VOTE NO to Protect Nature This August 13th
Op-ed by Elizabeth Koehler, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin
Media Contacts
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Emily Mills
Media & PR Manager
The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin
Phone: 608-225-0903
Email: emily.mills@tnc.org
Op-ed by Elizabeth Koehler, State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin
On the August 13th election ballot, Wisconsin voters face a crucial decision that could shape the future of land and water conservation efforts for generations. Some voters may not realize that two proposed constitutional amendments (State Questions 1 and 2) will be on the ballot. These amendments threaten the vital federal investments that have long supported Wisconsin's conservation efforts, potentially undermining decades of progress. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) encourages voters to learn more about the ballot measures and Vote NO on or before August 13th.
I’ve worked for TNC for 24 years, meeting people from all around the state and from all walks of life who care deeply about conserving nature and protecting our shared lands and waters. Durable, lasting conservation relies on public-private partnerships: individuals, families, and businesses coming together with local, state, and federal leaders–and the funding these partnerships provide—to get things done and ensure that our most vulnerable natural places remain healthy and thriving. As an organization, we view the August 13th state ballot measures as a direct threat to the longstanding tradition of private philanthropy paired with public funding that has made Wisconsin’s conservation successes the envy of neighboring states and the economic engine of our recreation, tourism and timber industries.
If passed, Questions 1 and 2 would pose a significant threat to TNC’s ability to do vital conservation work and impede or stop the progress of many other community-based conservation projects across the state. A disruption to federal funding could also get in the way of water-friendly regenerative agriculture practices and the implementation of critical renewable energy projects. Federal funding makes all of these things possible, and the two proposed amendments have the potential to derail decades of progress.
It’s not just conservation on the line on August 13th, either. Questions 1 and 2 also threaten funding for other issues voters care about. For example, a delay or disruption to federal funding could prevent communities and businesses from getting urgent help after natural disasters—a glaring concern given the state’s recent historic flooding and storm events. When funds are delayed, infrastructure crumbles, and local economies and livelihoods suffer. No one wins when critical funds are kept from the communities that need them most.
It's worth noting that as a science-based, collaborative, and non-partisan organization, speaking up on a statewide ballot initiative like this feels somewhat out of character for us. We are proud of our track record of working with leaders on both sides of the aisle—we’ve had a lot of practice over 64 years—but we know we can’t stay quiet on this issue. Voting NO on August 13th is critical to our mission and to the health of the shared natural resources at the heart of our communities and state identity.
Questions 1 and 2 are asking voters to fix a system that simply isn’t broken. Our current system has worked well for 85 years, and we don’t need additional legislative barriers getting in the way when our natural resources and communities are most vulnerable. Happily, you, the voters, have a chance to speak up this summer. Use your outside voice to tell everyone you know about this important issue and Vote NO on Questions 1 and 2 on or before August 13th. Together, we can ensure the brightest future for our shared natural resources and communities.
Visit our Vote No web page for more information.
Paid for by Preserve Wisconsin’s Constitution.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.
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TNC Urges Wisconsin Voters to VOTE NO on State Questions 1 and 2 on or before August 13th
Use your voice in the upcoming primary to support critical conservation, emergency response and infrastructure funding in Wisconsin.
Our History in Wisconsin
For more than 60 years, TNC has been working in Wisconsin to conserve and protect the land and waters of our state.
Climate Action in Wisconsin
We’re seeing the impacts of climate change right here in Wisconsin, from warmer winters to flooded streets in our cities. With your help, TNC is making strides in reducing the impacts in our state.