By George Ermert, WWA Board Member and Policy Committee Chair
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s November 2025 Newsletter edition.
The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, along with several of our partners, has been advocating for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in Wisconsin.
Since 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has provided more access and opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hunting, fishing, and trapping.
But the program is set to expire in June 2026.
A powerful group of hunting and conservation groups, the Sporting Coalition for Stewardship, has been working with lawmakers to educate them about the importance of this program and highlight the fact that lands acquired using Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds are required to remain open to hunting and trapping, making it one of the most sportsmen- and women-friendly land conservation programs in the country.
Help us urge state lawmakers to continue this critical program in Wisconsin. Please click here to contact your lawmaker and tell them that YOU want to see this program continue!
