NR 51.969(1)(1) The department shall provide grant payment in the form of an escrow check if requested by the county.

NR 51.969(2)(2) The department may issue final grant payments for miscellaneous costs after the following conditions have been satisfied:

NR 51.969(2)(a)(a) The county has submitted a reimbursement request on a form provided by the department. The county shall attach to the reimbursement request all receipts, cancelled checks, and other supporting documentation related to the project. The county shall use generally accepted accounting principles and practices in its administration of the project. The county shall retain all financial records associated with the project for a period of 4 years after the department issues final payment.

NR 51.969 NoteNote: Reimbursement request forms are available from any department region office or the DNR Bureau of Community Financial Assistance, Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.

NR 51.969(2)(b)(b) The county has complied with all requirements and conditions under this subchapter and the grant contract.

NR 51.969(3)(3) The county shall submit all claims for payment on department prescribed forms within 6 months of the project period end date.

NR 51.969(4)(4) The department may withhold final payment of the grant amount until the county has complied with all project, legal, and program requirements.

NR 51.970(1)(1) Purpose. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish procedures and standards for the administration of grants to counties for acquisition of land or rights in land pursuant to s. 23.0953 (2) (a) 2., Stats.

NR 51.970(2)(2) Applicability. This subchapter applies to counties assisting the department with any land acquisition project under s. 23.0917 (3), Stats.

NR 51.971NR 51.971 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in s. NR 51.002, the following definition applies to this subchapter: “Matching funds” means the portion of the acquisition cost which is not funded by the state.

NR 51.972NR 51.972 Eligible grantees. Only counties that have been asked in writing by the secretary or his or her designee to assist with the acquisition of title in fee simple or conservation easement acquisition are eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter.

NR 51.973(1)(1) Eligible projects. Projects eligible for grants under this subchapter are title in fee simple or conservation easement acquisition of land for the purpose of conservation or providing nature-based outdoor activities as defined in s. 23.09 (2) (d), Stats.

NR 51.973(2)(a)(a) Any property that has restrictions or other covenants that prevent or limit the property from being managed for conservation or public recreational purposes under s. 23.09 (2) (d), Stats., or that would preempt the department’s reversionary interests.

NR 51.973(2)(b)(b) 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 51.973(2)(c)(c) Any property used for commercial or industrial purposes.

NR 51.974(1)(1) Eligible costs. Eligible costs include all the components under ss. NR 51.002 (1) and NR 51.006 (2). The department shall consider as eligible those project costs incurred up to one year before the date on which the department requested assistance in writing, provided that the county can demonstrate a need to proceed with the purchase at the earlier time.

NR 51.974(2)(2) Ineligible costs. Costs not listed as eligible shall not be funded by a grant under this subchapter. Ineligible costs include environmental clean up costs, brokerage fees paid by the buyer, real estate transfer taxes, or any other cost not identified in s. NR 51.002 (1).