Conservationists want stronger Knowles-Nelson Stewardship reauthorization in state budget

Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed biennial budget threatens a three-decade-old program that promotes conservation opportunities for outdoor recreation across Wisconsin, conservation groups and business owners said.

Evers’ budget proposed a two-year extension of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funding at the current $33 million per year, and suggests forming a blue-ribbon panel to make recommendations about the future of the program. Supporters had called for a 10-year reauthorization to ensure the future of the program and to sustain projects that protect environmentally and scenically sensitive lands.

“The two-year proposal is woefully below what it needs be,” said Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Wisconsin Chapter Board Chair TJ Hauge. “Two-years doesn’t cut it. We’re hoping for the 10-year reauthorization to be able to begin working on projects that ensure the proper work and time to preserve our public access to lands and waters in Wisconsin.”

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship started as a 10-year, $250 million program with grants to non-profit conservation organizations and communities for conservation development. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources set forth the conservation and recreation goals by acquiring land for the purpose of access through private land to public lands and waters, development of recreation facilities and the restoration of wildlife habitat.

Many proponents have voiced that with a lack of the 10-year reauthorization, public stream access on private lands leased for public fishing and future stream restoration projects will not receive the proper funding or time to adequately support these or future projects.

“For the last 30 years, Wisconsin has been investing in public lands and public stream access through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program,” said Mike Kuhr, the State Council Chair for Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. “It’s one of the primary reasons our outdoor economy is thriving, and it makes fishing excursions like the ones my daughters and I enjoy possible. The Stewardship Program is a promise to the next generation that outdoor spaces and freedom to enjoy them will be there in the future.”

Kyle Zempel, owner of Black Earth Angling Co. said the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship is integral not only to his business, but also to the survival of many outdoor sports enjoyed on public lands.

“Public access in our state is incredible,” said Zempel. “Many people from outside our state come here to recreate. Be it bird watching, hiking, fishing or hunting, they come here because of the ease of access to public lands. This helps funding our states businesses and economy. Taking away this access, it hits us all.”

Zempel, like many other advocates, is pushing for state legislators to reauthorize this stewardship because he believes investments in public access have had and will continue to have a positive impact on many individuals quality of life while contributing to healthy, sustainable economies statewide.

Zempel said he hopes people get loud and contact their local legislators and state that they support a 10-year reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship.

“Be loud about it,” said Zempel. “Take 30-seconds out of your day and make that phone call. It will make a difference.”

Along with Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Gathering Waters has joined the fight in advocating to preserve the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship. The group hopes that with their efforts along with others, they can impact the decision of legislators in preserving this program.

Request for comment from the governor’s office was not returned by time of publication.

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