CLCF Attends Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day & Wisconsin Land Trust Conference
Posted in Categories Activities & Events
In mid-March, CLCF staff had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day and the Wisconsin Land Trust Conference in Madison, WI. A huge thanks to Gathering Waters for organizing this event, which brought together land trusts from across the state to connect and advocate for the protection of Wisconsin’s natural spaces.
The first-ever Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day brought together over 170 outdoor enthusiasts from more than 70 organizations to speak up for protecting our natural spaces. Attendees met with 96 legislative offices, sharing stories about why conservation is essential and highlighting the importance of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Since 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has provided funding for organizations to protect Wisconsin’s land and water while also improving outdoor recreational opportunities. It has played a key role in keeping Wisconsin’s natural spaces protected and accessible. However, to keep this program going, strong support and advocacy is necessary.
Much of the Knowles-Nelson Program’s work has happened close to home – 93% of households in Wisconsin are within one mile of a site funded by the Program, according to Team Knowles Nelson. In the Cedar Lakes region alone, more than 797 acres of land, more than 25% of the land that CLCF has helped to protect, have been funded, at least in part, by the Knowles-Nelson Program. This funding allowed CLCF and its partners to protect natural habitats and install infrastructure that promotes public access to those lands. These lands are likely familiar to you, such as the Water Spirits property now managed by the Big Cedar Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District, the Fox Hill Nature Preserve, Polk Kames, and the newly protected Burkepile property, among others. CLCF could not protect the lands you love without help from partners, and the Knowles-Nelson Program has been an integral part of many partnerships here in the Cedar Lakes region.
At CLCF, we are proud to support this program alongside other conservation leaders. By working together, we can protect Wisconsin’s natural areas and ensure everyone has access to the outdoors for generations to come. Let’s keep advocating for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and make sure conservation stays a priority in Wisconsin!
