Swanson Lake (in Big Swamp State Natural Area), Oneida County - Photo by Stephanie Boismenue

Healthy Lakes and Rivers Initiative

     Improve Habitat and water quality with simple and inexpensive projects for your shoreland property.  You can get up to $1,000 per practice.

PRACTICES include:     Fish Sticks are feeding, breeding, and nesting areas for all sorts of critters - from fish to song birds.  They can also prevent bank erosion - protecting lakeshore properties and your lake.
  • NATIVE PLANTINGS - Improve Wildlife Habitat, Natural Beauty and Privacy, and Slow Runoff.
    Native Plantings include grasses and wildflowers with shrubs and trees.  Choose a template based on your property and interests - from bird/butterfly habitat to a low-growing garden showcasing your water view.
  • DIVERSION - Prevent Runoff from getting Into Your Lake or River
     Diversion Practices move water to areas where it can soak into the ground instead.  Depending on your property, multiple diversions may be necessary.      Rock Infiltration practices fit in nicely along roof drip lines and driveways and provide space for runoff to filter itself.  They work best if your soil is sandy or loamy.
  • RAIN GARDENS - Create Wildlife Habitat and Natural Beauty While Capturing and Cleaning Runoff
     Rain Gardens multi-task - they improve habitat and filter runoff while providing a naturally beautiful view.

For more information about this initiative, go to: https://healthylakeswi.com/

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Take a moment to read the BMP Requirements.  They will help you decide if this grant program is a
​good fit for you.

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Our Specialist will visit with you to go over a 10-year agreement, a
​participant pledge, and
a cash match.  Take a look at the Sample Checklist to
familiarize ​yourself with these. 

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       If you would like to apply for a Healthy Lakes and Rivers Grant for one or more of the practices listed above, print and fill out a copy of the HLR APPLICATION. ​Mail to: Oneida County Land and Water Conservation, Healthy Lakes Project, ​P O Box 400, Rhinelander  WI  54501 OR scan a copy to lwcd@co.oneida.wi.us. 

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If you request a grant for up to $1,000 for any of the above practices, you will need to sign a participant pledge.  See the sample for more information.

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Shoreline Stabilization
Guide for Home Owners

Want to know where
to plant your trees, shrubs, and grasses
along your shoreline?

Promotional Poster

​      Please see the promotional poster below for connecting to a new native plant eGuide that Pat Goggin wrote and compiled over the last 7 years entitled “Guide to Native plants (a.k.a. Local Beings): 112 species that support clean water, wildlife habitat, and a happy soul.” 

      This 160-page guide has over 400 photographs and appendices of resources related to native plant gardening and ecological restoration design and installation. Click on the Guide to Native Plants button below.
​      For a more in-depth look at trees, shrubs and grasses that would do well near the shoreline of your property, and their best-suited locations, check out the following website.

MICHIGAN NATURAL SHORELINE PARTNERSHIP

https://www.mishorelinepartnership.org/