Habitat & Conservation  |  04/22/2021

Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Needs Your Voice!


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Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Supporter,
 
For more than 30 years, Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP) has enhanced access and expanded nature-based recreational opportunities on more than 650,000 acres in all 72 counties. Over its lifespan, KNSP has provided funds to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local governments, and nonprofits – including PF land acquisitions such as Jefferson Marsh and Hallie Marsh – to accomplish incredible wildlife habitat conservation projects.
 
Unfortunately, the future of KNSP is at risk after the Wisconsin Legislature broke with bi-partisan conservation tradition during the last state budget session and only funded the program through 2021, instead of its historical 10-year cycle.
 
Emphasizing the critical role KNSP plays in Wisconsin’s economy, outdoor heritage, and public lands, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are rallying upland enthusiasts to voice their support for
reauthorization and full funding of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for 10 years!
 

Talking Points for KNSP Reauthorization:

 
Dear [state legislator name],
 
As a Wisconsin outdoor enthusiast and upland hunter, I strongly urge you to support the 10-year reauthorization and full funding ($70 million) of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
 
KNSP grants have funded more than 650,000 acres of public lands, trail development, new boating facilities, campgrounds, and more to support Wisconsin’s rich outdoor history and wildlife resources in all 72 counties. KNSP upholds Wisconsin’s strong outdoor recreation industry which contributes $7.8 billion to the state’s GDP, including 93,000 jobs and $3.9 million in annual salaries.
 
Additionally, public lands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation define the culture of The Badger State – bipartisan polling shows that 93% of Wisconsinites support dedicated land and water conservation funding to protect our state’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
 
Thank you for supporting the 10-year reauthorization and full funding of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program!
 

TAKE ACTION:

Thank you for your support of public lands and wildlife in Wisconsin!