Update (July 2, 2026)
Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, vital for land conservation and recreation, expired on June 30, 2026.
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.
For more information:
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program - Wisconsin Examiner News Update
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.