Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund frozen by snag in state Senate
A Republican plan to cut funding and limit land purchases under the Knowles-Nelson program was sent back to committee after GOP leaders lacked the votes to pass it, leaving its future uncertain ahead of a June 2026 expiration.
Governor Evers Delivers 2026 State of the State Address
In his final State of the State address, Governor Tony Evers pointed to the lack of a deal on Knowles-Nelson reauthorization and called on lawmakers to pass a bipartisan bill before the program expires in June.
Manitowoc Accepts Bids for Skatepark and Red Arrow Beach Improvement Projects
A Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant is supporting accessibility improvements at Red Arrow Beach, where the City of Manitowoc approved upgrades including new ramps and stairs.
Rep. Andraca Responds to Gov. Evers’ State of the State address
Rep. Deb Andraca said the Legislature still has unfinished work this year, including reauthorizing the widely supported Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program before its funding expires.
Rep. Stubbs: Applauds Governor Evers’ State of the State address
Rep. Shelia Stubbs praised Gov. Tony Evers’ State of the State address, highlighting his call to restore the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and invest in schools and public safety.
Budget committee approves amendments to Knowles-Nelson reauthorization bill
The Joint Finance Committee voted to move forward a two-year Knowles-Nelson reauthorization at $28.25 million annually, below the current level, with amendments limiting most land acquisitions to parcels of five acres or less and adding new municipal acreage caps.
Wisconsin’s Stewardship Program Caught in a Festering Political Pout
Outdoor writer Patrick Durkin argues the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is being undermined by partisan retaliation, criticizing a GOP proposal that cuts funding to $28.25 million and largely eliminates land acquisition as lawmakers clash over a recent state Supreme Court ruling limiting legislative veto power.
LeMahieu says GOP “getting pretty close” on Knowles-Nelson renewal
WisPolitics reports Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said Republicans are “getting pretty close” to a deal to renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program before it expires in June.
LeMahieu says he’s left out of tax relief negotiation which ‘seems like a purely political stunt’
The Wisconsin Examiner reports Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said a bill to extend the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is among the issues closest to passing this session.
New kiosk at Council Grounds State Park allows easier access to park passes
Friends of Council Grounds State Park used a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant to install a new electronic kiosk, making it easier for visitors to purchase daily and annual park passes.
