Today, momentum around the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program hit a critical pause.

During the Senate floor session, leadership pulled the planned vote on the stewardship reauthorization package after it became clear there were not enough votes to pass the proposal in its current form. Read more in the WisPolitics Article.

What happened?

According to Capitol reporting, the Senate GOP package — a $28.25 million annual funding proposal — was removed from the calendar after it “failed to garner enough Republican support to clear the chamber.”

Bill co-author Sen. Pat Testin indicated efforts to secure the necessary votes fell short, meaning the legislation could not advance to passage at this time.

This development signals significant division around the current structure and funding levels of the proposed reauthorization.

Why This Moment Matters

Without legislative action:

• Authorization for the stewardship program is set to expire June 30.

• The program — first created in 1989 — could lapse entirely if a path forward is not secured.

For Friends groups, conservation partners, and local communities, the stakes are enormous:

• Land acquisition projects stall

• Stewardship and restoration work slows

• Volunteer-driven initiatives lose matching support

• Long-planned park improvements face uncertainty

What’s happening behind the scenes

As iterated by Senator Testin, one of the co-authors of Senate Bills 316 and 685, has mentioned that he has been making amendments to obtain more support from the senate chamber. That being said, many of the democrat lawmakers have pushed forward many amendments countless times without any consideration. Because consensus has not yet been reached — it prompted today’s pulled vote.

What this means for advocates

This is not the end of reauthorization, but session is coming to a close and before we know it, June 30th will arrive and result in the expiration of Knowles Nelson forever.

In fact, pulling the bill signals:

➡️ Votes are still in flux
➡️ Provisions are still negotiable
➡️ Lawmakers are still hearing from stakeholders

Advocacy right now can shape the final outcome.

Take Action Now

We urge Friends members, park supporters, and conservation advocates to:

• Contact your State Senator

• Contact your State Representative

• Urge bipartisan support for a workable, well-funded Knowles-Nelson reauthorization

• Emphasize the need for strong investment in both land acquisition and land management

Wisconsin’s public lands — and the volunteers who sustain them — depend on it.