Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin helping the Ducks

Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin’s Fiscal Years 2022-23 biennial budget, which aims to boost conservation and outdoor recreation and improve the water quality for the residents in the state of Wisconsin.

This budget will contain a four-year reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and state waterfowl stamp fee inflation adjustment. Both additions to the funding came from the continued requests from the conservation community, including Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin.

The state waterfowl stamp fee will increase to $12 to compensate for inflation. This is the last passage of the bill, which has not changed in 24 years. The increase is expected to generate $400,000 of funding for Canada’s waterfowl breeding habitat conservation and Wisconsin’s wetland conservation.

State Waterfowl Stamp Fee

The state Waterfowl Stamp Fee will leverage added private investments, such as nonprofit organizations like Ducks Unlimited. These hunter contributed dollars will also help gain federal grant awards, such as those from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

The following companies are endorsing the fee adjustment:

• Ducks Unlimited by the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association
• Delta Waterfowl
• Green Bay Duck Hunters Association
• Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
• Wisconsin Conservation Congress

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

Knowles-Nelson has been making it possible for the Department of Natural Resources, communities, and conservation organizations to buy land for conservation, upgrade and maintain parks, and build trails. Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is also dedicated to taking care of Wisconsin’s shorelines and provides funds for the upkeep of forests and waterways.

This invaluable program is dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s land and water, and through continued support, they can provide accessible recreation for all residents. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program reauthorization will give $33.25 million every year for four years. The accomplishments of this program are enormous:

• $1.3 billion got invested in land and water resources in Wisconsin
• 650,000 acres conserved
• 99% of Wisconsin residents are living within 5 miles of a Stewardship Program

Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin

Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin has invested over $41 million in conservation efforts over the last 40 years, including conserving 140,000 acres across 2,700 project sites. The well-funded Stewardship program is essential for Ducks Unlimited’s mission, and the other conservation partners put these dollars to good use for the people of Wisconsin and wildlife.

Since the program started in 1989, both Republican and Democratic leaders have supported the program. The common goal is to ensure Wisconsin remains a thriving state with well-maintained parks, waterways, and forests. However, it will take the efforts of citizens and lawmakers to work together to achieve the same goals.

Ducks Unlimited commends Governor Evers’ support of the new legislature, making conservation a priority, and ensuring Wisconsin remain a national leader in natural resource conservation.

Charity Safaris

Charity Safaris will continue to support Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin and accept hunting donation requests from their auctions. All Charity Safaris donation hunts will be available to Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin. This ensures that Ducks Unlimited keeps 100% of the proceeds for every fundraising event adding significantly to each fundraising event.

To request a hunting trip donation – apply here!