Conservation and Heritage Grant Program

The Conservation & Heritage Grant Program was created to find a healthy balance between suburban/exurban development and land and water preservation/conservation including surface water and groundwater quality protection. This program will support Washington County’s goals to create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy authentic quality of life. The program relies on already established programs to administer land acquisition or perpetual land conservation easements. The program allows non-profits and local units of government to apply for funding to purchase land or land conservation easements in-perpetuity on productive farmland or open space within Washington County.  The program framework is available here. The 2024 Resolution 37 authorizing funds for the program is here on pages 29 and 30. 

Grant applications are now being accepted October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Apply online at: Grant Online Application Portal

 

Questions about the program can be directed to:

• Jamie Ludovic, Chief Community Development Officer, at 262-335-4448 or [email protected]

• Katie Wilson, Conservation Project Coordinator, at 262-335-4861 or [email protected].

2025 Grant Recipient

At the March 19, 2026 Land Use and Planning Committee Meeting, they approved a grant award to Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation for a property along Cedar Creek. “We are incredibly grateful to the Fehring family for protecting this magnificent property and to Washington County for their support for land conservation.” said Sophie Gosetti the executive Director of CLCF. “CLCF believes that sustainable working farms are an important part of the local community, and the Norman J. Fehring Family Farm serves as a great example of how impactful protecting and supporting these systems can be.”  The grant supported a continuous conservation easement which adds to the 133 acres placed under permanent protection that began in 2023 at the Fehring Farm. Ron Fehring who began this process in 2023 said “My sisters and I represent the fifth generation of Fehrings who have owned this land, and my greatest fear was that this incredible farm – with its wildlife, woods, creek and fields – would be developed. My father always wanted this land to remain as it is, and now I know that I have made this wish come true. Someday, I will have to answer to my father, and I know in my heart that I have done the right thing.”