Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program gets lifeline from Assembly
A proposed extension would continue Knowles-Nelson through 2028 while changing the program’s focus toward managing existing lands.
Wisconsin conservation fund caught in political back-and-forth
CapTimes reports that lawmakers remain divided over Knowles-Nelson, advancing proposals that extend the program while pausing land acquisition.
Assembly passes pared down Knowles-Nelson stewardship bill that limits land acquisition
A pared-back proposal that will continue the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program, but without allowing for new land acquisition, passed the Assembly on Thursday, eliciting critical reactions from Democrats who said it won’t uphold the legacy of the program.
Assembly passes Knowles-Nelson bills on party-line vote. Senate action is now critical.
What passed removes core program elements, leaving Knowles-Nelson in name only.
Assembly passes bill to pause funding for Knowles-Nelson land buys
The Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill to pause funding for new land purchases under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, shifting the focus toward maintaining existing conservation lands.
Assembly authorizes trimmed-down Knowles-Nelson stewardship program
The Wisconsin Assembly passed a Republican-backed bill to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program through 2028, cutting its funding in half and shifting emphasis away from land acquisition after the program was excluded from the state budget.
Gathering Waters: Statement on Assembly passage of AB 315 and AB 612
After the Assembly passed AB 315 and AB 612 on a party-line vote, advocates warned the bills leave Knowles-Nelson “in name only” by stripping funding for land acquisition.
Assembly Republicans approve stewardship reauthorization, with less money and more oversight
WPR reports the bill would strip most funding for land acquisition, leaving Knowles-Nelson largely as a maintenance program.
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program deserves to be reauthorized
The Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program, which since 1989 has acquired public lands for conservation and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin, is set to expire in 2026.
Stakeholders urged to back Knowles-Nelson
Stakeholders are urging lawmakers to renew and fund the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, calling on the public to weigh in through Wisconsin Conservation Congress spring hearings and direct outreach to legislators.
