In a press release issued from her office on July 1, State Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) expressed disappointment that the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was not included in the most recent budget agreement between Legislative Leadership and Governor Evers. The statement came as the Joint Finance Committee—the legislature’s powerful budget-writing committee—was scheduled to take action on this preliminary bipartisan compromise.
“While I recognize all that has gone into reaching this compromise budget, I must share that I am deeply disappointed that Republican leaders would not agree to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program–even for just one more year through 2027,” stated Senator Habush Sinykin.
Currently set to expire in June 2026, the Stewardship Program has enjoyed overwhelming public support, with recent polling showing 93% of Wisconsinites favor dedicating public funds to conservation. Despite this popularity, negotiators did not include an extension in the final budget compromise.
Senator Habush Sinykin, who represents Senate District 8 in southeast Wisconsin, has seen the Stewardship Program’s local impact firsthand. The district includes parts of Ozaukee County, home to the Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs preserve—131 acres of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline now protected for future generations. When Knowles-Nelson funding for the project hit a series of roadblocks, it triggered a grassroots response that brought the Stewardship Program into the spotlight and showed what’s at stake when conservation opportunities hang in the balance.
The Senator noted that Knowles-Nelson has been the most frequently mentioned issue among her constituents during her first six months in office. Her team has worked extensively to build broad support for the program, connecting with voters across the political spectrum, including hosting a “Community Conversation” in April.
Though disappointed with the current outcome, Senator Habush Sinykin noted that Republican legislators have indicated they will revisit the program this fall, creating space for discussion before the 2026 expiration deadline.
“This is not the time to give up,” the Senator emphasized. “Wisconsinites have demonstrated that we can find common ground on issues that are important to all of us, like support for local stewardship and conservation efforts.”
Named after both Republican Governor Warren Knowles and Democratic Governor Gaylord Nelson, the Stewardship Program has protected natural areas, expanded outdoor recreation opportunities, and preserved wildlife habitat throughout Wisconsin since 1989. Senator Habush Sinykin remains committed to working across party lines to secure its future for generations to come.
Featured image from the office of Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin, 2025
