Landmark Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving Wisconsin’s natural legacy, is working to protect 160 acres of forest along Whittlesey Creek in Bayfield County, an area crucial for both wildlife and water quality.
The site includes over 3,000 feet of Whittlesey Creek, a Class II trout stream that flows into Lake Superior. The forest’s mix of northern hardwoods, red pine, aspen, and swamp conifers provides diverse habitats for wildlife and serves as an important stopover for migratory birds. This area is key to maintaining the ecological integrity of the entire Lake Superior watershed.
On June 17, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded a $91,415 Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grant to Landmark Conservancy for the project. Additional support comes from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management Program grant, and the current landowner has offered to sell the property at a discounted price.
Once the purchase is complete, Landmark Conservancy plans to transfer the property to Bayfield County. The county will then manage the forest long-term, keeping it open for public access while ensuring it is responsibly cared for. Hikers, bird watchers, and anglers will continue to enjoy this beautiful piece of Wisconsin’s Northwoods for generations to come, all while knowing it’s being preserved for wildlife and water quality.
Featured image by Joshua Mayer, 2016.
