In a recent letter to the editor published in the Appleton Post-Crescent, Sherwood resident Deb Lee urged lawmakers to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, citing its importance to Wisconsin’s state parks and the volunteer groups that support them.
Lee pointed to Knowles-Nelson grants at High Cliff State Park, where funding has supported trail work, picnic tables, camp showers, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal—projects matched by local Friends groups, like Friends of High Cliff State Park.
“These investments directly support our public lands — places we all love and use,” Lee wrote.
She also noted that recent state budget decisions sharply reduced capital funding for state properties, even as maintenance backlogs across parks, forests, and trails continue to grow. Lee argued that continued investment through Knowles-Nelson helps ensure that public lands remain accessible and well cared for, while supporting nearby communities and local economies.
Featured image by Aaron Volkening, 2017
