MADISON, Wis —

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on the draft FY27 Surface Water Grant Applicant Guide and Program Guidance through June 29, 2026.

The annual guidance document outlines eligibility requirements, ranking criteria, and application procedures for a variety of surface water grant programs that support lake, river, wetland, and aquatic invasive species (AIS) projects across Wisconsin.

Several updates are proposed for FY27, including revisions to ranking criteria for AIS Planning and AIS Prevention grants, a new reimbursement form for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, and an increase in the threshold requiring cost containment measures from $2,500 to $10,000.

Additional clarifications include eligibility for AIS Planning grants on lakes connected to waters with verified invasive species, updated requirements for alum treatment projects seeking Management Plan Implementation funding, and clearer guidance for Land Acquisition grants.

The DNR expects to publish final guidance in July ahead of the fall grant application cycle.

The draft guidance is available on the DNR Surface Water Grants webpage. Comments may be submitted by email to DNRSurfaceWaterGrants@wisconsin.gov through June 29.

-DNR Press Release-