Wisconsin Conservation Funding Coalition

Wisconsin Bike Fed is proud to be a member of the newly formed Wisconsin Conservation Funding Coalition, a group of organizations and individuals that brings people together to talk about caring for and funding natural resources management and programs in Wisconsin. Formed to combat declining funding across the board for natural resources programs, including the expiration of the historic Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, the new coalition brought together over 100 participants representing 85 diverse outdoor groups at an August summit held in Madison.

The Coalition’s core goal is to galvanize support for and work to enact long-term, sustainable funding for Wisconsin natural resource and conservation programs. Current funding is covered in part by tax dollars, license fees for a variety of outdoor recreation activities, and grants and private funding for conservation programs. Wisconsin’s budgets have not kept up with increasing costs and inflation. Increasing licenses and user fees will not cover the needs of conserving and managing natural resources in Wisconsin.

Natural resources, healthy lands, waters, wildlife, and outdoor traditions are essential to Wisconsin’s social and economic vitality, as well as our personal well-being. Conservation benefits everyone, and the coalition is taking action toward reliable, long-term funding for Wisconsin’s natural resources.