Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

Program Components

DNR Programs

Grants to Partners

Maps

Publications

Reports

Resources

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

Stewardship Logo

What's New

The Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (Stewardship) in 1989 to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Named for two of Wisconsin's most revered conservation leaders, Warren Knowles (Governor 1965-1971) and Gaylord Nelson (Governor 1959-1963, U.S. Senator 1964-1981), the program has been an outstanding success. Perhaps we can provide no greater gift to the citizens of the 21st century for the places we save today will be a permanent and lasting investment in their future. We invite you to join in this endeavor.

The conservation and recreation goals of the Stewardship Program are achieved through the acquisition of land and easements, development of recreational facilities, and restoration of wildlife habitat.

Stewardship Acquisition Strategy

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with the advice and consent of the Natural Resources Board (NRB), periodically updates its land acquisition strategy based on evolving needs and opportunities. The two previous plans approved by the Natural Resources Board were the "Five Year Land Acquisition Plan" (approved in May, 1996) and the "Land Legacy Report Implementation Priorities" (approved in March, 2004).

The NRB approved the "DNR Land Acquisition Strategy for the Stewardship Program [PDF 630KB]" in December 2010 to guide DNR-led land acquisition for the period 2010-2019, with specific acquisition targets and allocation methodology for the first five years.

The strategy consists of four components:

  1. A description of the vision, goals, and objectives we seek to accomplish in our land acquisition.
  2. A summary of trends that affect what types of lands we can and should focus on, as well as the success that we and our partners will have in acquiring land to meet recreation and conservation goals.
  3. A system for allocating funds to programs to acquire lands within existing acquisition projects and new opportunities that may emerge. Also included are criteria to identify priorities at both property and parcel levels.
  4. A description of performance targets generally describing where acquisitions are intended to be focused. x

Stewardship in the 2011-13 Biennial Budget

The 2011-13 Biennial Budget was signed into law on June 26, 2011, and is effective as of July 1, 2011. Several changes were made to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program as part of the 2011-13 Biennial Budget. Those changes are summarized below. All other statutory provisions for the Stewardship Program are unchanged.

Changes made to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program through the 2011-13 Biennial Budget (effective July 1, 2011) Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program components before 2011-13 Biennial Budget
Annual Program Appropriation = $60 million Annual Program Appropriation = $86 million
DNR Property Development subprogram = $25 million total for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Parking lots, signage, and campsite electrification now eligible costs. DNR Property Development subprogram = $17 million for fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
Local Assistance Grants subprogram = $8 million each in fiscal year 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Local Assistance Grants subprogram = $8 million for fiscal years 2009-2010 and $11.5 million for fiscal year 2010-2011.
Annual appropriation not obligated by June 30 each year does not carry over into the next fiscal year. Any amount of appropriation not obligated each year carries over into next fiscal year.
One-time appropriation of $5.2 million for Purchase of Agriculture Conservation Easements administered by Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Not applicable.
One-time appropriation of $6 million for dam safety grants to counties for repair or replacement of dams under DNR orders. Funding may be used between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2020. Not applicable.
Nonprofit Conservation Organization grants subprogram = $12 million in 2011-2012 and each fiscal year thereafter. Nonprofit Conservation Organization grants subprogram = $8 million in fiscal year 2009-2010 and $12 million in fiscal year 2010-2011.
The Department may contract with Nonprofit Conservation Organizations for land management activities on state lands. Contracting for land management also permitted.
The Department must submit a biennial report to Legislative Joint Finance and Natural Resources Committees about status toward f land acquisition acre goals (first report due November 15, 2011). Not applicable.
Beginning July 1, 2011, value of land acquired for purposes of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) will be determined by the lower of the purchase price or equalized value of the property. Since January 1, 1992, the basis for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) is based on Department's purchase price for the land.
Beginning July 1, 2011, the Department is required to notify each city, village, town or county of proposed Stewardship acquisitions within each jurisdiction. These local governments may adopt a non-binding resolution in support of or opposition to the project. The Department is required to consider the resolution, if adopted. Department notified local officials of Department land transactions. Responded to comments as appropriate.
With the exception of state trails or the Ice Age Trail, "usership patterns" is no longer a reason why the Natural Resources Board (NRB) may approve the prohibition of one or more nature-based outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, and cross-country skiing). Beginning Oct 27, 2007, usership patterns, protection of public safety, and protection of unique plant and animal communities were all reasons why the NRB could approve prohibition of one or more nature-based outdoor activities.
Any project using $250,000 or more of Stewardship funds (except DNR capital development) must be submitted to the Joint Finance Committee for their consideration. No time limit for committee action. Beginning July 1, 2010, any project using $750,000 or more of Stewardship funds (except DNR capital development) must be submitted to the Joint Finance Committee for their consideration. Committee must hold a meeting within 14 days.
Value of properties for grant purposes is the lesser of the fair market value as determined by appraisal or the price paid by seller if purchased less than 3 years ago. Value of properties for grant purposes is the price paid by seller if purchased less than 3 years ago.
Last Revised: Monday November 21 2011