|
Please send a copy of this resolution to your State
Senator and State
Representative
and Gathering Waters Conservancy at 211 S. Paterson Street, Suite
270, Madison, WI 53703.
Download this Resolution »
Resolution in Support of Reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
WHEREAS, the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program was created in 1989 to protect and restore critical wildlife and fish habitat, preserve high-quality natural areas, improve water quality and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program enjoys broad public support and is founded on a long history of bipartisan initiatives to conserve public land in Wisconsin dating back to the purchase of the Nevin Fish Hatchery in 1876; and
WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program has permanently protected over 475,000 acres across the state including (name local place and/or acres protected) in XYZ county; and
WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program has provided places to hunt, fish, hike, bike and camp for the 85% of Wisconsin residents who enjoy outdoor recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program has protected forests, lakes, rivers and other lands that are critical to our $22 billion forestry, $13 billion tourism and $4 billion a year hunting and fishing industries; and
WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program has leveraged over $140 million in local and private dollars through 50% matching grants to municipalities and non-profit conservation organizations including Your Organization or Municipality; and
WHEREAS, Your Organization or Municipality has received $XXX in matching grants through the Stewardship Program to preserve (name local projects here); and
WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program will expire in June 2010 unless the Legislature votes to extend it; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has proposed extending the Stewardship Program through 2020 and increasing funding for the program to $105 million in 2011 as part of the 2007-2009 state budget; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has also proposed providing $28.5 million a year for match grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations; and
WHEREAS, assessed values for forested and other open lands have gone up over 600% since the Stewardship Program was created in 1989; and
WHEREAS, we have a closing window of opportunity to protect critical wildlife habitat, lake and river shoreline, forested tracts, parks, and the other natural treasures that contribute to our quality of life, economy and general well being;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Your Organization or Municipality supports reauthorization of the Stewardship Program at $105 million annually from 2011 to 2020;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Your Organization or Municipality supports increasing to $28.5 million the amount available annually in matching grants to protect land in our community;
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Signed this XX day of XX, 2007
Add your logo here
Download this Resolution »
Gathering Waters also has information on Stewardship-protected
land in each legislative district that is available by emailing carlson [at] gatheringwaters.org.
If you have any questions or need extra assistance,
please contact Vicki Elkin at 608-251-9131 or stewardship [at] gatheringwaters.org. |
