Real Estate Program: Land We Buy

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) buys lands within the boundaries of established projects that are managed for various purposes, such as fisheries, wildlife, and recreation.

The WDNR purchases land within:

Fishery and Stream Bank Protection areas along streams, rivers, and lakes to protect water quality by reducing erosion and run-off, and to improve habitat and fishing opportunities.

Wildlife Management and Habitat Restoration Project areas to provide habitat for wildlife such as waterfowl, grouse, turkey, and grassland songbirds. These areas also provide places for the public to enjoy watching wildlife, hunting, and other types of recreation. Read more about Wildlife Areas.

Forestry Project areas to protect forested lands that provide forest products, protect watersheds, and provide outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and cross-country skiing. Many of the WDNR's larger project areas are state forests such as the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Black River State Forest, and Kettle Moraine State Forests. Read more about the Forestry Legacy

State Parks, State Trails, and Recreation Project areas to protect lands that have scenic, recreational, historical, archaeological, geological, and natural value. These areas provide facilities and programs for the public to enjoy. In addition, the WDNR purchases linear tracts of land, such as abandoned railroad rights-of-way, to provide trail-based recreation. Parks, trails, and recreation areas provide opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, swimming, picnicking, and boating. Read more about State Parks and State Trails.

Wild River Projects and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Project to protect the wild and scenic nature of Wisconsin waterways. Specifically, the WDNR purchases land along the Pine, Pike, and Popple Wild Rivers, and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway to protect their unique natural qualities. The WDNR provides facilities to make them accessible for compatible recreational use such as canoeing and fishing. Read more about the Wild Rivers

Natural Area Project areas to preserve natural communities such as prairies, savannas and forests, and land harboring rare species. Some areas have trails and offer other compatible recreational opportunities. Read more about State Natural Areas.

Legacy Places reported in the Wisconsin Land Legacy Report. The report identifies the places considered most important to meet Wisconsin's conservation and recreation needs over the next 50 years: lands and waters critical to conserve for native plants and animals and their habitats; places that will most effectively provide satisfying outdoor recreation; lands that should be protected to reach future goals; places our children and grandchildren wish we had protected. Read more about the Land Legacy Report.

Other project categories include:

• Statewide Habitat Areas
• Public Access Areas
• Fish Hatcheries
• Priority Watershed Project Areas

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