Knowles-Nelson Public Lands in Wisconsin

One of the strengths of the LWV UMRR Action Committee is that our members are active with many other environmental organizations and causes as well.  We bring this activism to UMRR, where we work to learn and coordinate our actions with other like-minded, non-partisan organizations.  

Susan Johnson from LWV Janesville (Wisconsin) is an example of such an involved person.  Susan is a member of the LWV UMRR Action Committee, and a Board member of the Green-Rock Audubon Society.   She brings her passion, knowledge and love of the outdoors to both these roles, strengthening both organizations.  

In March 2025, Susan was among those attending the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Funds Lobby Day at the Capitol in Madison.. The Lobby Day was organized by Gathering Waters and Team Knowles-Nelson. They met with their district's state legislators; Representative Ann Roe and Senator Mark Spreitzer. 

Stepping up to advocate for the environment in state and local government forums is an essential element of our democracy.  Remember - our representatives work for us and we need to keep up the communication!

How did Susan get involved with the Green-Rock Audubon Society?

As a member of the Green-Rock Audubon Society Board for the past seven years, I've worked passionately on advocacy to promote prairie and wetlands restoration, and conservation locally and across the state.  From the time my dad first taught us how to fish, and took us camping to our state and national parks, I have loved being in wilder places.  I’m still a hiker, biker, and fisher.    (In her own words!)

What is the Green-Rock Audubon Society?

The Green-Rock Audubon Society is a non-profit formed in 1990, one year after the establishment of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant program.  G-RAS is not only a local Wisconsin group of the National Audubon Society.  It is belongs to the Gathering Waters Alliance for Land Trusts, which supports more than 40 land trusts across Wisconsin.  G-RAS manages five properties it purchased with the help of Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grants.  These properties are excellent examples of prairie and wetlands restoration, and conservation.  This conservation work restores vital habitat for birds and other wildlife, but also provides valuable recreational opportunities for local residents.  G-RAS welcomes all area hikers, forest bathers, hunters, and fisher people of varying abilities.  South-central Wisconsin residents do not have to travel all the way “up north” for outdoor recreational fun.  

What is Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program?

In 1989, Governor Tommy Thompson and the Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (or Stewardship Fund) to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.  The Stewardship fund gives the WI DNR spending authority to purchase land and easement additions to state properties. Stewardship dollars also support recreational infrastructure on state properties, including campsite, restroom and trail improvements. 

Most annual Stewardship spending takes the form of grants to local governments and nonprofits. Stewardship grants fund local park infrastructure, boat ramp facilities, recreational trails and land purchases for parks and nature preserves statewide.  (from WI DNR website)

Where can I find a Public Land funded by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program?

Click this link to find an interactive map!  Here's an example of what you'll find.  

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