Wisconsin: Stewardship Fund Reaches Chopping Block
http://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/larson/eupdates/Pages/April.25.2013.index.htm
The Wisconsin Legislature created the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Fund to preserve and maintain Wisconsin's valuable natural resources and environment, as well as expand outdoor recreational activities. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through this stewardship program, helps Wisconsin retain its identity as one of the best states for conservation and provides thousands of acres for outdoor recreation for current and future generations.
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Current law authorizes the state to borrow, through the sale of bonds, up to $60 million a year for the purchase of land to expand recreational opportunities and protect environmentally sensitive areas. Stewardship funds have been used to protect natural or recreational lands in 71 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The Stewardship program also benefits the state's economy, including the $11 billion tourism business, $22 billion forestry industry, and $4 billion in hunting and fishing recreation.
Over the years, the citizens of Wisconsin have shown overwhelming support for this program. In a nonpartisan poll conducted by The Nature Conservancy, nearly 90% of Wisconsin voters agreed that even in tight fiscal times this program should be a priority.
Unfortunately, Republicans are seeking to cripple this highly valued program in two ways. First, the governor's budget proposes a cut of $10.6 million to the Stewardship Fund in the first year of the 2013-2015 biennium. Second, the budget also seeks to divert $14 million in Stewardship dollars meant to protect our public lands to instead cover maintenance costs of state buildings. The elimination and diversion of program funds goes against what these funds were allocated for. As a result, Wisconsin's effort to preserve wild lands will suffer. One of the greatest threats to Wisconsin's wildlife is loss of habitat. The tourism and forestry industry will also endure hardships.