Governor Tony Evers has released his budget proposal, and it includes a two-year extension of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program as well as a pledge to form a blue-ribbon task force to make recommendations on the future of the program.
The two-year extension proposed by Governor Evers would continue funding for the program into 2022. His proposal now goes to the state legislature.
However, we believe Wisconsin needs a long-term reauthorization that allows organizations to plan and protect our land, water, wildlife, and way of life into the future.
With your help, we will fight for continued funding for the Stewardship Program. Together, we can deliver a strong message to the governor and legislators. We encourage you to contact your elected officials and tell them we all want long-term funding to protect our land and water, no matter where we live or what political party we belong to.
Knowles-Nelson funds help pay for the purchase of public land and conservation easements that protect Wisconsin’s unique landscapes. The Stewardship Program also protects clean water, funds urban and wild trail projects, and pays for crucial recreation infrastructure like boat launches and campgrounds. Without this program, we won’t have funding to protect the lands and waters that make Wisconsin such a special place to work, live, and play.
Polling consistently shows public support for the program at around 90%. Demand for outdoor recreation also continues to grow, especially near our state’s large metropolitan areas.
The last time the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was reauthorized back in 2007, funding was set at $86 million per and was renewed for a full decade. There was broad bipartisan support at the time. The current funding proposal is less than half that amount, a significant loss of buying power.
Please tell the governor and legislators that people all over Wisconsin care deeply about clean water, wildlife habitat, and the land that supports our Wisconsin way of life. We will keep you informed in the days ahead.
