(Madison) – One of Wisconsin’s important environmental protection programs is now dead. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program preserves valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protects water quality and fisheries, and expands opportunities for outdoor recreation across Wisconsin on state-owned land. However, a lawsuit from Governor Tony Evers ended up effectively killing the program. Representative Joel Kitchens says he is committed to reviving the program next session.
 
In 2024, Governor Evers brought a lawsuit challenging the Legislature’s role in oversight of the Knowles-Nelson Program. The liberal-leaning State Supreme Court ruled that the way the state has funded the Stewardship Program since 1989 was unconstitutional. The court ruled that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had unilateral control over the program.
 
“I did not agree with the way the approval process worked, but without some legislative oversight, I don’t see a path forward for the Stewardship Program,” Kitchens said, “Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor sports are an important piece of our state’s economy. We must continue this popular program for the benefit of Wisconsin’s outdoor tradition and for the future of our great state. Next session, I will work a plan to restore some oversight and allow the program to continue.”
 
After months of negotiations, the State Assembly approved a bill to save the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. However, it died in the State Senate. Representative Kitchens says now that program expired, it will be very difficult to resurrect, but he will fight for it.

“This won’t be the first time I’ve had to work to save the Stewardship Program,” Kitchens said, “Back in 2015, then-Governor Walker wanted to freeze stewardship purchases for 13 years. I joined fellow Republicans to stop him. I was honored by Gathering Waters with their Policymaker of the Year Award for my efforts at that time. The only reward I want is for my grandkids to be able to enjoy our beautiful state.”
 
Representative Kitchens represents Door, Kewaunee, and parts of Brown County.