Greg Seitz writes for St. Croix 360 about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which supports the protection thousands of acres of land across Wisconsin every year. The Stewardship Program, usually renewed in 10 year increments, was renewed for four years. Passed in the 2021 budget bill and signed by Governor Evers, the four-year plan will provide about $32 million in annual funding for land conservation and outdoor recreation. Advocates celebrated the passage of the bill, but expressed disappointment about the shorter timeframe.
“In the past three decades, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has provided funding to acquire at least 5,400 acres in the St. Croix River watershed. It includes parcels on the Kinnickinnic and Totogatic Rivers, two tributaries 100 miles apart, and points in between,” writes Seitz.
The article includes a map of projects funded along the St. Croix River Watershed and a list of supporting organizations.
Featured image by John-Brian Paprock, 2010.
