New Bill, New Path for Knowles-Nelson Compromise

A second proposal for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been introduced, laying the groundwork for key compromise negotiations.

Yesterday, Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin and Rep. Vinnie Miresse introduced a new proposal to reauthorize Knowles-Nelson for six years, funded at $72 million annually. This proposed legislation is co-sponsored by all 60 Democratic lawmakers and lays the groundwork for compromise negotiations as the two parties seek ways to work together to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

You may recall that last week we described our two main concerns with the proposal put forth by Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Testin. That proposal could sharply curtail land acquisition by instructing DNR to always prioritize land management grant applications over those seeking funds to acquire conservation lands. It would also require all grants more than $1 million to move through the legislature as a separate piece of legislation, which could create a new “pocket veto,” allowing legislators to kill conservation projects without debate or vote.

The legislation introduced Tuesday by Sen. Habush Sinykin and Rep. Miresse addresses both of these concerns.

Watch yesterday’s bill introduction via WisconsinEye. To view the archived video you will need to create a free user account.

First, their proposal creates separate funding streams for land acquisition and land management grants. This ensures both priorities receive dedicated support and allows the DNR to administer them separately. Comparing the purchase of a critical wetland vs restoring a prairie would be like comparing apples and oranges. This structure allows each type of project to be judged on its own merits.

Second, the bill proposes a “Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Board” to provide oversight for the program. This 17-member body would bring together legislators from both parties, stakeholders, agency experts, and citizens to provide guidance and approve or deny grants exceeding $2.5 million.

For the details of their proposal, read the complete bill text and summary. And for a deeper dive into the politics of this process, see this Wisconsin Examiner article.

A Foundation for Compromise

We applaud the hard work of Senators Habush Sinykin and Testin and Representatives Kurtz and Miresse to lead their caucuses in the effort to craft a compromise that legislators and the Governor can all support. What now lies ahead is blending these proposals in a way that stays true to the soul of Knowles-Nelson while navigating the fraught terrain of split government.

Sen. Testin responded to the newly introduced legislation in a statement saying, “I am glad to see that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have an interest in reforming and reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. I look forward to reviewing the legislative proposal brought forward by my Democrat colleagues to see where we can work together and find common ground.”

The two proposals share a common commitment to furthering Wisconsin’s conservation legacy. Both recognize that Wisconsinites cherish our publicly accessible lands and want our state to be responsible stewards of our land and water for our kids and grandchildren.

Because the Senate is so closely divided – 18 Republican members and 15 Democratic members – bipartisanship will be essential. Should the Senate try to pass a partisan Knowles-Nelson reauthorization, the result could be a bill so weighed down with concessions to opponents of conservation that stakeholder groups would oppose it and the Governor would feel compelled to veto it. On the other hand, the proposal released this week by Sen. Habush Sinykin and Rep. Miresse clearly states what Democratic lawmakers are prioritizing when considering a Knowles-Nelson reauthorization.

We encourage legislators to use these two proposals as the foundation for good-faith, constructive conversations that ultimately fund Knowles-Nelson and make structural changes to the program that increase transparency and accountability, avoid partisan gridlock, and, most importantly, allow us to meet our most pressing conservation challenges.

What can you do?

It’s now time to get in touch with your legislators again and urge them to get to work crafting a Knowles-Nelson compromise that works for Wisconsin. Take action today and ask legislators to stay true to these priorities when negotiating a Stewardship reauthorization:

Fund both land acquisition and land management.
Create an oversight structure that: encourages constructive dialog; brings stakeholders, legislators, and agency professionals together; and that follows a clear, time-limited process for reviewing and voting on major grants.
Supports our growing outdoor recreation economy by investing in the infrastructure we need to get out and enjoy all the places that make Wisconsin special.

Save The Date: Fall Policy Update

Want to learn more about these latest updates regarding Knowles-Nelson? Join us for a live policy update webinar on Thursday, September 11 at 1:00 PM.

Our advocacy team will provide a detailed breakdown of both bills, explain the differences between the two proposals, identify the key players in the negotiations, and share what to expect next as the legislative process unfolds.

This webinar will be an excellent opportunity to get the facts you need to stay informed and help shape a positive outcome for the Stewardship Program.

RSVP to receive the Zoom link HERE.