Organizations around the state, like the Door County Land Trust, may have to rely more on you to help protect the land, playing an important role in the environment. In the budget recently signed into law by Governor Tony Evers, funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was not included, letting the funding potentially sunset in 2026. The program was created in 1989 to preserve land crucial to the state’s water quality and fisheries while expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. Funding from the program has allowed organizations like the Door County Land Trust to protect thousands of acres of land for over 35 years. The cut from the state comes as the federal government has eliminated similar programs. Door County Land Trust Executive Director Emily Wood believes the future of their work is murky at best if some kind of funding does not return.

Two Republican legislators introduced a bill to resurrect the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Under the bill, there would be more legislative oversight for large land purchases and provide funding for upgrades on properties previously purchased through the program. Wood says it was a promise made by legislators that she aims to ensure they keep.