The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is a tremendously successful environmental conservation program that protects our lakes and streams, conserves working forests, secures critical wildlife habitats, and provides countless opportunities for outdoor recreation both close to home and across Wisconsin.

But most people have never heard of Knowles-Nelson. The program works behind the scenes to make it possible for conservation organizations and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to purchase land, to build trails, to maintain our parks and boating facilities, and to take care of our shorelines. The program is up for renewal in 2025, and our legislators need to know that caring for Wisconsin’s land and water is a top priority.

Named after two former Wisconsin governors — Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat — the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program honors Wisconsin’s bipartisan commitment to land and water protection.

Since its inception in 1989, Republicans and Democrats across the state have championed the program because our land, water, and wildlife don’t have political affiliations. We all want Wisconsin to be a healthy, thriving place to live, work, and play. According to recent polls, 9 out of 10 Wisconsinites support the Stewardship Program!

Knowles-Nelson is currently funded through June 2026. That means we’ll have to work with legislators to ensure that renewed funding for the program is included in the 2025 state budget. We’re asking them to reauthorize the program for 10 years and to restore funding that has been cut from the program over the last decade.

To learn more and to take action go to https://knowlesnelson.org/about-knowles-nelson/