NEW Rock County Park?? – Camp Indian Trails Needs our help - Write letters to editors and legislature NOW!
I recently wrote a letter from the LWV-Beloit to the Rock County Supervisors supporting the acquisition of Camp Indian Trails. Wes Davis replied that though most of them agreed, the county needs to consider maintenance costs, which may exceed $200,000 per year. One possible source of funding maintenance costs could be the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program. It has been a valuable Wisconsin resource of funds for parks programs, trails, and conservation efforts since 1989. However, it is due to expire in July.
Wes Davis said that he’s been writing letters to newspapers and encouraging others to do so as well for several month. He states, “Broad community support is needed so that the resolution can advance to the legislature quickly. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program re-authorization is important also because it helps to bolster the tourist economy in our state (a 23 billion dollar industry). Your help in attaining re-authorization is very important for all public parks and Wisconsin residents. Please encourage your members to write or speak to their legislators and media about this important issue.”
Rep.Spreitzer@legis.wisconsin.gov
Rep.Loudenbeck@legis.wisconsin.gov
https://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/15/ringhand/contact-page/
Below is his letter to me- If you wanted/needed it.
Dear Susan and LWV members,
I appreciate your input on the future use of Camp Indian Trails. I support your viewpoint. However, there are many concerns among supervisors regarding sources of funding for the original purchase price and the annual maintenance (upkeep) costs. The upkeep may exceed $200,000 per year. One possible source of funding maintenance costs could be the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program.
It has been a valuable Wisconsin resource of funds for parks programs, trails, and conservation efforts since 1989. However, it is due to expire in July. I have been writing letters to the editors of newspapers and encouraging local parks directors and community members to do the same for about seven months now. The Rock County Parks director recently authored a resolution to support that program, which comes to the Board floor this Thursday.
Broad community support is needed so that the resolution can advance to the legislature quickly. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program re-authorization is important also because it helps to bolster the tourist economy in our state ( a 23 billion dollar industry). Your help in attaining re-authorization is very important for all public parks and Wisconsin residents.
Please encourage your members to write or speak to their legislators and media about this important issue.
Sincerely,
Wes Davis, Dist. #20., Rock County.