Citizens identify Wisconsin’s special places in new Land Legacy report

The Wisconsin Land Legacy Report lists 229 Wisconsin places that the people of the state have told the DNR are worth special attention and protection in the next 50 years. The Wisconsin Association of Lakes was pleased to provide imput on this report.

The DNR spent three years listening to the public to gather information, local knowledge, and opinions about Wisconsin's land and water. Messages voiced by citizens across the state include:

• Safegaurd our water:
  Citizens not only want clean water to drink, they recognize that abundant and clean water is critical to maintain our native plants and animals, including a large percentage of rare species
• Keep kids connected to the outdoors:
  Citizens want to ensure that everyone has reasonably easy access to the outdoors
• Protect the pearls:
  Small pockets of high quality natural areas remain and citizens hope that many of these can be protected for future generations to enjoy and study
• Keep common species common:
  Citizens voiced concern that more needs to be done to prevent species from becoming rare.
• Promote partnerships:
  Citizens want to collaboratively partner with the Department individually, through organizations, and via local governments— to maintain and protect Wisconsin's natural heritage.

The result of these conversations is the 250 page Wisconsin Land Legacy report. The report is filled with maps, photos, illustrations and charts about the legacy places and eight other areas identified as statewide needs and resources. The eight areas are groundwater, lakes and undeveloped shoreline, large working forests, prairies and savannas, recreation areas, scattered natural areas, trails and wetlands.

Find out more about Wisconsin's Land Legacy (exits site)...