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Gathering Waters Conservancy
recently celebrated the release of Stories
of Stewardship: Tales from Wisconsin’s Big Backyard.
This landmark collection features personal stories written by Wisconsin
citizens about their connections with more than 20 natural places
permanently protected by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund – Wisconsin’s
premier land conservation program.
“Stories
of Stewardship carries the message of the deep and sustaining relationship
between Wisconsinites and their natural environment, and the crucial
role played by the Stewardship
Fund in ensuring that Wisconsin
will continue to be defined by its natural character,” said
Michael Strigel, Executive Director of Gathering Waters Conservancy.
The release comes as state Legislators sit down
to hammer out the long-term future of the Stewardship Fund.
Governor
Doyle and the State Senate have proposed extending the Stewardship
Fund through 2020 and increasing funding for the program from $60
million to $105 million to keep up with soaring land values across
the state.
But the State Assembly has voted to slash funding
back to $25 million annually --with only $13 million a year going
to purchase new lands for conservation.
“We're disappointed by the Assembly's
short-sighted proposal," said Vicki Elkin, Stewardship Campaign
Director of Gathering Waters Conservancy. "Hopefully these
Stories of Stewardship will help show Legislators from both sides
of the aisle what’s at stake here."
The Stewardship
Fund is a critical tool for keeping communities beautiful throughout
Wisconsin and for keeping local natural areas accessible. Stories
of Stewardship illustrates that the Stewardship Fund is not some
abstract state program, but rather a very real asset with tangible
benefits for Wisconsin citizens.
“The establishment
of the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund was one of the smartest
things the Legislature ever did, and it was a bipartisan effort
at the time. Stories of Stewardship shows that the Stewardship
Fund cuts across party lines,” said former State Senator
Walter John Chilsen, a Republican from Wausau.
“The story
tellers in this book aren't ‘Democrats’ or ‘Republicans,’ said
Chilsen. “They are Wisconsinites from all walks of life
who share a deep appreciation for the beautiful places in our great
state. I encourage our LEGISLATIVE representatives in Madison to
read their stories.”
Since its inception, the Stewardship
Fund has helped to preserve over 450,000 acres of land throughout
the state. Thousands of people visit these properties each year
to take advantage of recreational opportunities and to enjoy the
striking natural beauty of Wisconsin.
Stories of Stewardship is free
and available from Gathering Waters Conservancy at (608) 251-9131
or info@gatheringwaters.org.
Order a copy »
Read a Stewardship story »
Download the full document (4 MB) »
“This is the kind of place that rescues
your mind when your day at work is too hectic, or today’s
fast-paced world cripples your soul … The land I enjoy
so much appears to have a bright future, and is lucky to be
bypassed by development." Read
full story »
~Ralph Curtis writes about the Ottawa Wildlife Refuge near his home in Waukesha County.
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