Governor Evers has been a terrific champion for Knowles-Nelson, and he can now take even stronger action to support conservation and democracy.
Governor Evers can direct the DNR to fund the Pelican River Forest project. Since JFC isn't following the rules, Governor Evers can make it happen. DNR has the legal authority to fund Pelican River, but it won't happen unless the Governor directs the agency to act.
The message is simple. JFC did not follow the law. Therefore, their objection is not valid. DNR can move ahead and fund the project.
Furthermore, we're asking Governor Evers, in his executive budget bill, to fix this broken process governing review of Knowles-Nelson projects. If projects are objected to, the public deserves transparency and accountability from lawmakers. Timely public hearings and votes on projects with objections should be the bare minimum.
If legislators are going to oppose Knowles-Nelson projects, they must do so publicly and the entire committee must vote on the project promptly. The people of Wisconsin will no longer tolerate a single, anonymous legislator exercising capricious and arbitrary veto authority over conservation projects. That isn't how democracy works.
Please, join us and ask Governor Evers to do the right thing. Fund and fix Knowles-Nelson.