February 7, 2022
New Update - February 15th: Urgent! Ask the members of the Committee on Sporting Heritage, Small Business and Rural Issues and Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation to support creating a Wisconsin’s Every Kid Outdoors program by 10AM Wednesday Feb 16th.
Both Committees are holding executive sessions on Wednesday February 16th to vote on the bills (SB 376 in the Senate Committee; AB 375 in the Assembly Committee). The bills would eliminate state park fees for 4th graders (and their families) who participate in the National Every Kid Outdoors program. By opening this door for youth and their families now, we may be opening the door for a lifetime of outdoor recreation.
We ask that you:
1) Contact the 5 members of the Senate Committee on Sporting Heritage, Small Business and Rural Issues via email or phone before Wednesday Feb 16th 10 AM (email; for phone use link to name). Tell them you support SB 376 creating a WI Every Kid Outdoors program and why!
Senator Rob Stafsholt (Chair) Sen.Stafsholt@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Jerry Petrowski Sen.Petrowski@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Jagler Sen.Jagler@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Smith Sen.Smith@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Wirch Sen.Wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov
2) Contact the members of the Assembly Committee on Sporting Heritage, Small Business and Rural Issues via email or phone before Wednesday Feb 16th 1 PM (email; for phone use link to name). Tell them you support AB 375 creating a WI Every Kid Outdoors program and why!
3) Contact your own legislators particularly your Senator for this bill SB 376. Use this link to write your legislators and let them know how important it is for youth to experience the outdoors and to eliminate barriers to access. https://addup.sierraclub.org/campaigns/state-parks--land-conservation
This pass has widespread popularity. In April 2021, Conservation Congress voters supported the creation of an Every Kid Outdoors pass option for WI state parks passing the question in all counties and with the highest support (91.82%).
There is more detailed information including talking points, tips and a list of sponsors if you would like to thank the legislators putting this bill, SB 376, and its companion bill in the Assembly, AB 375, forward. More information/details here!
Thank you for your help!
the Four Lakes Group Land Access and Equity Team
the Wisconsin Chapter Public Lands and Forests Team