Legislative Updates

Download the Leave Behind SheeT

June 2026 - Current Legislative Update: 

KNSP Funding Expires on June 30th

June 30 marks the expiration of funding for Wisconsin's conservation program, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP). This unfortunate outcome is the result of legislative inaction to reauthorize the program, despite numerous proposals being considered during the 2025-26 legislative session. Reauthorization of KNSP has been a longstanding priority for WPRA, along with many other outdoor and conservation organizations across the state.

While funding for the program will lapse, the statutes governing KNSP remain in place. As a result, when legislators reconvene for the 2027-28 legislative session in January, there remains an opportunity to reach an agreement to reauthorize and fund the program. Historically, KNSP has enjoyed bipartisan support as a key tool for preserving Wisconsin's outdoor spaces, and WPRA remains committed to working toward its reauthorization.

Suggestions Welcome! WPRA Developing 2027-28 Legislative Priorities

Currently the WPRA Public Policy Committee is developing the Association’s 2027-28 Legislative Priorities. While major issues — including reauthorization and funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program — are expected to remain key priorities, the Committee is also seeking additional ideas and feedback from members.

If there are public policy issues, challenges or legislative solutions you would like the PPC to consider, please reach out to Caty McDermott, WPRA Lobbyist, at [email protected].

2026 Legislative Updates
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026

2025 Legislative Updates
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
August 2025
September 2025
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025


2024 Legislative Updates
January 2024
February 2024
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024


2023 Legislative Updates
December 2023
November 2023 
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023


2022 Legislative Updates
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022


2021 Legislative Updates
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
June 14, 2021- Press ReleaseStatement from the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Association Thanking the Joint Finance Committee on Stewardship Action
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021


October 30, 2020 - WPRA Letter to Governor
Bolster Stewardship Local Assistance Program
Sent to: Governor Tony Evers


April 24, 2020 – WPRA Letter to Governor
Plans to Reopen Wisconsin’s Parks, Aquatic Resources and Recreational Amenities
Sent to: Governor Tony Evers and Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, Department of Health Services


Hamilton Consulting Group COVID-19 Resource Website on the State Actions


Links to find your:

Wisconsin Legislators
US Senator