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As we look toward the real potential of seeing
a state-wide PDR program move forward legislatively, it becomes
critical that its advocates are united behind the message that funds
must not be diverted from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program
to purchase the development rights to farmland.
The mandate of the Stewardship Program is to protect natural areas,
state forests and parks, trails and other lands for outdoor recreation
and public access. The purpose of a PDR program is to protect operating
farms that are valuable from an economic development standpoint.
PDR is not about creating recreational opportunities. It's about
keeping farmers farming.
Diverting Stewardship dollars away from natural areas and toward
protecting farmland will quickly drain available monies and detract
from the original goal of the Stewardship Fund: to permanently protect
Wisconsin's special places for future generations.
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