Section 23.0953. Grants to counties for land acquisition.

 

(1)  In this section, “nature-based outdoor recreation" has the meaning given by the department by rule under s. 23.0917 (4) (f) .

(2)  

(a) Beginning with fiscal year 2010-11 and ending with fiscal year 2019-20, the department shall establish a grant program under which the department may award a grant to a county for any of the following:

1. Acquisition of land for a county forest under s. 28.11 .

2. Acquisition of land for a project that promotes nature-based outdoor recreation or conservation and for which the department is requesting the county's assistance.

(b) Grants under this section shall be awarded from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (ta) , and, for purposes of s. 23.0917 , shall be treated as moneys obligated from the subprogram under s. 23.0917 (3) .

(3)  Each county receiving a grant under this section shall provide matching funds that equal at least 50 percent of the acquisition costs.

(4)  A county may not convert the land, or any rights in the land, acquired with grant moneys awarded under sub. (2) (a) 2. to a use that is inconsistent with the type of nature-based outdoor recreation or conservation activity for which the grant was awarded unless the natural resources board approves the conversion.

2007 a. 20 .