Open Space Fall 2004

West Wisconsin Land Trust

Open Spaces

Volume 8, Number 2

Cover Story

Maiden Rock Bluff Saved

By Britta Lee and Alicia Ness

Anyone who has traveled the Great River Road, or has spent the day on the Mississippi River around Stockholm, Wisconsin, has enjoyed the scenic beauty of Maiden Rock bluff, a highly visible and spectacular landmark on Lake Pepin.

This past summer, in an acquisition seven years in the making, WWLT was able to acquire a 250-acre property that includes Maiden Rock bluff.

Named for the legend of an Indian maiden who took a leap off the bluff rather than marry a man she didn't love, Maiden Rock is the epitome of the kind of natural areas that need protection in western Wisconsin. The property's history, natural resources, and incredible views, in combination with skyrocketing land prices in the bluff region, put the jewel of Lake Pepin at risk Funding for West Wisconsin Land Trust's purchase of the Maiden Rock bluff was secured through several sources including a grant from the DNR Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, the McKnight Foundation, The Sweasy Family Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation and several anonymous donors.

With the Twin Cities just over an hour away, developers had coveted Maiden Rock bluff for many years. Without the help of Minneapolis attorney John Goetz, the land might now be a golf course and housing development. John purchased an undivided one-sixth interest in the bluff because he loves Lake Pepin and its beautiful unspoiled vistas.

"Through the West Wisconsin Land Trust I was able to use my resources to make a difference in the future of Maiden Rock and impact the whole upper Mississippi River," said John Goetz.

"John effectively stopped development of the property single-handedly for a few years, allowing us time to raise the funds necessary to protect the property forever," said Rick Gauger, Executive Director.

While Geotz held development at bay, families and concerned citizens from both Minnesota and Wisconsin gave generously to assist with the purchase of the property. Knowing Maiden Rock's significance to the people that live on both sides of Lake Pepin, the Sweasy Family contributed the final piece of the funding. West Wisconsin Land Trust was then able to leverage these private contributions for grant funding from the DNR Knowles-Neslon Stewardship Program and the McKnight Foundation.

Maiden Rock Bluff attracted significant support due to its unique combination of rare ecosystems providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The land holds a restorable oak savanna, one of the rarest ecosystems in the world, as well as remnants of goat prairies where rare plant species such as cliff golden rod, dragon-wormwood, and prairie sagebrush grow.

It is one of only six bluffs on the Mississippi River where the state-endangered peregrine falcon has nested for several years. It's also along the Mississippi River flyway migration corridor, and is an important stopping point for migrating birds. The property's limestone cliffs provide crevices for timber rattlesnakes, a state special concern species.

Because of these rare and valuable features, Governor Doyle officially dedicated Maiden Rock Bluff as State Natural Area #410 on August 2, 2004. Over 250 people attended the dedication and showed their support for permanently preserving this special place.

"This is a remarkable piece of property that must be protected forever, not only for the natural beauty, but for its historical significance," Governor Doyle said during the dedication.

"Had we not acted to preserve this land at this time, it too might have been developed like surrounding land to the north, a great loss to rare plants and animals."

According to the Wisconsin DNR, State Natural Areas protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape and are often the last refuge for rare plants and animals. To qualify as a State Natural Area, the area in question must be one of the following:

1. an outstanding natural community;

2. a critical habitat for rare species;

3. an ecological benchmark area; or,

4. a significant geological or archaeological feature, or an exceptional site for natural area research education.

In the case of Maiden Rock Bluff, all four criteria are met.

Wisconsin's State Natural Areas are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands. As such, they usually are not intended for intensive recreation.

Parts of Maiden Rock Bluff, however, will be open to the public for light recreation and educational activities. These activities could include walking, hiking, skiing, nature observation, and with permission, hunting. West Wisconsin Land Trust will manage the site as a nature preserve for plants and animals, and the existing natural

conditions.

In the near future, designated hiking trails will be constructed, marked, and maintained. Welcome signs will be erected with information for the public about the site. Species will be inventoried and monitored, such as the peregrine falcon chicks that hatch every year here.

Further enhancement of the site will include building removal and returning soybean fields to tallgrass prairie.

Now future generations will be able to enjoy Maiden Rock Bluff, whether they are watching the peregrines soar overhead, enjoying the view of Lake Pepin, or sharing a picnic atop the bluff. Thank you for your support as we protect natural areas like Maiden Rock Bluff across western Wisconsin.

West Wisconsin Land Trust has established a management fund where all donations directly support the enhancement, restoration and management of the site. Please consider a contribution to the Maiden Rock Management Fund for the preservation and enhancement of one of Wisconsin's unique natural areas.

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Note Worthy

Introducing our New Staff

West Wisconsin Land Trust welcomes three new staff members: Jane Anklam, Britta Lee, and Alicia Ness. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will help WWLT's outreach and land protection efforts.

Jane Anklam works part-time out of our Trego office, educating landowners in northwestern Wisconsin. She comes to us with over 20 years of experience as a Soil Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Jane received her degree in Agronomy/ Soil Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Britta Lee works in the Land Programs department, based in Menomonie. She oversees annual property monitoring, assists with land projects, and works with local governments to include conservation in their planning. Britta comes to WWLT with a degree in Land Use Planning from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Alicia Ness works part-time with WWLT communications and development. In addition to event planning and database assistance, she also helps write press releases and grants. Alicia will receive her degrees in Mass Communications and Political Science from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire this December, and plans to attend law school next fall.

Second Annual

Nature Photo Contest

West Wisconsin Land Trust is now accepting entries for its Second Annual Nature Photo Contest. Members are encouraged to submit their favorite photos of scenic landscapes or wildlife, and may include people enjoying the outdoors as well.

Submissions may be in color or black and white, and must be labeled with the subject's location. Preference will be given for photos taken in WWLT's 17-county region. All submissions are due by December 1, 2004, and the winner will be notified by December 31, 2004.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a $50 cash prize, and the winning photo will be featured on the West Wisconsin Land Trust website and in the next issue of Open Spaces. Please visit our website at www.wwlt.org or call 715-235-8850 for more information, or to receive an application.

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Twin Cities to Alma Bike Ride

by Richard E. Gauger, Executive Director

Commuters undoubtedly enjoy beautiful scenery as much as anyone, but I am convinced they did not enjoy three bikers sharing their road on a Friday morning in late September. Although we were quite a sight to see in our spandex shorts and bright shirts, something about getting to work at 6:45 made us more of a liability than a pleasant distraction. As we negotiated our way from Excelsior through Shakopee, Lakeville, Farmington, and Cannon Falls, the frequent busy intersections ultimately reminded us that the automobile is still king in the suburbs.

In order to travel 125 miles by bicycle in one day, you've got to get up very early! John Tietz, his wife Carrie (our domestique, ala Tour de France), and several friends have been making this trek down to the Tietz' small farm in the Riesch Valley outside of Alma for the past six years. Being an avid biker, I didn't want to miss the chance to combine work with pleasure. Just the thought of traveling slowly down the Great River Road underneath the very bluffs that the West Wisconsin Land Trust works so hard to protect compelled me to join John and his friends for a second consecutive year.

When you are pedaling on the pavement you notice things that you might miss in a vehicle. Maybe it's the speed difference: 12 mph as compared to 60 mph. Perhaps it's being out in the elements. But riding on the asphalt arteries that feed the Twin Cities metropolitan area during morning rush hour is an eye-opener, to say the least.

Fragmentation is an apt description of the landscape as it is impacted by urbanization. Houses occupy larger and larger lots as you move away from the metropolitan area, but the landscape still looks disjointed.

The closer you get to the Twin Cities, the smaller the fragments of wild or natural areas. Towns which once were surrounded by thousands of acres of natural lands or farmland now strive to preserve the remaining hundred-acre parcel in the whole county. Wildlife that requires a certain amount of natural land in order to survive moves onward, while the commuters move to the suburbs.

While the development of new, attractive housing is necessary for the growth of

our region, most current zoning laws allow the residences to be built anywhere on our landscape. Once these landscapes are disturbed and subdivided they permanently lose the ability to support all of the natural beauty we are so accustomed to in western Wisconsin.

Our job at the West Wisconsin Land Trust is simple: preserve the natural character of western Wisconsin. Areas where preservation of natural land is critical are identified and targeted for conservation. This includes areas like the Mississippi, St. Croix and Chippewa River bluffs, stream channels, lake shores, and endangered landscapes such

as prairies or oak savannas. We are accomplishing this job one property at a time, and your membership and financial support is the largest single factor allowing this work

to continue.

As we biked beneath the towering Maiden Rock Bluff, we were about 100 miles into our trip. We all pulled over to look at this historical landmark on Lake Pepin and to alleviate our various aches and pains. While standing and stretching, I was privileged to relay to my fellow bikers that this year the West Wisconsin Land Trust permanently protected Maiden Rock Bluff. Congratulations all you members and supporters. We did it!! Let's keep going!!

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Following in Father's Footsteps

By Rick Remington

How many Wisconsin landowners can claim they have a trout stream, several lakes, farmland, open meadows, and forest all within view of their house? Sally Lewis can. Her unique property includes many of these treasures. It's also adjacent to the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve in Chippewa County.

Sally's father, Thomas Lewis, knew long ago that his property was a special place, and had always hoped to see the land permanently protected.

The land has been in the Lewis family for over 60 years. Thomas Lewis first took steps toward conserving land when he signed a stream easement protecting the headwaters of McCann Creek over 30 years ago.

When Sally inherited the property the ball was in her court. "Once I realized I was responsible, I knew I had to do something to permanently protect this property," she said.

With the goals of her father in mind, and the blessing of her mother, Doris, she decided to move forward. Sally first contacted Mike Dahlby from the Chippewa County Land Conservation Department (CCLCD). Mike reviewed various options with Sally. They decided to call West Wisconsin Land Trust, and WWLT put together a protection package for Sally using funds from the CCLCD, the DNR Stewardship Fund, and the donated value of her remaining development rights, resulting in 240 acres of protected property.

"This is a perfect partnership," according to Rick Gauger, WWLT Executive Director. "The landowner and County, State and WWLT staff worked together to ensure natural areas are preserved."

Chippewa County is rapidly gaining popularity due to its scenic value, recreational benefits and close proximity to Eau Claire. Sally has plans for a cross-country ski trail and a possible retreat center.

The remainder of the land will be utilized much as it has been for many years: as farmland, undeveloped lake-shore, and the protected headwaters of McCann Creek.

Mike Dahlby put it simply, saying "People like Sally are the leaders in today's conservation effort. She's a fine example of a person who is in the position to really make things happen for conservation, now and forever."

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A New Generation of Planned Gifts

by Michelle Dingwall

A recent issue of Taxwise Giving reports a new and exciting alternative to traditional planned gifts. The Donor Managed Investment Account Programs (DMI) enables donors to manage the investment of their contributions after making a gift to a charity.

Donors may make a gift to a charity, to be placed in an investment or brokerage account established in the name of the charity, exclusively for benefit of the charity.

Unlike a donor-advised fund that limits investment selections to a few pre-selected alternatives, the DMI Account Program allows donors to

follow their own preferred investment strategies, choosing from many investments including equities, fixed income, mutual funds, and alternative investments.

This new program allows for any donor to make a significant gift to West Wisconsin Land Trust, through a relatively small initial investment. The initial gift, and all subsequent gifts to the brokerage account, can be deductibles on the donor's annual income tax.

After the donor has managed the investment for a maximum of ten years, the account is liquidated and distributed to the charity.

One example of the substantial possibilities of such gifts: Forty Yale alumni pooled $75,000 as a 25th reunion gift, but kept it invested in a separate fund. Five years later, 31 alums added $300,000 to the fund. By their 50th reunion, they presented Yale with a $90 million gift!

For more information about the Donor Managed Investment Account Program, contact Rick or Michelle at West Wisconsin Land Trust, or your financial advisor.

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Notes from the Field

by Rick A. Remington, Land Program Director

As you drive through the rolling hills of western Wisconsin, you can't ignore the large blocks of forested land that make up our landscape. This is most noticeable in the autumn, when fall colors are at their peak. Rural landowners and urbanites alike appreciate all that Wisconsin's forests have to offer, but it's the owners of these forests who take the brunt of the responsibility for the protection of these lands.

Wisconsin is blessed with 16 million acres of forested land, of which about 30% is publicly owned. Of the remainder, about 11% is owned by timber corporations, and a whopping 57% is owned by private landowners. That's a lot of land! These woodland owners are lucky folks, but this doesn't come without a price. We all hear about escalating property taxes, and I have weekly conversations with landowners who are basically being taxed off their land.

One option I discuss with people is the state's Managed Forest Law (MFL) program. This program is a 25 or 50-year contract with the state, whereby enrolled forested land receives a lowered property tax. In return, the state receives a 5% harvest tax when a timber harvest occurs. A difficulty for some landowners is the fact that they will be required to harvest timber under the program.

A forest management plan dictating the terms is developed prior to signing the contract. The management plan can be developed by local DNR foresters, or certified private consultants. Although it's not possible to completely eliminate timber harvests, the plan can take into consideration the goals and objectives of the landowner, and ensure the viability and aesthetics of the resources are protected. The MFL program is one way landowners can seek financial assistance and help ensure private forests do not fall prey to development.

continued on page 8

Well-managed forests (whether harvested or not) benefit fish, wildlife, water quality, and even the air we breathe. We all owe a debt of gratitude to woodland owners in maintaining our forested rural character. So thank a forest owner today, and plant a tree next spring. Let's help keep Wisconsin's forested landscape healthy for years to come.

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OPEN SPACES is published by the West Wisconsin Land Trust, private, nonprofit land trust organization, dedicated to preserving western Wisconsin's natural character.

Board of Directors

Curt Rohland, President, Chippewa Falls

Robert Cropp, Vice-President, Durand

Barbara Thomas, Secretary, Menomonie

Scott Nicastro, Treasurer, Eau Claire

Earl Anderson, Arkansaw

Sandy Anderson, Gordon

Steve Clark, Cushing

John Goetz, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Linda Keefe, Maiden Rock

Joe Kingman, St. Paul, Minnesota

William Lamb, Menomonie