Section 51.885. Priorities.

 

(1)  The department shall select property for financial assistance in accordance with the following priorities that are not listed in order of priority:

(a) Acquisitions with significant natural features identified in the natural heritage inventory or other plan identifying natural resources of regional or national significance.

(b) Acquisitions that are identified for conservation or recreation in a plan approved by a governmental unit.

(c) Acquisitions within or contiguous to a large forested block.

(d) Acquisitions maximizing the protection of other large forested blocks.

(e) Acquisitions showing little effect of human disturbance and supporting a wide variety of species appropriate to native forest tracts.

(f) Acquisitions affording opportunities for forest restoration.

(2)  The department shall also consider the following other factors, not listed in priority order, but they shall be of lower priority than the priorities listed in sub. (1) :

(a) Acquisitions that satisfy a relevant statewide or department regional priority need identified in the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan need analysis.

(b) Acquisitions that provide and enhance outdoor, natural resource related recreation opportunities.

(c) Acquisitions that involve a joint effort by 2 or more eligible sponsors.

(d) Acquisitions that have substantial community support.

(e) Acquisitions that have significant aesthetic value.

(f) Acquisitions that implement elements of water quality plans or initiatives.

(g) Acquisitions that are accessible, where accessibility is appropriate.

(h) Acquisitions that have water frontage.

(i) Acquisitions that connect to other conservation lands.

(j) Acquisitions that protect sensitive wildlife habitat.

Emerg. cr. eff. 9-1-00; CR 00-135 : cr. Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01; CR 10-127 : am. (1) (intro.), (b) Register February 2012 No. 674 , eff. 3-1-12.