HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021 (10) Resolution No. 10 (2021)
ST. R�.J►9, �'w '° �..1NTY RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REAUTHORIZATION OF THE KNOWLES-
��' � ���`'�« NELSON STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR TEN YEARS AND THE
WDNR BUDGET REQUEST OF $50 MILLION
COVER MEMO
TO: County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ken Witt, Interim County Administrator
Ellen Denzer, Director, Community Development
DATE: March 2, 2021
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution Supporting Reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson
Stewardship Program for Ten Years and the WDNR Budget Request of
$50 Million
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in 1989 to preserve
valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water qualities and fisheries, and expand opportunities
for outdoor recreation. Under Wisconsin Statutes, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is set to
expire in 2022. Over the last 10 years, a range of $33.25 million to $86 million annually, has been
budgeted for the program.
The program has supported land acquisition and capital development by the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources (WDNR), local governments, and non-profit conservation organizations to preserve
valuable natural areas, wildlife habitat, water quality and outdoor recreation for public benefit around the
state.
St. Croix County has utilized Stewardship grant funds for numerous projects, most recently to purchase
parkland along the Scenic St. Croix Riverway and to assist in the development of a new group
campground facility at Glen Hills Park.
The attached resolution supports the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for ten
years and consideration of the WDNR budget request of $50 million per year.
Resolution No. 10 (2021)
ST. R�.J►9, �'w '° �..1NTY RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REAUTHORIZATION OF THE KNOWLES-
��' � ���`'�« NELSON STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR TEN YEARS AND THE
WDNR BUDGET REQUEST OF $50 MILLION
1 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors considers the Knowles-Nelson
2 Stewardship Program a valuable tool to preserve and restore natural areas, wildlife habitat, and
3 water quality while supporting the development of public nature-based outdoor recreation
4 opportunities that promote economic development and enhance quality of life; and
5
6 WHEREAS, the program has supported land acquisition and capital development by the
7 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), local governments, and non-profit
8 conservation organizations for public benefit around the state; and
9
10 WHEREAS, the program has supported St. Croix County park land purchases and park
11 development.
12
13 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
14 Supervisors supports reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for ten years
15 and consideration of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)budget request of
16 $50 million per year.
17
18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors of St.
19 Croix County does authorize the County Clerk to forward a certified copy of this resolution to St.
20 Croix County's State Representatives, State Senators and Governor; and to the Wisconsin
21 Department of Natural Resources Secretary, 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53702.
Legal-Fiscal-Administrative Approvals:
Legal Note:
Fiscal Impact: The availability of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program could reduce County
park improvement, development and/or acquisition expenses if the program
continues, is funded and grants are awarded.
-Z_ 4- ul
Carporation n 72/2021 n, finance Di or 2/72/2021
Kc "fW' aY min "J 2/i 2/2021
02/18/21 Community Development Committee RECOMMENDED
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RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Counter, Supervisor
SECONDER: Shawn Anderson, Supervisor
AYES: Shawn Anderson, Scott Counter, Daniel Hansen, Judy Achterhof
EXCUSED: Ed Schachtner, Dick Hesselink
Vote Confirmation.
41,
Dan mmuiYtyDrweioPFront chairman 1
SL Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
Roll Call -Vote Requirement—None
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RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Long, Supervisor
SECONDER: Scott Counter, Supervisor
AYES: Schachtner, Anderson, Long, Leaf, Hall, Berning, Ottino, Feidler, Ostness, Counter,
Hansen, Ard, Tellijohn, Peterson, Anderson, Achterhof, Tomtschik, Peavey
ABSENT: Carah Koch
This Resolution was Adopted by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 2, 2021
Cindy Campbell, County Clerk