BREAKING: Proposed Revenue Refresh Package Seeking Co-Sponsors

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks

This Isn't as "Refreshing" as You Think.

Good morning.

As the state assembly continues meeting this week to discuss and pass various bills, a recent package with its own set of bills was introduced yesterday seeking co-sponsors.

Titled "The DNR Revenue Stream Refresh," this package of bills seeks to have individuals purchase permits for: Hiking, cross-country ski, bicycling, foraging, and registration for non-motorized boats. You can read about these packaged bills in more detail at the link below.

DNR Revenue Stream Refresh Package

What Does This Package of Bills Mean?

To break it down, this package narrative is trying to convey that non-motorized trail users need to be charged more money through these proposed permitting and registration bills. As a direct quote from the bills:

"In the Legislature’s recent audit of the DNR, it was revealed that only 49.8% of the budget 'primarily benefits sportsmen.' When more than half of the DNR’s budget goes toward projects other than those that benefit sportsmen and women, it only makes sense that other groups that benefit from Wisconsin’s incredible natural resources should pay their fair share towards the DNR budget to maintain these same resources.

This package of bills, The DNR Revenue Stream Refresh, will add multiple new streams of revenue from ALL persons that utilize our resources, rather than requiring hunters and anglers to pay for urban parks and bike paths for all."

What Should We Do?

While we believe in finding and securing more funding for parks, forests, trails, we don't believe this "refresh" package of bills is necessarily the answer. There are a lot of questions and concerns arising out of these; With insufficient data and resources to back this package. The narrative in these bills also make it sound divisive between silent sport enthusiasts and hunters and anglers. This should not be what encourages for more funding.

We encourage all of you to out to your legislative representative to inquire more about this "Revenue Stream Refresh" effort, and advocate as individuals that this package isn't the answer at this time.

We also encourage you to continue to advocate for Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program. Thus far, there has been no discussion on the assembly floor regarding its reauthorization this week. It's another pivotal part of our concerted efforts to support our work as friends to these important places in Wisconsin.

You can find your legislator through the following link: Find My WI Legislator

Please reach out at any time if you have questions, want to discuss this package some more, and help work on communicating.

Wishing you all a pleasant Friday and happy to be your friend.

Regards,

Seth Taft
Executive Director
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
E: execdir@fwsp.org
P: (608) 294-0810
www.fwsp.org

This email has been sent to you, because you are a customer or subscriber. Unsubscribe

Sent via