Lake Wisconsin grants turn conservation ideas into action

MADISON, Wis. (NOVEMBER 2, 2026) – Healthy rivers, thriving wildlife and clean water all start with local action. Alliant Energy is helping turn those ideas into reality through funding available from the Prairie du Sac Dam Aquatic Resources Enhancement Fund. Organizations working to protect and improve the Lake Wisconsin basin can apply for funding beginning Nov. 1.

“Local organizations understand the opportunities and challenges facing Lake Wisconsin, and their ideas can make a meaningful difference,” said Jake Hebl, senior manager of generation operations at Alliant Energy. “Through this fund, we’re helping turn those ideas into projects that strengthen aquatic habitats, improve water quality and support the long-term health of this important natural resource.”

The fund provides financial support for projects designed to improve the basin’s waters and aquatic resources. Eligible projects may include aquatic studies and research, water quality enhancements, habitat mitigation and enhancement, and other measures that support aquatic improvement.

How funding works

Qualifying governmental units, conservation and river management groups, and educational institutions may submit applications Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Grant requests should not exceed $50,000 per year, and projects may receive funding for a maximum of two years.

Projects must be located between State Highway 12 and the tailrace of the Castle Rock Dam. The eligible area also includes tributaries of the Wisconsin River, such as the Baraboo River.

Representatives from the River Alliance of Wisconsin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will review applications and select the projects to receive grants. Alliant Energy expects to announce the awards in spring 2027.

For application materials, instructions and additional information, visit Lake Wisconsin Water Improvement Grants.

Direct questions to Jake Hebl at [email protected].