WCC Applauds Funding Proposed In Governor’s Budget To Support Conservation 

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) applauds the funding proposed in the Governor’s budget to support conservation efforts in this state. The Governor’s budget provides $70 million annually for the renewal of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund.

“The Stewardship Fund is an amazing program that has allowed the state to purchase, protect, and enhance thousands of acres of land for the citizens of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Conservation Congress has long been a supporter of this fund and we are pleased to see that the Governor is funding it in the next biennium,” said Tony Blattler, Chair of the WCC.

The Governor’s proposed budget also proposes a $5 increase in the waterfowl stamp, raising the cost of the stamp from $6.75 to $11.75, an effort that has been spearheaded by numerous state waterfowl organizations and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.

“I am thrilled to see this increase in the Governor’s budget. The sportsmen and women have been asking to provide more money for conservation through the stamp fund and we’re glad to be given the chance,” said Larry Bonde, former chair of the WCC who has worked alongside other waterfowl conservation groups to utilize wetland tours to show staff from the Governor’s office and a number of legislators the importance of funding conservation.

“With this (Covid-19) pandemic, we’ve really witnessed the importance of parks and green spaces for the citizens of Wisconsin to get outside and recreate safely during this time,” said Blattler. “I’m really happy to see that conservation efforts on many fronts were recognized as important and funded with this budget.”