With a new state budget being debated at the Capitol, people who are passionate about Wisconsin’s beloved public lands and protected outdoor spaces are joining with land trust partners to tell legislators about all the ways Wisconsinites in their home districts care about and get value from land conservation.

In March, River Alliance of Wisconsin’s Communications Director Stacy Harbaugh and Development Director Evan Arnold joined more than 170 conservation partners from across Wisconsin for the inaugural Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Lobby Day.

A packed room in Madison included representatives from land trusts and stewardship programs, as well as concerned citizens who have experienced the value of Wisconsin’s land and water that has been protected and restored with funding from our state’s longstanding program that enjoys strong bipartisan support. 

Some state legislators, however, have threatened to not renew the popular program after a state supreme court decision on a case brought by Governor Evers’ administration put an end to the practice of members of the legislature’s finance committee anonymously objecting to and scuttling plans to put land stewardship purchases. 

Words from Governor Tony Evers

Governor Evers made an appearance to explain why he has asked for the program to be renewed at $100 million a year for the next ten years. He noted that the spending would bring our state back up to the level where we were before cuts started in 2011, the cost of inflation impacted building expenses, and would cover restoration and maintenance projects that have gone without action.

Evers said that the program is set to expire in 2026 if it’s not reauthorized in this budget. The support for land trusts and restoration groups would be a $1 billion investment over the next decade and would be the highest proposed investment to date.

“Let’s get this done folks,” Evers said. “This is an investment in the clean, green spaces for all Wisconsinites to enjoy for years to come. Our kids’ inheriting something better than we had should be a shared value. Let’s reignite our proud heritage of conservation.”

View from one side of the aisle: Republican Representative Tony Kurtz

Representative Tony Kurtz, a Republican assemblyman who represents west central Wisconsin and is the Assembly vice-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, gave his take on the future of stewardship funding. He said legislators can actually agree on things, but the program is in jeopardy. He explained that over the years, the program has become a politically charged issue. Kurtz believes that the Governor won’t get $10 million a year, but the goal before legislators and conservationists alike is to make sure the Knowles-Nelson program lives to fight another day.

Kurtz also explained why some legislators oppose the current approval process for stewardship funds. The Joint Finance Committee votes on overall appropriations, not on individual projects and may have concerns about details that are revealed only after funding is approved. This lack of upfront oversight has led some members to use an anonymous veto as what he called a “nuclear option.”

Dig deeper: Read an excellent explainer on “oversight” and why land trusts and plans for conserving land go through very, very rigorous tests for credibility and evaluation.

Some state legislators feel that land that is protected by stewardship programs are a threat to local budgets and property tax revenue. Kurtz emphasized that legislators need to hear from constituents about why Knowles-Nelson projects have value to the local community and to be asked what compromises they are willing to make to keep the program active.

View from the other side of the aisle: Democratic Representative Deb Andraca

Representative Deb Andraca, who represents parts of Ozaukee County and Milwaukee’s North Shore, shared her story about how a Knowles-Nelson conservation project in her district was blocked by an anonymous objection from a fellow Joint Finance Committee member. Though the project was later funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, Andraca hopes it serves as an example of how public money can support local parks and natural areas that benefit both people and the environment.

She encouraged advocates to feel confident in asking for the renewal of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, calling it vital to Wisconsin’s $7 billion outdoor recreation economy. Andraca urged them to ask their legislators whether they support this program’s investments in their districts. She noted that redistricting has created more politically competitive districts, making it even more important for lawmakers to listen to their constituents.

What you can do today to advocate for the renewal of Knowles-Nelson

The budget debate is likely to last into the summer. Wisconsinites can make their opinions about why the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program should be renewed by attending their legislators’ listening sessions, making phone calls to your representatives, and sending in postcards.

Visit the Knowles Nelson action page for helpful links. 

This message is made possible by generous donors who believe people have the power to protect and restore water. Subscribe to our Word on the Stream email newsletter to receive stories, action alerts and event invitations in your inbox.  Support our work with your contribution today.

On March 20, River Alliance of Wisconsin and the Barrymore Theatre will host the 16th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. In partnership with the South Yuba River Citizens League, the festival aims to inspire people to paddle, explore, learn and take action to defend our priceless water.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Thursday, March 20

Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Program begins at 7 p.m.

Buy tickets now online through barrymorelive.com or at Barrymore Theatre outlets in Madison.

This year’s film festival will be more accessible than ever. If we have your email address and you’ve donated to River Alliance in the last year – including during The Big Share through March 4 – you’ll get a link to watch the film festival at home between March 20-26. This is a great option for our statewide supporters, those who cannot join us in person, or those who want films with closed captions.

Film lineup

Judy’s Creek – Discovering the Secret Life of the Streambed

Follow ecologist, educator, and author,  Dr. Judy Li, into the world of caddisflies, the artisans of the aquatic world. With contagious passion, Judy shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career in freshwater science, and how she has found ways to share the joys of science with audiences of all ages.

Who will love this movie: anyone who is curious about bugs, Caddis flies fans, and those who want to be inspired by trailblazers.

The Cost of Forever

Riverkeepers uncover the hidden and costly dangers of ‘forever chemicals’ in our rivers and drinking water sources, following water protectors as they strive to protect communities—and themselves—from PFAS contamination.

Who will love this movie: those who want to be inspired by advocates who overcome steep odds to work for clean drinking water.

It’s Time

Set in the early spring thaw, “It’s Time” weaves together maple syrup harvesting, Indigenous wisdom, and environmental awareness on the banks of the Sangamon River. Through mesmerizing visuals and flute melodies, this poetic film celebrates ancient traditions while awakening viewers to nature’s delicate balance and our role in preserving it.

Who will love this movie: fans of maple syrup and respecting the pace of nature.

Return to Spur Lake: Bringing back the food that grows on water

There’s always been only a few special places in the world where wild rice (known as manoomin to the Ojibwe people), grows. Which made it troubling when manoomin stopped growing in the early 2000’s at Spur Lake, a 113 acre lake in Oneida County, Wisconsin. A group of conservation partners have come together to bring wild rice back to Spur Lake because of its environmental and cultural importance. Film features Tina Van Zile, Environmental Director for the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, and former River Alliance of Wisconsin board member.

Who will love this movie: those who think about Wisconsin land and water conservation in terms of seven generations in the future.

River Cowboys: Keepin’ it Wild

This short film showcases the stunning landscapes of the internationally recognized Red River Gorge, and KY’s only Wild & Scenic Red River. It highlights an ongoing environmental challenge: the removal of scores of discarded tires and trash from Red River (and dumping as a statewide and national issue) and our humble cleanup leader, the original River Cowboy, Russ Miller.

Who will love this movie: anyone looking for inspiration for spring river cleanup volunteer days.

Saving Silence

Follow action photographer Emily Tidwell to her hometown of Grand Marais, Minnesota, portal to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, as she investigates the importance of our public lands for our mental and planetary health. Emily chats with local legends, Olympians, and multi-generational business owners about why our wild spaces are so important. While home, she discovers a threat hidden in our fresh waters.

Who will love this movie: Boundary Waters lovers, those who are concerned about microplastics, those whose mental health is supported by being outdoors.

Watch the trailer

Mother River

After pursuing and achieving career goals on the East Coast, Devin Brown realized that corporate life was not for her. Her childhood roots in paddling and connecting to nature brought her to Minnesota where she would pursue her dream to become the first black female to kayak the entire Mississippi river. Devin has overcome many complexities in pursuit of this dream, including the harsh realities of being a minority in the paddling community and the nuances of being a single Mother. The challenges continue as Devin listens to the river and follows her guidance.

Who will love this movie: paddlers, barrier breakers, and those to know that representation matters.

Watch the trailer 

Canyon Chorus

Join Mikah Meyer, his mentor Larry, and three friends as they journey down Utah’s Green River, in Desolation Canyon, on a river rafting trip centered around friendship and joy. Canyon Chorus is a story about being your true self in the outdoors, about advocacy, and about recognizing the important people in our lives.

Who will love this movie: singers, adventurers, queer community members and the people who love them.

Watch the trailer

This message is made possible by generous donors who believe people have the power to protect and restore water. Subscribe to our Word on the Stream email newsletter to receive stories, action alerts and event invitations in your inbox.  Support our work with your contribution today.