (3) (a), eligible sources of matching funds shall include any combination of the following:

NR 51.962(4)(a)1.1. Cash from the county.

NR 51.962(4)(a)2.2. Funds generated by local or federal governments.

NR 51.962(4)(a)3.3. Grants or contributions from foundations, businesses, private individuals or nonprofit organizations.

NR 51.962(4)(a)4.4. County forest loans, as provided under s. 28.11 (8) (b), Stats.

NR 51.962(4)(a)5.5. 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 51.962(4)(a)6.6. The fair market value of land already in public ownership acquired by the county not more than one year prior to the date the county submits an application for funding under s. NR 51.966, if the department determines that land is suitable as stewardship program match, and if land is within the blocking boundary of the county forest as depicted in the county forest comprehensive land use plan under s. 28.11 (5) (a), Stats., and eligible for county forest entry under s. 28.11 (4) (b), Stats.

NR 51.962(4)(a)7.7. Fifty percent of the fair market value of land owned by the county at the time of application that was acquired by the county more than one year prior to the date the county submits an application for funding under s. NR 51.966, if the department determines that land is suitable as stewardship program match, and if land is within the blocking boundary of the county forest as depicted in the county forest comprehensive land use plan under s. 28.11 (5) (a), Stats., and eligible for county forest entry under s. 28.11 (4) (b), Stats.

NR 51.962(4)(b)(b) Land used as match shall be entered into the county forest law under s. 28.11 (4), Stats., within one year of the date of stewardship grant award.

NR 51.963NR 51.963 Memorandum of agreement. In order to be eligible for grants under this subchapter, counties shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the department.

NR 51.963 NoteNote: Memorandum of agreement is available from DNR Division of Forestry, Bureau of Forest Management, County Forest Specialist – FR/4, 101 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI. 53707-7921.