Pattison State Park

Wisconsin’s state parks are renowned for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. However, the funding model supporting these parks has undergone significant changes over the years, leading to challenges in maintaining and improving park infrastructure.

Current Funding Model

• User Fees – Wisconsin state parks are primarily funded through user fees. This includes charges for park admission, camping, and trail use. The reliance on user fees increased after the elimination of general-purpose revenue (GPR) funding in 2015
• Federal Grants – Programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund provide grants to support outdoor recreation projects, contributing additional funding to the state parks
• Friends Groups and Nonprofits – Local Friends Groups play a crucial role in fundraising and supporting park projects. These groups often receive grants from programs such as the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Grant to improve facilities and restore habitats.

Challenges

• Declining State Support – Over the decades, Wisconsin has seen a significant reduction in state tax funding for parks. From 1995 to 2023, GPR funding for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dropped by approximately 69%
• infrastructure Needs – The shift to a user fee-based model has led to deferred maintenance issues, with an estimated $1 billion needed for infrastructure improvements. This situation places financial pressure on park staff and Friends Groups

Comparative Spending – Wisconsin ranks near the bottom nationally in per-visit spending on state parks. In 2017, the state spent only $19.6 million on park operations, averaging $1.08 per visit—the lowest in the country.

Future Considerations

Efforts to address these funding challenges include exploring new revenue sources such as increasing hunting and fishing fees, redirecting real estate transfer fees towards conservation, and considering new sales tax revenues dedicated to parks These measures aim to ensure the continued viability and enhancement of Wisconsin’s state parks for future generations.