State agencies have submitted their 2025-27 budget requests to the Department of Administration, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed a historic investment in protecting our state’s land, water, wildlife, and way of life.
As part of their request, the DNR has called for a 10-year renewal of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, with annual funding of $100 million through 2036. This bold initiative would represent a $1 billion investment in Wisconsin’s natural resources and mark a defining moment for conservation in our state.
In 2021, Governor Evers proposed funding Knowles-Nelson at $70 million annually for 10 years. However, the program was ultimately only authorized at $33 million per year for four years, and is now set to expire in 2026. Returning to a 10-year reauthorization would offer the stability and predictability needed for effective and strategic project planning.
The DNR’s proposal is an early but important step forward. Governor Evers will be including more details about how funding will be allocated among subprograms and various conservation priorities in his executive budget in February. The legislature will then consider this as part of the state budget debate in the spring. If funding isn’t renewed, Wisconsinites will lose the best program we have for protecting vulnerable landscapes, providing public access for outdoor recreation, and managing public lands.
All 2025-27 biennial budget agency requests can be viewed here.
We’ll keep you updated as the budget process unfolds. In the meantime, consider creating a personalized postcard in support of Knowles-Nelson that we’ll send to your legislators, or explore our advocacy toolkit filled with key information and resources.
Thank you for your continued dedication to preserving our state’s natural heritage. Together, we’re ensuring a bright future for conservation in Wisconsin.
Featured image by Alli Stancil, 2013.
