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Its intention is to preserve natural communities, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. The program also finances public conservation projects.

If the program is not reauthorized, it would expire in June 2026.

According to the resolution approved by the council, the city has “directly benefited� from the program because of the Ice Age Trail Community designation, and the city “understands the importance of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in driving visitation to its community and supports efforts to complete the Trail which will require Stewardship funding.�

In the resolution, the council also said it considers the program a “valuable tool to preserve and restore natural areas, wildlife habitat, and water quality while supporting the development of public nature-based outdoor recreation opportunities that promote economic development and enhance quality of life, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.�

Gov. Tony Evers has proposed a $1 billion renewal in his biennial budget for the program. If approved, it would reauthorize the program for another 10 years.

The councilÃÛèÖÊÓƵ vote came days after the Rock County Board pushed off its vote on supporting the program.

After significant debate on whether to support accepting money from the state for projects or whether that is too much money for the state to budget, the county board opted last Thursday to delay its vote until at least March 13.

The county board pushed off the vote so it could ask questions of Park Services Supervisor John Traynor and Public Works Director Duane Jorgenson regarding the benefits of the program.

Milton Alderperson Bill Wilson, who also sits on the county board, made the motion for the council to approve the support.