knowles-nelson in the news
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Opinion | Skewed priorities led to death of Knowles-Nelson
A Cap Times columnist argues that the Legislature’s failure to include Knowles-Nelson reauthorization in surplus spending negotiations reflects skewed priorities that will cost Wisconsin its most important land conservation tool.
Strong support at spring hearings for increased DNR funding, Stewardship
Wisconsin residents backed Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program reauthorization at a 90% rate in this year’s WCC spring hearings, but the Legislature failed to act before the program’s June expiration.
Devil’s Lake expansion highlights imminent loss of Knowles-Nelson funding
With the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program down to its last $5.5 million and expiring in June, land trusts and conservation nonprofits across the state are reckoning with what comes next.
Without Knowles-Nelson, what happens to Wisconsin conservation?
Without renewed funding for Knowles-Nelson, conservation groups across Wisconsin say future land protection projects, trail expansions, and outdoor recreation access could stall or disappear altogether.
Iron County completes $5.6 million Gile Flowage land acquisition after six-year effort
A $1.5 million Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant helped secure more than 1,100 acres around the Gile Flowage, completing the protection of nearly 18 miles of shoreline along a key Lake Superior tributary.
Data shows outdoor recreation boosts Wisconsin’s economy by record $12B
New data showing outdoor recreation adds $12 billion to Wisconsin’s economy highlights the importance of the public lands, trails, and outdoor access supported by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
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Two Rivers Approves New Signs Around Neshotah Park
Two Rivers approved new signage at Neshotah Park, part of a larger improvement project funded by a Knowles-Nelson stewardship grant.
OAP Open Mic: Help Save Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund
Oregon Area Progressives’ June 5 Community Open Mic will highlight Knowles-Nelson and share how attendees can help save it.
Wild Things: Proposal Would Expand Hunting In National Wildlife Refuge Lands
A Door County Pulse outdoors column reports on Knowles-Nelson amid local wildlife news, noting two citizen resolutions supporting reauthorization passed by near-unanimous margins at spring conservation hearings.
Tom Tiffany stands by criticisms of failed Wisconsin surplus deal
Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Tom Tiffany says he supports Knowles-Nelson in principle but would prioritize maintaining existing state lands over new acquisitions
Council on Forestry talks industry challenges, Knowles-Nelson program
The Wisconsin Council on Forestry discussed Knowles-Nelson’s uncertain future after its June expiration, with council members divided over public land accumulation and its impact on local tax bases.
Tiffany says he’ll cut taxes while increasing spending on schools, healthcare
Tom Tiffany says he would sign a Knowles-Nelson reauthorization bill, but only if it shifts focus away from acquiring new land and toward maintaining what the state already owns.
Oneida County board backs DNR land purchase
The Oneida County Board voted 15-2 to support a Knowles-Nelson-funded DNR purchase along the Tomahawk River, securing 77 acres of public access as the program nears its June expiration.
Struck honored for conservation work in Ozaukee County
Gathering Waters recognized Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Director Andrew Struck with a Land Conservation Leadership Award, in part for his work securing Knowles-Nelson funding to protect Lake Michigan coastal properties.
Oneida County panel forwards Stewardship land purchase
An Oneida County committee voted to forward a Knowles-Nelson-funded DNR purchase along the Tomahawk River to the full board, despite opposition from the county board chairman citing concerns about shrinking the tax base.
