As we reported last month, the first step in the state budget process is complete!
The DNR requested $100 million annual funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program over the next decade. This increase in funding would restore many of the cuts the program has suffered over the last 15 years. Knowles-Nelson is currently funded at $33 million per year, which is down from a high of $86 million annually back in 2010. The DNR’s proposal would not restore all of the program’s lost purchasing power, but it would be a huge step forward.
We applaud the Evers administration for proposing such a substantial investment in protecting our state’s land, water, wildlife, and way of life. The next step is the release of the Governor’s full executive budget in February 2025, which will likely include more details about how funding will be allocated among subprograms and various conservation priorities.
Public Support for Knowles-Nelson
This proposed increase in funding aligns with broad public support for land conservation efforts in Wisconsin. Numerous surveys and polls conducted over the years have consistently shown that 9 in 10 Wisconsin residents, across political affiliations, support increased investment in protecting natural areas, waterways, and outdoor recreation spaces. This backing reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for Wisconsin’s natural heritage and a recognition of the economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits that land conservation brings to communities throughout the state.
The broad public support makes it clear that conservation isn’t a partisan issue, at least among Wisconsinites. And heading into the next legislative session, we’ll be looking to legislative leaders in both parties to come together and reauthorize the program.
Capitol Politics
But it’s clear that we have work to do to ensure that lawmakers’ support matches the public consensus on conservation funding. When asked by Milwaukee TV station, TMJ4, about the budget proposal, Rep. Mark Born, co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee (JFC), responded with the following statement: “It’s unfortunate that Governor Evers’ lawsuit removed all accountability from the stewardship program, which helped ensure local voices were heard and that taxpayer resources were spent wisely. The entire program is now in jeopardy.”
It’s hard to imagine that a program that’s so wildly popular and has such an incredible track record of investing in worthy conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the state could be at risk. Check out the program’s impact for yourself by exploring our interactive map of Knowles-Nelson projects. But this kind of rhetoric is an important reminder that we all need to speak up on behalf of conservation. Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents and be reminded how important it is to make decisions based on good policy, not political power struggles.
Take Action
Will you send a message to your elected officials today? An easy way is to make a personalized Knowles-Nelson postcard here.
We at Gathering Waters look forward to working with all lawmakers to secure Knowles-Nelson funding for another decade, no matter their political party or past positions. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program shouldn’t be a political bargaining chip – it’s a vital investment in Wisconsin’s future. It’s time to move past the threats and get to work taking care of our remarkable state.
Save the Date: Knowles Nelson Lobby Day
Join us for the first-ever Knowles Nelson Lobby Day on March 12, 2025!
We’ll meet at the Wisconsin Masonic Center in Madison, learn about the Knowles-Nelson reauthorization, and then head to the Capitol to meet with our representatives and senators. This is your chance to advocate directly for the stewardship program and connect with fellow conservation enthusiasts.
Everyone is welcome to participate; more details and registration information coming soon: KnowlesNelson.org/LobbyDay
NCO… FULLY SUBSCRIBED!
The DNR recently announced there will be no November 2024 application round for Knowles-Nelson Stewardship’s Nonprofit Conservation Organization (NCO) funding. This means the program is fully subscribed for the first time in recent history!
With the Joint Finance Committee’s obstruction halted by July’s WI Supreme Court decision, organizations are bringing forward high-quality projects more freely, allowing conservation efforts to advance without political obstruction.
This milestone highlights the program’s importance and the strong demand for conservation funding in Wisconsin. Clearly, the program needs better funding to meet Wisconsin’s land and water conservation needs.
Connecting With Legislators
September 13: Rep. Tony Kurtz toured David & Susan Weigandt’s farm, protected by a conservation easement with Mississippi Valley Conservancy. This visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the practical benefits of conservation easements and the important work of land trusts.
September 19: We met with Rep. Paul Melotik, alongside Ducks Unlimited and Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. We highlighted how Knowles-Nelson has forged strong partnerships between conservation groups and showcased the program’s enduring success for coalition members.
Advocacy Highlights
We were pleased to host Senator Duey Stroebel, Rep. Paul Melotik, and candidate Jodi Habush Sinykin for a tour of Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs on the Lake Michigan shoreline on September 9. We welcome every opportunity to educate lawmakers and candidates about conservation work.
You may recall that Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs was almost lost to an “anonymous” real estate developer when Knowles-Nelson funds for the project were blocked by the Joint Finance Committee that Sen. Stroebel co-chairs. After the visit, Senator Stroebel’s constituents expressed doubt about his commitment to conservation, writing in letters to the editor that he “did nothing to help secure” the project. Governor Evers ultimately secured federal funding for the project, ensuring the shoreline will be preserved, forever. We are always hopeful that site visits and tours like this recent outing to Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs bolster lawmakers’ commitment to protecting our land and water.
On September 18, we joined the Wisconsin Council on Forestry for their meeting and a tour of the Pelican River Forest. We met with forestry professionals and community members to discuss how large-scale conservation projects balance different uses, highlighting how working forest conservation easements support sustainable forestry, recreation, and conservation, while benefiting local economies and expanding public access.
Lake County Clean Waters’ 2024 Healthy Lakes Conference, held on September 19, gave us the opportunity to connect with lakefront property owners and water conservation advocates. We shared how Knowles-Nelson supports projects that enhance lake health and water quality, ranging from lakefront improvements to broader community-based water conservation initiatives.
The Wisconsin Counties Association Annual Conference on September 23 offered a valuable platform to engage with county officials about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and its impact on local government. We connected with new county board members, strengthened existing relationships, and shared updates on successfully completed projects, highlighting the program’s impact on communities across Wisconsin.
Door County‘s conservation community gathered on October 8 to discuss the past, present, and future of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Four sponsor organizations shared updates that highlighted KNSP’s regional impact, while we presented on the program’s history in the area and its future across the state. We met local advocates, formed new partnerships, and reinforced the strong grassroots support for Knowles-Nelson in Door County.
Coming Up…
2024 League of Wisconsin Municipalities Annual Fall Conference
Date: October 23-25
Location: Madison Marriott West
2024 Destinations Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference
Date: November 14-15
Location: Fox Cities Exhibition Center, Appleton
Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour
Date: December 2-3
Location: Pablo Center, Eau Claire
