Gov. Tony Evers is considering next steps as conservation groups question legal authority of Legislature to block projects anonymously.
The Pelican River Forest is the latest example of hurdles land conservation groups face from GOP lawmakers who object to preserving land for the public.
Conservation groups hope to keep the project alive and are searching for new avenues after legislators on the state’s powerful finance committee blocked a key funding request.
Republican members on the Joint Finance Committee voted “no” to secure permanent conservation and public access for the Pelican River Forest.
Gov. Evers’ 2023-25 biennial budget proposal makes several key investments, including for the conservation and preservation of public lands through the state’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The conservation community is concerned for the future of the Pelican River Forest after the Joint Finance Committee voted along party lines to reject a $4 million Knowles Nelson grant.
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