2021-1898 FILE RESOLUTION NO. 2021-1898
A resolution supporting the renewal and funding of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship
Program.
WHEREAS, the Act creating the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP), named for
Republican Governor Warren Knowles and Democratic Governor Gaylord Nelson, was signed
into law in 1989 by Governor Tommy Thompson; and
WHEREAS, the KNSP was created to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect
water quality and fisheries, expand outdoor recreation, and support Wisconsin's timber and
tourism industries; and
WHEREAS, because of the KNSP, the Wisconsin DNR, local governments, and nonprofit
conservation organizations have received state funds which are matched with federal, local, and
private funds to purchase public land and easements for conservation and to support the
maintenance of Wisconsin's waterways, parks, forests, and trails; and
WHEREAS, the KNSP has significantly benefited Wisconsin both environmentally and
economically, by forests which sequester carbon and clean our air, wetlands which filter water
and buffer against floods, by allowing its residents to enjoy the outdoors and nature, which is
shown to improve health, and
WHEREAS, a conservative estimate of the value of"natural infrastructure" on lands protected by
the KNSP is more than two billion dollars a year; and
WHEREAS, even with the known benefits of the KNSP, over the past three decades the KNSP
has been underfunded, especially when compared to other State investments and when
compared to similar outdoor investments by other states; and
WHEREAS, planning and executing Stewardship projects may take years, and landowners,
donors, nonprofits, and government agencies need certainty about the long-term future of the
KNSP program for projects to be as strategic and successful as possible; and
WHEREAS, a coalition of 58 groups representing environmental conservation, business interests,
local governments, hunting, fishing, forestry, agriculture, and recreation recognize the positive
impact that the KNSP program has on Wisconsin's health, economy, and its priceless landscapes;
and
WHEREAS, surveys have shown that 93 percent of Wisconsin voters want to see the KNSP
program continued; and
WHEREAS, the City of Janesville has benefited from KNSP funds for projects including the Town
Square and the Monterey Area River Restoration; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's 2021-23 Budget includes a ten-year reauthorization of the
Stewardship Program and that it be funded at seventy million dollars a year.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL of the City of Janesville
that the State Senators and Assembly Representatives representing the City of Janesville be
requested to support the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program by reauthorizing
it for ten years and funding the program at seventy million dollars a year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all State elected officials representing the City of Janesville
be sent a copy of this Resolution and request their commitment to support the Knowles-Nelson
Stewardship Program reauthorization for the ten years as stated in the Governor's proposed
budget.
Adopted this 24' day of May 2021.
ADOPTED: May 24, 2021 Motion by: Consent
Second by: Consent
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
13t `/l. Benson X
Jackson X
Mark A. reitag, City Manager Johnson X
Marklein X
ATTEST: Marshick X
Miller X
Williams X
Derrek Ise, Interim City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczy , City Attorney
Proposed by: City Manager's Office
Prepared by: City Manager's Office