Gov. Walker: don’t cut Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds!

Open letter to Governor Walker and the Wisconsin state legislature:

I am writing to urge you not to eliminate funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – not this year, not any year.

There are few state programs with the overwhelming bipartisan support that the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program enjoys. The reasons for this are clear: the program preserves our environment, creates and protects jobs, and provides opportunities for recreation.  That’s win-win-win. The public knows it and most politicians have agreed up to now.

Since 1990 this program has protected over 600,000 acres natural land and wildlife habitat. Wisconsin has a well-deserved reputation, not only for its natural landscapes, but also for its advocacy for ecological sustainability. Has Wisconsin saved enough of its natural environment that it can rest on its laurels? No. Stewardship means managing and caring for. Stewardship of natural lands and resources is a never completed process and funding for it must be maintained.

Yes, the state faces a severe budget crisis. Hard choices must be made – some already have been made that are unpopular. But the natural environment sustains all else – life itself as well as all economic activities – and must not be sacrificed. Maintaining a healthy environment isn’t an expense, it’s an investment that generates returns that are both measurable and priceless.

Please contact the governor and your state legislators. Contact info below.


For more information about the governor's position, click here.
Gathering Waters Conservancy posts regular updates on this issue. Click here to go to their website.

Governor Walker's office contact info:

Emailgovgeneral@wisconsin.gov

Mail

Office of Governor Scott Walker

115 East Capitol

Madison, WI 53702

Phone(608) 266-1212

To find out who your state legislators are, go to Wisconsin.gov.