Permanent Shoreland Protection

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.

Permanent Shoreland Protection Tools
How lake associations can partner with land trusts

Article written by the Northwoods Land Trust, in collaboration with Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association.

New study shows the economic impact of clean lakes

As a follow up to investigations into the economic value of waterfront properties in Oneida and Vilas Counties, researchers from UW-Eau Claire, researched the link between water clarity and the sale prices of waterfront homes. This research project was proposed by the Vilas County Land & Water Conservation Dept. and the Oneida and Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Associations, and funded by grants from the Lumberjack RC&D and the UWEC Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Read more “New study shows the economic impact of clean lakes” →

Healthy Lakes Grant

Funding for Shoreland Property Owners

Do you want to attract more fish to your shoreline? What about keeping your shoreline from eroding away? Or maybe you’re just interested in doing the right thing to improve the water quality on your lake? Vilas County Land & Water Conservation Department is seeking lakeshore property landowners wanting funds to improve lake water quality or shoreline habitat.
Read more “Healthy Lakes Grant” →

VCLRA Scholarship awarded to local student

The Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) was pleased to award its inaugural scholarship to Lakeland Union student, Joseph Boyle.  The annual VCLRA scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior and Vilas County resident aspiring to make a positive difference in the world by choosing to further their education in natural resources or a related field.

Read more “VCLRA Scholarship awarded to local student” →