WI Sen. Patrick Testin and Rep. Tony Kurtz Lead Effort to Reform Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

State Senator Patrick Testin and State Representative Tony Kurtz have begun circulating a new bill to reauthorize, reform, and improve the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program—Wisconsin’s flagship initiative to preserve natural spaces, protect wildlife, and expand access to outdoor recreation. Originally established in 1989, the program has helped fund the acquisition and enhancement of public lands throughout the state for over three decades.

The legislation being circulated proposes several key updates. Among them is the creation of a Major Land Acquisition Program designed specifically for large-scale projects that exceed $1 million. This new program would provide a framework for managing high-cost land acquisitions and ensure that such investments are subject to enhanced oversight and evaluation. Lawmakers say this approach will promote fiscal responsibility while allowing the state to pursue critical conservation opportunities.

Another major change would shift the focus of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), requiring it to prioritize development of existing properties over purchasing new ones. That includes investments in recreational infrastructure such as restrooms, campsites, and trail systems already located on state-owned land. The goal is to improve the experience for visitors and ensure that the state’s current land holdings are well maintained before expanding further.

The bill also calls for increased financial contributions from project applicants, encouraging local governments, land trusts, and other stakeholders to play a more active role in funding the efforts they propose. By requiring a greater cost-share from applicants, Sen. Testin and Rep. Kurtz hope to foster stronger partnerships and ensure projects have lasting support beyond state funding.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program provides the DNR with the authority to use stewardship funds for land and easement purchases and to support development on state lands. Over the years, these dollars have helped preserve forestlands, wetlands, and shorelines, while also improving public access to Wisconsin’s natural resources.

Environmental and recreational groups have already begun voicing support for the proposal. Many see it as a common-sense update that keeps conservation efforts alive while introducing new guardrails to ensure responsible use of public funds. For example, the proposed emphasis on property development over acquisition addresses concerns that existing recreational spaces often go underfunded even as new parcels are added.

The proposed legislation reflects a continued commitment to conservation, outdoor access, and fiscal prudence. By refining how projects are evaluated and funded, Sen. Testin and Rep. Kurtz are seeking to modernize a program that has served Wisconsin well for more than 30 years—and ensure it remains effective for decades to come.