In a recent letter to the editor in The Gazette, Solon Springs resident Julie Fromm urged lawmakers to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, Wisconsin’s flagship conservation funding program.
Fromm writes that Knowles-Nelson isn’t controversial, rather overwhelmingly popular. More than 90% of Wisconsin voters support continuing the program, including 80% of self-identified MAGA Republicans.
“When it comes to clean water, wildlife and outdoor spaces, Wisconsinites stand united,” she writes.
Fromm highlights the economic value of conservation, noting that protected lands generate an estimated $2.5 billion annually in ecosystem services like flood protection, clean water, carbon storage, and recreation. As a volunteer for the North Country National Scenic Trail, she’s seen firsthand how Knowles-Nelson has helped fill in critical trail gaps in northern Wisconsin.
The program has supported projects in all 72 counties, with 90% of Wisconsin households living within a mile of a Knowles-Nelson investment. But funding is set to expire in 2026 unless lawmakers act.
“Once these special places are gone, we can’t get them back,” Fromm warns. “It is not too late to ensure the wild places our kids grow up enjoying will still be around for future generations.”
Featured image by Stephanie Smith, 2020
