Legislature reauthorizes the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund

More than 475,000 acres of the most ecologically important land in Wisconsin is protected due to the Stewardship Fund, Wisconsin’s innovative land protection program.

The Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Fund was established by the legislature in 1989 to protect recreational lands, wildlife habitat, and other natural areas. To date, it has protected lands and waters in 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. The Stewardship Fund is a great source of pride for Wisconsinites, and its loyal supporters include Democrats and Republicans alike.

In 2007, the fund was reauthorized for another decade at a level of $86 million per year to purchase land. The victory came on the heels of Conservation Lobby Day 2007 where 430 citizens from across Wisconsin met in Madison to ask legislators to reauthorize the fund.