Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Members joined Gov. Walker as the Water Infrastructure For State Parks Was Signed into Law

MADISON– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) released the following statements as the Parks Revitalization Act, was signed into law as 2017 Act 71: Senator Cowles stated, “The Parks Revitalization Act is designed to tackle the ongoing issue of degrading water infrastructure in some of our most visited parks. Good drinking …

State Park Funding

Many of us have been hearing about state park funding and have questions about how it will affect our parks and trails. Local friends groups provide thousands of volunteer hours and have delivered approximately $100M dollars to help support the mission and activities of the Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. BACKGROUND-At the …

2017 Legislator of the Year Award to Representative Ron Tusler (R- Harrison)

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has awarded the Legislator of the Year  Award to Representative Ron Tusler (R- Harrison). The Legislator of the Year Award is given annually to a Wisconsin legislator and staff who best champions the advancement of Wl Parks and related natural resource issues. This recognition is for leadership in promoting Wl parks, …

Legislative Action/Networking

FRIENDS OF WISCONSIN STATE PARKS (FWSP) Legislative Action/Networking Networking with Friends Groups is one of the most important strategic initiatives FWSP has. Healthy, growing and dynamic chapters are critical to the success of park and trail properties. FWSP started the networking process by assigning one or more chapters to each board member. Board members will discuss …

Hunting and Trapping in Parks and Trails

Hunting and Trapping in Parks and Trails- The Wisconsin Legislature passed and Governor Walker signed into law ACT 168,  the Hunting Heritage Bill. A bizarre last-minute amendment included opening all State parks and trails to hunting & trapping.  The legislature handed off the rulemaking to the DNR’S Natural Resources Board (NRB). The NRB did the …

GPR Funding

Friends of WI State Parks (FWSP) is a 501c3 organization that represents WI residents that use parks and trails. There are approximately 80 Friends Groups that support various state parks, trails, and forest properties. These local Friends Groups provide thousands of volunteer hours and have delivered approximately $100M dollars to help support the mission and …

Recreation Opportunities Analysis (ROA)

Dear Friends Groups- The DNR is embarking on a study, known as the Recreation Opportunities Analysis (ROA), to review existing outdoor-based recreation opportunities and future recreation needs. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/RecAnalysis/ This is an excellent occasion to engage DNR leadership and have an impact on parks and trails. Some of the goals are: ensure that DNR resources are …

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

Stewardship-The Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in 1989 to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. The conservation and recreation goals of the Stewardship Program are achieved through the acquisition of land and easements, development of recreational facilities, and restoration of wildlife …

State Budget: GPR Not Restored But State Budget Success for Parks

State Budget: GPR Not Restored But State Budget Success for Parks FWSP and other natural resources organizations were very active during the budget debates. It appears that General Purpose Revenue (GPR) will not be restored for state parks in this budget cycle. While there is widespread public support for restoring GPR, there were not enough legislators …

FWSP is opposed to co-opting NR 44

The Friends of WI State Parks (FWSP) is a 501c3 organization that represent WI residents that use state properties. There are approximately 80 Friends Groups that support various state parks, trails, and forest properties. These local Friends Groups provide thousands of volunteer hours and have delivered approximately $100M dollars to help support the mission and …