Recap on Knowles Nelson Senate Hearing

Hello,

Yesterday was another important chapter in the reauthorization of the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program. The Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage held a hearing regarding Senate Bills 316 and 685 (the bills passed two weeks ago by assembly regarding the Knowles Nelson Program. You can more about that passage here: Wisconsin Examiner Article).

A number of individuals came forward to testify regarding the current versions of the bills at yesterday's hearing. Nonmotorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council Chair (and FWSP Board Member) Bill Pennoyer touched on key points including what considerable funding for land acquisition and land management means to support and connect communities and bolstering their local economies.

FWSP Executive Director Seth Taft also testified regarding the significance of Knowles Nelson on what it means for Friends' groups. This program is pivotal in the completion of projects and maintaining aging infrastructure at many properties.

You can read more about yesterday's hearing in the following article in the WisPolitics article here: Knowles Nelson Senate Hearing Article.

After yesterday's hearing, it has been made clear that the current versions of the bills to reauthorize Knowles Nelson don't represent what has made this a quality program since 1989.

There is real opportunity for compromise that strengthens this vital conservation program that continue its ability to support land acquisition and land management. Knowles-Nelson is one of Wisconsin’s most effective tools for protecting land, expanding outdoor access, and supporting local economies. It deserves a solution that works — not just for today, but for the long-term future of our parks, forests, trails, and natural areas.

Speak Up Now.

Now that the hearing has passed, it's now more crucial than ever to touch base with your district senator and assembly representatives. There is going to be movement on the senate floor regarding Knowles Nelson in the next one to two weeks.

You can find excellent "Take Action" resources on the Team Knowles Nelson page. We also have created a phone call script for you to use when touching base with your representatives' office. All these resources can be found below, along with finding your representative.

Knowles Nelson Take Action

Find Your Legislator

Time is of the essence, friends. Please take five to ten minutes out of your day to advocate for a vital resource that's crucial in Wisconsin's conservation efforts.

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks stands in support of a quality, workable program. One that supports both land acquisition and land management. And we urge you to join us in this effort to empower our state senators to work united for a program that is rooted in bipartisanship and Wisconsin's beautiful landscape.

Regards,

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

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