Flora, Fauna and Family: Conserving the Turner Property
Photo from National Resources Conservation Service
by Breanna Draxler
published summer 2007
Cold, flowing waters, prolific agricultural fields and rocky, forested bluffs characterize the 420-acre gem that is the Turner property. Located in northeastern Pierce County, this family-owned tract of land is a unique and valuable example of Wisconsin’s diverse natural heritage.
Thanks to a conservation agreement with West Wisconsin Land Trust in April, this land will now be preserved and protected for many more generations.
The Turner property includes a number of different ecological communities, including mixed deciduous forest, agricultural fields, pine plantations, stream and riparian zones and south-facing xeric slopes. These varying habitats are home to a number of plant and animal species found in this area of western Wisconsin. Large blocks of contiguous forest are critical for migratory and resident neo-tropical songbirds.
The property’s aquatic features are among its most distinctive. The acreage encompasses nearly 6,000 feet of frontage on either side of the Eau Galle River. This waterway is a notable Class II trout stream, and provides vital riparian habitat for the trout, as well as recreational opportunities for fishermen. Inside a large ravine is a stream that proceeds to the Eau Galle; the clean water from this tributary positively impacts the water quality of the river.
In addition to its conservation values, the Turner property has great person value for its proprietors. “This land has passed through three generations of Ann’s family without being significantly changed or developed,” Carter Turner commented. Such a history of environmental stewardship is a testament to the family’s conservation priorities, which they will uphold with this agreement.
“Truthfully, it did give us pause to make a decision that affects our family and community ‘forever,’” Turner admitted, “but after talking it over extensively with our children, we decided that we couldn’t pass on a better gift. It’s satisfying to know that now our farm will remain a beautiful preservation of Wisconsin acreage for future generations to enjoy.”
“The Turners’ commitment to conservation, to this local community and future generations really shines forth with an effort like this,” said Rick Gauger, executive director of WWLT. “Whether trout fishing on the Eau Galle River or enjoying the view from County Highway B, the Turner property is sure to be enjoyed and appreciated by Wisconsinites, both now and in the future.”
This project was made possible through a grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (through the Wisconsin DNR). The agreement allows public access to the Eau Galle River via a walking path. It is the most recent of 25 easements that WWLT has completed in Pierce County, bringing the total to 2,650 conserved acres.
published summer 2007
Cold, flowing waters, prolific agricultural fields and rocky, forested bluffs characterize the 420-acre gem that is the Turner property. Located in northeastern Pierce County, this family-owned tract of land is a unique and valuable example of Wisconsin’s diverse natural heritage.
Thanks to a conservation agreement with West Wisconsin Land Trust in April, this land will now be preserved and protected for many more generations.
The Turner property includes a number of different ecological communities, including mixed deciduous forest, agricultural fields, pine plantations, stream and riparian zones and south-facing xeric slopes. These varying habitats are home to a number of plant and animal species found in this area of western Wisconsin. Large blocks of contiguous forest are critical for migratory and resident neo-tropical songbirds.
The property’s aquatic features are among its most distinctive. The acreage encompasses nearly 6,000 feet of frontage on either side of the Eau Galle River. This waterway is a notable Class II trout stream, and provides vital riparian habitat for the trout, as well as recreational opportunities for fishermen. Inside a large ravine is a stream that proceeds to the Eau Galle; the clean water from this tributary positively impacts the water quality of the river.
In addition to its conservation values, the Turner property has great person value for its proprietors. “This land has passed through three generations of Ann’s family without being significantly changed or developed,” Carter Turner commented. Such a history of environmental stewardship is a testament to the family’s conservation priorities, which they will uphold with this agreement.
“Truthfully, it did give us pause to make a decision that affects our family and community ‘forever,’” Turner admitted, “but after talking it over extensively with our children, we decided that we couldn’t pass on a better gift. It’s satisfying to know that now our farm will remain a beautiful preservation of Wisconsin acreage for future generations to enjoy.”
“The Turners’ commitment to conservation, to this local community and future generations really shines forth with an effort like this,” said Rick Gauger, executive director of WWLT. “Whether trout fishing on the Eau Galle River or enjoying the view from County Highway B, the Turner property is sure to be enjoyed and appreciated by Wisconsinites, both now and in the future.”
This project was made possible through a grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (through the Wisconsin DNR). The agreement allows public access to the Eau Galle River via a walking path. It is the most recent of 25 easements that WWLT has completed in Pierce County, bringing the total to 2,650 conserved acres.
Rebuilding a Class I Trout Stream
Photo credit: Ian Shiell
by Breanna Draxler
published Summer 2007
To date, West Wisconsin Land Trust has conserved 422 acres of floodplain forest and wetland prairie within the Pine Creek watershed. Two parcels totaling 233 acres have been purchased by WWLT with grants from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. An additional 189 acres have been preserved through conservation agreements with private landowners.
West Wisconsin Land Trust’s Pine Creek Nature Preserve is open to the public, and provides opportunities for light recreation such as fishing, hunting, hiking and bird watching. These activities are currently being enhanced through a stream restoration project.
Pine Creek is a direct tributary of the Mississippi River and is a part of the Mississippi Flyway. This corridor of closely connected water bodies extends the length of North America and is used as a travel route by thousands of migratory birds. Pine Creek is also a Class I trout stream; each of the three miles of steam conserved by WWLT is home to over 3,000 native brook trout.
Pine Creek is one in a series of trout streams in western Wisconsin currently undergoing restoration by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and partner groups like Trout Unlimited.
Poor land use practices over the last century in the Pine Creek watershed have resulted in heavy sediment loading in the valley and constantly eroding stream banks. In some areas, the original Pine Creek channel lays buried in eight feet of silt.
Reshaping and stabilizing the banks is necessary to return the creek closer to its original course, restore an active floodplain and prevent future flooding events. Weirs and lunker structures will also be put into place in order to support and sustain the native trout population. Beyond the banks of the stream, the reclaimed floodplain will be planted to mesic prairie.
WWLT, Trout Unlimited, the WDNR and the Prairie Enthusiasts will work together to complete the prairie as the trout stream is improved. Areas of floodplain wetlands will also be enhanced for waterfowl toward the mouth of the little stream.
published Summer 2007
To date, West Wisconsin Land Trust has conserved 422 acres of floodplain forest and wetland prairie within the Pine Creek watershed. Two parcels totaling 233 acres have been purchased by WWLT with grants from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. An additional 189 acres have been preserved through conservation agreements with private landowners.
West Wisconsin Land Trust’s Pine Creek Nature Preserve is open to the public, and provides opportunities for light recreation such as fishing, hunting, hiking and bird watching. These activities are currently being enhanced through a stream restoration project.
Pine Creek is a direct tributary of the Mississippi River and is a part of the Mississippi Flyway. This corridor of closely connected water bodies extends the length of North America and is used as a travel route by thousands of migratory birds. Pine Creek is also a Class I trout stream; each of the three miles of steam conserved by WWLT is home to over 3,000 native brook trout.
Pine Creek is one in a series of trout streams in western Wisconsin currently undergoing restoration by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and partner groups like Trout Unlimited.
Poor land use practices over the last century in the Pine Creek watershed have resulted in heavy sediment loading in the valley and constantly eroding stream banks. In some areas, the original Pine Creek channel lays buried in eight feet of silt.
Reshaping and stabilizing the banks is necessary to return the creek closer to its original course, restore an active floodplain and prevent future flooding events. Weirs and lunker structures will also be put into place in order to support and sustain the native trout population. Beyond the banks of the stream, the reclaimed floodplain will be planted to mesic prairie.
WWLT, Trout Unlimited, the WDNR and the Prairie Enthusiasts will work together to complete the prairie as the trout stream is improved. Areas of floodplain wetlands will also be enhanced for waterfowl toward the mouth of the little stream.
