State Natural Area Filled with Beauty

Wisconsin was first in the nation to have a statewide natural area program, and it will celebrate it's 60th year in 2012.  We have 653 State Natural Areas with 358,000 acres of prairies, forests and wetlands in Wisconsin. Learn more about our nature heritage in this article from the Wisconsin DNR.

MADISON – The nation’s first statewide natural area protection program turns 60 this year and wears it well, Wisconsin’s top land official says.

Six hundred fifty-three designated State Natural Areas preserve 358,000 acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands that are among the best of their kind left in Wisconsin and are a vital refuge for endangered plants and animals, says Kurt Thiede, administrator of the Department of Natural Resources’ land-related programs.

“The 60th anniversary is a time to celebrate with citizens and partners and to recognize the hard work done so far,” Thiede says. In addition to DNR, 51 other agencies, organizations, local governments, land trusts and private citizens have designated State Natural Areas on their own lands, and such sites account for one-third of all State Natural Areas.

Full Story State Natural Areas protect some of Wisconsin’s best natural landscapes

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Looking for comments on Statewide Outdoor Rec Plan

Statistics show that 85% of Wisconsinites head outdoors for recreation. The State of Wisconsin is trying to keep pace with plans for Wisconsin's parks and lakes and have currently drafted a new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for the public to review.  Some new ideas include: adventure racing for individuals and groups, driving for pleasure, developed/RV camping, kayaking, and visiting dog park.

Check out the 2011-2016 draft SCORP here and make your feelings known.

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Illinois Couple preserves over 3000 acres in Wisconsin

One of the largest conservation easements in Wisconsin History, the Winter Park Pines Nature Preserve. Story by Amy Alderman TribLocal reporter

As a boy, Libertyville resident Ken Aldridge climbed a fire tower to get a view of the sprawling pines and creeks west of Minocqua, Wis., where his family spent many summer vacations. Now that vast expanse of woodland is the sanctuary where Aldridge takes his own wife and kids to ski, hike, and fish.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aldridge Electric Co. recently made sure the area would remain a sanctuary for everyone by dedicating what Wisconsin officials call the largest conservation easement of private land in their state’s history — more than 3,100 acres.

“We wanted to preserve something that has a lot of beauty to it,” Aldridge said.

That seems like an understatement to some in Wisconsin.

Full Story Aldridge family grants largest land trust in Wisconsin’s history

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Houlton - Wisconsin's next boom town?

Will the new Stillwater Bridge be good or bad for Houlton, Wisconsin.  Article by twincities.com

Houlton? Really?

Most people would laugh at the idea of Houlton, Wis., being a boom town, if they have even heard of it.

But if a new four-lane, freeway-style bridge is built across the St. Croix River, a surge of growth is bound to follow. Perhaps the biggest change would come to Houlton, a community of 386 not even big enough for a stop sign on its main street.

Full story Never heard of Houlton, Wis.? Wait for the new Stillwater bridge

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Keep Your Land "Wildlife Friendly"

One great thing about owning wooded acreage, there is plenty of wildlife to see and hear. And if you'd like help to keep your "wild area" wild, consider joining the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This program provides funds and advice on how to restore and keep up your land with native plants and provide the best enviroment for wildlife.

For an overview of this program, see this page on the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge's site Private Landowner Assistance or visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service website Habitat and Resource Conservation

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