A priority of the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) is to assist landowners in conserving sizable properties to protect our world-class water resources. Permanent land conservation is one of the most effective ways to safeguard our lakes and rivers.
The Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association (VCLRA) is partnering with NWLT to advance a Shoreland Protection Legacy Initiative to reach more landowners on Vilas County’s 1300 lakes and 70 rivers. Both organizations are promoting permanent land protection tools as a means to ensure our waters stay healthy, productive and clean.
Natural forested areas and undeveloped shorelines play a big part in maintaining water quality and wildlife/fish habitat long-term. Moreover, protecting more land today will reduce the need to restore degraded water resources tomorrow.
Private landowners hold the key to preserving remaining natural shoreland areas. Community-based conservation with a nonprofit land trust like NWLT is local, voluntary, and (importantly) permanent. Landowners that protect the land they love also provide greater public benefits in the form of clean water and air, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty.
Below are two articles that we encourage Lake Associations to share with members in your newsletter and communications. There will also be a Shoreland Owner Workshop on June 26th in Eagle River on best practices and programs to protect water quality and habitat, as well as permanent conservation options through NWLT. Registration is required. More on the workshop here.
Article written by the Northwoods Land Trust, in collaboration with Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association.
