MADISON, WI – Yesterday, the Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation held a public hearing on AB 612, the trailer bill that was referenced in AB 315, but had yet to be introduced when AB 315 was taken up by the committee in June.

Rep. Palmeri released the following statement:

“While I was excited to renew discussions around the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, I was disappointed to see that there was minimal movement on stakeholder concerns in AB 612,” stated Rep. Palmeri.

“There are still large concerns over the legislative oversight policy for land acquisitions over $1 million, the requirement for DNR to prioritize management over acquisition, and the general decrease in funding for the program under both AB 315 and AB 612. Meanwhile, AB 435 which goes farther and addresses both the majority party and stakeholder concerns, was introduced back in September and has yet to receive a public hearing.

“This is a program that the vast majority of Wisconsinites support and rely on. From your neighborhood trail to public hunting land, this program impacts each and every district for the betterment of our communities. I will continue to be a strong supporter of the reauthorization of Knowles-Nelson and will push back against provisions that only serve to weaken the program down the line.”