Fishing and hunting license fees, Stewardship funding left out of state budget but might find GOP support in bills
A columnist notes that conservation priorities were left out of the final budget but could still move forward through separate legislation, including reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Evers explains reversal on Brillion dredging project
Evers said his initial veto of Brillion dredging funds was tied to the Legislature not renewing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, though the project later moved forward through a different funding path.
Wisconsin state budget includes critical funding to restore wetlands—opportunity remains to extend state’s most impactful conservation program
Audubon Great Lakes notes that while the state budget includes new wetland funding, Knowles-Nelson was left out, with efforts ongoing to extend the program.
Budget doesn’t include stewardship funds, Medicaid cuts could affect family planning clinics
A Wisconsin Today segment discusses how the state budget leaves the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program unfunded, putting land conservation, park improvements, and local projects across Wisconsin on hold.
Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling finds legislative committee overreached authority conversion therapy ban case
The Wisconsin Supreme Court again found lawmakers overstepped their authority, reinforcing its earlier ruling that legislative committees cannot block land conservation projects funded through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Midwest Environmental Advocates Hail Wisconsin Supreme Court Decision in Evers v Marklein
The nonprofit law center applauds the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that blocks lawmakers from vetoing Knowles-Nelson grant decisions.
‘This is not the time to give up’: Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funding not included in state budget
Knowles-Nelson reauthorization was left out of the state budget the same day Ozaukee County passed a resolution urging the Legislature to act, with Republicans promising to take it up separately in the fall.
Lawmakers: Evers’ marsh veto puts Wisconsin farmers at flood risk
Gov. Tony Evers vetoed funding for a Brillion marsh dredging project after Republicans eliminated the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program from the state budget.
Here’s what didn’t make it into Wisconsin’s $111 billion state budget
The popular Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was excluded from Wisconsin’s $111 billion state budget despite bipartisan support, with environmental advocates and lawmakers now looking to standalone legislation for the program’s reauthorization before its 2026 expiration.
State budget omits stewardship funds, includes $1 million for timber industry groups
The new state budget approved by lawmakers leaves out renewed funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, even as it directs new dollars to other priorities. Conservation advocates warn the omission puts future land protection, public access, and habitat restoration projects across Wisconsin at risk.
