Wisconsin has planted more than 54M trees since 2021, but forest conservation goals at risk
Conservation groups are warning that Wisconsin may struggle to meet its long-term forest conservation goals without the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the state matching funds it provides for land protection projects.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship fund faces an uncertain future
A new interview with DNR Facilities and Lands Bureau Director Terry Bay outlines what could happen if the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program expires in June, including reduced habitat protection, impacts to water quality, and fewer opportunities for future outdoor recreation projects across Wisconsin.
Letter: Smoke and mirrors
An Oregon resident criticizes legislative leaders for stripping Knowles-Nelson funding and argues their actions misrepresent support for the program.
Wisconsin Conservation Congress Online Survey Is Now Open
Weigh in on Knowles-Nelson and other natural resource issues online by April 15th and save the date for the next Team Knowles Nelson policy update & organizing call.
Devil’s Lake Acquisition Grows Most-Visited State Park
Knowles-Nelson funding permanently protected 100 new acres at Devil’s Lake State Park, including a potential future segment of the Ice Age Trail.
Devil’s Lake State Park expands by 100 acres, adding new views
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funding made possible a 100-acre expansion of Devil’s Lake State Park, in what may be one of the program’s final acts before its June expiration.
Lack of funding could end statewide land stewardship program
With no new funding approved, conservation groups warn Knowles-Nelson will run out by June, increasing pressure on private fundraising as demand for land protection and public access continues to grow.
Funding for Wisconsin’s largest land conservation program could expire in three months. Here’s how we got here.
There is still some hope the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program could be extended through a bipartisan deal tied to the state’s surplus, even as negotiations remain unresolved.
Letter to the Editor: Legislature Should Renew Wisconsin’s Stewardship Program
In a recent letter to the editor, Groundswell Conservancy’s Heidi Habeger urges lawmakers to renew Knowles-Nelson, warning that inaction is stalling conservation efforts and putting future land protection at risk.
Wisconsin Conservation Congress questions for this year’s spring hearings
Support for reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program will be included in this year’s Wisconsin Conservation Congress spring hearing questionnaire.
