Like so many of us here in Wisconsin, my family and I take to the state 's parks, rivers, and lakes at every opportunity.

Whether paddling, camping, fishing or hunting, Wisconsin 's open spaces and natural places are as much a part of our lives as cheese and brats.

We have a rich history in Wisconsin of protecting nature and open spaces. Indeed, our state has been a national leader in common sense conservation, starting with writer-conservationist Aldo Leopold and extending through to Gaylord Nelson -- the Wisconsin governor and senator who created Earth Day.

Sadly, the future of protecting open spaces here in Wisconsin -- and throughout the nation -- is at risk.

In his latest budget, President Bush proposed a truly paltry amount of funding for two critical programs that have been vital to the success of protecting open spaces.

For fiscal year 2009, the White House wants to cut nearly 75 percent from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Forest Legacy program, leaving both far short of what 's needed to protect some of the nation 's most important forests, farmland and prairie before they fall prey to sprawl.

Both programs have already made a difference in Wisconsin by protecting parts of the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge, which safeguards coastal wetlands along the south shore of Lake Superior.

But even as the White House proposes deep cuts, there is an opportunity to save the day.

Longtime U.S. Rep. David Obey, D-Wausau, wants to restore funding to both the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Forest Legacy Program.

The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on which he serves is expected to vote today on conservation funding, with a full committee vote set for June 18.

But to do so will require voices from all across America. Here in Wisconsin, we have a particular need to weigh in because of special places that are likely to go unprotected if the funding cuts proposed by the White House are followed. As just two examples:

A 45-acre upland terrace in La Crosse that 's part of The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge extends 261 miles along the river, and the land available for acquisition will help protect several endangered and threatened species while allowing for the construction of a small trail system and visitor center. In turn, activities such as fishing, hunting, photography and hiking will be enhanced.

1,400 acres in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This acquisition project involves a variety of land throughout different parts of the forest.

Wetlands, lakes and riparian areas will be consolidated, improving public access, land management and water quality. Moreover, elk, wolf and bald eagle habitat will be relieved from the increasing pressure of second home development.

To be clear, these are tough budget times and there are many worthy needs competing for scarce dollars.

Still, even a very modest increase for conservation can pay huge dividends to the quality of life for people here and in every other state.

So, let your representatives in Congress know how important it is to restore funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Forest Legacy Program.

Greenberg is a Madison-based vice president for The Wilderness Society.