What's New

Gov. Jim Doyle set aside a historic level of funding for Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program as part of his 2007 to 2009 Budget, thereby ensuring that critical natural areas across Wisconsin are protected for their recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and to preserve water quality in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Environment applauded the governor’s decision and is now working with legislative leaders to make sure Wisconsin’s land legacy and the funding for it is protected for future generations.    

 

How You Can Help

Support the Stewardship Fund in the Wisconsin budget by signing our online petition.

Brief Summary

From the shores of Lake Michigan in Door County to the bluffs along the Mississippi River near La Crosse, from wild lakes in northern Wisconsin to the parks and bike trails in Madison and Milwaukee, our protected lands define Wisconsin and make our state a great place to live.  

Unfortunately, we’re in jeopardy of losing this land heritage.  Every day powerful developers are breaking ground on new projects that are destroying our wild lands with resorts, big box stores, condominiums and transmission lines.  

The good news is that we have an innovative program to purchase and protect our most precious lands from development.  Since 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund has protected 330,000 acres in 71 of 72 Wisconsin counties - areas like the Mink River Estuary in Door County, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail across central Wisconsin, and the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage along Lake Superior.   For over 15 years, the Stewardship Fund has been an amazing success.  

The state Legislature needs to act now re-authorize the Stewardship Fund to continue the program’s success in protecting Wisconsin’s land heritage for future generations.