Commission hears staff briefing on Knowles‑Nelson stewardship reauthorization and agrees to circulate advocacy materials

Staff briefed the commission on a resolution supporting reauthorization of the Knowles‑Nelson Stewardship Program (Resolution 25‑20‑25‑47), a state match grant program that has funded local projects such as the Lake Street boat launch and trailhead land acquisition. Staff said the program has directed substantial funding to Middleton and the surrounding area and warned that the program was not funded in the most recent state budget process and could end in 2026 absent legislative action.

Staff described the Knowles‑Nelson toolkit and suggested municipalities and community groups use provided templates to submit letters of support to state legislators, the governor’s office, and the DNR. The staff speaker said the city clerk had already shared the resolution with the governor’s office and state representatives and offered to circulate contacts and a downloadable resolution template so local committees and the Middleton High School Green Team could participate.

A commissioner asked staff to distribute the materials to all commission members and committees so volunteers and student groups can submit letters without individually searching for resources. Staff agreed to circulate the toolkit and contact information. No formal motion was required at this meeting because the common council had already passed its resolution; staff characterized the discussion as an awareness and outreach effort rather than a separate formal vote.