MADISON — In celebration of Earth Week, Gov. Tony Evers yesterday visited Spring Green and Lake Mills where he was joined on a hike by stakeholders and highlighted proposals included in his 2025-27 Executive Budget to preserve and protect Wisconsin’s vast and valuable natural resources, including reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (Stewardship Program) for the next decade at the highest level ever, proposing an investment of $100 million annually for a total investment of $1 billion over the next 10 years.
“From hunting and fishing to hiking and boating, reauthorizing the Stewardship Program and making real, meaningful investments in its continued success will ensure Wisconsin continues to have clean, green spaces that are protected for generations of Wisconsinites to enjoy for years to come,” said Gov. Evers. “I was glad to have the opportunity to hike through some of our state’s beautiful outdoor spaces with stakeholders this week to hear about how important making ongoing, sustainable investments in initiatives like the Stewardship Program is to the well-being and future of our state.”
Since the program’s creation in 1989, the Stewardship Program has been a popular and successful way to preserve land for future generations and take care of and improve land that is already preserved, like state and local parks. The Stewardship Program has a demonstrated history of improving access to outdoor recreation opportunities, protecting critical habitats and environmental health, improving water quality, building flood resilience, and supporting state and local economic development.
Gov. Evers has been a long-time advocate for the continued success of the Stewardship Program. In his 2021-23 Executive Budget, Gov. Evers proposed reauthorizing the Stewardship Program for another 10 years through June 30, 2032, with an annual investment of $70 million. Unfortunately, Republican lawmakers reduced the governor’s proposal, and the program was only reauthorized for another four years. As a result, the Stewardship Program must be reauthorized in the 2025-27 state budget or else the program will expire in 2026, and along with it, the crucial support it provides to local governments, state park friends groups, and land trust and conservation organizations across the state to preserve and protect Wisconsin’s vast and valuable natural resources.
On Wed., April 23, Gov. Evers joined stakeholders for a hike at the Wintergreen property in Spring Green, which is managed by the Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC), a nonprofit organization that works to maintain and enhance the health and diversity of Southwest Wisconsin’s natural and agricultural landscape through permanent land protection and restoration. The DALC hopes to purchase the Wintergreen property through Stewardship Program funds, federal funds, and private donations. Through these funds, the DALC hopes to renovate the building, driveway, and parking lot of the Wintergreen property. Additionally, these funds would help the DALC manage the land for native biodiversity and climate resilience and build a sustainable trail system for nature-based recreation.
Then, to continue his day, the governor joined stakeholders for a hike at the Faville Grove Sanctuary in Lake Mills. The Faville Grove Sanctuary, owned by the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, has received funding through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance’s mission is to restore habitat for grassland, wetland, and woodland birds through action, advocacy, and education.
The governor’s 2025 Earth Day proclamation is available here. Gov. Evers has also proclaimed Forest Appreciation Week, which runs from April 21 to Arbor Day (April 25). The governor’s Forest Appreciation Week and Arbor Day proclamation is available here.
