NR 120.185(2)(2) The department may authorize, in writing, any governmental unit, non-profit organization or person to enter into easements or accept a donated conservation easement consistent with the eligibility provision of the approved priority watershed plan in accordance with the following:

NR 120.185(3)(3) Upon acceptance of a donated easement under s. NR 120.18 (3) (b), the department shall appraise the easement and issue a written opinion on the value or issue a statement of value of the easement.

NR 120.185(4)(4) The department may distribute grants and aids to itself or to any governmental unit for the purchase of easements in priority watershed areas.

NR 120.185(5)(5) State cost-share rate. The maximum allowable state cost-share rate for the acquisition of easements under this chapter shall be 70% of the acquisition cost of the easement, except that the maximum allowable state cost-share shall be 50% when the purpose of the easement is to support a structural urban best management practice. The maximum allowable state cost-share rate for appraisals for the acquisition of property shall be 100% of the cost of the appraisal when a grant was first issued by the department for this activity prior to July 1, 1998. When a grant was first issued by the department for this activity after this date, the maximum allowable state cost-share rate for appraisals shall be 70%. In this subsection, “acquisition cost” means the fair market value of the property as determined by department appraisal guidelines and reasonable costs related to the purchase of the property limited to the cost of appraisals, land surveys, relocation payments, title evidence, recording fees, historical and cultural assessments required by the department, and environmental inspections and assessments. It does not include attorneys fees, environmental clean up costs, brokerage fees paid by the buyer, real estate transfer taxes or any other cost not identified in this subsection.

NR 120.186(1)(1) Eligible activities. The department may distribute grants to a governmental unit that is eligible for a nonpoint source grant under s. NR 120.12 to perform any of the following activities:

NR 120.186(1)(b)(b) Acquire land or an interest in land identified in the watershed plan which is contributing or will contribute nonpoint source pollution. Land acquisition for the purpose of complying with a Notice of Discharge issued pursuant to ch. NR 243 is not eligible for funding under this section.

NR 120.186(2)(2) Acquisition proposals. A governmental unit requesting nonpoint source grant funds for the acquisition of property under this section shall submit an acquisition proposal to the department for its review and approval. The acquisition proposal shall be submitted with the nonpoint source grant application or grant amendment request. The acquisition proposal shall include all of the following:

NR 120.186(2)(b)(b) A description of the land management plan for the property including a list of any owner-occupants or tenants that occupy the buildings or land to be acquired, a general time frame for project completion, and a description of how long-term management will be provided. Identification of other governmental units that will be involved in management and their respective roles shall also be included.