By Charles Carlin, Gathering Waters
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s February, 2021 Volunteer Newsletter edition.
The Knowles-Nelson stewardship program has helped Wisconsin’s waterfowlers for over 30 years – and now this program needs your help. Without reauthorization and funding by the legislature, this program that opens and maintains land for public use (including hunting) for today’s and future generations, will die. Already the K-N program has protected 600,000 acres of land through direct purchase, trail building, boat launches, and more. Thousands of projects around Wisconsin have been supported by the Stewardship Program. Check out this cool interactive map for a project near you – I’ll bet you are within 5 miles of one!
Here’s how you can help. Please take a moment and fill out this brief form to send postcards to the governor and your legislators urging them to renew the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The whole process just takes a minute, and every single postcard makes a big difference.
What’s the deal with Knowles-Nelson? The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funds land and water conservation projects all over the state. From major land purchases in the state’s most ecologically rich spots to the walking trails right outside your back door, Knowles-Nelson makes it happen. Matching grants to nonprofits and local governments allow local communities to leverage state funding to make Wisconsin a better place to hunt, play, and conserve wildlife.
In February, Governor Evers will release his proposed budget, which we expect will include a 10-year authorization of Knowles-Nelson and will restore some of the funding that has been cut from the program in recent years. However, we’re in for a tough fight with the state legislature. It’s crucial that lawmakers know that sportsmen, hikers, and wildlife lovers value the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. These postcards are a simple way to tell your personal story about why Wisconsin’s wild places matter to you.
Thanks for your help! Take a minute and create your postcards now.