Why Protect Your Land
photo by Trace Frost
Conservation Easement Landowner Stories
Common Reasons for Protecting Land
Cultural preservation
Land in Central Wisconsin holds indigenous, colonial, as well as family ancestral history worth protecting. Maintain the sense of place and memories families have created for centuries for future generations to experience.
Reduced Water Pollution and Runoff
Retaining and managing forests is one of the best ways to protect drinking water and reduce the cost of water treatment.
Most of Central Wisconsin resides on sandy soils, meaning that contaminated water is able to seep through soils quickly and infiltrate drinking water sources. Increased vegetation helps to prevent this issue.
Maintain Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity
Wildlife needs large corridors to travel throughout the state for migration, mating, and food security.
Maintain local heritage of agricultural land
Across Wisconsin, 22,500 acres of farmland were converted to urban development annually from 1992 to 2010. Nearly as much non-farm land was developed for highways, rural housing, and industrial purposes. In the eight-county area served by North Central Conservancy Trust (NCCT), over 2,100 acres of farmland, and nearly 5,000 acres of open land in total, are developed each year.
Maintain Ecologically Sensitive Areas such as Wetlands and Riparian Areas
According to the Wisconsin DNR, almost 50% of all wetlands in the state have been destroyed. Wetlands serve as water filters, carbon storage, flood prevention, wildlife habitat, and fun recreational areas.
Carbon Sequestration
Soils and vegetation, especially trees, trap carbon and prevent it from releasing into our atmosphere. Carbon release has been directly linked to our changing climate.
