Multiple conservation groups recently came together in Door County to advocate for the 2025 renewal of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Gathering Waters fostered the discussion with supporters from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Door County Land Trust (DCLT), The Ridges Sanctuary, and Crossroads at Big Creek. These organizations explained how the Stewardship Program supports their conservation efforts and encouraged people to get involved to help save the program.
The Stewardship Program is Wisconsin’s best source of state funding for conservation, enabling nonprofit organizations and local governments to purchase land, build trails, and maintain parks and facilities.
To date, 466 projects in Door County have received Knowles-Nelson funds.
The program’s reauthorization will be negotiated in the upcoming state budget process. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for $100 million annually for a 10-year term.
Read more in this article from the Door County Pulse.
Photo by Morgan Rusnak, Gathering Waters.
