The state-funded Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program supports land purchases, trail building, boat launches, picnic shelters, and so much more in Wisconsin. Since 1989, it has successfully ensured that land is preserved for natural spaces that all can access and enjoy. As of January 2025, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance alone has received 25 of these grants (totaling more than $5.6M), allowing us to protect more than 3,200 acres!
State legislators are considering severe cuts to Knowles-Nelson, which would eliminate a major funding source for long-term and large-scale land protection. If we don’t speak up, the program will go away. Contact your state legislators to let them know how crucial it is to be a conservation champion by continuing to protect Wisconsin’s land, water, and wildlife.
Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day is an advocacy, networking, and educational event for all those who value Wisconsin’s land, water, wildlife, and way of life.
Join like-minded conservationists in Madison on March 12, 2025 to advocate for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Gathering Waters staff will share success stories with legislators and demonstrate why its continued funding is essential for preserving Wisconsin’s outdoor legacy.
Lobby Day will kick off at the Wisconsin Masonic Center with a morning of advocacy programming to prepare you for meetings with your legislators. Gathering Waters will provide materials and key talking points about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Then, you’ll head to the Capitol for pre-scheduled meetings with legislators and their staff. As meetings wrap up, the group will reconvene with an informal networking session to debrief and connect with fellow advocates.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in this important day for our state’s future. Together, we will make a difference in shaping conservation policy.
Agenda at a glance
9:30 am | Registration Desk Opens
Check-in at the Wisconsin Masonic Center
10:30 am | Educational Program, Speakers & Issue Briefing
11:45 am | Luncheon
12:30 pm | Walk to the Capitol
12:45 pm | Group photo @ the Capitol
1:00 – 4:45 pm | Pre-scheduled legislator meetings at the Capitol
4:00 – 6:00 pm | Post Lobby Day Networking Happy Hour
Registration
Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day is set for Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Madison. All Wisconsinites who value our state’s outdoor resources are invited to participate – from weekend hikers to lifelong conservationists, and everyone in between.
Cover photo courtesy of Gathering Waters
