MADISON, WI (April 16, 2025) – Millions of birds are traveling to Wisconsin this spring migration—but loss of suitable habitat threatens their survival. Today, concerned 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.
A sweeping new report, State of the Birds, shows that U.S. birds are declining sharply across a range of habitats. Wisconsin has already lost up to 50 percent of its historic wetlands and many of the grasslands that birds depend on—threatening species like the state-endangered Black-Tern and state-threatened Henslow’s Sparrow.
“Birds are in decline—but we know that smart conservation investments can protect them,” said Marnie Urso, Senior Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes. “What we need now, more than ever, are policy solutions that conserve Wisconsin’s natural resources for the birds, other wildlife and communities across the Badger State that depend on them.”
During the event, Audubon members met with more than 30 state lawmakers, urging them to:
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Reauthorize robust funding of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, including $5 million in habitat funding proposed in Governor Evers’ budget. Knowles-Nelson is Wisconsin’s bipartisan commitment to conserving our state’s most treasured natural spaces, and ensuring they remain accessible to everyone.
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Reauthorize $2 million in funding for the bipartisan Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grant Program, which funding to encourage local governments to restore and conserve wetlands and undertake other proactive strategies before flooding events occur
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Support The Transition to Grazing Act (SB 113 and AB 118), which would incentivize and support Wisconsin farmers as they transition from conventional farming to regenerative and bird-friendly practices.
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Support responsible siting of renewable energy by maintaining a predictable, transparent and efficient permitting process in the state to help reduce conservation impacts, and to increase renewable energy production.
In addition to meeting with their lawmakers, Audubon advocates heard remarks from experts and lawmakers at a luncheon at the Madison Club including Karen Hyun, Ph.D, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; State Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine), Minority Leader; State Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc); and State Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) shared the importance of conservation.
“Thank you to Audubon members for coming to the Capitol today to raise awareness of the threats facing birds, and solutions like the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program that are needed to protect them,” said DNR Secretary Hyun. “For more than 30 years, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has helped conserve the places that make Wisconsin special for more than 300 species of birds, thousands of birding enthusiasts, and communities across the state. Its continued funding will ensure that Wisconsin can continue to be a sanctuary for wildlife for generations to come.”
“The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has made hundreds of conservation projects across the 41st Assembly District possible and impacts every district across the Wisconsin. Bipartisan investments in conservation will protect our states legacy as an outdoor destination, boosting our state’s economy and protecting birds and wildlife,” said Rep. Kurtz.
“Wisconsin’s natural resources and the wildlife that flock to them are part of what make Wisconsin so great,” said Rep. Neubauer. “Reinvesting in them is vital to ensure they continue to be available for all that love and depend on them.”
“Knowles-Nelson is a bipartisan promise to protect Wisconsin’s lands and water,” said Sen. Habush Sinykin. “Thank you to Audubon advocates for helping raise awareness of this important program that protects bird habitat and touches the lives of communities across Wisconsin.”
Audubon Great Lakes is working to restore approximately 4,000 acres of high-priority wetlands in Wisconsin. Over the next decade, Audubon aims to positively impact 25,000 wetland and grassland acres across the state in partnership with various stakeholders.
“We want to thank DNR Secretary Hyun, Rep. Neubauer, Rep. Kurtz, and Sen. Habush Sinykin for joining us today, and to Audubon members from across Wisconsin for speaking up for birds and Wisconsin’s natural resources,” said Urso.
To learn more about Audubon Great Lakes, please visit gl.audubon.org.
About Audubon Great Lakes
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org.
