LETTER: Don’t let Stewardship Fund die by legislative negligence

To Ozaukee Press:

I am concerned about the future of land conservation efforts in Wisconsin. For years the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund has had bipartisan and public support. It is Wisconsin’s best way to support land and water conservation by providing funds for land acquisition, trail development, campgrounds, boat launches and more. 

Wisconsin needs a stable conservation program that provides multi-year funding to prioritize protected land, clean water and access to outdoor recreation. I urge Wisconsinites to contact their state legislators to request support of AB435 and SB436, which restore funding at $72 million per year dedicated to land acquisition and maintenance.    

Karen Zimmerman

Wauwatosa

Editor’s note: Stewardship funds were eliminated from the 2025-2027 state budget by the Joint Finance Committee, and the program’s conservation efforts will be unsustainable if funding legislation is not approved by June 30, 2026.