Oh give me land, lots of land

"The stewardship fund would consist of $33.3 million per year," state Rep. Spencer Black tells Listening In columnist George Vukelich. Black, who represents the 77th Assembly District and chairs the Assembly's Natural Resources Committee, explains that his proposal would help pay for land acquisition, initiatives protecting the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, habitat restoration and expansion of the state trail system. "I think the opponents of the stewardship fund are going to be in the minority when you take into account how Wisconsin people feel about the environment," Black observes. "Stewardship is in our self-interest.... But I also think that stewardship is a moral obligation that we have to future generations." The state Legislature agrees, approving the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund in 1989. The fund's most recent reauthorization in 2007 boosted the fund to $85 million per year through 2020. Black continues to represent the 77th Assembly District.