Wisconsin's Forest Legacy Program

2004 Project - Holy Hills

Congressional District: 9^th District

General Description
Nine targeted properties near the Town of Erin and the Holy Hill Region. Holy Hill is on register of National Historic Places and draws over 300,000 visitors per year. Last vestiges of unbroken forest are found here and are comprised of rich upland forests, extensive wetlands, natural lakes, and a diversity of wildlife.

Public Value of Property:

• Protection of Oconomonwoc and Little Oconomonwoc watersheds and drinking water for towns.
• Dramatic vistas and high scenic values.
• Part of largest remaining hardwood forest in Washington County.
• Identified as critical species habitat in SE Wisconsin.
• Portion of National Scenic Ice Age Trail crosses area.
• Protects the only existing significant block of remaining forest in the SE region of Wisconsin.
• Cultural and historic values associated with old monastery and trails.
• Will allow controlled public access including hunting.

Importance of Protection:

• Close to 2 major urban areas, Chicago and Milwaukee. Urban sprawl, annexations and growing population putting extreme pressure of conversion on land, fragmenting the forest and adversely impacting water quality.
• Washington Co. is one of fastest growing counties in WI, development will result in loss of only remaining habitat for many plant and animal species.

How the property meets program criteria:

• Enhances existing local efforts (government and private) to protect and retain forest, historic and scenic values of landscape.
• In 2000 State passed new legislation recognizing the priority of protecting the Mid-Kettle Moraine area.
• Would act as an important connection between the North and South units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
• Buffers National Scenic Ice Age Trail, a cooperative project between the U.S. National Park Service, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation and its various volunteer groups around the State, and the counties through which the trail passes. The trail is one of only eight national scenic trails in the United States.

READY:

• Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, Mid-Kettle Moraine Partner Group, Town of Erin, and others supportive.
• Local efforts have been going on for past two years. Potential tracts have been identified and initial contacts made.
• The State has developed a model easement for the Forest Legacy Program, only minor adjustments are made for specific situations for all Forest Legacy projects.
• Support from Senators Kohl and Feingold.
• Initial appraisals complete.
• Landowners have been identified and contacted.