ADVOCACY IN ACTION!
Thank you to the more than 170 advocates who joined us at the Capitol last week for the first-ever Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day! Conservation unites Wisconsin — representatives from over 70 organizations participated in 96 legislative meetings, showing legislators on both sides that protecting our natural resources brings Wisconsinites together.
Couldn’t make it to Lobby Day? Your photo speaks volumes
Share your commitment to Wisconsin’s outdoors by sending a postcard to your legislators.
Visit knowlesnelson.org/postcards to upload a photo of your favorite Wisconsin adventure and type a message in support of reauthorizing Knowles-Nelson. We’ll print and deliver your postcard directly to your representatives and the governor–keeping Knowles-Nelson at the top of their minds during budget season and reminding them of what’s worth protecting in their districts.
WEBINAR: BEHIND THE LATEST KNOWLES-NELSON POLLING – MARCH 25, 10:00 AM
Join us for an exclusive “Behind the Polling” webinar on March 25th at 10:00 AM to understand the latest public opinion research on conservation funding in Wisconsin. Every two years The Nature Conservancy hires bipartisan pollsters to survey Wisconsinites. Spoiler alert: investing in conservation is wildly popular with voters across the political spectrum.
Our partners at The Nature Conservancy and the professional pollsters will break down:
- Current support levels for Knowles-Nelson across political affiliations
- Key takeaways for legislators and advocates
- Regional differences in conservation priorities
- Effective ways to communicate the economic benefits of conservation
SPONSOR A LOCAL RESOLUTION: GRASSROOTS SUPPORT MATTERS
Building support at the local level remains crucial for demonstrating widespread backing for Knowles-Nelson, and we’re thrilled at the momentum being generated by local resolutions. Please consider working with your local board or council to sponsor a Knowles-Nelson resolution. County boards and municipal councils across Wisconsin are passing resolutions supporting the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. These official statements:
- Demonstrate constituent priorities to state legislators
- Generate valuable media coverage in local communities
- Increase public awareness about conservation funding
To get started, check out examples of resolutions that have already passed in other communities. Identify supportive local officials in your community who might champion the cause. Coordinate with neighbors to ensure strong attendance at meetings where the resolution will be discussed. Finally, share your successful resolutions with us so we can celebrate your community’s commitment to conservation.
We’re available to help you strategize and to provide the data you need to make a compelling case to your local board!
LEGISLATIVE LISTENING SESSIONS: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Wisconsin legislators are hosting listening sessions across the state! These are perfect opportunities to speak directly with your representatives about why Knowles Nelson matters to your community. Let us know when you hear about upcoming listening sessions and we will help spread the word.
View upcoming listening session dates HERE.
