Stewardship fund benefits lakes and lake communities

Released 6/1/05 Contact Tami Jackson (lakeinfo @ wisconsinlakes.org)

The innovative Knowles-Nelson stewardship fund was created in 1989 to ensure that the things people love about Wisconsin—its natural beauty and promise of outdoor fun—will be here for future generations.

To date, the Stewardship fund has helped nonprofit partners, local governments, and the Department of Natural Resources acquire over 225,000 acres of recreational lands, wildlife habitat, and valuable natural areas for the people of Wisconsin. Because of the success of the Stewardship program, Wisconsin residents and visitors can use and enjoy our public land for all kinds of outdoor activities (including fishing, hunting, and sightseeing).

In addition to expanding parkland, increasing opportunities for hunters and anglers and protecting habitat for scores of endangered and threatened plants and animals, the Stewardship program has protected water quality and fisheries and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities by preserving lands around lakes. The list below highlights some of the land acquisitions that have preserved some of Wisconsin's special lakes.

• 7,930 acres for the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (1999)
• 7,585 acres for the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area (1999)
  
• 2,511 acres to create the Woodboro Lakes Wildlife Area (1999)
  
• 1,757 acres to create the Menard Island Resource Area (1999)
  
• 500 acres for Statewide Wildlife Habitat (Roe Lake) (1999)
  
• 440 acres for the Moose Lake State Natural Area (1999)
  
• 317 acres for Statewide Public Access (Little Rice Flowage) (1999)
  
• 2,187 acres for the Tommy G Thompson Centennial State Park, which includes one mile of frontage on Wood and Huber lakes (1999)
  
• 3,221 Buckhorn State Park and Buckhorn Wildlife Area, which includes 8.5 miles of frontage on the Castle Rock Flowage and Yellow River (1999)
  
• 8,720 acres for the Willow Flowage (1997)
  
• 22,345 acres for the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage (1990)
  

The Wisconsin Association of Lakes appreciates the efforts of local lake communities and individuals—made possible with the support of the Stewardship Fund— to preserve these and other special lakes for the enjoyment of all Wisconsin citizens. Maintaining the Stewardship Fund’s financial strength is important for future lake protection projects.