Conservation projects face uncertainty after Knowles-Nelson program expires
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been around since 1989. It has helped preserve and protect land across Wisconsin. Due to a lack of action by the state Legislature, the program is now expiring.
That comes despite a bipartisan poll conducted last year showing that 93% of Wisconsinites supported funding the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The nonprofit that conducted the poll had both a Republican and Democratic pollster perform it, showing conservation efforts are important to Wisconsin residents regardless of their political affiliation or where they live.
The program was created by a Democratic Legislature and signed into law by then-Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson. It funds conservation efforts in three ways through direct state investment and grants to local governments and nonprofits. That funding will not continue moving forward.
"Throughout the months we have tried negotiating and advocating for Knowles-Nelson but Republicans have made in crystal clear time and time again they do not want to see this program extended," State Sen. Dianne Hesselbein (D), Senate Minority Leader, said.
During a Tuesday press conference, Democrats named several Republican lawmakers and blamed them directly for the program's expiration.
We reached out to each of the lawmakers named for comment.
Sen. Howard Marklein responded in a statement saying the following:
"I, too, am disappointed that the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is expiring. As a hunter and a camper myself, I understand the importance of protecting our natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for people to enjoy. In the state legislature, I have been a strong advocate for the Stewardship Program. Unlike legislative Democrats, I was proud to vote for the continuation of the Stewardship Program earlier this session. In addition, I am proud of my work to invest in our state parks system, clean up PFAS, and provide a record investment to increase access to clean drinking water for all Wisconsinites."
Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos also responded to our inquiry, saying the following:
"Legislative Republicans have long-supported the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program in each budget. Unfortunately, Governor Evers compromised the bipartisan support for this program when he sued to strip the legislature of its oversight on purchases. We can't support giving unelected bureaucrats at DNR a blank checkbook for land purchases."
"What it means is investments in conservation and outdoor recreation stall out," Charles Carlin, chief strategy officer for Gathering Waters, said.
One of the projects in Milwaukee that Gathering Waters, which works with conservation nonprofits across the state, says will be impacted is Route of the Badger. The project would merge cycling and walking paths to create a 700-mile regional trail network across southeast Wisconsin.
"Really great progress has been made but there are miles and miles where cyclists still get forced out on to roads which is pretty dangerous so a neat project like that stalls out," Carlin said.
The program will now essentially go dormant, meaning it can still be funded in the future.
Democrats say if they gain a trifecta, they will make it a priority to fund the program again. They also say they would like to create a separate board to approve land acquisitions outside of the Joint Finance Committee, which is currently tasked with approving projects and land acquisitions.
