Governor's veto ensures Stewardship Fund money will protect Wisconsin's special places

The Governor vetoed the Legislature's proposal that would have directed the Department of Natural Resources to use stewardship funds to purchase 77,755 acres of land already owned by the state. The Governor's veto means that Stewardship Fund can continue to expand parkland, increase opportunities for hunters and anglers, and protect habitat for scores of endangered and threatened plants and animals. The Stewardship program has protected water quality and fisheries and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities by preserving over 57,500 acres around lakes.

Legislative Budget panel wanted Stewardship funds used to buy land already owned by the state

In May 2005, the Legislative Joint Finance Committee passed a proposal that would direct the Department of Natural Resources to use stewardship funds to purchase 77,755 acres of land already owned by the state. This acreage, much of which is managed for timber production, was already well managed by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (PCBL). This proposal undermined the intent of the Stewardship program—protecting Wisconsin's most special places for generations to come—and would have created a bureaucracy of agencies buying already publicly owned land from each other with public tax dollars.

What is the Stewardship Fund?

The innovative Knowles-Nelson stewardship fund was created in 1989 to ensure that the things people love about Wisconsin - its natural beauty and promise of outdoor fun - will be here for future generations. To date, the Stewardship fund has helped nonprofit partners, local governments, and the Department of Natural Resources acquire over 225,000 acres of recreational lands, wildlife habitat, and valuable natural areas for the people of Wisconsin. Because of the success of the Stewardship program, Wisconsin residents and visitors can use and enjoy our public land for all kinds of outdoor activities (including fishing, hunting, and sightseeing).

What has the Stewardship program done for lakes?

In addition to expanding parkland, increasing opportunities for hunters and anglers and protecting habitat for scores of endangered and threatened plants and animals, the Stewardship program has protected water quality and fisheries and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities by preserving lands around lakes. The list below highlights some of the land acquisitions that have preserved some of Wisconsin's special lakes.

• 7,930 acres for the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (1999)
• 7,585 acres for the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area (1999)
• 2,511 acres to create the Woodboro Lakes Wildlife Area (1999)
• 1,757 acres to create the Menard Island Resource Area (1999)
• 500 acres for Statewide Wildlife Habitat (Roe Lake) (1999)
• 440 acres for the Moose Lake State Natural Area (1999)
• 317 acres for Statewide Public Access (Little Rice Flowage) (1999)
• 2,187 acres for the Tommy G Thompson Centennial State Park, which includes one mile of frontage on Wood and Huber lakes (1999)
• 3,221 Buckhorn State Park and Buckhorn Wildlife Area, which includes 8.5 miles of frontage on the Castle RockFlowage and Yellow River (1999)
• 8,720 acres for the Willow Flowage (1997)
• 22,345 acres for the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage (1990)