MADISON – Republican lawmakers are working to reauthorize the popular grant program that funds the purchase of public lands after leadership said the program was likely dead.

Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewec, and Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, introduced legislation that would allow the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program to run for another four years, after some feared the program would die at the end of 2026 .

The proposed legislation would lay the groundwork to continue the program and authorize funding that could be spent on upgrading public lands already purchased with the program, potentially adding amenities like boat launches, trails or campgrounds. It would also establish legislative oversight for larger land purchases.

Kurtz said the proposed legislation has been a bipartisa

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