Wisconsin Has Voted. Our Work for Public Lands Continues.

Last night’s election marks a new chapter for Wisconsin. With new leadership comes an opportunity to address the challenges facing our state parks, trails, forests, and recreation areas. Turning that opportunity into lasting progress will take sustained work from all of us.

Wisconsin’s 118 state park system properties are among our greatest shared assets. They connect communities, support local businesses, protect natural spaces, and give people places to find adventure, peace, and connection. Their value extends well beyond the entrance, parking lot, and trailhead.

An election does not repair a trail, replace aging infrastructure, or provide the staff needed to care for these places. The long road toward a stronger Wisconsin State Park System continues.

Our priorities remain clear:

Sustainable funding, investment in people and infrastructure, and a strong future for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Our parks system needs reliable, long-term public investment that supports daily operations, adequate staffing, and ongoing maintenance. We must also address capital needs before delayed repairs become more expensive and more disruptive. Visitor fees, donations, and volunteer service all contribute, but caring for these statewide assets requires a lasting commitment from state government.

Knowles-Nelson must be part of that conversation. Its legacy connects land protection with outdoor access, habitat restoration, and recreation improvements—including projects supported by local Friends groups. Securing its future is essential to protecting opportunities for generations to come.

For Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, our responsibility is to work with the incoming governor and legislators from both parties to turn these priorities into action. We will measure progress by the decisions made, funding committed, and improvements delivered.

That work begins with you and in our own districts.

We encourage Friends groups, volunteers, and everyone who values Wisconsin’s public lands to build relationships with their state representatives and senators. Invite them to your property. Show them what volunteers have accomplished. Explain the maintenance needs, staffing challenges, and projects still waiting for support. Help them understand what these places mean to your community—and ask for specific commitments.

Whether your elected officials are Democrats or Republicans, they need to hear from you. Share your experience, stay involved in budget discussions, and continue to follow up after Election Day.

Our Friends groups bring community knowledge, dedication, and years of service to this work. Together, we can help ensure that the needs of Wisconsin’s public lands remain a priority in Madison.

Last night, Wisconsin has chosen its leaders. In the months ahead, we must work with them to care for the places entrusted to us.

Warmly,

Seth Taft
Executive Director, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
E: execdir@fwsp.org
P: (608) 294-0810
fwsp.org

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