Outcome of Friday Night's Joint Finance Committee Meeting.Yesterday was a day of patience and waiting. Originally, the Joint Finance Committee was scheduled for 10:00am to meet in executive session on an assortment of department budget items including the Department of Natural Resources and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. After much delay, the committee convened at approximately 10:30pm. If you wish to watch the meeting, you can access the recording at the following link: Joint Finance Committee 6-27-25 Meeting Representative Deb Andraca (23rd District - Whitefish Bay) went before the committee to discuss the Wisconsin State Parks System and Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (approximately the 56:33 mark in the recording). Rep. Andraca exclaimed that while there may be a standalone bill in process for the Knowles-Nelson, it should be worth saving tonight and not later. Later on, Representative Tony Kurtz discussed more about Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (approximately 1:10:22 mark in the recording). They have until June 30, 2026 to work on as a standalone bill and plan to continue to hone on it and work away at it. So, what does this mean for us? It means we need to continue to work and be strong voices. There's no doubt that now the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is going to be taken to action on its own. We as strong proponents of this program, the financial value it gives to our organizations to facilitate projects and programs, is in dire need of our voice. I strongly advise each of you to reach out to the following individuals: - Rep. Deb Andraca: Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
- Thank her for her advocacy and efforts at the JFC meeting.
- Rep. Tony Kurtz: Rep.Kurtz@legis.wisconsin.gov
- Ask him as a co-author of the AB 315 to continue working towards reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Program
- Your Legislator: https://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov/
- Urge them to push forward in advocating for our Wisconsin State Park System and programs like Knowles-Nelson.
Let's not give up. Continue the momentum that so many like yourself worked hard to create. Reach out at any time. I'm here to support and work in tandem with you.
Regards,
Seth Taft
Executive Director
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
E: execdir@fwsp.org | 
