A popular land conservation program that has helped preserve some of Door County’s most beloved places received a potential lifeline Thursday, though with new restrictions.

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed legislation largely along partisan lines that would keep the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program running through 2028. The program would look different than it has in years past, a shift that has drawn criticism from Democrats.

State Rep. Joel Kitchens said the focus would shift toward maintaining land already protected rather than purchasing additional property. He acknowledged there may be no county that has benefited more from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program than Door County, thanks in part to organizations such as the Door County Land Trust.

However, Kitchens said the program has not been as beneficial for other counties, requiring lawmakers to take a closer look at how it can better serve communities across the state.

According to Wisconsin Public Radio, about $28 million per year would be allocated to fund the program, down from $33 million.

The program was established in 1989 by then-Gov. Tommy Thompson and named in honor of former Govs. Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat, both of whom championed environmental causes during their time in office.

The bill now moves to the state Senate.