DNR Grants Following is a list of the programs the DNR administers with a brief description of each. The link will take you to a separate page with more detailed information. The Conservation and Recreation Division administers several grant programs which provide funds for habitat and recreation development or land acquisition.

Fish Habitat Promotion for County Conservation Boards:
This program is a 90% cost share grant open to all county conservation boards for the development of fish habitat or acquisition of land to be used for fish habitat development purposes. Examples of eligible project activities are placement of fish habitats in ponds, lakes, pits and streams; armoring of lakes; construction of aeration systems; dredging; construction of ponds and lakes; repair of dams and outlets; manipulation of fish populations and aquatic vegetation. Project sites must be under the physical control of the applicant, either by fee title, lease, management agreement or easement.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):
The LWCF Grant Program is a federal grant program that provides funds to incorporated cities and county conservation boards in the form of 50% reimbursement grants. Grants require a 50% match. Assistance ceilings have been established by population. Eligible projects include acquisition and/or development of land for outdoor recreation. Renovation of existing facilities is also eligible. The deadline for application is close of business (4:30 pm) on March 14, 2008.

REAP City Parks and Open Spaces Grant Program:
REAP provides money to cites through competitive grants. Three city size categories have been established to assure grants are distributed to all sizes of cities. Grants are 100%. Eligible projects include park land expansion and multi-purpose recreation development. Athletic fields, ball fields, tennis courts, golf course and other organized sport facilities as well as swimming pools and playground equipment are not eligible for funding.

REAP Conservation Education Program: (off-site)
The Conservation Education Program (CEP) is a key provision of the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Act of 1989. A five-member board implements the CEP and annually they allocate approximately $350,000 in grants for conservation education in Iowa.

REAP County Conservation Grant Program:
100% grants are available to counties for land easements or acquisitions, capital improvements, stabilization and protection of resources, repair and upgrading of facilities, environmental education and equipment. Counties must dedicate at least 22¢ per $1,000 of assessed value of taxable property in the county to be eligible for grants.

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP):
Many state recreation grants require that a project related to the State Conservation and Recreation Plan (SCORP).

Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program:
The IDNR has a cost-sharing grant program called "Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program" that is available for constructing or improving boat access facilities to Iowa's lakes and streams. Projects can include boat launching ramps, loading/off-loading docks and other structures to enhance use by the public.

Watershed Improvement Grants (Section 319):
The DNR offers Iowa groups looking to improve our state's streams, rivers and lakes the opportunity to apply for grants. These grants allow groups, such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other organizations, to create watershed projects. Watershed projects help individual Iowans make changes on the land in order to improve the quality of water entering our rivers, streams and lakes.

Wildlife Habitat With Local Entities Grant Program (Wildlife Habitat Grant):
This grant is open to county conservation boards for the acquisition of land and/or development for wildlife habitat purposes. The program will cost share up to 75% of costs. Grant recipients will not be permitted to provide public use facilities at their own expense for activities such as camping, picnicking and snowmobiling on areas acquired with WHSF funds. Other than hunting, only those activities such as fishing, hiking, nature study, cross-country skiing, etc. will be permitted.