Highlights investments in state budget that would protect our natural resources
MENASHA, WI – Today, State Senator Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) had the honor of speaking at the Arbor Day Celebration hosted by the City of Menasha. The Senator released the following statement:
“Protecting the forests and other natural resources that make this state so special is a no-brainer. Programs like Knowles-Nelson, which we can thank for habitat restoration and trail improvement and expansion throughout the district, the Sustainable Forestry Grant Program and the County Forest Wildlife Habitat Grant Program, which have all been included in the Governor’s Budget, are absolutely critical to ensure that all Wisconsinites can enjoy clean air, clean water, and beautiful views for generations to come,” she said.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has invested over $11 million in Senate District 18 and protected over 280 acres since its inception in 1989. Notable projects include the expansion of Steiger Park in Oshkosh and the creation of a lakefront trail; the construction of a bridge and expansion of the Lawe Street Trestle Trail in Appleton; trail development and expansion of the Heckrodt Nature Preserve in Menasha; and the addition of a picnic area, signage, and bike racks at Herziger Conservancy Park in Neenah.
The Governor’s Budget renews the program at $1 billion to be spent over ten years, in addition to investing in the Sustainable Forestry Grant Program and the County Forest Wildlife Habitat Grant Program and providing $460,000 for the treatment of invasive pests in Wisconsin’s forests and over $1.2 million to support additional seedling production in the state nursery program.
Finally, the Budget provides $100,000 for the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands to use specifically to fund tree planting activities, which the Senator took part in today at the conclusion of the ceremony.
