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October 24, 2007
 State land trusts applauded Governor Doyle and legislative leaders today for
coming to agreement on legislation that would reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson
Stewardship Fund at $85 million a year through 2020 up from the current $60
million, calling the agreement a major bipartisan step forward in continuing
to conserve the best of outdoor Wisconsin.
"We commend Governor Doyle
and legislative leaders for recognizing the vital importance of investing in
our nationally renowned forests, lakes, and streams; conserving habitat while
supporting our forestry, tourism, and other industries," said Mary Jean
Huston, state director of The Nature Conservancy.
“Future generations
will look back and thank Governor Doyle and our legislative leaders for having
the foresight to support and expand the Stewardship Fund,” said Vicki
Elkin, Stewardship Campaign Director for Gathering Waters Conservancy. “We
are in a tight race to protect Wisconsin’s last remaining wild places.
The budget agreement reached on Friday will help ensure our success.”
The
Stewardship Fund is a state program established in 1990 that protects
natural areas, water quality, wildlife habitat, parks and recreational
lands through voluntary agreements with willing landowners. More
than 470,000 acres in 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties have been protected to date. The program provides
public access for outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing,
wildlife watching and biking.
If you have any questions or need extra assistance,
please contact Vicki Elkin at 608-441-8819 or stewardship [at] gatheringwaters.org.
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