Chippewa County Offers Matching Grants for Land Conservation

Funds available for farmland, natural resource protection, and public recreation access

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:07am

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The Chippewa County Department of Land Conservation and Forest Management is offering matching grant funds for 2026 to towns, villages, cities, and non-profit conservation organizations. The grants can be used to acquire land or conservation easements for the purpose of farmland or natural resource protection, public trail acquisition, or expanded public hunting and fishing opportunities in Chippewa County. Public access is a priority for all grant awards.

Why it matters

These grants provide an important source of funding for local communities and conservation groups to protect valuable farmland, natural habitats, and expand public recreational access in Chippewa County. With development pressures and land use changes, these grants help ensure the county's natural resources and outdoor spaces are preserved for the future.

The details

The matching grant funds are available through the Chippewa County Stewardship Program. Eligible applicants include towns, villages, cities, and non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organizations. The grants must be used specifically for acquiring land or conservation easements, with a focus on farmland or natural resource protection, public trail development, or expanded public hunting and fishing access. Public access is a key requirement for all grant awards.

  • The grant application process for 2026 is now open.
  • The deadline to apply for the 2026 grants is February 25, 2026.

The players

Chippewa County Department of Land Conservation and Forest Management

The county agency responsible for administering the Chippewa County Stewardship Program and the matching grant funds.

Lynda Schweikert

The director of the Chippewa County Department of Land Conservation and Forest Management.

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What’s next

Interested towns, villages, cities, and non-profit conservation organizations in Chippewa County should contact the Department of Land Conservation and Forest Management at 715-726-7920 to learn more about the 2026 grant criteria and application process.

The takeaway

These matching grants from Chippewa County provide a valuable opportunity for local communities and conservation groups to protect important farmland, natural habitats, and expand public recreational access across the county. By prioritizing public access, the grants help ensure these protected lands benefit the entire community.