Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Left Out of Budget for Focused Legislative Action

The future of Wisconsin’s landmark conservation initiative, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, remains in focus but will not be decided as part of this year’s state budget deliberations.

Ahead of Friday morning’s Joint Finance Committee executive session, Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Patrick Testin issued a joint statement confirming that the reauthorization of the program will be handled separately from the 2025–2027 state budget.

“Today, the Joint Finance Committee will be taking action on the budget for the Department of Natural Resources, but we will not be including the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in those actions,” the lawmakers said.

The decision, they noted, comes after extensive conversations with colleagues and key stakeholder groups. By separating the program from the broader budget package, they hope to allow for more robust debate and targeted attention on the initiative’s long-term future.

“We are committed to getting something done,” the statement continued, “and not taking action today gives us the best opportunity to ensure the bill for the program has the time and attention it needs for future success.”

First established in 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has been a vital tool for protecting public lands, preserving Wisconsin’s natural beauty, and expanding recreational opportunities. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years but has occasionally become a flashpoint in broader debates over state spending and land use.

Kurtz and Testin emphasized their ongoing dedication to reauthorizing the program and pledged to continue working on a standalone measure in the weeks ahead.

“We look forward to continuing the conversations throughout the next several weeks,” the statement concluded.

While environmental advocates may be watching closely for specifics, Friday’s announcement signals that lawmakers are aiming to give the Knowles-Nelson program a deliberate and focused path forward outside the constraints of the biennial budget timeline.