Wisconsin (July 10, 2025) -- Wisconsin’s wetlands are set to receive restoration funding in the biennial Wisconsin state budget—a bipartisan achievement for the birds and people that depend on wetlands.
“Protecting and restoring Wisconsin’s wetlands is an investment in a healthy future for birds and our communities,” said Brian Vigue, Policy Director of Freshwater for Audubon Great Lakes. “Conservation in Wisconsin has a long bipartisan tradition. We applaud Governor Evers and the Wisconsin legislature for recognizing the incredible benefits that wetlands provide and prioritizing their protection in the state budget.”
Wisconsin has lost up to 50 percent of its historic wetlands. Some of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable species, like the Black Tern, and Great Egret depend on healthy and abundant wetlands to thrive.
The FY25-FY27 biennial budget, signed into law by Governor Evers earlier this month, includes:
$2 million in funding for The Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grant Program. In addition to providing habitat for vulnerable marsh birds, wetlands can store an incredible amount of floodwater to reduce flood risk. Signed into law last year, the program provides funds for local governments to restore and conserve wetlands and undertake other proactive strategies before flooding events occur.
$350,000 for the Oneida Bird Monitoring Program and habitat restoration work, for the second biennial budget in a row. The Oneida Nation has restored more than 3,000 acres of reservation wetlands, grasslands, prairies and forests in Northeastern Wisconsin, alleviating water pollution and the spread of invasive plant species. The Oneida Bird Monitoring Program is a collaborative partnership between Oneida Nation, Audubon Great Lakes, Northeastern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Cofrin Center for Biodiversity (UWGB), that is working to understand how birds are responding to this important conservation.
Since 2021, volunteer bird monitors have conducted >1,500 surveys, documented more than 200 bird species, and counted more than 200,000 individual birds at Oneida restoration sites— an incredible testament to the importance of this restoration and the dedication of the project volunteers. The project also aims to build community among bird watchers in the area and elevate Oneida’s rich culture, history and language. This important funding will support valuable conservation, data collection and knowledge-sharing work.
Unfortunately, for the first time in its more than 30-year history, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program did not receive funding in the state budget. Legislation (AB 315/SB 316) has been introduced to reauthorize the program, which expires in 2026.
“Named after two former Wisconsin governors—Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat—the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has long been a model of Wisconsin’s great bipartisan conservation tradition,” said Vigue. “While we’re disappointed that funding for this crucial conservation program was stripped from the state budget, we’re encouraged by proposed legislation that would keep it alive for the birds and communities that are counting on conservation across Wisconsin. We look forward to working towards a solution that will extend this vital program.”
Since 1989, more than 1,500 Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grants have benefited each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, funding the protection and conservation of vital wildlife habitat, as well as maintenance and upkeep of waterways, parks, forests and trails. Long-term funding for the program is needed to ensure the continued protection of important bird habitat.
This spring, Audubon members gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for Audubon Great Lakes Advocacy Day to urge state lawmakers to advance conservation solutions to protect birds. Hundreds more sent letters to their legislators in support of conservation solutions.
“Together, we can protect Wisconsin’s birds and the places they need. Thank you to Audubon members from across Wisconsin for speaking up for birds and the places they depend on across our state,” said Vigue. “Voices like yours are making a difference for birds.”
About Audubon Great Lakes
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety
