Wisconsin has protected over 750,000 acres of land since 1989 through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. This land is vital for more than 400 endangered and threatened animals. The program helps maintain public parks, trails, and forests, and protects shorelines.
Tracking Wildlife with Trail Cameras
In 2015, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) launched Snapshot Wisconsin. This project uses trail cameras and volunteers to monitor wildlife. Over 30,000 volunteers have helped identify animals in more than 100 million photos over the last decade.
Dr. Christine Anhalt-Depies and Dr. Jennifer Stenglein, lead scientists for Snapshot, noted the program's growth. They said volunteers' dedication exceeded expectations. The project, which started in just two counties, is now the largest trail camera project of its kind in the country.
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Start Your News DetoxThe data from Snapshot Wisconsin helps make decisions for 14 different species. It provides information like fawn-to-doe ratios for white-tailed deer and reports on furbearers such as beavers and coyotes.
The program also supports science education in classrooms and nature programs. Its research has led to 21 scientific publications. High school students, university researchers, and other Wisconsinites use the data for their own studies.
Over 2,000 trail cameras have captured many wild animals. These include black bear cubs, bobcat families, fox kits, and porcupines.
The scientists shared their favorite photo: eight otters running down a grassy path in Sawyer County. This surprising sight showed how otters travel over land.
The Future of Conservation
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is set to expire on June 30. Lawmakers have not yet agreed on its reauthorization. The main debate is about the program's size, funding, and oversight, rather than its existence.
However, all candidates for governor have promised to support some version of the program. Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein emphasized its importance. She noted that Knowles-Nelson has worked well for a long time, ensuring green spaces in Wisconsin.
