Bargain sale from The Nature Conservancy results in new State Natural Area

MADISON, Wis. — March 25, 2008 — The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin announced today that it has transferred 111 acres to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to be added to the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area in northern Wisconsin. 

The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is located in southern Iron County and encompasses nearly 37,000 acres. The new property will be open to the public for outdoor recreation including hunting, hiking and birding. 

Sixty acres along the Upper North Fork of the Flambeau River, acquired by the Conservancy in 1987, have now been dedicated as a new State Natural Area called Flambeau Wetlands, ensuring that this property receives the highest level of state protection. Flambeau Wetlands features lowland conifer swamp and towering red and white pines that have been used by nesting bald eagles.

 Fifty-one acres near the confluence of the Flambeau and Turtle rivers, acquired by the Conservancy in 1988, were also transferred to WDNR. That property is subject to deed restrictions that ensure it will not be developed. 

The Conservancy sold both properties to the WDNR for a total of $18,200 – a bargain price. The state estimates the lands’ value at $200,000. 

This is not the first time that the Conservancy and WDNR have collaborated to conserve land in the area. In 1986, the Conservancy acquired about 1,000 acres located along the Upper North Fork of the Flambeau River before selling it below cost to the WDNR. That property is now part of the Flambeau River State Forest.

“The Conservancy has long considered the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area to be a high priority for conservation because of the quality and diversity of habitat and the abundance of native plants and wildlife,” said Matt Dallman, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Conservation for Northern Wisconsin. “We’re pleased to work with the state once again to conserve this incredible and beautiful landscape so that it can be enjoyed by everyone who loves the great outdoors.” 

The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area includes boreal and hardwood forests, immense wetlands, large expanses of open water, scattered islands and quiet bays. It’s also known for its high density of bald eagles, osprey and common loons, and it is home to black terns, merlins, trumpeter swans and more than 150 other bird species including waterfowl, ruffed grouse, woodcock and turkey. A variety of other wildlife including deer, bear, bobcat, timber wolves, coyote, red fox, mink, beaver, otter, fisher and muskrat can be found in the area.