MADISON (WKOW) — A conservation group made its way to the Capitol from Sheboygan Thursday afternoon to bring attention to a Walker-era land swap agreement.

Members of Friends of the Black River Forest (FBRF) say they hope to get the governor and the state to heed their warnings that a dangerous precedent could be set should the land swap agreement former Governor Scott Walker made with the Kohler Co. for part of the Kohler-Andrae State Park go through. 

Most people know Kohler for its kitchen and bathroom appliances, but FBRF say the company wants the land just south of Sheboygan for its fifth golf course in the area. 

Advocates say the park’s location on Lake Michigan with rare sand dune ecosystems has made it one of the most popular parks in the state. Cassie Steiner with the Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter says Kohler-Andrae makes a lot of significant ecological impacts. 

“There are a lot of endangered plants, some endangered birds, some endangered reptiles,” Steiner said. “So, it’s a really important wildlife area. And then of course, it’s on Lake Michigan so for our waterways it’s a really key part too.” 

FBRF President Mary Faydash says she thinks Governor Tony Evers has been a champion for the environment, but she’s scared of the precedent this agreement could set. 

“When Governor Evers leaves office, what this land exchange agreement does, if it stays in place, is open up the possibility of any administration for our state park land,” Faydash said. “Whatever it might be, a donor, a relative, a friendly business.” 

The Future of Kohler-Andrae State Park currently sits in an appeals court as Kohler Co. waits to find out whether its permit from the DNR will stand.