Yesterday, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed AB 315 and AB 612—the Republican-authored proposals to renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program—on a party-line vote. All Republicans present voted in favor, while all Democrats present voted against. The bills now move to the Senate.
What passed yesterday is Knowles-Nelson in name only.
Unfortunately, the bills passed yesterday would fundamentally weaken Knowles-Nelson’s core purpose: preserving important natural communities, protecting water quality and fisheries, and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The bills—which were dramatically rewritten since the Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation considered them late last year—include virtually no funding for land acquisition.
During yesterday’s session, Rep. Vinnie Miresse (D-Stevens Point) argued that “every time Republicans amend the Knowles-Nelson proposal, it seems to get worse,” saying:
“Without land acquisition, Republicans have neutered this program and rendered it Knowles-Nelson in name only.”
Land trusts and local governments would have no dedicated grants to acquire land for public access for outdoor recreation or to protect environmentally sensitive areas.
While the bills provide limited habitat management grants to nonprofit conservation organizations, they create an impractical framework: grants are limited to work on state-owned or local government-owned lands, excluding nonprofit-owned lands. This restriction undermines the partnership model that has made Knowles-Nelson successful for more than three decades.
The bills also maintain funding for property development—a necessary piece, but far from sufficient.
Governor Evers has been clear. He will only sign a Knowles-Nelson reauthorization that includes adequate funding for both land acquisition and habitat management. In his own words:
“I would be glad to sign any reauthorization proposal that appropriately supports both land acquisition and property management of Wisconsin’s valuable natural resources and public lands to secure the future of this program that is so fundamental to Wisconsin’s proud and cherished tradition of conservation.”
By contrast, Representative Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), the lead author of the bills that passed the Assembly, described the vote as:
“Another step forward in ensuring the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program continues for generations to come. It’s not perfect, but I believe this is a good compromise that will protect all of the important aspects of the program, boost support for maintaining what we already own, ensure access for hunters, anglers and everyone who enjoys spending time in Wisconsin’s beautiful outdoors.”
Before the final vote, Representative Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay) proposed a simple one-year extension of the current program, which was voted down along party lines. She said:
“Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly support conservation funding, with 93% wanting legislators to continue dedicating public funding for land, water, and wildlife conservation. This support spans the political spectrum, with strong backing from Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike. As we continue conversations to ensure that we keep Knowles Nelson well-funded for current projects and for future generations alike, I hope you will support this simple amendment to keep our bipartisan commitment to conservation going for another year. The proposal my Republican colleagues have before us today is a day late, $20 million short, and not what we know our constituents are looking for from their elected leaders.”
A Bipartisan Success Story is Still Possible
Knowles-Nelson is one of Wisconsin’s best bipartisan success stories, and it can still be. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where there is one final opportunity to get this right.
The solution is straightforward and the message is simple: restore funding for land acquisition and we will have a workable Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to carry us through to the next state budget.
Unlike the Assembly vote yesterday, any Knowles-Nelson reauthorization in the Senate is unlikely to pass on a party-line vote. Republicans and Democrats will need to work together on a bipartisan compromise.
We are counting on conservation champions in both parties to help find that solution.
What You Can Do
Communicating with your Assembly Representative, your State Senator, and the Governor is more important than ever.
We have updated all messages at action.knowlesnelson.org for this urgent moment.
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To your Senator: urge a bipartisan compromise that includes land acquisition funding.
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To your Assembly Representative: reinforce the importance of land acquisition and ask for support if a compromise bill returns.
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To the Governor: thank him for maintaining a firm stance that any reauthorization must fully fund both acquisition and management.
I’ve been at the Capitol all week, and nearly every legislator mentions constituent emails and phone calls about Knowles-Nelson. Your outreach truly matters.
While uncertainty remains, we’re optimistic that the Senate can come together to craft a strong, bipartisan reauthorization.
Knowles-Nelson has always been a Wisconsin success story built on bipartisan cooperation. With your continued advocacy, it can be again.
Thank you for everything you do for Wisconsin’s conservation legacy.
Sincerely,
Charles Carlin
Gathering Waters, Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts
On behalf of Team Knowles-Nelson
Featured photo by Gathering Waters staff
