As the year draws to an end, we are incredibly thankful for everyone who played a role in strengthening Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts. The stronger the alliance between Gathering Waters’ staff and board members, land trust leaders, and the broader conservation community, the more successful we are—protecting the lands that provide so much value to us all.
The value of our alliance was thrown into sharp relief this year as we defended the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in the state budget. We built relationships with decision-makers, activated land trust leaders, shared communications tools and information, and supported advocacy efforts in communities across the state.
Because of the strength of our alliance, millions of dollars per year will continue to fund land conservation efforts throughout Wisconsin, which means:
- Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars will continue to be generated annually through tourism, outdoor recreation, forestry and agriculture.
- Residents will continue to have cleaner air and water because of protected wetlands and forests.
- Plants and animals will be more resilient to changing conditions.
- Future generations will continue to have places to hunt, hike, fish and explore close to home.
Unfortunately, while Stewardship was saved, Gathering Waters took a direct hit in the state budget. A grant, which provided significant resources for our work for more than twenty years, was eliminated. But we aren’t going anywhere; our mission and the value of a strong alliance for Wisconsin’s land trusts is far too important.
We hope you agree and that you will consider a special gift to Gathering Waters today to keep the alliance stronger than ever.
In the coming year, we will redouble our commitment to strengthening Wisconsin’s land trusts. We hope your dedication to strengthening land trusts, protecting Wisconsin’s special places, and growing healthy communities is as strong as ours.
Want to learn more about the difference you can make by strengthening Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts? Watch this video today!
