Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is Under Fire

Did you know that Wisconsin’s conservation funding is under threat?

If you’re a hunter or angler in Wisconsin, chances are you have enjoyed the fruit of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. If you are wondering what the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is or where it has made a difference in the state of Wisconsin, then look no further than to a public land or water access point near you. Whether you’re looking at boat launches, public land purchases, easements, habitat improvements, trail construction, or even campgrounds, you would be hard pressed to find a section of the state in which this program hasn’t made a difference. And, even better, all land purchased under this program is required to be open for hunting access. With more than ten thousand projects throughout the state since its bipartisan adoption in 1989, and with every county accounted for, this fund has invested roughly $1.3 billion into the landscapes, waterways, wildlife, and public accessibility of Wisconsin. This program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and funds both internal projects from the agency and external projects for counties, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, although this program benefits every Wisconsin resident and visitor, no government program is without contention these days.

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So, what’s the problem?

The issue comes down to a matter of who gets to approve or deny projects, and at what step in the grant project approval process. Essentially, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) of Wisconsin has the power to approve, reject, and otherwise prioritize state budgetary appropriations, which would include approving the general funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. However, the question comes down to at what point in the approval process the JFC is allowed to deny said funds, or rather if the JFC is permitted to deny the funds both before project selection and after. Thus, the JFC has used their authority to veto project approvals after they have already given the money to the DNR and after projects have been selected by the DNR. Obviously, this doesn’t sit well with the DNR, but it also doesn’t sit well with Governor Evers, who has challenged the legal authority for the JFC to both approve funds and administer the funded program after the fact by overruling appropriations with which they disagree. In Evers’ view, the JFC is overstepping their legislative authority and commandeering executive authority. In response, however, the JFC has argued that they will not simply write the DNR a “blank check” to do as they please. However, that sentiment also refuses to acknowledge the DNR’s established application and approval process for the program. To that end, more than $33 million is being withheld from every Wisconsin citizen, hunter, and angler until an agreement can be reached. Until we can find a solution, the future care of our lands and waters are being held in limbo as power struggles churn.

What’s next?

There are currently two bills being considered, one by Representative Tony Kurtz (R) and Senator Patrick Testin (R), and the other bill from Representative Vinnie Miresse (D) and Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (D). The Republican-sponsored bill offers compromise, amounting to a lesser amount of $28 million in annual conservation funding, but funding regardless. The Democrat-sponsored bill buckles down, seeking appropriation for $72 million, or more than twice the current amount annually. Ultimately, the stance of the Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is that we need these funds, regardless of where any one of us lines up politically. Our lands and waters are far too important to be the rope in a political tug of war. Regardless of your political stance, let’s agree that we can all stand together as hunters and anglers. We can all see the benefit of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. And we can all call our representatives to make sure that they vote according to the desires of their constituents.

Contact Your Representatives

Make your voice heard. Also, tell your friends, family, hunting and fishing buddies. Keep them accountable and ask them to call their representatives too. We are stronger together. To contact your representatives, dial the Wisconsin Legislator Directory at 1-800-362-9472 or visit maps.legis.wisconsin.gov/  to find your legislator’s contact information. Call your representative and say:

“My name is [your name], and I’m a public land hunter and angler. I’m calling to urge you to re-authorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. All Wisconsin citizens benefit from this program.”

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Helping you keep it public,

The Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers