Gov. Jim Doyle and The Nature Conservancy announced that the conservation group would get a $2.1 million grant from the state Stewardship Fund to help purchase and protect 971 acres in the Border Lakes area of northeastern Wisconsin.
They said the acquisition of the Tenderfoot Forest Reserve west of Land O'Lakes in Vilas County will protect nearly four miles of undeveloped lakeshore on Mirror, Roach and Tenderfoot lakes and 500 acres of old-growth forest, which they described as the largest remaining expanse of old-growth forest in private ownership in the state.
After the purchase is completed, the land will be open to the public for recreation, including canoeing and kayaking, motorized boating on Tenderfoot Lake, hunting for whitetail deer and ruffed grouse, and fishing.
"When I think of Wisconsins Northwoods, its places like Tenderfoot that come to mind-pristine lakes and big, majestic trees where bald eagles nest," Doyle said.
"Thanks to the partnership between land trusts like The Nature Conservancy and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, places like Tenderfoot will exist for future generations to enjoy. The Stewardship Fund is an investment in our economy, our quality of life, and our future."
The Conservancy will purchase the land from the Rahr family, which is originally from Manitowoc where it brewed beer and made malt for the beer industry.
Guido R. Rahr, the father of the current owners of Tenderfoot Forest Reserve, served on the Wisconsin Conservation Commission for 23 years, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s.
"My grandfather bought the first piece of land at Tenderfoot 120 years ago, and my family has cared for the land ever since," Frederick W. Rahr said.
"We've had bald eagles nest in the trees near the house and seen wolves cross Tenderfoot Lake in the winter. Its a special place, and we don't want to see it change. That's why were working with The Nature Conservancy to make sure that it is protected for future generations long after we are gone."
The Nature Conservancy said the Rahrs will donate more than $1 million of the value of the land to the group. The organization also said the family was giving the Conservancy 12 months, interest free, to raise the additional funds needed to complete the deal.
Steve Bablitch, chairman of the group's Wisconsin chapter, said its goal was to raise $2.4 million in private money for continuing ongoing conservation efforts in the area.
Matt Dallman, The Nature Conservancy's director of conservation for northern Wisconsin, said that, although some surveys still needed to be finalized, the group expects to assume ownership by mid- to late-September.
The Stewardship Fund, through which the state borrows money each year to buy land for recreation, wildlife habitat, state parks, trails, forests and other natural areas, is named after former Govs. Warren Knowles and Gaylord Nelson.Associated Press via Madison's The Capitol Times
