Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, vital for land conservation and recreation, faces an uncertain future as its funding was cut from the 2025 state budget, expiring June 30, 2026; lawmakers are now debating separate bills for reauthorization, with Republican and Democratic proposals differing in funding amounts but both aiming to continue the popular, bipartisan program that funds parks, trails, and natural areas across the state, with supporters urging action to prevent its lapse.
What is the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program?
Purpose: A bipartisan program established in 1989 to fund land conservation, habitat preservation, and outdoor recreation projects in Wisconsin, supporting parks, trails, wildlife areas, and local land trusts.
Funding Mechanism: Funds are raised through general obligation bonds, with a small portion from taxes, costing residents about $11 annually.
Impact: Protected over 650,000 acres and provides grants for projects like bike paths, campgrounds, and wildlife habitats.
Update (January 25, 2026)
The Wisconsin Assembly passed a proposal to reauthorize the program through 2028, reducing the funding from $33 million to $28 million annually and limits new land purchases. The legislation now moves to the Senate and would require the Governor's signature for final approval.
Current Situation (Late 2025):
Budget Omission: The Republican-led Joint Finance Committee removed Knowles-Nelson funding from the 2025 state budget, a first in its history.
Expiration: The program's current funding ends June 30, 2026, leaving it at risk of expiring.
Legislative Efforts: Two standalone bills are proposed for reauthorization, one Republican (Kurtz/Testin) and one Democratic (Habush Sinykin/Miresse).
Political Stalemate: The Democratic bill hasn't received a hearing, while the Republican bill stalled in committee, highlighting partisan divides despite broad support.
Proposals & Future:
Evers' Request: Governor Evers proposed $100 million annually for 10 years.
Republican Bill: Proposes $28.25 million/year for four years with increased legislative oversight.
Democratic Bill: Seeks $72 million/year for six years, also with oversight.
Advocacy: Conservation groups and sportsmen are urging lawmakers to pass a bill to avoid losing crucial conservation funding, emphasizing the program's benefits for all Wisconsinites.
Note: Content summarized with assistance from ChatGPT. ChatGPT can make mistakes-- check important information.