Advocacy
Gathering Waters advocates for public funding and policies so that land trusts can protect the places that make Wisconsin special.
Land trusts need reliable public funding and sound legal structures to acquire conservation lands and to protect private lands with conservation easements. At Gathering Waters, we advocate on behalf of Wisconsin land trusts.
At the national level, we work with the Land Trust Alliance to champion federal policies that advance land conservation work.
Here in Wisconsin, we lead Team Knowles Nelson, a broad coalition of partners all working together to ensure that Wisconsin’s flagship environmental conservation program, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, is well funded and functions smoothly. Detailed information about our advocacy efforts can be found at KnowlesNelson.org.
If you have questions about our advocacy work, please reach out to Charles Carlin, Director of Strategic Initiatives at 608-251-9131 x15 or charles@gatheringwaters.org
Did You Know?
57,765 (AND COUNTING!)
Messages sent to legislators by Team Knowles Nelson members in support of conservation efforts. Every message counts, and we make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak up.
ADVOCACY IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
If we don't speak up for the issues that matter to us, who will? Gathering Waters speaks up on behalf of Wisconsin land trusts and provides the tools and resources for everyone to be a champion for Wisconsin's land and water.
$1.4 BILLION
Financially invested in Wisconsin's land and water through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
What is the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and why does it matter?
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is the best source of state funding to protect Wisconsin’s land, water, wildlife, and way of life.
The program, which is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is one of Wisconsin’s proudest achievements. Since 1989, Wisconsinites have come together to care for our state’s land and water, as well as build the trails, campgrounds, and boat launches that allow us to get out and enjoy Wisconsin.
A portion of Knowles-Nelson funding is allocated specifically to land trusts.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is a rare bipartisan success story. It is an invaluable program that will continue to thrive only with a strong community of supporters to ensure that Wisconsin’s legislators continue to prioritize protected land, clean water, and access to outdoor recreation for every Wisconsin resident.
Knowles-Nelson is funded through June 2025. In the next state budget debate, all of Team Knowles Nelson will have to come together and advocate for reauthorization of the program in the next budget.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and Team Knowles Nelson updates.
Take action for Knowles-Nelson
Your voice and your financial support make Team Knowles Nelson strong. The team is made up of thousands of individuals and dozens of organizations committed to ensuring that the state of Wisconsin continues to fund vital land and water conservation efforts. Together, we ensure that Wisconsin invests in the Stewardship Program, which provides crucial funding to land trusts.
We’ve made it easy for you to take action by contacting your legislators to show your support of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. You can also find advocacy tools and sign up for email updates below.
