As part of its $1.2 billion biennial budget, the DNR is seeking to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program at $100 million annually for the next ten years, representing a substantial boost from the current funding of about $33 million a year through 2026. DNR’s Management and Budget director, Maggie Hutter, noted this as one of the most significant changes in their budget request, as reported by Wisconsin Public Radio.
“Governor Evers has long been a proud supporter of the Stewardship Fund, and he looks forward to approving the department’s request and proposing a 10-year reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in the executive budget he’ll introduce early next year,” said Governor Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback.
In 2021, Governor Evers proposed funding Knowles-Nelson at $70 million annually for 10 years. However, the program was ultimately only authorized at $33 million per year for four years. Returning to a 10-year reauthorization would offer local governments and nonprofits the stability and predictability needed for strategic project planning.
The DNR’s budget request also includes $505 million for addressing a $1 billion maintenance backlog on state properties, including critical repairs and upgrades to facilities, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure across DNR-managed lands and parks.
Governor Evers will now consider the DNR’s request as he prepares his executive budget proposal, expected in February 2025. A Door County Pulse articles notes that this proposal will also detail funding allocations for conservation priorities. The state legislature will then review this during spring budget debates, where the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program’s future is likely to be a key discussion point.
Featured image by E_Bass, 2016
