Encompassing over about 200 miles and four counties, the Plover River watershed is home to many lando wners and wildlife habitat. It is classified as a Class 1 trout stream from the headwaters in Langlade south to County Highway N. The $9,911 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will help landowners living along the Plover River to conserve their natural property for future generations. The grant allows the North Central Conservancy Trust to continue a Plover River watershed protection project in Portage and Marathon counties. The goal of this project is to develop and disseminate materials and educational programs that inform and encourage private landowners to utilize voluntary conservation options as a means to protect priority lands near the Plover River that provides wildlife habitat, ecological services, and recreational opportunities. One project funded by this grant has Project Director, April Ann Opatik, interviewing and photographing seven of NCCT’s land donors.
These stories will be featured in a “magazine-like” spread. It will include personal stories, ties to the land, and beautiful photographs of nature produced by April. “It’s been a true pleasure being able to meet with our land donors and get to know what their personal ties to the land are. I know I have passion for land conservation, but overall it has been an inspirational journey to talk directly with landowners who have a conservation easement on their land. Moving forward, I hope this project will inspire and motivate others to pursue the option of a conservation easement and preserving our land. I couldn’t be more grateful for having the opportunity to have done this for NCCT, worked with the staff and board members. I truly thank them for their time, this opportunity, and kindness,” April stated. The grant project will help provide educational resources so that landowners are aware of how they can permanently protect their private land. Stay tuned for more updates regarding this grant-funded project and as always, please contact us if you have any further questions.
Click to view NCCT’s first video, Leaving a Legacy: A Conservation Easement Story!
