Chapter 5 Statewide Needs and Resources

The previous chapter described specific, » Some needs and resources are not well named Legacy Places (arranged by ecological enough understood to identify the most Statewide needs landscape) believed to be critical to meet appropriate places to try to protect. Groundwater recharge areas are ’s conservation and recreation needs and resources examples of such a resource type. over the next fifty years. In addition to these places A. groundwater recharge » there are potentially others that will also be critical Some species have habitat requirements areas and places impacting that are geographically diffuse or the needed public water supplies to meet future needs, but which are difficult habitat is not continually stable from year B. lakes and undeveloped to specifically identify for a number of reasons. to year (e.g., mudflats and ephemeral wetlands, shoreline Reasons why these “statewide needs and resources” which are critical to meet the needs of migratory do not fit well in the preceding chapter include: shorebird as stopover sites, can change over time C. large working forests depending on seasonal weather conditions). D. Prairies and savannas » Some resources are scattered through- To be sure, many of the specific Legacy out the state and are more appropriately E. Recreation areas Places previously described address some of evaluated as a resource type rather than F. Scattered natural areas these statewide needs and resources. Yet, there by ecological landscape. Wetlands are will likely be other places worthy of protection G. Trails an example of this type of resource. that are not captured in the 229 named Legacy H. Wetlands » Some important places are small Places. What follows is a brief description, arranged and widely distributed around the state. alphabetically, of needs and resources that occur High quality natural areas (e.g., prairie either scattered throughout the state or where remnants, old growth forests, pine barrens, flexibility exists in where protection efforts oak savannas, and others) are an example. may best be focused. No doubt, over the next fifty years, this list of statewide » Some resources occur in several locations; needs and resources will evolve. which of these are most appropriate to protect

Don blegen will likely be more dependent upon factors such as future threat and opportunity. Trempealeau River delta Large working forests are an example of this type of resource. » Some needs could be met at a variety of sites. Identifying appropriate places to meet these needs will be more a function of location and public demand and acceptance, rather than natural resource attributes. Identifying places in close proximity to urban centers to meet growing recreation demands is an example of this type of need.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 209 pumped and can range in size from a few areas. Additionally, there is an opportunity to Examples of municipalities Examples of municipalities A. Groundwater recharge city blocks to several square miles. Many combine efforts to maintain large undeveloped with known vulnerable using surface sources areas and places impacting communities attempt to protect all or part of rural landscapes for farming and forestry with aquifers or recharge areas: for drinking water: these areas by managing potential sources efforts to protect and maintain groundwater. Beloit public water supplies of contamination, particularly parts of the Appleton Current source water assessment efforts Chippewa Falls Ashland recharge areas nearest public wells. When Water we use in our daily lives comes from will likely be completed soon and can be used East Troy Cudahy two sources: either from surface waters or from recharge areas extend beyond a community’s Eau Claire Green Bay to determine which of these public water systems can groundwater aquifers. Nearly all rural residents jurisdiction, it is far more difficult to coordinate Hudson Kenosha benefit most from various protection strategies. Once and implement adequate protection measures. Janesville Manitowoc have individual wells that draw groundwater the assessments are complete, further prioritization La Crosse Marinette to provide for their needs. Most of Wisconsin’s Urban centers using Lakes Michigan, can be conducted with input from communities, Merrill Menasha large urban centers use surface sources for Superior, and Winnebago for public water counties and regional planning commissions. Mosinee Milwaukee drinking water (Lakes Michigan, Superior, Plover supplies typically draw water from intake pipes Neenah and Winnebago account for almost all of this use). At left are lists of some municipalities Rhinelander that are placed off shore. As a result, rivers and Oak Creek where efforts to protect drinking water sources Spooner Oshkosh Major cities drawing from surface waters are listed streams that drain into these lakes near intake would provide substantial benefits. These include Sturgeon Bay Port Washington at left. Madison and several other cities in the state pipes likely have a significant, if not the most Wausau municipalities relying on aquifers or recharge areas Racine draw groundwater to provide drinking water. significant, impact on the quality of these commu- Whiting Sheboygan that, based on data currently available, are most nities’ public water supply. Efforts to maintain South Milwaukee Of course, all areas of the state play some vulnerable to contamination and drawdown problems. and improve the quality of these surface waters, Superior role in the quality and quantity of water in our Also included are municipalities that use surface through continued emphasis on reducing point- streams, rivers, lakes and underground aquifers. sources for drinking water and thus would source discharges and non-point pollution, could As the dominant land uses in the state, forests benefit from efforts to improve water quality significantly reduce costs associated with treating and farmlands play a critical role in supplying in nearby streams and rivers flowing into public water supplies as well as reduce health risks surface and groundwater. Some sites, however, Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Winnebago. have a significantly greater influence than others in the event of a failure in the treatment process. on the water that ends up in our surface and “Point” sources are those that originate from a groundwater. For example, underground aquifers single location such as an effluent pipe; “non-point” can be thought of as enormous sponges encased sources are diffuse and primarily result from run- in a jumble of impermeable layers. In places with off from urban streets, construction sites, and farm very sandy or rocky soils, water on the surface can fields. As with groundwater, some lands within a enter underground aquifers quickly; in other places, watershed have a greater influence than others on impermeable clay soils can prevent the precipitation surface water quality. Lands immediately adjacent from ever entering the groundwater. Water flows to surface waters can significantly impact their within these “groundwater sponges” as well, moving water quality. Buffer strips along streams, rivers horizontally and vertically in response to water and lakes can dramatically improve water quality draining into and flowing out (or being pumped out). by reducing the amount of sediments, excess nutrients, and pollution entering surface waters. Contaminants can enter groundwater and affect drinking water supplies years before the Protecting areas that significantly contribute source of contamination is identified. Thus, finding to surface or groundwater used for public water The water cycle and mapping where groundwater recharge areas supplies could be an effective way of simultaneously are located is a high priority for the Department protecting public health and providing a variety of and local units of government, particularly those ecological and recreational benefits. Places important recharge areas that are most significant in in maintaining the quality and quantity of public replenishing groundwater used in public water water supplies will in many (if not most) cases be supplies. Wisconsin’s Wellhead Protection and near large urban centers, a characteristic that Source Water Assessment Programs have delineated meshes well with the desire to provide recreation most of the recharge areas that contribute water opportunities close to where residents live. When to public drinking water wells. The shape and establishing greenways, open space, or parks within size of these areas depend on well construction, or close to urban centers, added consideration should hydrogeologic setting, and amount of water be given to source water protection and recharge

210 Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources Wisconsin Land Legacy Report fed on by fish, frogs, and other animals. Many Figure 122: Change in housing density across northern Wisconsin, 1940 to 19902 B. Lakes and undeveloped lakes have a variety of substrates along their shoreline shores—gravel, sand, and silt—that provide places Wisconsin is blessed with an extraordinary for fish and frogs to lay eggs and habitat for many number and variety of lakes. Most lakes are insects such as mayflies and dragonflies. Together, 1940 housing density by partial block group in the northern and eastern parts of the state, this complex environment provides places for north- dotting the path of the glaciers. Although few in ern pike, bluegill, bass, and other fish to spawn, number, the largest lakes comprise the vast majority feed, and hide. Loons, ducks, geese, and other water of the state’s almost one million acres of lake surface. birds nest along banks and feed on aquatic plants At the other end of the spectrum are the many small and the insects and fish they harbor. Wildlife such lakes. Of the approximately 15,000 documented lakes as frogs, otters, and mink spend most of their lives in Wisconsin, almost three-quarters are less than along shorelines. Remarkably, eighty percent of the 25 acres in size; two-thirds are less than 10 acres. plants and animals on the state’s Endangered and Many of these small lakes occur in concentrated Threatened species list spend all or part of their life areas coinciding with glacial activity. Vilas and cycle within the near shore zone and as many as Oneida Counties contain one of the most densely ninety percent of the living things in lakes and rivers concentrated assemblages of lakes in the world. are found along their shallow margins and shores. Shorelines, in particular, are exceedingly Lakes have long drawn people to fish, play, important in maintaining a lake’s health and boat, and relax on their shores. Studies and surveys the diversity of its aquatic biota. In their natural repeatedly show that for most people, simply looking state, shorelines are commonly a mix of aquatic out across a body of water is enough to make us and wetland plants including sedges, bulrushes, feel a sense of contentment. However, reflecting or cattails, grading into shrubs and trees as one their aesthetic and recreation appeal, most lakes moves up onto dry land. Trees often fall into the have undergone substantial changes in the last fifty water and slowly decompose. Decaying vegetation years. Prior to World War II natural shoreline was supports a wide array of insects that in turn are the norm on Wisconsin’s lakes, particularly in the north. Private homes were scarce, crowding meant seeing someone else on the lake, and oars powered Figure 121: Number of lakes in each county1 boats. Our way of life started to change after World 1990 housing density by partial block group War II; people left farms for the cities and went to college. The number of women working outside the home grew and the idea of owning a little getaway on the water took root. As the demand for lake frontage grew, large plots of land were subdivided. The maps in Figure 122 show changes in housing density in northern Wisconsin from 1940 to 1990. In addition to the rapid growth of suburban areas in the southern part of Wisconsin, these maps illustrate the pressure undeveloped lakes and shorelines are under in the northern part of the state. Similar analysis of lakeshores by Department staff shows that since 1965 the number of homes on lakes has doubled and two- thirds of previously undeveloped lakes now have some level of development on their shores. Keyhol- ing, the practice of establishing a relatively narrow shoreline lot that serves as an access point for

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 211 Figure 123: Public access to Wisconsin lakes Lake name County Notable features Potential needs and opportunities 3 (named lakes and unnamed lakes over 20 acres) Big Green Lake Green Lake Wisconsin’s deepest natural lake with Control of nutrients and sediment a maximum depth of 236 feet and mean from its large watershed (57,000 acres). of 104 feet. Its size combined with excellent Silver Creek is the main tributary. Eight Boat ramp or pier water quality and clarity make it one of small streams also drain into the lake. 23% Wisconsin’s outstanding water resources. The presence of cold water habitat offers 9% opportunities for lake trout management . Limited access (provided by a road Trout Lake Vilas Approximately 80% of the shoreline is held Continued protection of one right-of-way or indirect in public conservation land. Trout Lake is one of Wisconsin’s aquatic gems. access along some form of a handful of lakes over 100 feet deep and is Prevent future introductions

on of inlet or outlet stream

d one of only two lakes with naturally reproducing of exotics. Restoration of lake el to the lake) h lake trout populations. trout population. . S B A. 18% Lake Mendota Dane One of the most studied lakes in the world, Control of nutrients and sediment, Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) basking Wilderness or the head of the Yahara Lake Chain graces from both urban and rural areas of 50% walk in trail Wisconsin’s capital. The lake supports a diverse its large watershed. Rehabilitation of No public access (these are access routes aquatic community and receives very high adjacent wetlands. Management of water several “backlots” that do not abut the water, within public land holdings) recreational use. The lake has good water levels to restore adjacent marshes. can dramatically increase boating traffic and quality given the degree of urban and agricultural use in its large watershed. the clearing of shoreline vegetation. This can lead Lulu Lake Walworth Lulu Lake, a 95-acre, 40-foot deep, hard- Management of boating activity to a rise in user conflicts and have a detrimental In response to this land use pressure, and water drainage lake, is situated in the abruptly and recreational use. Management effect on the ecology of the near shore zone. in recognition of the conservation and recreation rolling topography of the interlobate moraine of Eagle Spring Lake, immediately of southeastern Wisconsin. The lake water is downstream, can influence the Although a growing number of counties and values of lakes, the state established a requirement clear and supports excellent plant and animal fish and plant communities. towns are implementing a variety of measures for zoning areas near the shoreline and county communities. Much of the shore is sedge meadow. An outlet stream flows through sedge meadow intended to reduce the adverse impacts that shoreland zoning ordinances have been adopted. to Eagle Spring Lake. East of the lake is a small increased shoreline development brings, it Lake classification systems are also being estab- bog surrounded by tamarack forest with a appears likely that development pressures lished in most of the northern counties to help good complement of northern bog species. on and near lakes will continue to escalate. ensure that development and recreation levels are Whitefish Lake Douglas An example of outstanding water quality Protection and restoration of nearshore compatible with each lake’s ability to support them. Shorelines are often dramatically altered and excellent nearshore habitat along habitat along developed shorelines. Lake classification may be a tool that can assist undeveloped portions of the lake. when cabins and houses are built. Many property in remedying frustration and disappointment owners “fix up” the shoreline by removing down Waupaca Waupaca Marl lakes that maintain their water clarity Protection and restoration of near- over conflicting water uses. Although these efforts trees, cutting back shrubs, and establishing grass Chain of Lakes despite exceptionally intensive recreation use. shore habitat on highly developed lakes. have resulted in some protection, considerable Management of motorboat activity. lawns down to the water’s edge. Some bring in sand work lies ahead if remaining undeveloped to create swimming beaches. In so doing, landowners, and lightly developed lakes are to often unwittingly, destroy the very environment that Given the sensitive nature of undeveloped sailing, and water-skiing. For lakes that are remain in their natural state. drew them to lake front property in the first place. or lightly developed lakes, specific lakes extensively Mowed lawns send rain runoff carrying fertilizers, Although protection efforts that do not rely on that may be of highest conservation and developed, there are often many opportunities pet waste, and lawn clippings into the water where acquisition of land rights will likely be increasingly recreation significance are not listed here. to address conservation and recreation needs, they fuel algae blooms that make swimming less important in protecting lakes and their water quality, ranging from efforts to improve water quality Wild, undeveloped lakes, however, are not the enjoyable. Without a buffer of native aquatic plants, public access to lakes and along lake shorelines to restoring aquatic habitats and species to only ones worthy of conservation and protection waves erode away the shore. Songbirds that had is another concern for many people. Currently, controlling exotic species. The table above lists efforts. As stated before, each lake is unique with nested in shrubs and trees along the shore are half of the named lakes and unnamed lakes over some examples of lakes with high conservation its own set of needs and opportunities. Many lakes replaced by geese, which are attracted to manicured 20 acres have some form of public access. A far and recreation values and some potential needs with housing along their shore, even substantially lawns and leave behind substantial quantities of smaller percentage of lakes have places where and opportunities. This list is not meant to be developed ones, have ecological and environmental droppings. Sand dumped into the lakes can cover people can get out of boats, stretch their legs, comprehensive, but rather is intended to give value. And, of course, nearly all large, developed gravel spawning beds and silty areas that harbor and explore the shoreline. As such, there is readers an indication of the variety of lakes lakes are heavily used for a variety of recreation all stages of insect life. Bit by bit, as lakefront considerable interest in protecting through that harbor important conservation and activities including swimming, boating, fishing, lots are developed and subsequently altered, some form of acquisition these remaining recreation values. the cumulative impact results in lower fish undeveloped, “wild” lakes as well as signifi- numbers, reduced water clarity, and an often cant stretches of undeveloped shoreline, not dramatic loss in the biological diversity that only to maintain critical fish and wildlife the lake and its surroundings support. habitat, but also to provide opportunities for the general public to use and enjoy them.

212 Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources Wisconsin Land Legacy Report C. Large working forests Figure 124: Industrial forest and public conservation lands in Wisconsin4 Wisconsin’s forests have played a leading role in shaping our state’s history and culture. From Lake Superior Native Americans’ hunting and gathering of plen- tiful forest resources, to the Cutover period of the early 1900s, to the current expansion of our forests, Wisconsin’s woodlands have influenced how the people of the state view natural resources and Bayfield Douglas approach land stewardship, both to meet our Minnesota Michigan needs and those of future generations. Although Ashland Iron most of Wisconsin’s approximately 16 million acres

of forest land is owned by private individuals, usually Vilas in relatively small parcels, a significant amount is Washburn Burnett Sawyer owned in large tracts by industrial forest companies Florence and other private corporations (including utilities). Oneida These lands, referred to here as “large working Price Forest forests,” are primarily managed to provide pulp- Polk Rusk wood and sawtimber for local mills and are a Barron Marinette critical component of Wisconsin’s forest-based Lincoln Langlade economy. Although many owners of these large Taylor

tracts seek to maximize their economic returns Chippewa St Croix Oconto over time, some others, notably utilities, do not Menominee Dunn Door need to (or choose not to) focus as much on yearly Marathon timber sales. As a result, they have more latitude Shawano Pierce Eau Claire Clark in their approach to management. These owners Pepin

are able to more fully incorporate other issues into Kewaunee Wood Portage Waupaca Brown their long-range plans, including wildlife habitat, Outagamie recreation opportunities, aesthetics, cultural Buffalo Trempealeau Jackson resources, and water quality. Almost all of these Manitowoc privately-owned, large working forests are located Waushara Winnebago Calumet in the central and northern parts of the state. r Monroe Juneau Adams eye La Crosse m These working forests have several characteristics Marquette mas Green Lake o Fond du Lac h that make them well suited to provide conservation T Sheboygan Lake Michigan and recreation benefits. Maybe most importantly, Vernon Wisconsin woodlands these forests are typically held in very large blocks, Columbia in some cases tens of thousands of acres, with little Sauk Dodge Ozaukee Richland Washington fragmentation in ownership. As has been mentioned previously, large blocks of land can accommodate Crawford certain ecological functions and recreation activi- Iowa Dane Jefferson Waukesha Milwaukee ties that are simply not possible on smaller tracts. Iowa Often these lands are adjacent to or very Grant State Racine near large public properties and as such help Federal Green Walworth buffer and connect county, state, and national County Forest Lafayette Rock Industrial Forest Kenosha parks, forests, and wildlife areas. The importance of buffering and connecting public lands has

received increasing attention as they have become Illinois increasingly surrounded by various types of development. Even in cases where the working

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 213 Robert queen 214 Harvesting trees Harvesting

Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources and Needs Statewide 5: Chapter

1930s, enrolled1930s, lands have been bought and sold Although some lands were withdrawn from the Forest Law,” open and are the to public for hunting value when realized Small the harvested. are trees working forest enrolled land these are in programs, These tax deferralThese tax programswere born out of a 50-year contract50-year period and paying apercent of the known asthe “Forest and Crop the Law” “Managed large workinglarge forests now are undergoing rapid long term sustainability. Landowners that elect to lands, they provide still substantial buffering and high qualitywetlands,high and undeveloped lakes MFL lands are also open also and lands skiing, are for hiking, MFL undeveloped. Lastly, pockets of old forests, growth in their forin property annual return in taxes prac- the industrial forest lands have been sold the in last or contract 50-year the 25- expired. However, these soundticing forestry management over or a25- the holding annual of costs these lands thereby reducethe to forest structured are programs tax generateto income. response situation, In this to are being withdrawnare of from the programs. Over 90% as companies’ business strategies have changed. component integral an of industry. the tourist local popular recreationare destinations often and are andof theseAboutand FCL fishing. three-quarters a long term commitment. Unlike row crops that enrolled oneare in of two state forestry programs, scatteredare through many of these forests. different significantly from are adjoining public private individuals that have active maintained the in program past, most were re-enrolled when private landowners program. this enroll in also can produce amarketable product each year, owners enroll in theenrollreduction in programsget asignificant encouraging management practices that focus on sightseeing. aresult, these As land large holdings recognition that sustainably forests managing is from one forest products company another to or to few some years. In these cases, lands have shifted forests managed for are successional stages that ownership changes and asignificant number of acres of forest land must wait decades trees harvest to often referred asthe to programs.” “forest tax connecting benefitsconnecting because therelatively are lands Currently, just over one acres of million large The majorityThe of these working large forests Since these the began in programs” “forest tax

voluntarily sell the development rights from their Legacy program. Wisconsin is participating Wisconsinis program. Legacy this in The program allows program The these be managed lands to for keeps the lands open for some recreation uses, lands while continuing own the to underlying title. housing sites along lakes and rivers), it appears not have withdrawn them from the and program have been sold development to companies that dient the is economic that return companies can tices, helps forest-based local maintain industries, the past decade,incentives the financial currently be asufficientto deterrentin manyAs the cases. the contract, end or or MFL ofFCL 50-year the 25- and helps keep these forests blocks. large in a penalty imposed is for withdrawing lands before given the rapid land prices in increase (particularly program throughprogram which owners of forest large blocks ests from being fragmented and developed. One economics of the forest industry have changed over solution that emerged has the is federal Forest sales and withdrawals, but important an ingre- subdivided the property lots. intosmall reap by prime selling development parcels. Although forest products following best management prac- forest management. other In the cases, lands offered may not prevent these working large for- Figure There are a variety of factors driving these avariety ofThere are factors driving Landowners Private

57% 125:

Forest ownership in Wisconsin in ownership Forest Industrial Forest Companies 7% Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Land Wisconsin Corporations 5 Private 4% American Counties and Municipalities Native Tribes 2% Government Government 15% Federal State 10% 5%

Although all of the state’s original plant Figure 126: Prairies and savannas of Wisconsin, 1850s and 2003 6 D. Prairies and savannas communities have been altered over the past

With the uplifting of the Rocky Mountains 200 years, few have been as widely impacted Lake Superior millions of years ago came an enormous rain as prairies and savannas. With settlement and shadow that led to the formation of the mid- the introduction of the moldboard plow, much of continental grasslands. Few trees could survive Wisconsin’s prairie and savanna was converted to the harsh conditions (parched summers and frigid farming. Those that were not plowed often were used winters) that blanketed the Plains. In the area that for grazing or succeeded to forest, primarily due would become Wisconsin, the drying affects of the to fire suppression activities that prevented fires Minnesota Michigan Rockies gave way to the mixing of warm, moist air from periodically maintaining their open aspect. rising from the south and cool winds from the north. As a result, many prairie and savanna plants are Here, the vast prairies that dominated lands to now restricted to the small remnants scattered the west and south were able to establish only through southern and western Wisconsin. periodic footholds as major climatic changes washed in and out of the state. Prairies made Approximately 2,000 acres of prairie remain in their most recent incursion into the southern Wisconsin (0.1% of the original acreage) most of and western part of what is now Wisconsin which is either quite wet or dry. Of the intermediate approximately five to six thousand years ago. type, the “mesic prairie,” only about 100 acres of an original one million remain and these are in small As a result of being located at the junction (often linear), scattered parcels of a few acres at of this “climatic mixing zone,” large portions of best. To put this 99.99% loss into perspective, the the state also harbored the natural communities state also contains about one million acres of lakes forming the transition from open grassland to forest. (not including Lakes Superior and Michigan). For Savannas were the communities in the middle of this a 60-acre lake (about the size of the average lake continuum and depending on soil, topography, climate, in Wisconsin), a corresponding loss would shrink fire frequency and intensity, and other factors, they the lake down to 260 square feet—about the size were a shifting mosaic of sun-loving to shade tolerant of a 2-car garage. Of the oak savanna communities, species. Open-grown trees, with their thick bark an estimated 10,000 acres of oak and pine barrens resistant to the effects of the fires sweeping though remain (0.25% of the original) and 500 acres of the grasses and forbs, were scattered at varying oak openings (less than 0.01% of the original). densities. In The Vegetation of Wisconsin, Curtis Prairies and oak openings are widely regarded divided these savanna-like areas into four categories: as two of North America’s most endangered oak openings, oak barrens, pine barrens, and natural communities. cedar glades. Because of the importance of several species of oaks in these communities, they are often Yet, despite this massive land use change, Lake Michigan collectively referred to as the “oak savannas.” many prairie and savanna animal species adapted to the agricultural-dominated landscape by making Original land survey records of the 1830s use of “surrogate” habitats. Up until the 1950s, Iowa indicate there were 2 million acres of prairie and many Wisconsin farms in the southern and western probably close to 10 million acres of the four types parts of the state were diverse operations that of oak savanna. Together, they represented almost contained a mix of corn, small grains, pasture, one-third of the state and were dominant components hedgerows, and woodlots. With some notable Areas of the state dominated by of the Western Prairie, Western Coulee and Ridges, exceptions (including large mammals—bison, prairie and savanna (including barrens) habitats in the 1850s (as identified Southwest Savanna, Southeast Glacial Plains, elk, and wolves—and several species adapted by Robert Finley, 1976) Central Sand Plains, Central Sand Hills, Northwest to specialized habitats, such as ornate box Locations of remaining prairie and savanna remnants Sands, and Northeast Sands ecological landscapes. turtle and the long-billed curlew), many birds, mammals, and herptiles were able to

maintain their populations at relatively stable Illinois levels by utilizing these modified habitats.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 215 216 Plantain Indian Prairie N L Fritillary Regal Sallow Pink L Skipperling Powesheik B Karner E Frosted Swamp Metalmark Red-Tailed L Prairie Invertebrates B G B O G Slender Western L Y Warbler Kirtland’s O Sparrow Henslow’s Franklin’s G Vertebrates E Fame-Flower Prairie O Rattlesnake-Root Rough O White-Fringed Prairie B Hairy Clustered B B Marbleseed B Prairie Y Coneflower Pale-Purple L Small White Hill’s Thistle Clustered Poppy-Mallow Sweet-Scented Indian-Plantain G Dunewort Prairie TailsKitten Milkweed Woolly Foxglove Roundstem Plants Wisconsin in concern of Figure Pale FalsePale Foxglove

oggerhead Shrike oggerhead iatris B iatris ake L Huron Foxglove arleaf ellow- G ellow utler’s G utler’s Prickly-Pear rittle ell’s Vireo Rattlesnake-Root odding reater Prairie-Chicken reat Indian-Plantain rnate B G hio wl Short- wl

127: Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources and Needs Statewide 5: Chapter eardtongue oldenrod B Moth orer ush-Clover lue B lue reasted Chatreasted ox Turtle entian lfin arter Snake arter

Some of the prairie and savanna savanna and prairie the of Some E roomrape Squirrel round ared ocust utterfly ady’s-Slipper eafhopper lass L lass 7 rchid izard Trimerotropis huroniana idalia Speyeria carnosa Psectraglaea beeriana Papaipema powesheik Oarisma samuelis melissa Lycaeides irus Callophrys muticum Calephelis rubranura Aflexia bellii Vireo Tympanuchus cupido butleri Thamnophis ornata Terrapene attenuatus Ophisaurus ludovicianus Lanius virens Icteria kirtlandii Dendroica flammeus Asio henslowii Ammodramus franklinii Spermophilus Tomanthera auriculata Talinum rugospermum ohioensis Solidago crepidinea Prenanthes aspera Prenanthes leucophaea Platanthera hirsutus Penstemon fasciculata Orobanche fragilis Opuntia molle Onosmodium leptostachya Lespedeza alba Gentiana pallida Echinacea candidum Cypripedium hillii Cirsium triangulata Callirhoe tuberosa Cacalia suaveolens Cacalia muehlenbergii Cacalia campestre Botrychium bullii Besseya lanuginosa Asclepias skinneriana Agalinis gattingeri Agalinis species species

An unintendedAn consequence of the widespread A) C) B) what become has decades-long population declines D) the early and frequent changed. mowing of alfalfa, adoption of more intensive practices farming is notably disturbances, of agricultural and timing prairie andprairie savanna flora, fauna,and remnants practices agricultural response in changing to extensively converted row to crops, and the nature economics. Pesticides were applied with increasing for several and prairie savanna vertebrate species. frequency, and pasture acreage were grain small adoptedfarms more intensive agricultural can be summarized in the in following be summarized categories:can In the 1950s and 1960s, though, the andIn 1960s, many 1950s Threats to the future survival of our thenative to survival future Threats » » » » » » (e.g., honeysuckle, common buckthorn, vetch, parsnip, purple etc.) loosestrife, Continued loss of remnants (both Resistance to the to Resistance use of prescribed Continued loss of post-settlement, Invasion by aggressive exotics fire asa managementfire tool high qualitysiteshigh and those moderately degraded due by grazing) to: birds), due intensive to agriculture and urban development. (especiallyand savanna animals surrogate habitats used by prairie reed canary grass, leafy spurge, leafy crown grass, reed canary

drainage and conversiondrainage conversion of traditional homerural development public opposition removal tree to inappropriate planting tree accelerating invasion by woody unmanaged bluff prairies will bluffunmanaged will prairies invading dry bluffinvading at prairies dry such timber/fiber production but prairie) crops grazed to be completely overgrown) and fire managementand fire neededto a rapid rate yearsmost that 20 in growth (e.g.,growth now are red cedars prairie pasturesprairie (unplowed restore or maintain openrestore or maintain habitats for wildlife, aesthetics,for wildlife, and of wet farming to prairie

Thomas meyer E) may need follow to ensuring paths. three First, the genetic diversity of many and plants, insects, the long-term protection parcels of of remaining and savanna remnants with compatible land use prairie andprairie savanna. Although these (and small in soil organisms.soil prairie Second, buffering existing support viable populations of many mammals, birds, some cases tiny) sites may not currently be able to or herptiles, they will be critical in maintaining or herptiles, maintaining in be critical they will Spring Green Prairie in Sauk County Sauk in Prairie Green Spring Protecting ourand prairie savanna ecosystemsProtecting which results patch in isolation and the Continued habitat fragmentation, harmful to vertebrate to animals. harmful creation especially is of edge effects. This

fields, etc.) that many specieshave adaptedwill to However, buffers many in in maintaining cases, mosaics of and prairie savanna habitats. Although have become “overgrown,” mostharbor rem- still ing various types and various intensitiesing types of farming. thein absence many of periodic fires savannas the surrogate habitats old (pastures, fields,hay be sufficient. Third, restoring several restoring large-scale be sufficient.Third, and controlled and prairie These large burns. nant populations of plants of typical more open practices, restored especially native vegetation. successful if integrated intoalandscape if successful support- savanna restoration likely projects be most will conditions and could be restored through thinning Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Land Wisconsin

The largest population centers are located Figure 128: Percent of Wisconsin residents living within 50 miles of each township 9 E. Recreation areas primarily in the southern and eastern parts One of the reasons Wisconsin has long been of the state. Of the fifteen largest cities in the a leader in conservation is that our population state, only Eau Claire and La Crosse are north- has understood that how we manage our lands west of a line drawn from Green Bay to Madison. Lake Superior and waters directly influences our quality of life Thus, to maximize the number of people served, and our economic health. Two of the most renowned establishing new recreation areas would need Superior conservationists of the late-nineteenth and early- to focus primarily (but not exclusively) in twentieth centuries, John Muir and Aldo Leopold, the southern and eastern parts of the state. Bayfield both came from Wisconsin. Many people attribute Douglas Although some recreation activities can this to the conservation stewardship culture Minnesota Michigan be accommodated through acquisition of just Ashland that pervades our state. Today, surveys and polls Iron consistently find that Wisconsinites highly value public access rights (e.g., easements that pro- their natural resources and demand that they are vide fishing access to streams), for most outdoor Vilas recreation activities providing public use of an appropriately protected and used. However, over Washburn Burnett Sawyer the past fifty years, there has been a significant area is best met through outright public acquisi- Florence tion of lands. A long-standing dilemma in provid- change in our population’s exposure to, and daily Oneida Price Forest contact with, the outdoors and there is concern ing recreation opportunities is the cost of land in areas that are accessible to large numbers that younger generations may not have adequate Polk Rusk opportunities to experience and understand of people. The cost of land typically increases as Barron Marinette one moves closer to urban centers. Yet, the closer Lincoln the natural world. In 1950, 42% of Wisconsin’s Langlade residents lived in rural areas and 174,000 farms that lands are to cities and villages, the greater Taylor the number of people that will be able (and who were active. Many private lands were open to the Chippewa Marathon St Croix Oconto Menominee will take the time) to use them. Thus, spending Wausau public for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Urban Dunn Door residents typically had at least one relative $10,000/acre to establish a recreation area that Shawano will be used by hundreds of thousands of people Eau Claire that lived on a farm or owned rural land. Pierce Clark a year may be viewed as a bargain compared with Pepin Eau Claire Portage Kewaunee Now, two-thirds of Wisconsinites live in Wood lands that are distant from population centers and Stevens Point Outagamie Green Bay urban settings, fewer than 78,000 farms remain sell for $1,000/acre but would rarely be used. Waupaca in the state, and many residents have little, if any, Buffalo Appleton direct connection to current rural landowners. For Of course, some types of outdoor recreation Trempealeau Jackson Brown require expansive amounts of land in a fairly many residents, daily life has become more hectic Winnebago Manitowoc and fast-paced with less time to devote to pursuing natural state. Given the smaller parcel sizes and Waushara Calumet Manitowoc more manipulated habitats that typically occur La Crosse Oshkosh outdoor recreation pastimes that take hours of travel Juneau Adams closer to urban areas, it is not realistic to propose Marquette Fond du Lac to reach. As we have become progressively more La Crosse Monroe establishing places to provide hunting, wilderness Fond du Lac Sheboygan distant from our farming and forestry heritage, Green Lake Lake Michigan a corresponding need to help keep people connected camping, and similar activities near large cities. Vernon Sheboygan to the natural world has developed. One of the most However, smaller tracts can support many other types of recreation including boat and canoe launch Columbia effective ways to educate citizens on the myriad of Sauk Dodge Ozaukee Richland Washington issues surrounding land and water management sites, shore-fishing sites, swimming beaches, and shooting ranges. Activities that require larger Crawford Dane —the environmental benefits that wetlands provide, Iowa areas include ATV riding, horseback riding, dog- Waukesha Milwaukee the different plants and animals found in different Madison training and exercising, and off road biking. Jefferson types of forests, how water quality can be affected Iowa Waukesha Although participants in these activities by urban runoff, to name a few—is simply to 2000 Population within Milwaukee 50 miles of each Township Grant prefer natural settings, these activities do Rock get people outdoors, watching and listening Walworth 0.0 to 5.0% Racine Racine not require high quality natural habitats to Janesville to nature. And the easiest way to do this is to 5.1 to 10.0% Lafayette Green provide places close to large population centers provide high quality recreation experiences. 10.1 to 20.0% Kenosha Indeed, some types of recreation that could 20.1 to 30.0% Beloit Kenosha for walking, fishing, wildlife watching, camping, 30.1 to 40.0% be destructive to high quality natural areas 40.1 to 55.0% biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, Illinois and other outdoor recreation activities. should be located only in less sensitive areas.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 217 Some lands that were formerly used for Separating recreation areas of statewide other purposes can be restored for recreational importance from those of local or regional impor- use very successfully. Examples of lands that tance is a difficult, subjective process. For lands Great Wisconsin Birding have been turned into recreational assets include and waters in more developed parts of the state and Nature Trail Havenwoods State Forest Preserve in Milwaukee it becomes even more complex due to the fact that Would you like to know the best times (established from the combined lands of a former a large percentage of our population now “ lives, and places to watch peak hawk migrations? missile base and a county institution), Richard works, and plays” in urban /suburban areas. Areas Want to watch ancient lake sturgeon migrate Bong State Recreation Area in Kenosha County of natural vegetation in urban environments tend upstream to spawn? Are you a shutterbug hoping (an area originally slated for an Air Force base), to be small, isolated, and to varying degrees to photo wildflowers in profusion, chaotic heron and Wazee Lake Recreation Area in Jackson impacted by invasive species. However, although rookeries, and dancing sharp-tailed grouse? If so, County (an abandoned open-pit iron mine that they typically allow a limited number of recreation the newly forming series of Great Wisconsin Birding filled with water and now provides swimming, activities (walking, wildlife watching, canoeing, and Nature Trail might be just for you. The trail— scuba-diving and fishing opportunities). fishing, etc.), they tend to be very popular and in essence a series of five regional auto tours — receive far more visitors than most larger, less- Water-dependent facilities must obviously will be comprised of a string of “waypoints” disturbed lands that are further away. In many be located on bodies of water of sufficient size which direct travelers to the best places in an cases, their educational value cannot be overstated. and quality to accommodate the desired use, area to observe birds and wildlife. Some of the but for many land-based activities, the location Purchasing, developing facilities, and con- waypoints will provide opportunities to walk, of these “opportunity” recreation areas is not ducting ongoing maintenance at parks, forests, bicycle ride, or even canoe to enjoy some directly dependent upon the natural character- and preserves within population centers has of the state’s most spectacular scenery.8 istics of the land. As such, these recreation areas historically been viewed as a local issue, although Nearly everyone seems to enjoy watching could potentially be accommodated in many many communities have received federal and wildlife. In survey after survey, “wildlife watching” different places. As rural residential housing state grants to help fund them. As a greater is by far the most popular outdoor recreation increases, the amount of available land on which and greater percentage of our residents live in activity cited. Nearly 60% of the state’s adult to establish outdoor recreation areas diminishes. urban/suburban areas, it may be appropriate for population is estimated to participate in wildlife state and federal governments to provide more Establishing new public properties to meet the watching. Furthermore, driven by changing lifestyles support to local communities in their efforts to growing demand for outdoor, nature-based recrea- and shifting demographics, it (in particular bird provide quality outdoor recreation opportunities tion opportunities can have different types of impacts watching) is one of Wisconsin’s and the nation’s (and help meet water and air quality needs). on nearby landowners and local businesses. As fastest growing outdoor recreation activities. queen rt such, they can generate different levels of support Successfully meeting the demand for easily The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail obe r and opposition from local residents. Particularly in accessible outdoor recreation areas will be less hopes to accommodate and nurture this growing demand by combining information on the best Cross country skiing rural areas not accustomed to many visitors, some a function of the ecological qualities present, and local residents may see little value in attracting much more a function of location, the variety sites and times for watching wildlife with travel more campers, trail users, hunters and anglers, and of recreation activities that could be supported, information describing food, lodging and other other recreationists. Although some local businesses community and landowner acceptance, availability nearby points of interest. By connecting nature may benefit, nearby landowners are often concerned of funding, and the opportunity to acquire an destinations to local tourist services, the trail about increased traffic, noise, and trespass violations. adequate amount of land. The places ultimately hopes to help link local economic benefits Efforts to establish new places for public recreation chosen—places for grandparents to teach with natural resource protection efforts. will need to work closely with local landowners to grandchildren birdcalls, the names of flowers, The trail is a project of the Wisconsin Bird ensure that their needs and expectations are met. where to find morels, when to reel, and how Conservation Initiative, a cooperative partner- to throw a good skipping stone — will play a ship (120 endorsing members) to deliver the critical role in helping generations to come full spectrum of bird conservation emphasizing understand and enjoy their natural world. voluntary stewardship. The DNR’s Endangered Resource Program is taking the lead on developing the trail and has planned five initial trails: Lake Superior / North Woods, Mississippi River, Lake Michigan, Central Sands Prairie, Southern Savanna. Similar Great Birding and Nature Trails are being developed in 14 states nationwide.

218 Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Glacial Lake Wisconsin, talus slopes, eskers, caves, Figure 129: State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 10 F. Scattered natural areas and ice-walled lake plains. Because of the state’s Wisconsin harbors a diverse mix of natural unique glacial history, some of North America’s Lake Superior biotic communities and native species. Many most striking examples of glaciation are found of the 229 Legacy Places previously described here and form the foundation of the Ice Age Minnesota Michigan collectively contain much of the biological diversity National Scenic Trail. In addition to their geologic that exists in Wisconsin. However, some species attributes, many of these places also harbor and natural communities have very limited unusual, and often rare, plants and animals. distribution or only occur at small scattered locations around the state. As a result, there will In 1951 Wisconsin initiated the country’s continue to be a need to find and protect these first statewide program to identify and protect small pockets of critical habitat—both those that areas of outstanding and unique ecological, geo- support rare species and those that harbor the logical, and archeological value. Now known as highest quality examples of natural communities. the Wisconsin State Natural Areas program, its primary focus is to establish a collection of protected In some cases, these species and natural sites that capture the breadth of the state’s natural community types were once far more common than heritage and the ecological processes on which they Lake Michigan today and the remaining pieces and populations depend. These natural areas are vital to scientific tend to be fragmented and isolated from each other. research because they provide the best remaining Examples include all prairie types, southern sedge examples of natural processes acting over time Iowa meadows, and oak savannas. For species that depend with limited impacts from human activity. As on these natural communities, for example Henslow’s such, they are valuable benchmarks against which sparrows, regal fritillary butterfly, and purple milk- the Department, the academic community, and weed, protecting the remaining parcels of habitat others can evaluate the affects of humankind’s is a crucial first step in their survival. increasing influence on Wisconsin’s landscape. Other species and natural communities have The Wisconsin State Natural Areas program historically had only a very limited distribution in has grown to become the largest and most success- the state. Wisconsin sits at the very edge of some ful program of its kind in the nation. Over 400 r eye species’ ranges such as the arctic shrew, barn owl, sites, totaling more than 150,000 acres, have been m western ribbon snake, and Kentucky coffee-tree. mas designated as State Natural Areas. These sites o th Although these species may be much more common range from Ipswich Prairie, a 20-acre prairie in other parts of the country or Canada, maintaining Snow Bottom State Natural Area in Grant County remnant along an abandoned railroad line that these edge-of-range populations is believed to be very harbors over 125 plant species, to Quincy Bluff, important in preserving the genetic diversity species a 5,000-acre complex of very high quality sedge need to adapt to changing environmental conditions. meadow, northern dry forest, and oak barrens. Finally, for a small number of species and Clearly, the Legacy Places described earlier natural communities such as Karner blue contain many places that would be worthy of pro- butterflies, whooping cranes, calcareous fens, tection through the State Natural Areas program. and pine barrens, Wisconsin plays a central Indeed, State Natural Areas are scattered within role in their long-term conservation and and near many of the Legacy Places. However, there protecting key sites remains a high priority. will continue to be a need to protect those small, Other sites that play an important role isolated pockets of the landscape that have helped in maintaining the state’s natural diversity sustain the incredible diversity that once graced include those where migratory birds concentrate our state. Some of these places might be large, in large numbers in the spring and fall, places but most would likely be only a few hundred where thousands of bats or snakes come together acres in size. Collectively, they will help main- to hibernate each winter, and unusual geologic tain a link with the past when humans features, including the castellated mounds in lived more closely with nature.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 219 Robert Queen 220 Horseback riding in Governor Dodge State Park State Dodge Governor in Horsebackriding

Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources and Needs Statewide 5: Chapter

» A generation ago, it was common use atrail to and and trails thenAmericans Euro-Americans, G. Trails First created by animals, later created by used byFirst animals, Native variety of get asameans different to outdoors. trails world. Ahundred yearsago, recreation the primary which Superior Lake linked the to Mississippi River. would later become the foundation of our road The numberThe users dramatically ofhas increased trail have Wisconsin for crisscrossed Trails millennia. management system. meeting up with adozen others over the course headwaters of the and Brule the Rivers, St. Croix Midwest. Some examples network of our trail include: urbanized, peopleurbanized, have increasingly looked a to in recentin yearsand people have found new ways du Chien between and the portage trail historic the to enjoyto by inventing trails new vehicles (e.g., ATVs and uses horseback weretrail hiking the in riding Road” that from Fort ran Howard the “Military the state’s early history. Much ofweb this of trails and snowmobiles) and converting others (e.g., off and not seeor hear anyone else. Even on many and aspassageways experience to the natural and from one goods another to area for most of network. of Two the more famous include trails summer and snowshoeing and skiing the in winter. road bikes and in-line skates). aresult, whether As relatively few users, few trail emerged. conflicts rivers were the thoroughfares that moved people for or riding, paddling, now walking, trails form of trails, in fact, greater than most greater fact, than in otherof trails, states the in one of the cornerstones of our current recreation of aday was uncommon. because And there were of the public the lands in southern of the part state, outside of Green Bay Fort to Crawford near Prairie As our populationAs become has progressively Wisconsin has awideWisconsin has variety and number large Now, we for look trails recreation to outlets Nearly every public park, forest, and wildlife terrain, and on purpose. Most these trails terrain, public are, of course, afunctionare, of the property’s size, the in statearea some has developed trail properties well are suited help to meet the need system. length The and complexity of these trails for from afew trips ranging hours aday. to

» » » » » » » Wisconsin’s watching areas. best wildlife Wisconsin River with its popular sandbar theWisconsin is Wild Rivers 125-mile Trail Currently, open most road off trails to biking years. Generally, ATVs allowed are on Existing “waterrange from the 4.5-mile Existing trails” (ATVs) recent in dramatically has grown varied topography terrain. and challenging wide, mapped auto providing opportunities trail The newlyThe created Great WisconsinBirding milesofstreams perennial With 32,000 Although horseback demands riding a increased substan- road also has Off biking vehicles terrain popularityThe of all stateThe boasts at also miles least 15,000 theWisconsin is nation’s leader the in Long Lake Canoe Trail in the in Upper Canoe Trail Lake Long Mississippi Trempealeau the to 92-mile reach of the Lower River National near Refuge and Fish Wildlife miles of on recreational abandoned trails higher financial commitment higher financial than most users. longest The in stretch of “rail-trail” in thein of northern the half state, winding dents. for horseback Trails need riding designated on public trails lands. to seeawide atto variety of some wildlife of provideto abundant water-based recreation. ensure safetyto of both riders and horses. accommodateto the unique needs of horses recent in tially yearsand although many riders through Wisconsin’s scenic countryside and by countless supper clubs and restaurants. and snowmobile ATV equestrian, biking, and Nature Trail system,and be Nature astate- which Trail will lakes, place anatural Wisconsin is and 15,000 quite distantfrom populationare centers. and private lands. Most of are these trails and at least four others over are 70 miles. popular resi- with both urban and rural ride on most the prefer rail-trails, amore which beds, rail have become popular for movementrails-to-trails with over 1,000 other recreation pursuits, with its strong out by snowmobile clubs over both public of snowmobile avast in network trails laid campsites that allow for multi-day excursions. connection earlier to lifestyles, it remains Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Land Wisconsin

In addition to the variety of trails in the bikers, paddlers, and ATV and horse riders passing Figure 130: Current and proposed trails in the State Trails Network Plan 11 state, Wisconsin has many different types of though their area. As trail use increases or new trails trail users. Some people like long distance trails, are proposed, nearby landowners are often concerned

others prefer shorter trails that can be covered in about increased traffic, noise, and trespass violations. Lake Superior only a couple of hours. Some like the speed and With more trail users and more types of uses, power of motorized vehicles; others favor the particularly uses that are higher impact, several Superior tranquillity of walking, cross-country skiing, environmental problems can also result. Erosion snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Some along trails can be a constant challenge in hilly like the relatively flat experiences provided areas, particularly for those used extensively by by converted railroad beds, others prefer the horses, ATVs, and off road bikes. Trails also act Minnesota Michigan challenges and scenery of hilly topography and as “vectors” in the movement of invasive plant twisting turns. The number of all types of trail species into areas. Seeds of garlic mustard, purple users has rapidly increased in past years and is loosestrife, spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, and expected to continue to rise in years to come. other invasive plants can be easily spread on Although many miles of trails have been the soles of hiking boots, in the treads of bike constructed over the years, the trail network has and ATV tires, and by horse hooves and dung. not grown nearly as rapidly as the number of users. Looking forward, it is clear that more trails Not surprisingly, with more people using trails in are needed to alleviate both user conflicts and different ways, there has been an increase in conflicts reduce environmental impacts caused by overuse. between users. The most notable and persistent Constructing enjoyable, challenging, and scenic Ice Age Trail conflict is between motorized and non-motorized trails that do not result in erosion, adverse effects participants. People seeking quiet hiking, skiing, on surrounding vegetation, or unwelcome impacts Wausau biking, horseback riding, or paddling experiences to nearby landowners can be difficult. Creating often are frustrated with the noise and disruptions multiple networks of trails that can help separate Eau Claire caused by ATVs, snowmobiles, and personal incompatible users will likely be very complicated. watercraft (“jet skis”). Advocates of motorized Stevens Consistent with demands for camping, hunting, Point Green Bay recreation note that these vehicles allow riders fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities, to access remote areas much more quickly and a concern for many trail users is that most existing Appleton allow many older or less mobile people to enjoy the trails are far from where the majority of the state’s outdoors. There appears to be little, if any, common population resides. No doubt, one of the attractions Manitowoc ground between motorized and quiet trail users Oshkosh of getting away to the outdoors is to get away and thus little value in trying to meet both sets from where one lives. However, the public has of needs with the same trail network. “Multi-use” Fond du Lac Sheboygan repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the distance La Crosse trails are of little value to those seeking a quiet most of the state’s population has to travel to find experience if motorized uses are permitted on the places to go on long walks, horseback ride, off trails. Successfully meeting the needs of different Lake Michigan road bike, and ride ATVs and snowmobiles. types of trail users and minimizing conflicts likely Ice Age Trail will entail establishing a variety of separate trails. In the past, one of the problems plaguing the creation of new trails was that different user Different types of trails have different types Madison groups typically did not see how their needs were Iowa of impacts on surrounding landowners and local Milwaukee represented in a broader trail network strategy. businesses. As such, they generate different levels Waukesha As such, each time a new trail was proposed, many of support and resistance from local residents. groups felt the need to “get their oar in the water” Racine Because of their growing popularity, trials can Trails Janesville and advocate for access. Not surprisingly, this led Open Trails draw more and more users into areas not always Kenosha to a network of predominantly multiple-use trails, Approved Trails accustomed to visitors, particularly in areas Proposed Trails Beloit rather than a network of trails that, collectively, Ice Age Trail dominated by farming. Although some local North Country Trail met multiple uses. Illinois businesses may benefit, many rural landowners may not see any advantage to having more off road

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources 221 In response, the Department worked with water, that would allow multi-day trips down the State Trails Council to develop the State a river or around a lake. Water trails with this In the 1950s, Milwaukee native » Sand Country Trout Streams Trails Network Plan, which was approved by the type of camping opportunities available now include Wisconsin’s National Scenic Trails Ray Zillmer expanded the vision » Hartman & Emmons Creeks Natural Resources Board in 2001. The goal of the the Lower Wisconsin River, the Flambeau River, of a long hiking trail through the » Plover River Plan is to allow different trail users to see how their and around Lake Superior; all are very popular. The Ice Age Trail Kettle Moraine by continuing it west » langlade Moraine needs might fit into a broader vision of a statewide The State Trails Network Plan only addressed Over the past 2 million years, along the southern-most edge of the » east and West Branches trail network. In addition to the 1,600 miles of long-distance, natural feature trails in a limited in a period often referred to as glacier’s advance. The Ice Age Park of the Eau Claire River existing trails in the state, the Plan identifies (upper-most reaches) way. Largely, this was due to the fact that this type the Ice Age, enormous glaciers and Trail Foundation was started in 1,800 miles of potential new trails on abandoned » Harrison Hills of trail requires an extensive amount of work to repeatedly blanketed and sculpted 1958 to help Zillmer’s vision become railroad beds, along utility corridors, and within » Timm’s Hill plan, design, and implement and was beyond the the earth. These ice sheets were a reality, and in 1980 Congress road right-of-ways. Potential new trails were » yellow (Chippewa) River scope of the Network Plan. Because these trails almost unimaginably large; some formally designated the Ice Age selected based on six criteria: 12 » Chippewa Glacial Lakes follow landscape patterns (such as rivers and geo- were two miles thick and stretched Trail a National Scenic Trail. 1. Proximity to population centers » blue Hills logic features), they typically cross a large number from New York to Montana and The trail’s purpose is to combine that offer connections to a statewide as far south as Ohio. The last major » Haugen-Birchwood Lakeland of landowners, even in a relatively short distance. a hiking and education experience, network of recreation trails. advance of the glaciers, known as » Straight River Channel where users can see firsthand how Wisconsin is home to two of the country’s the Wisconsin Glaciation, ended » big Rock Creek 2. Existing rail corridors with a the glaciers shaped our landscape. most ambitious long-distance, natural feature about 10,000 years ago and left high potential for abandonment. Unlike many other long-distance The North Country Trail trails: the Ice Age Trail and the North Country Trail. behind a landscape of kettle lakes, 3. Existing historical sites, tourist trails, the Ice Age Trail is also A relatively short stretch of this very Both were designated National Scenic Trails by drumlins, eskers, kames, outwash attractions, state and county parks, designed to connect, rather than long National Scenic Trail (at 4,600 Congress in 1980, part of a system that includes just plains, and many other features. and other significant features. avoid, the many cities, villages, miles, it is the longest in the nation) eight such trails in the nation, and designated State And it is in Wisconsin that the and towns that occur along its is in Wisconsin, with more than 170 4. Links to existing national, Trails in 1987 and 2001, respectively. The Ice Age landforms these great glaciers route. Remarkably, more than 20% of the proposed 200 miles completed state, county and local trails. Trail is a thousand-mile trail between Potawatomi created can best be seen. of Wisconsin residents live within to date.13 Trail segments open for 5. Links to interstate trails in Illinois, and Interstate State Parks. The North Country Trail Near the end of the Wisconsin 10 miles of the trail. About 600 hiking and skiing run through Iron Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. is a 4,600-mile trail between the states of New York and North Dakota, with about 200 miles in Wisconsin. Glaciation, long ridges of material miles of the trail have been County Forest, Copper Falls and 6. Natural feature corridors tied to rivers The longest continuous segment of either trail is were formed between the Green completed. Several of the Legacy Pattison State Parks, Chequamegon- and other scenic landscape patterns, about 60 miles. Opportunities to partner with federal Bay and Lake Michigan lobes of Places identified in this report Nicolet National Forest, and Brule including major topographic features. and local governments and non-profit conservation the glacier. It was along these occur along some of the gaps River State Forest, among other ridges (what would become known A large percentage of the trails proposed in organizations on these trails are far-reaching. Given in the route of the Ice Age Trail. lands. The trail traverses a variety as the Kettle Moraine) that the the State Trails Network Plan are along railroad the challenges facing the completion of the Ice Age Acquiring or establishing public of wooded habitats and goes by idea of an Ice Age Trail was born. lines. As mentioned before, trails on old rail beds and North Country trails, it may be most prudent access agreements with landowners numerous waterfalls. A few of Recognizing the future need for are popular for some users, but lack scenic variations, to concentrate on completing them before pursuing along mostly upland tracts in a the Legacy Places identified in this hiking opportunities in the state, topographic relief, and other traits that many trail additional long-distance, natural feature trails. continuous, end-to-end fashion report occur along some of the gaps the Milwaukee Chapter of the users enjoy. Yet, their number, their relatively even through the following Legacy Places in the route of the North Country Of course, it is difficult to anticipate how people Izaak Walton League spawned the distribution around the state, and the fact that they would help complete the trail: Trail. Acquiring or establishing will want to use trails in the future. It appears effort to protect the Kettle Moraine pass through many small and large cities, make » Kewaunee River and Grasslands public access agreements with land- likely that motorized uses will continue to remain corridor in the 1920s. The goal, as them ideally suited to form a “backbone” network » Twin Rivers (East) owners along mostly upland tracts popular (and, no doubt, new motorized vehicles will stated in their 1942 report, was to from which a variety of different trail types emanate. » Millhome Woods in a continuous, end-to-end fashion be invented). Equally clear is that as our population protect a 100-mile Kettle Moraine Establishing even a portion of these potential trails » Sheboygan River Marshes through the following Legacy Places ages and urbanizes, quiet, low-impact trail use corridor in southeast Wisconsin could help alleviate the overcrowding and overuse » Kettle Moraine State Forest would help complete the trail: will also remain popular. Meeting these demands and develop a long-distance trail afflicting many existing trails and help reduce con- » Middle Kettle Moraine » Penokee-Gogebic Range will require the continued collaboration of the “for hikers and skiers.” The report flicts between users. Many of these potential trails » lake Koshkonong to » bad River recreation industry, recreation and conservation further recommended that “hilly run through Legacy Places previously described. Kettle Moraine Corridor » bois Brule River land should be acquired before organizations, local governments, government » Shoveler Lakes-Black Earth Trench » Namekagon-Brule Barrens marshy land” and that “a long Most of the rivers identified as Legacy Places agencies, and most importantly, landowners. » baraboo Hills » Manitou Falls-Black River connected area should be acquired could someday function as quality water trails. » Portage to Buffalo Lake Corridor » nemadji River and Wetlands Of particular interest to many paddlers and boaters before an acquired area is widened.” » oxford Savanna are isolated campsites, accessible only from the

222 Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources Wisconsin Land Legacy Report jack bartholmai Wisconsin L Wisconsin Black-Crowned Night Heron ( Heron Night Black-Crowned a n d L d e g a c y Re y Nycticorax nycticorax Nycticorax p o r t

) H. Wetlands Although wetland conversion enabled landowners, (e.g., pothole” “prairie wetlands, isolated marshes, variety of species. Wetlands associated with streams very conservation high value for avariety of plants werein the and filled with drained past only waters become more erratic, with higher wetlands have beenorsurface filled, drained water or stream wetlands large along the lower Rock River,Rock store and can then slowly release ment that programs encouraged landowners to often restraint, asaresult of govern-minimal uses. Many wetlands the in southern, central, in quality in surface water surface qualityin in flows following heavy impacts the to distribution and abundance of a described previously include, centered or are tiled to createtiled to highly productive land. agricultural there was arecognition that process came this be important meet to environmental, future bor unique features or species. However, many and eastern parts of theand parts eastern state were ditched and of veryexceptional are large, are quality, or har- wetlands.around, most In the cases, wetlands and benefits they provide.Many organizations result.and publiccan infrastructure a corresponding quantity in increase and decrease and rivers, whether bogs at the of source acold of these and filling wetlandshave can substantial chieflyand amphibians.and animals, birds Draining and wetlands adjacent seepage to lakes) often have at other acost to citizens and the environment. peak flowspeak and lower low flows. Asa result, precipitation following these storms. As types previously idle it land, wasn’t later until that environmental and functions, ecological values significant impacts habitats,to significant property, storms. Importantly, watersheds in where many farmers in particular, to generatefarmers to particular, in income from of wetlands converted are there typically is other wetlands throughout thealso state will or wetland complexes these within Places Legacy convert them more to economically productive conservation, and recreation needs. Wetlands now are widely for the recognized Wetlands not associated with flowing water Once regarded aswaste wetlands land, Many ofLegacynamed the Places specific,

Morning birdwatching Morning Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources and Needs Statewide 5: Chapter

223

Robert Queen 14 Figure 131: Wetlands in Wisconsin and agencies now work together with landowners » Ephemeral wetlands important to migrating on a variety of voluntary protection and restoration and breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, and projects. Some efforts, such as the North American Lake Superior herptiles, especially in southern Wisconsin. Waterfowl Management Plan and the National Shorebird Conservation Plan, are very large in » Wetland areas that are critical components scale and involve many partners. Others are of an area’s hydrology and water quality. focused on Wisconsin. Some of the groups most Protection strategies for existing wetlands active in wetland protection and restoration could take on many different forms. If future

Minnesota in Wisconsin include the Natural Resource generations are to enjoy the many benefits Michigan Conservation Service, Ducks Unlimited, The that wetlands provide, it will be particularly Nature Conservancy, the Wisconsin Wetlands important in the years ahead for landowners, Association, the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, organizations, and agencies to build the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Coastal Zone off of past partnership successes. Management program, and the Department.

Watersheds Two “Farm Bill” programs offered by the USDA, Footnotes the Wetland Reserve and Conservation Reserve 1 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Lake Partnership. See http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/ Programs, have been instrumental in providing cost- water/fhp/lakes/partners.htm. sharing assistance that enables farmers and other 2 Stewart, S. I., Hammer, R.B., Radeloff, V.C., Dwyer, J.F., & Voss P.R. landowners to voluntarily restore many wetlands 2003. Mapping Housing Density across the North Central U.S., 1940–2000. Available: http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/IntegratedPrograms/lc/pop/hd/title.htm. and adjacent uplands. Maintaining open space These maps were created as part of a joint venture between the USDA around wetlands will be critical in continuing their Forest Service’s North Central Research Station and the University ability to provide environmental and ecological of Wisconsin-Madison. The maps are reproduced here with permission. 3 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin Lakes. benefits. As with other areas of conservation value, Publication number FM-800 95Rev. For the most recent version, wetlands benefit when they are located within, and see http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/lakes/list. buffered by, land uses such as agriculture and 4 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin Forests at the Millennium: An assessment, 2000. forestry. Not only do these adjacent open spaces 5 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. provide habitat values to species occupying wetlands, Wisconsin Forests at the Millennium: An assessment, 2000. but the pervious nature of farmland and forest soils 6 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. also prevents runoff from entering wetlands as Natural Heritage Inventory program. 7 quickly as it often does in more developed settings. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Natural Heritage Inventory program. See http://www. Although many wetlands have been dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/working_list/taxalists/. 8 See http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/birds/trail.htm.

protected and restored there are several 9 Lake Michigan This map shows the percent of Wisconsin residents living within types of wetlands and areas within the 50 miles of each Public Land Survey township. A 50-mile radius state that should be specifically targeted circle was drawn around each township and the population values for all census block groups occurring within this circle were for future protection and management. totaled and divided by the state’s total population. Examples include: 10 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Natural Areas Iowa program. See http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/. » Large sedge meadows and marshes. 11 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. » High quality, large cattail and bulrush State Trails Network Plan. 2001. 12 marshes (both shallow- and deep-water), See http://www.iceagetrail.org/infocenter/index.html. 13 See http://www.northcountrytrail.org/explore/ex_wi/wi.htm. especially those adjacent to lakes. 14 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Map Open and Shrubland Wetland » Wild rice lakes and bogs. produced from WISCLAND data of the mid-1990s. Forested Wetland » Great Lakes wetlands.

Illinois

224 Chapter 5: Statewide Needs and Resources Wisconsin Land Legacy Report