MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has posted the FY27 Surface Water Grant Applicant Guide and Program Guidance. You can access the final document on the DNR’s Surface Water Grants webpage. For a summary of the changes made to guidance, please refer to page 1 of the guidance document.

A recorded introductory webinar is available on the DNR’s Surface Water Grants webpage for any new applicants or those interested in refreshing their familiarity with this grant program.

If you plan to apply for a management plan implementation grant, your organization must request a determination of eligibility for a specific activity or project from your local lake, stream or AIS biologist at least 60 days prior to the final grant deadline (by Sept. 15). Send the request to your local lake, stream or AIS biologist, preferably by email. The example memo template can be used to make a request for determination of eligibility.

Upcoming Surface Water Grant Application Deadlines:

Pre-applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2026.
Since Nov. 15 falls on a Sunday in 2026, final applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026.
Applicants do not need to wait until the November deadline to submit a final application – early submissions are welcomed and appreciated.
All application materials should be sent to DNRSurfaceWaterGrants@wisconsin.gov.

The DNR team overseeing the Surface Water Grant program has also recently changed. Within the past season, the DNR has hired a new Surface Water Grant program manager, a new Lake and River program coordinator and has reassigned environmental grant specialist duties for some areas of the state. Please be sure to note the new contact information linked from the Surface Water Grants webpage and statewide maps.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Published on: Jul 16, 2026 at 2:37 pm