Sustainability


WICCI is a statewide collaboration of scientists and stakeholders formed as a partnership between UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. WICCI’s goals are to evaluate climate change impacts on Wisconsin and foster solutions. 

This paper discusses the intersection of outdoor recreation, nature-based tourism and sustainability with a focus on equity, diversity and addresses both community and individual barriers. 

A literature review and interviews with national trail organizations, this white paper explores existing research, highlights project examples, and identifies research gaps for trails in connection to climate resilience, emergency response, and public health emergencies.​​




The program offers flexible financing as well as sustained and expert technical assistance to land trusts and other organizations aiming to protect key properties in their communities, increase access to green and open space, recover natural habitats, provide conservation education programs and help people connect with nature. 
Application information is available on the website.

A group of member outdoor businesses make up the Conservation Alliance which provides grant funding for projects that protect threatened wild places across North America that also have a clear recreational benefit. Must be nominated by a member company of the Alliance before applying. Two cycles annually.

Funds are available to help organize clean-ups, trail maintenance work days and other small stewardship projects. The average grant is under $500 and can be used for everything from feeding volunteers to purchasing equipment, trash bags and tools.
Applications are due by 6:00 PM CST on June 15 and September 30 annually.

Waste Management offers charitable gifts to promote civic pride, economic development and revitalization. Waste Management primarily supports environmental initiatives, including promoting parklands and green spaces for people to enjoy and play, and environmental education initiatives targeted at middle and high school students. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public organizations. 
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

A community-supported nonprofit that partners with and provides financial support for organizations building a new outdoor culture and improving health and well-being for all people. Must be recommended by a peer or organization. 

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs. Available to local governments and nonprofits, Stewardship grants fund recreational development and conservation land purchases statewide. Deadlines vary. 


Empowering outdoor companies to take bold steps to achieve positive impact by embedding sustainability into business and demonstrating measurable impact. 

A program of the destination marketing and management organization that educates visitors on sustainable travel and responsible recreation. Includes a visitor pledge, local resources and eco-friendly businesses, as well as voluntourism opportunities. 

In 2013, Milwaukee set out on a path to improve the lives of their citizens and communities and created the ReFresh Milwaukee Sustainability Plan in the process. This can serve as a great example and tool to help shape community goals and initiatives to implement sustainable practices and increase stewardship. 

The annual report from Harley-Davidson to stakeholders details the company’s social, environmental and governance initiatives to ensure profitable growth and sustainable, long-term value for their stakeholders— the planet, people and communities.

In 2020, Trek conducted an emissions audit to better understand the company’s impact and build a plan to become a more conscious and sustainable global citizen. The report shows the findings, explains the actions the company has taken to lighten its footprint, details its goals and sets a vision for change.