Endangered Resources_Content Page_LIPApply

How to apply for funding

Landowner Incentive Program (LIP)

Our current grant cycle is now closed.  Thank you for your interest in helping at-risk species.

For landowners new to LIP, applying for funding begins with submitting a pre-proposal during our open enrollment period. The pre-proposal allows staff to review your proposed project before you invest time in drafting a full project proposal. If your pre-proposal is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal, which includes detailed budget information, project objectives, work schedule and evaluation benchmarks. Based on your pre-proposal, staff may be able to offer suggestions to help your project rank higher, or suggest other programs which may be better suited to your restoration goals.

For landowners that have previously received LIP funding, please use the Word document found under the "Full proposal and instructions" section below.  

Please contact the LIP coordinator with questions: Dawn.Hinebaugh@Wisconsin.gov

 

Eligibility
  • Projects must be on privately owned land in the Driftless Area and focus on providing connectivity to similar or complementary habitats.
  • Individuals or groups — for example, land trusts, watershed councils or conservation organizations — are eligible to apply.
  • Projects should promote restoration of rare, fire-dependent natural community types including prairie, oak savanna, barrens and oak woodland.
  • Projects should focus on providing a benefit to the state's at-risk species, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need.  Focal species are rusty patched bumble bee, monarch and timber rattlesnake.
  • Landowners must be willing to enter into a 10-year agreement to maintain the intent of the LIP-funded project area.
Pre-proposal application and instructions

Landowners who are new to the LIP must first complete a pre-proposal to be considered for funding. If you have previously been awarded LIP funds, please use the application under "Full proposal" section below.

Note: In order to fill and save this form electronically, it must be opened using Adobe Reader or Acrobat software. Save a copy of the file, open Adobe Reader, select File > Open and browse for the file you saved. Please contact us if you require another format.

Please submit completed forms to the LIP coordinator: Dawn.Hinebaugh@Wisconsin.gov

Trouble opening or downloading forms? Please read our troubleshooting document for help.

Full proposal application and instructions

Application for new LIP landowners

LIP will only accept full proposals from landowners with an accepted pre-proposal. For questions, please contact the LIP coordinator at 608-266-5243 or email: Dawn Hinebaugh

Note: This application requires Adobe Reader or Adobe software to open. Please contact us if you require another format.

For match rates, please see the "LIP Match Rates" PDF under the Landowner Resources tab below.

Many current browsers do not open PDF forms or allow them to be saved or submitted. Please try the following solutions.
  • Try using Internet Explorer.
  • Or from a desktop computer download the PDF (right-click on the link, then select "Save link as" or "Save target as"). Make a note of the file location and file name so you can access the file from your computer. Do not double-click the file. Open the Adobe Reader software, then select "File > Open" then browse to the PDF file you saved. See troubleshooting document below for additional information.

Trouble opening or downloading forms? Please read our troubleshooting document for help.

Application for landowners previously enrolled in LIP

If you have previously been enrolled in LIP, please complete and submit the application to the LIP coordinator: Dawn Hinebaugh

For match rates, please see the "LIP Match Rates" PDF under the Landowner Resources tab below.

Reimbursement process

NOTE: LIP cannot reimburse for any work that is completed prior to having an agreement signed by both parties. All project work, including match, must occur within the funded grant period to be eligible. Please refer to your "Financial Guidance" document for details on the reimbursement process.

Please complete and sign the LIP reimbursement form below and submit to the LIP coordinator. Be sure to include any invoices, receipts and match documentation with the reimbursement request. To be eligible for reimbursement, the recipient cost share (as defined in the agreement) must be submitted with the request. You may submit for partial reimbursement as frequently as you wish. The last reimbursement will be made pending department approval of the final project report.

LIP reimbursement request form

All costs and match included in the request must be incurred within:

  • the funded grant period defined in the cost share agreement;
  • the scope of activity and budget summarized in the cost share agreement; and
  • the total amount of state aid awarded per the grant agreement.

Email your signed reimbursement request form, match forms, and any other necessary documentation (receipts, invoices, etc) to Dawn Hinebaugh or mail to:

Dawn Hinebaugh
WDNR-NHC/6
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707

**All final reimbursements will only be made upon submission of all necessary documentation, including a final project report.

Forms and resources

Trouble opening or downloading forms? Please read our troubleshooting document for help.