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Conservation easements in Wisconsin reflect national movement

NCCT signed three more conservation easements in December, bringing the total to 38 easements in the eight-county area they serve in central Wisconsin. Easements in Portage County were signed with Barbara Curwen, whose property includes a portion of Pallen Lake and adjacent wetlands in Town of Sharon; and with Alan and Laurel Young, whose 77 acres in Town of New Hope is mostly forested. NCCT also signed an easement on 47 acres along the Yellow River owned by Dale Drackley in Town of Richfield in Wood County.

Alan Haney, President of NCCT, reported that in addition to the three easements, NCCT was given several properties in December. A 40-acre property in Marathon County will provide protection for Rice Lake, a spring-fed lake forming part of the headwaters of the Plover River. Another 12 acres of property spanning a narrow neck between Clear and Half Moon lakes in Lincoln County will protect some of the shoreline of both bodies of water. Two properties in Adams County that were used as a family retreat, totaling 303 acres, also were deeded to NCCT. All properties will be sold with appropriate easements to ensure that they remain permanently protected.

NCCT, a non-profit land trust, assists landowners in development of conservation easements that, once completed, they continue to monitor and enforce. The purpose of conservation easements is to permanently protect land that contributes to landscape aesthetics and the environment. Most landowners retain ownership and continue to have the benefits of their property, including agriculture and multiple-use forestry, while enjoying the satisfaction of knowing their land will be protected in perpetuity.

Land trusts are one of the most rapidly growing conservation movements in the country. Since 2005, an additional 10 million acres of land have been protected by conservation easements in United States, bringing the total to 47 million acres, an area greater than the size of Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, the 58 state land trusts have protected 119,960 acres by conservation easements, an increase of 56% since 2005.

Conservation easements are especially attractive because they allow landowners complete control of their property while agreed-upon restrictions provide permanent protection for public benefits such as water quality, flood control, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. Protected land does not have to be opened to the public. Moreover, those choosing to protect their land with conservation easements are usually eligible for state and federal tax benefits. The ultimate benefit from protected land, however, is received by the broader public who enjoys the beauty and diverse natural environment of central Wisconsin.

Gathering Waters Conservancy completes an annual survey of Wisconsin’s land trusts and released a Wisconsin census report in 2010. Similarly impressive results included a 261% increase in acres protected by land trusts in Wisconsin from 2005 – 2009.

Book on Woodland Management
for Non-foresters

One Family's Forest is a novel about a fictional Wisconsin family struggling to keep their farm intact from one generation to the next. They are surprised to learn that their unmanaged woodland is an important asset. The woodland helps Henry and Rebecca Chapel deal fairly with their three children, all of whom share the great love their parents have for the land they have worked for over 40 years.

The authors, Alan Haney and Lowell Klessig, cover the details of woodland management through sidebars and appendices to avoid interrupting the flow of the story. With decades of experience in woodland management, both Alan and Lowell draw heavily from their personal experience as well as their professional training in forestry and human dimensions of natural resources. The touching story of the Chapel family is appealing enough, but the book also offers guidance in forest management for those with minimal experience. It covers topics from how to hire a consulting forester and preparation of a good management plan to setting up a timber sale and making maple syrup. Preparation of the book was recommended by a working group convened by Wisconsin Family Forests, Inc. in 2006. Printing of the book was covered by a grant from the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board, so it is free to anyone wanting a copy. If interested, please send your name and address with $5 to cover shipping and handling to:

Lora Hagen E1757 Moen Rd. Iola, WI 54945

If you would like multiple copies to share with relatives, neighbors, or friends, you may request up to five (5) copies, but please include $5/copy for shipping and handling.

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