Wisconsin's Land Legacy

Wisconsinites have a long and proud history of protecting our exceptional natural heritage. Yet, our landscape is changing rapidly in response to pressures and issues unknown only a generation ago. The Wisconsin Land Legacy Report identifies 229 Legacy Places and 8 statewide needs and resources that the public and DNR staff believe are highest priority for conservation going forward.

The Legacy Places range in size and their relative conservation and recreation strengths; they also vary in the amount of formal protection that has been initiated and how much potentially remains. Some Legacy Places, like Devil's Lake and the Apostle Islands, are well-known and have been the focus of protection efforts for decades. Others, for example Oxford Savanna, Hardscrabble Prairie, and the Red River, are unfamiliar to most residents and have received only minimal protection efforts to date. Collectively, these Legacy Places are what "makes Wisconsin Wisconsin."

Published in 2006, the Land Legacy Report has hundreds off stunning maps, photos, graphs and text explaining Wisconsin's natural resources and how they have changed over time. At over 250 pages (11"x17"), it represents the most comprehensive evaluation of Wisconsin's natural resources and recreation opportunities in generations.

Key Highlights

• Identify places critical to meet conservation and outdoor recreation needs.
• 50 year time frame.
• Public involved throughout 3-year study process.
• Report identifies and describes:
  • 229 Legacy Places
  • 8 Statewide Needs and Resources
• Report is an educational resource, not a regulatory document.
• Useful for citizens, local governments, non-profit groups, planners, and others interested in conservation issues.
• 250 pages, full color, 11"x17"
• Available for $15 plus tax.

Ordering a copy of the Wisconsin Land Legacy Report

The full report (DNR PUB-LF-040 2006) is available for $15 plus tax at your local DNR Service Center or can be ordered through the state's Document Sales Office at 800.362.7253. The Document Sales Office charges an additional $8 for shipping and handling, plus tax, and accepts Visa and MasterCard.

Awards

The Wisconsin Land Legacy Report received these awards:

• The 2006 Wisconsin Distinguished Document Award [exit DNR] from the Wisconsin Library Association, Inc.
• The 2006 Scenic Beauty Award [exit DNR] from the Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin, Inc.

Contact information

If you have questions, comments, ideas or would like to be added to a mailing list to receive information about the implementation of the Land Legacy Report, contact:

Land.Legacy@wisconsin.gov
Bureau of Facilities and Lands
608-264-6263