Yesterday, Governor Evers and Republican legislative leaders announced a deal on a package of outstanding legislative priorities. Legislators had reported that Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program reauthorization was on the table during these negotiations, but it was ultimately left out.
We’re disappointed. This program has waited long enough, and every month without funding is another month Wisconsin’s land trusts, local governments, friends groups, and the DNR can’t access the grants they count on to protect the places that make this state special.
The property tax deal still has to pass the legislature, and it’s not a sure thing. Democrats were cut out of the negotiations and aren’t happy about it, which could make things complicated for Republican leaders who are likely to need some Democratic votes for the package to pass. The legislature may act as soon as tomorrow. We’re watching closely, and we’re in active conversation with legislators who care about this program. If an opening emerges, we’ll be ready to move.
In the meantime, we’re preparing for January 2027. We’ve been meeting with candidates, getting legislators out on the land, and working to have a strong Knowles-Nelson bill ready to move the moment the new session begins. None of that stops while we watch this play out.
Ninety-three percent of Wisconsin residents support renewing this program. Our job is making sure every legislator who takes office in January knows that and has no excuse not to act.
Thank you for staying with us through this long fight.
