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A Special WUWM News SeriesThe Milwaukee River allowed commerce and industry to thrive during the city's formative years and provided recreation. However, disregard for the river's health led to decades of decay.WUWM News explores recent developments to rejuvenate the Milwaukee River and their success at drawing people back to the city's historic arterial.

Stewardship Funding Will Soon Face Legislative Scrutiny

The Joint Finance Committee continues working its way through the “dollars and cents” of Governor Walker’s proposed 2013-2015 state budget. One program facing scrutiny is the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Over the past 20 years, the fund has protected more than 600,000 acres. It pools resources of the DNR, local government and land trusts. You have only to head up the Milwaukee River to see the funding at work.

WUWM Environmental Reporter Susan Bence did so on a recently windy morning. She met up with Michael Strigel of the Gathering Waters Conservancy; and Kimberly Gleffe of the River Revitalization Foundation.

The Joint Finance Committee will soon discuss the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Gov. Walker has proposed minor changes in his budget, after slashing the land conservation fund two years ago, by 30 percent.

Susan is WUWM's environmental reporter.