Conserving Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to more than 15,000 lakes, 66 state parks, and over 1.5 million acres of public lands. These natural resources and beauty offer vast and exciting recreational activities, and are intrinsically valuable to Wisconsin and our people.
In the biennial budget, Legislative Republicans provided funding to stabilize our natural resource accounts, support our parks and infrastructure, increase the sustainability of our conservation initiatives, and address air and water quality issues statewide. This portion of the budget included many fiscally wise, one-time allocations for necessary improvements to our natural resources. It also includes right-sizing initiatives to stabilize budgeting into the future. Topline investments include:
- $1M for the development of an online application-based, trail map for ATV and UTV routes
- $1M for county sustainable forestry and county forest administrator grants
- $260,000 for the county forest wildlife habitat grant program
- Increased the maximum amount that DNR can charge for nonresident campsite fees from $45 to $50
- $7.5M for removal of contaminated sediments in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and their tributaries
- $728,900 for maintenance equipment for state parks
Overall, one-time investments include forestry projects, invasive species mitigation, technology upgrades, and contamination removal. Appropriation improvements included redirecting funding, account transfers, and increasing nonresident campsite fees. Lastly, the budget included grants for forest management, water pollution abatement, dam safety, and more.
All in all, this budget makes sound allocations that conserve our natural resources for future generations while allowing future legislatures the fiscal flexibility to do the same.
National Night Out
Next Tuesday, August 5th, is National Night Out, an annual community event partnering with local law enforcement to promote crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out is a terrific opportunity to meet your local law enforcement, connect with neighbors, and enjoy exciting activities for the entire family. The Oconto County Sheriff’s Office lists many events in and around the district:
Oconto – Oconto Fire Department, 1210 Main Street, 4:30-7:30 pm
Oconto Falls – Memorial Field, 431 Union Ave, 4-8 pm
Lena – St. Anne’s Parish, 221 E Main Street, 5-8 pm
Little Suamico – Little Suamico Ball Park, 1015 County J, 5-8 pm
Gillett – Gillett Elementary School, 208 W Main Street, 5:30-7:30
Suring – Veteran’s Memorial Park, 414 E Brook Street, 6-8 pm
Brown County in-district events include:
Suamico – 2460 Mount Olive Dr, 5-8 pm
Howard – Howard Commons Activities Complex, 550 Commons Place
Visit your local site to enjoy the informational activities and meet members of the County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as representatives from other local agencies. I encourage all of you, in any community, to join the occasion and observe fellowship and safety in your hometown.
Input for Infrastructure
Brown County residents: The county is seeking your input through a community survey to identify site-specific road safety concerns. As part of a partnership with local municipalities, they are asking for your input in order to better respond to road safety issues.
I encourage you to take this opportunity to have your voice heard and directly impact the safety and quality of your community infrastructure. Click the image below to ensure your concern is documented.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
