Sport Fish Restoration (SFR)
These grants may be used to construct fishing piers and motorboat access projects. Eligible components include boat ramp construction and renovation, along with related amenities such as parking lots, accessible paths, lighting and restroom facilities. Funding for this program comes from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and a portion of the federal gas tax.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted yearly on dates below:
- Sport Fish Restoration Boat Access- February 1st
- Sport Fish Restoration Fishing Pier - October 1st
Who can apply
Counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations are eligible to apply for this grant program.
Eligibility
Eligible projects are new boat ramp and fishing pier construction and renovations, development and renovation of parking lots, accessible paths, lighting and restroom facilities; channel dredging and feasibility studies. Matching contributions for these grants must be from non-federal sources.
Deadlines
Grant application materials for boat access projects must be submitted by Feb. 1, 2020. Grant application materials for fishing pier projects must be submitted by Oct. 1, 2020.
Applying
Before applying
- Read Program Guidance for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Subaward Grant Program: Clean Vessel Act, Boating Infrastructure Grant, and Sport Fish Restoration for Boat Access and Fishing Piers.
- Contact your DNR community service specialist before applying to discuss your potential project.
Application materials
- Boating and Fishing State and Federal Grant Application (Form 8700-343) [PDF]
- Recreation Grant Project Cost Estimate Worksheet (Form 8700-014) [PDF]
- Applicant Project Statement [PDF]
Submitting an application
All grant applications must be sent to the department by the date listed in the Deadlines Tab.
Email applications to DNRBIGCVASFRGrants@wisconsin.gov.
In the subject line of the email, enter the type of grant you are applying for. All application materials should be saved in PDF format and should not exceed 15 megabytes (MB) in size. If email size (including attachments) exceeds 15 MB, send documents in multiple emails. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application has been submitted by the deadline. The applicant will receive a confirmation email when the application has been received or if any additional materials are required.
Resources
- Accessibility Guidance for Grant Funded Projects (CF-031) [PDF]
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200)[exit DNR]
- Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Handling Storm Water at Boat Access Sites [PDF]
- Evaluation of DNR Funded Public Boat Access Site Development Projects – Water Quality Impact Focus [PDF]
- Public Boating Access Fee Schedule Application, Approval & Order (Form 3600-213) [PDF]
- D&B D-U-N-S Request Service
Priority rank
The following factors are considered in establishing projects.
- Distance of proposed projects from other recreational boating facilities.
- Demand for safe boating facilities.
- Number of existing facilities.
- Number of projects underway.
- Applicant's commitment of matching funds.
- SFR Fishing Pier Facility Scoring Sheet [PDF]
Reimbursement
Reimbursement materials
- Grant Payment Request & Worksheet (Form 8700-001) [PDF]
- Grant Partner Financial Data Report (Form 9300-230) [PDF] - Required by all grantees before reimbursement from DNR is possible.
- Volunteer Labor Worksheet (Form 8700-349B) - used to capture volunteer hours (if applicable)
- Volunteer Labor Summary (Form 8700-349C) - used to summarize volunteer hours (if applicable)
Contact
- Contact information
- For additional information about the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) grant program, please contact:
- Jennifer Gihring