(The Center Square) – A pair of Republican lawmakers have begun circulating a plan to continue Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program through fiscal year 2029-2030.
The plan calls for $1 million annually to be set aside to acquire land for the Ice Age Trail, which was previously approved, along with $2 million annually for nonprofit conservation organizations to acquire and develop property.
The plan also calls for a new major land acquisition program for projects that cost more than $1 million. The proposed will requires the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to submit a list of major proposed acquisitions each year by Jan. 15, which the Wisconsin Legislature would then have to separately budget and approve.
Joint Finance Committee Vice Chairs Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, and Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, proposed the bill.
“We expect this bill to move quickly,” Team Knowles-Nelson posted on its website. “Today, Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Testin are circulating drafts for co-sponsorship. Committee hearings could take place as soon as next week, and the committees in the Senate and Assembly will be able to make amendments. This will be an important opportunity for input and engagement from members of the Team Knowles Nelson community.”
The Wisconsin DNR asked for $100 million each of the next 10 years for the program during budget meetings with Gov. Tony Evers, up from the current $33.25 million per year through 2026.
A Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling from July 2024 said the Legislature can’t block conservation requests from Gov. Tony Evers. Evers claimed that the Joint Committee on Finance was unconstitutionally and unlawfully blocking his requests through the program.
This bill would make sure the Legislature had control over large grant requests.
Several groups announced support for the proposal, including Ducks Unlimited.
“This proposed legislation will allow much needed improvements to be made to our existing public lands, while also ensuring that a useable program will continue with input from both the legislative and executive branches,” Zach Hartman, Chief Policy Officer at Ducks Unlimited, said in a statement. “The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has helped provide more access and opportunities for Wisconsin’s hunters, anglers and trappers for more than 30 years and we are extremely pleased that members of the legislature are working to see that continue.”
The Wisconsin Counties Association, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin Towns Association, the Wisconsin County Forests Association and the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association released a joint statement on the proposal.
“Grants from the Stewardship Program have supported local government projects throughout the state which are utilized and enjoyed by Wisconsinites daily,” the statement read. “We are appreciative of the leadership from legislators including Representative Kurtz and Senator Testin and from Governor Evers in proposing paths forward for a Stewardship reauthorization.
Continuing to provide state support for local park, forest, and recreation projects will ensure residents and visitors may continue to enjoy all Wisconsin has to offer in the great outdoors.”
