AI-assisted reporting

In July 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 6-1 in Evers v. Marklein that the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee’s use of anonymous, indefinite holds known as “passive review” — to block Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program projects was unconstitutional. The decision, which crossed ideological lines with conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley writing for the majority, restored the executive branch’s authority under Gov. Tony Evers to approve conservation land purchases without legislative “pocket vetoes.”

This ended obstructions on 27 pending projects and allowed the Department of Natural Resources to proceed with $7.7 million in grants for 12 initiatives shortly after. However, the program was excluded from the 2025-27 state budget for the first time in over three decades, leaving it without new funding. As of February 2026, the program remains authorized only through June 30, 2026, with no reauthorization passed despite Assembly approval of a reduced funding bill in January 2026.

The program is funded at about $33 million annually through bonds ($25.25 million) and segregated conservation funds ($8 million), but this expires in June 2026. Republicans, who hold majorities in the Assembly, Senate and Joint Finance Committee, proposed reauthorizing it through 2028 at a reduced $28.25 million per year, focusing more on maintenance than new acquisitions and adding oversight for purchases over $1 million. The Assembly passed this in January 2026, but the Senate failed to act in February, rejecting even a one-year extension. Democrats pushed for $72 million annually over six years. Without action, the program risks a funding lapse, potentially halting new conservation efforts.

Verification of comments

There have been many comments made about the program and its status on social media. These are some of them.

• Comment claiming Evers’ lawsuit and the “leftist majority” court “killed” the program, blaming Democrats while crediting Assembly Republicans for salvage: False. The lawsuit, filed by Evers, and the court’s ruling restored the program by invalidating legislative blocks; it did not destroy it. The court is liberal-leaning, but the decision was bipartisan, with conservatives joining. Republicans’ bill aims to continue the program but at reduced levels, not as a salvage from “Democrat destruction.”
• Comment stating the lawsuit restored the program, the legislature micromanaged via a power grab, conservatives joined liberals on the court: True. The ruling ended the Joint Finance Committee’s unconstitutional oversight, affirming executive authority.
• Comment questioning if 130,000 acres are unaccounted for: False or unsubstantiated. No reports confirm missing acres; the program tracks acquisitions, with DNR reporting over 650,000 acres protected and detailed expenditures.
• Comment questioning the need for the program given existing public lands: Opinion, not factual. The program expands protected areas beyond the current thousands of acres, focusing on specific conservation and recreation needs.
• Comment describing July 2024 ruling ending anonymous holds, restoring executive authority, stopping vetoes on 27 projects: True. Matches court decision details.
• Comment on 2024 ruling declaring passive review unconstitutional, removing barriers, but noting 2026 expiration and reduced funding: True. Aligns with current legislative debates.

Program history and purpose

Established in 1989 under Act 31 and renamed in 1999 after Republican Gov. Warren Knowles and Democratic Gov. Gaylord Nelson, the bipartisan program aims to protect lakes, streams, wildlife habitat, water quality, and fisheries while expanding outdoor recreation like trails, parks, and boat launches. It funds state land buys and grants to locals and nonprofits, returning $2.5 billion annually in natural services.

About 650,000 acres have been conserved statewide since 1989, including fee-title purchases and easements, with projects in every county.

Properties are maintained by the Department of Natural Resources, with aids instead of property taxes paid to local jurisdictions — a minimum $3.50 per acre since 2021, approximating pre-purchase taxes adjusted for valuation changes. Total expenditures exceed $1.3 billion invested, but fiscal needs include sustained funding for upkeep, as reduced proposals shift focus to maintenance over expansion. Annual costs per resident are about $11; without reauthorization, deferred maintenance could rise, risking habitat degradation amid a $4.6 billion state surplus in 2024.