Connecting people to conservation in Wisconsin
Summer 2012
BRIDGES
Meet Our New
Director
— Page 2
Birding for a Cause:
Great Wisconsin
Birdathon
— Page 4
2011 Annual Report
Inside
— Insert
Partners Protect a
Future State Natural
Area
— Page 6
Cover Photo: D.Z. Johnson
DNR conservation biologist Matt Zine leads a Foundation
field trip to Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
FRoM ThE DIRECToR:
Meet Ruth oppedahl
Ruth and her sons
Alex (left) and Nick (right)
My warmest greetings to you! I am Ruth Oppedahl, the
Foundation’s new executive director. I’m delighted to be part of
such a wonderful organization with so many years of conservation success behind you. By the time you read this, I will have
just arrived for my first day with the Foundation—and I’m eager
to start paddling, hiking, and exploring the state with you.
I’m from Iowa originally, but have made my home in Wisconsin
for many years. Most recently I’ve been in the Lake Superior
area coordinating natural resource education programs and
supporting local land trusts. My passion for conservation is
bound firmly in the Leopold Land Ethic, and my career has
included teaching youth outdoors, establishing a farmland
preservation program, organizing field trips, consulting for
other nonprofits, and working with many boards and committees who protect Wisconsin’s natural resources. I look forward
to reconnecting with many friends throughout the state from
the different chapters of my life.
For those whom I haven’t met, I hope to see you on my travels
as I get to know the Foundation’s work and meet our many
partners. This fall, we will conduct a member survey, so you’ll
have the opportunity to tell me what you think our Foundation
does well, and what you’d like us to do more of in the future.
Look for more information in the next edition of Bridges.
I’d like to extend a personal note of thanks to Charlie Luthin for
his years of dedicated service to the Foundation. Charlie’s vision
helped establish many permanent endowments for conservation organizations and projects, expanded our membership, and
just recently developed an endowment fund to support
Wisconsin’s public lands and waters (see the next page for
details). We wish him well in his future endeavors.
Like many of you, I was first attracted to the Foundation through
the spectacular field trips. I will work diligently with our staff,
board, and members to continue to provide these experiences
for the citizens of Wisconsin—and along the way attract even
more resources to our state’s significant conservation needs.
Supporters like you are critical to everything we do for
Wisconsin. Thanks for being a part of the Foundation. I look
forward to working closely with you, as together we protect the
best of our state!
Ruth Oppedahl, Executive Director
It Takes a Snake to Make a Difference
We looked at each other as the deadly fer de lance
(right), one of the most venomous snakes on
Earth, slithered between us while on a
Foundation field trip to Costa Rica’s Osa
Peninsula rainforest.
To leave a legacy gift
through your estate plans
or create a permanent
conservation endowment
for the conservation causes
“Time to make our will,” we agreed.
Foundation members Peter and Connie
Roop visiting their 7th continent on a
journey to the Antarctic.
BRIDGES
Summer 2012
2
BRIDGES / Summer 2012
In our will, we created the Connie and
Peter Roop Fund to help preserve rainforest land in the Osa
(saving snakes, too) as well as provide opportunities for
Wisconsin children and adults to participate in environmental
field experiences in their home state through the Foundation’s
field trip program.
Thanks to the fearsome fer de lance we have begun an endowment
we never dreamed of creating before our time in the Osa, and find
great joy in the everlasting difference our Fund will make long into
the future.
closest to your heart,
contact Camille Zanoni,
Director of Member
Relations, at
(866) 264-4096 or email
[email protected].
wisconservation.org
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
WISCoNSERVATIoN SPoTLIGhT:
Your Support at Work
A New Fund for Public Lands & Waters
With strong support from our Foundation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), and other partners, Governor Walker recently signed legislation
that allows citizens to make voluntary contributions into a permanent endowment
whenever they purchase a service from the DNR. The endowment will help address
the funding gap and provide perpetual support for the stewardship of state-managed
lands and waters. Our Foundation will manage it as part of our Wisconsin Conservation
Endowment.
bigstockphoto.com
Wisconsin offers abundant opportunities for hunters, hikers, campers, researchers, and
others, with nearly 1.5 million acres of publicly-owned land and waters to enjoy. Yet
none of these places have sufficient public funding to provide for their long-term care,
upkeep, and management.
Wisconsin Companies Adopt State Natural Areas
More than 90% of the plants and 75% of the animals on Wisconsin’s list of endangered
and threatened species are found in our 653 State Natural Areas (SNAs). Individuals and
organizations can help protect these precious treasures through our Foundation’s
Adopt-A-Natural Area program.
American Transmission Company (ATC) continued their multi-year support of five State
Natural Areas in 2012: Van Loon Savanna, Pine Island Savanna, Lodi Marsh, La Crosse
River Trail, and Great River Trail SNAs. The funding will help the DNR manage and care for
these outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscapes and natural communities.
D.Z. Johnson
Recently, the Wisconsin Energy Foundation renewed their adoption of Spread Eagle
Barrens SNA for three years (2012-2014). This mosaic of six different communities
harbors many rare or declining species, including birds such as the northern harrier and
upland sandpiper.
The Foundation extends our deepest gratitude to Wisconsin Energy Foundation and
ATC for their adoption of these natural gems.
A Helping Hand for Endangered Birds
Kirtland’s warblers are also endangered, but their relatively new population in Wisconsin
continues to thrive, thanks in part to our Foundation and dedicated efforts by the DNR.
DNR staff found 20 males and 10 females at the main breeding site in Adams County. Nine
nests produced young, but numbers are not known due to a cautious survey
methodology that minimizes nest disturbance. In addition, 214 cowbirds were trapped to
decrease nest parasitism—where cowbirds lay eggs in Kirtland’s nests and those chicks
out-compete the Kirtland’s own chicks. Volunteer surveyors found an additional 10
singing males at eight sites in Marinette, Vilas, Bayfield, and Douglas Counties.
8
J. Swelstad
In central Wisconsin, researchers found 29 active whooping crane nests in 2012—more
than the previous year and an encouraging success for this federally endangered
species. Eight pairs of cranes hatched out nine chicks, though only two survived.
Meanwhile, our partners at the International Crane Foundation and Operation Migration
are each raising six chicks to potentially join the Eastern population through Direct
Autumn Release and ultra-light training. There are now up to 104 whooping cranes in
the Eastern Population and our Foundation continues to support their recovery.
Learn about and contribute to these projects online at wisconservation.org. Thank you!
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
BRIDGES / Summer 2012
3
BIRDING FoR A CAUSE:
Great Wisconsin
Birdathon
They flocked in from every region of the state—not just the
birds, but the devoted birdwatchers who were part of our firstever Great Wisconsin Birdathon this spring.
With gratitude and appreciation to our
Great Wisconsin Birdathon Regional Teams,
and the people who supported them.
2
1
With trumpeter swans, greater prairie-chickens, American
bitterns, eastern screech owls, and Bell’s vireos in the sights of
their binoculars and scopes, these dedicated conservationists
asked their community to share their love of birds and support
bird conservation in Wisconsin.
Together, all Great Wisconsin Birdathon
teams observed 239 bird species.
They raised more than $20,000 for statewide
and local bird conservation programs!
4
3
6
Eastern Screech Owl (bigstockphoto.com)
Our Foundation helped create the Great Wisconsin Birdathon
with our Bird Protection Fund partners: the Wisconsin Bird
Conservation Initiative (WBCI) and the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources. Our Bird Protection Fund makes sure that our
state’s birds have the resources they need to breed, migrate, and
winter. To help meet those needs, we decided to pilot test this
exciting approach to bird conservation, and are extremely
pleased with the results.
We recruited regional teams that anyone
could pledge to, with all proceeds going to
the Bird Protection Fund. We also provided
materials so that WBCI partner organizations
and Wisconsin Bird Cities could easily conduct
their own Birdathon, splitting the proceeds
with the Bird Protection Fund. And we
encouraged individuals to form a team and
collect pledges to support the Fund.
5
7
1. Southwest Team—3 for the Birds— May 7—96 species
Craig Thompson, Donna Carmichael, Joan Schrinner, Sandy Johnson, & Joanne Adsen
2. South Central Team—Buddies Bird, Bird, Birding—May 10—134 species
Charlie Luthin, Rich Beilfuss, Curt Meine, & Mike Mossman
3. The Green Team—May 12—135 species
Sumner Matteson and Tod Highsmith
4. Southeast Team—hawkeye & the Ancient Murrelets—May 16—162 species
Noel Cutright, Carl Schwartz, Tom Uttech, & Seth Cutright
5. Eagle optics Team—May 18 —106 species
Mike McDowell, Ben Lizdas, & Nina Cheney
6. Door County Team—May 21 —102 species
Roy & Charlotte Lukes, Nick Anderson, & Kevin Glueckert
7. Northern Team—Invasion of the Boreal Chickadees—May 28—155 species
Ryan Brady, Laura Erickson, & Dick Verch
Nine teams, featuring some of the state’s most recognized bird
experts, represented five regions of the state. Seven WBCI partners also participated: Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, Ferry
Bluff Eagle Council, Madison Audubon Society, Peninsula State
Park, Jackson County Bird Club, UW-Madison Student Chapter
of the Wildlife Society, and Northeast Wisconsin Bird Club.
Sauk City, Prairie du Sac, McFarland, and Ephraim participated
as Bird Cities.
Proceeds from the Great Wisconsin Birdathon will support and
leverage additional grant funding for Bird City Wisconsin, the
Wisconsin Stopover Initiative, monitoring whooping cranes and
Kirtland’s warblers, surveying declining bird species, managing
Important Bird Areas, and more. We are proud of the work that
will be undertaken because of this great team effort.
In addition, three teams of Foundation members joined the
effort: Rosemary McCarthy and friends, Alice Droske and Joe
Palzkill, and 11-year-old Lydia Martin, who together raised more
than $600.
We are now using lessons learned to plan a bigger, better, and
birdier 2013 Great Wisconsin Birdathon, with more opportunities
for members and partners across the state to get involved.
Stay tuned!
4
BRIDGES / Summer 2012
2011 Annual Report
our Mission:
D.Z. Johnson
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
creates opportunities for individuals and
organizations that care about the conservation of
Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife to deepen their
understanding and appreciation of these natural
resources; to support state and local conservation
programs; and to establish conservation endowments.
2011 Annual Report
Celebrating 25 Years of Connecting You to Conservation
Like several people on the Natural Resources Foundation’s
board, I have been involved with the organization since our
founding in 1986. And, like all of our board members, we take
a great deal of pride in the Foundation’s accomplishments
over the past 25 years.
In 2011, as our Foundation celebrated our 25th anniversary,
we recognized and thanked the many people and organizations who helped us achieve such remarkable success, and
who contributed so much to the protection of Wisconsin’s
public lands, waters, and wildlife over the years.
In these pages, you’ll see a brief summary of our accomplishments. Because of your support, the Foundation provided
more than $600,000 to our state’s most critical conservation
needs this past year.
You helped conserve wild lands and waters, like our State
Natural Areas. You helped save endangered wildlife, such as
bats, birds, and butterflies, whose protection is in the able
hands of our partners at the Department of Natural Resources.
As importantly, you helped us get people outdoors to connect
with and learn to care for Wisconsin’s natural treasures.
Perhaps you even joined us outside, as one of the more than
2,100 people who hiked, biked, and paddled on our field trips
in 2011.
Our anniversary year culminated in a very special Celebration
of Conservation in the fall. We were honored to be joined by
DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp and Wisconsin native Mike
Dombeck, former chief of the U.S. Forest Service, who spoke
about their personal connection to the state and the importance of protecting our public lands. At the event, we gave our
deepest thanks—and a Conservation Leadership Award—to
several of our closest friends and founders for their many years
of dedication to Wisconsin’s natural resources: Barbara Barzen,
Buzz Besadny (deceased), Anthony Earl, Daniel T. Flaherty, Paul
Hassett (deceased), Martin Henert, Holly Kuusinen, David
Ladd, Ronald Semmann, Sally Whiffen, and myself.
This year provided ample opportunities for all of us at the
Foundation to reflect on our successes and look forward to our
future. I thank you for the difference you, through our
Foundation, are making in Wisconsin.
To many more years together,
Bruce Braun
Chair, Board of Directors
Thank you to our 2011 Corporate Conservation Sponsors!
$10,000+
$5,000
$1,000
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2011 FOUNDATION STAFF
Robert Banks—South Range
Linda Bochert—Madison
Bruce Braun—Madison
Daniel T. Flaherty—LaCrosse
Rebecca Haefner—Milwaukee
Rita Hayen—River Hills
Martin Henert—DeForest
Jim Hubing—Madison
Kristine Krause—Fox Point
Holly Kuusinen—Elm Grove
David Ladd—Dodgeville
Richard Lorang—Sun Prairie
Diane Humphrey Lueck—Friendship
William Lunney—Madison
Peg Mallery—Mosinee
Jim Matras—Lodi
Tom Olson—Madison
Ron Semmann—Sun Prairie
Albert Toma—De Pere
Gerald Whitburn—Wausau
Winnie Bade
Financial Officer
Barb Barzen
Grants Coordinator
Florence Edwards-Miller
Administrator
John Kraniak
Membership Coordinator
Charles Luthin
Executive Director
Maria Sadowski
Director of Communications
Mark Schleicher
Development Director
Christine Tanzer
Field Trip Coordinator
Camille Zanoni
Director of Member Relations
Our thanks to our wonderful 2011 Volunteers:
Elizabeth Himpsel, Rick Jones, and Barabara Littlewood.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our 2011 Field Trip Leaders.
wisconservation.org
K. Johansen, DNR
basin. The project initially concentrated on Wisconsin’s coastal
sites, where many migratory birds gather and development
pressure is most severe.
Conserving our Wild
Lands and Waters
In addition to birds, our Foundation provided
more than $230,000 to support the recovery and
protection of our state’s fish, butterflies, turtles,
bats, and other rare species.
We are privileged to have 653 State Natural Areas in our home
state. These critical repositories are home to numerous rare
and endangered plants and animals—and each of these
places requires care and management to maintain their
health and sustain the species found there.
Among our projects is the Lower Chippewa River Basin, a true
ecological treasure. Spreading across 15 counties in western
Wisconsin, the Lower Chippewa features the largest concentration of prairies and savannas in Wisconsin, and the largest
contiguous floodplain forest in the Midwest. Its extensive
forests shelter a large diversity of birds—including six statethreatened species—while the Chippewa and Red Cedar
Rivers harbor 70% of all fish species found in the state.
In 2011, our Foundation helped restore hundreds
of acres at more than 30 State Natural Areas,
including the Lower Chippewa River Basin.
D.Z. Johnson
All of Wisconsin—our citizens, our economy, and our
wildlife—depend on the state’s precious lands and waters to
survive and thrive.
Connecting People
to Nature
Many people are drawn to our Foundation because they have
a personal connection to a special place or outdoor experience, and want to make sure future generations can enjoy
them, too.
Our field trip program is one of the most important ways we
promote conservation education and encourage connections
to Wisconsin. In honor of our 25th anniversary, our field trip
theme was “Explore. Care. Protect.” We offered two sets of field
trips: one set for our existing members and one set to recruit
new members.
bigstockphoto.com
More than 2,100 current members joined us on
101 trips statewide. More than 560 new people
got a taste of what our popular field trip program
has to offer—and many of them are now part of
our Foundation family.
Saving Wisconsin’s
Wildlife
Our Foundation helps protect those plants and animals
most at risk of extinction. Some—like whooping cranes—
are as majestic as they are iconic. Others—like Karner blue
butterflies, little brown bats, and wood turtles—are not as
well known but are equally in peril.
In 2011our Bird Protection Fund assisted the global Migratory
Bird Stopover Program in identifying, mapping, and
protecting important bird migration sites in the Great Lakes
wisconservation.org
Our Foundation was also a key supporter of the new Wisconsin
Master Naturalist Program. This exciting multi-partner collaboration will provide education, training, and service
opportunities for adult volunteers who have an interest in
protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources. The program pilot
tests in 2012, and will launch to the public in 2013. Master
Naturalists will ultimately lead activities at state and county
parks, school forests, and nature centers throughout
Wisconsin, filling a huge need within these organizations.
Additionally, our C.D. Besadny Conservation Grant and
Teachers’ Outdoor Environmental Education Fund provided
small grants to local projects. In 2011 we gave away nearly
$25,000 to 28 projects across the state through these grants.
2011 Annual Report
In 2011, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin celebrated our 25th anniversary and continued to
fill a critical need: boosting private sector investment and involvement in the conservation of our state’s
lands, waters, and wildlife. Generous supporters like you enabled our Foundation to contribute more than
$600,000 to Wisconsin’s most important conservation needs this year.
Jefferson County Parks Endowment—an endowed fund created by a regional
company and individual donors to support maintenance of parks in Jefferson County
Building
Conservation
Endowments
Kettle Moraine Natural history Association Endowment Fund—an agency fund to
support future management of the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest
M. Duecker
2011 Annual Report
Robert h. halpin Family Endowment Fund—a named fund created by Robert and
Cathy Halpin to support the natural resources and educational, interpretive, and
recreational needs of Hartman Creek State Park
The Foundation helps individuals and
organizations build permanent sources of
funding to support the conservation of
Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife for
future generations. In 2011, eight new
endowed funds were established or designated through future estate gifts within our
Wisconsin Conservation Endowment,
including:
Frank hornberg Chapter-Trout Unlimited Fund—an agency fund to support the
Frank Hornberg Chapter-Trout Unlimited’s work to enhance, restore, and maintain
cold water resources and trout habitat
Bayfield Regional Conservancy Conservation Easement Stewardship Endowment
Fund—an agency fund to support the Bayfield Regional Conservancy’s easement
stewardship programs
Willow Valley Conservation Fund—a named fund to be created through a bequest
in Philip and Dale Grimm’s will to support management of 100 acres of private land
in Richland County in permanent conservation easement
Field Trips Forever Fund—a named fund to be created through a bequest by Sandy
Raby to support our Foundation’s field trip program
West Dane Conservancy Fund—a fund created by Kristine Euclide and Douglas
Steege to protect and manage private property in western Dane County under
permanent conservation easement
Find a complete list of projects funded in 2011 at wisconservation.org
Statement of Financial Position
2011 Sources of Funding
TOTAL = $962,080
December 31, 2011
Individuals
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash & equivalents ...................................
Pledges receivable....................................
Other receivables ......................................
Prepaid expenses ......................................
Investments.................................................
Other Assets
Custodial accounts* .................................
Property & equipment ............................
Total Assets ..............................................................
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities
Grants payable ...........................................
Other payables & accruals......................
Agency endowments ..............................
Custodial accounts* .................................
Net Assets
Unrestricted .......................................................
Temporarily restricted....................................
Permanently restricted ..................................
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS...............
*Funds held for other organizations
2010
2011
$82,300
167,914
6,767
16,607
3,370,307
$88,787
98,225
7,824
17,605
3,635,410
3,391,169
900
3,499,617
8,057
$7,035,964
$7,355,525
$633,211
15,735
591,262
3,499,617
380,216
933,150
1,836,815
298,484
333,596
1,983,620
$7,035,964
$7,355,525
$392,586
$129,967
Government
In-Kind Donations
$38,290
Program Fees
$38,237
$14,042
Other
($56,878)
Dividends, Interest,
Market Gains &
Losses
(100,000)
$68,313
13,650
412,651
3,391,169
$405,816
Corporations, Agencies,
Foundations
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
2011 Use of Funds
500,000
TOTAL = $1,496,542
Fundraising — 14% ($204,767)
Administration — 12% ($174,479)
35%
Spend Down Funds
17%
Rare & Endangered Species
All Programs
75% ($1,117,296)
12%
Education & Outreach
7%
State Natural Areas & Public Lands
4%
Wisconsin Conservation Endowment
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
D.Z. Johnson
With Gratitude
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin thanks our generous donors for their support in 2011.
Special thanks to our Conservation Steward Society members, Natural heritage Circle members, and Endowed Fund creators.
Gifts of $250 or more, made
between January 1 and
December 31, 2011
$100,000 to $299,999
Anonymous (1)
American Transmission Company
Todd Coleman
$50,000 to $99,999
Anonymous (1)
Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
$25,000 to $49,999
Bayfield Regional Conservancy
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous (1)
Clean & Responsible Energy for
Wisconsin's Economy
James E. Dutton Foundation
Kristine Euclide & Douglas Steege
Robert & Cathy Halpin
Kettle Moraine Natural History
Association
Lux Foundation
Mary Mowbray & Roland Schroeder
Neenah Paper
Ozaukee Washington Land Trust
Walmart Foundation
Waste Management
Joyce & David Weizenicker
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous (1)
Alliant Energy Foundation
American Family Insurance
Associated Bank
Dr. James Bennett
Botanical Club of Wisconsin
Bruce & Nancy Braun
Neal & Carla Butenhoff
Church Mutual Insurance Company
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
Friends of Wyalusing State Park
Kaytee Avian Foundation
Dave Ladd
Peter Ostlind
Mary Kay Ring
River Alliance of Wisconsin
Michael & Erica SanDretto
Cyrus & Joanne Spurlino
Standard Process, Inc.
Michael & Margaret Uihlein
Wisconsin Energy Foundation
$1,000 to $4,999
Anonymous (3)
Walter Alexander Foundation
Mike & Karen Austad
Robert Banks
Darrell Bazzell
Barbara Besadny
Sarah Besadny & James Meiers
Linda Bochert & David Hanson
Jeff & Freya Bowen
Hugh & Helena Brogan Foundation
Dr. Laurits & Bea Christensen
Dr. Martha Christensen
Dr. Robert & Diane Dempsey
Derse Foundation
Helen & Jerald Discher
Dunn County Fish & Game
Association
Anthony Earl
Jane Edson
Paul & Patricia Ellsworth
Estate of Mary Ann Pittner
Owen & Elizabeth Fennema
John J. Frautschi Family Foundation
Friends of Brule River and Forest
Friends of Dodge County Parks
Friends of Governor Dodge State
Park
Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park
Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Mary & Joseph Glover
Dr. Rebecca Haefner
Robert & Elke Hagge, Jr.
Mary Hamel
Rita Hayen & Walter Boeshaar
Rick Heinritz
Martin & Ellen Henert
James & Sharel Hubing
Jeffrey & Erin Huebschman
Diane Humphrey Lueck & Gary
Lueck
Charles & Dorothy Inbusch
Foundation
John & Marlen Kaiser
Mary Krall
Kristine Krause & Scott Patulski
Lower Chippewa River Alliance
Charles Luthin & Nancy Piraino
Richard Luthin
Robert Maercklein
Peggie & Tuck Mallery
Jim Matras
Deborah Mays
Menasha Corporation Foundation
MG&E Foundation
David & LaVonne Middleton
John & Ann Molinaro
Charles & Carolyn Mowbray
Judy & Jim Olson
Oshkosh Area Community
Foundation
R.D. & Linda Peters Foundation
Daniel Phelps & Linda Welch
Jeffrey & Deborah Ralston
Carl & Barbara Schwartz
Ronald Semmann
Drs. Gary & Penelope Shackelford
Ron & Paulette Smith
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
Stantec Consulting Services
Joseph & Jamie Steuer
Craig & Mary Thompson
Albert & Mary Ann Toma
Townsend Foundation
Mark & Christine Troudt
Frank Hornberg Chapter Trout
Unlimited
Margaret Van Alstyne
Wauwatosa Veterinary Clinic
Frank & Mariana Weinhold
The Windhover Foundation
Wisconsin Environmental Education
Foundation
Wishlist Foundation
Xcel Energy
$500 to $999
Anonymous (1)
David & Kathryn Adam
Aldo Leopold Audubon Society
Shelley & Kevin Baker
Ann Bolz
Lyle Christenson
Groff & Lila Collett
Jon & Carolee Crabb
James & Ann DeLine
Loretta & Thomas Dichraff
Kerman Eckes
Rosemary & Bruce Ehr
Nancy & Thomas Erickson
Beth & Bruce Fortner
Richard & Mary Freis
Friends of Korth Park
Friends of Pike Lake
Friends of Rose Lake
Deanne Funkhouser
GE Foundation
Victor & Helen Geisel Foundation
Kathleen Gruentzel
John & Brenda Hagman
Duke Holmberg
Gerry & Barbara Hussin
Michael Jameson
Maggie Jones
Kris & Thomas Kesselhon
Herbert H. Kohl Charities
Janice Krane
L&M LTD RapidMarts
Bill Lunney & Judie Pfeifer
Madison Community Foundation
Dr. David & Chris Main
Darlene & Norman Olson
Tom & Barbara Olson
John Orlofske
Waldo Peterson
David & Ann Porter
Riveredge Bird Club
Jennifer Schmidt & Daniel Curry
Kurt & Laurie Schmude
Richard & Carlile Schneider
Single Step Foundation
John & April Wald
Peter & Lynne Weil
Lyman & Lyn Wible
Levi & Janet Wood
$250 to $499
Anonymous (3)
James & Mary Ann Baggs
Janet Battista
Rev. Edward Bergen
Dr. Charles Boardman
Barry Brezan & Carlen Schenk
Michael Briselli
John & Julie Carpenter
Peter Clark
Otto & Jane Cordero
Karen & Bill Crawford
Thomas & Kira Dott
Ferry Bluff Eagle Council
Carol Fleishauer
Peter & Tracy Flucke
Follett Corporation Matching Gifts
Program
Susan Ford-Hoffert
Bette & Richard Frangesch
Steven & Nancy Frank
Friends of Horicon Marsh
International Education Center
Donald & Karen Grade
Lillian Griffith
Susan Groshong
David Hall & Marjorie Devereaux
Jim & Marilyn Hampton
Tod Highsmith & Joan Braune
Rick & Lynn Hill
Gil & Alice Homstad
Elizabeth Hussin & Roger Matthews
Eugene & Barbara Jarvis
Mary & Thomas Johnson
Robert Koehler
Joan Kozisek
Richard & Marsha Krueger
James & Rebecca Kurtz
Joanne Lehman & Donald Howe
Austin
Roma Lenehan
Richard & Carolyn Lorang
Gerald & Dorothea Matson
Mark & Jennifer McGinley
Patrick & Pamela McGranahan
David & Sharon Middleton
Elizabeth Middleton
Robert & Rebecca Moczulewski
Earl Morren & Vera Ming Wong
Diane Mundt
Jamie & John Myers
Karen & L Patrick O'Hagan
Allan & Patty Patek
Jan Primus
Mike & Jessica Raymaker
Scott & Cary Reich
Ronda Richards & Robert Ley
Jonathan Rigden
Peter & Connie Roop
Doris Rusch
Paul & Thea Sager
Daniel & Samantha Scheiman
Wolfhart & Liga Schubach
Tracey Schwalbe
Jim & Kathy Shurts
Karla Snively
James & Kathleen Sosnouski
Timothy Staats
Richard & Elyane Steeves
James & Debra Tenorio
Marc & Marilyn Thwaits
Donald & Elizabeth Tills
Anne Traynor
Cheryl Van Lear
Linda Vogen
Lynn Wallen
James Warner
Jerome Weber
Jerry & Pam Wilson
Richard & Anita Wilson
David Zdroik
Brent & Karen Zimmerman
In-Kind Support
Dr. Richard Anderson
Robert Banks
Barbara Besadny
Boulder's Climbing Gym
Bruce & Nancy Braun
Capital Brewery
Eagle Center House
Eagle Optics
Fontana Sports
Great Dane Fitchburg
Rita Hayen
Martin & Ellen Henert
Henry Vilas Zoo
James & Sharel Hubing
Holly Kuusinen
Debbie Johnson
Dave Ladd
Charles Luthin
Madison Mallards
Loran Nordgren
Old Sugar Distillery
Orange Tree Imports
Overseas Adventure Travel
Andy Paulios
Don Ripp
Token Creek Eco-Inn
Ken & Barb Wardius
Gerald Whitburn
Wells Print and Digital
Willy Street Co-op
Wisconsin Public Radio
BRIDGES / Summer 2012
5
J. Wilm
J. Wilm
Van Vliet’s bog lakes are richly diverse and harbor many plants and animals.
Board of the Friends of Van Vliet hemlocks (left to right): Ed Brodsky (Board member),
Sarah Johnson (Board member representing North Lakeland Discovery Center), Al
Eschenbauch (Board member representing the Last Wilderness Conservation
Association), Tom olson (Board member), Paul Specht (Board member), Jill Wilm (Board
member emeritus), Ronie Jacobsen (Board member representing Van Vliet Lake
Association), and John Schwarzmann (liaison, Board of Commissioners of Public Lands).
Partners Protect a Future State Natural Area
A Special Place
Perhaps the most amazing thing about Wisconsin is that we
never seem to run out of beautiful places that need
conserving. Thanks to your support—and a truly great group
of agile partners and volunteers—our Foundation helped
ensure that Van Vliet Hemlocks will be protected for future
generations to enjoy.
Van Vliet Hemlocks comprises 432 acres and more than 1.5
miles of frontage on Averill and Van Vliet Lakes at the top of
our state, in Vilas County. Safeguarded there are what may be
Wisconsin’s largest stand of old-growth hemlock hardwoods,
as well as undisturbed black ash-cedar swamps, undeveloped
bog lakes, and habitat for eagles, bears, otters, and more.
The owner of this diverse tract was the Board of
Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL). Tia Nelson, BCPL
Executive Secretary, provided background.
“Starting in 1785, Congress passed laws that gave each new
state the sixteenth section of every township to establish
public schools,” says Nelson. “Since Van Vliet Hemlocks was
located in Section 16 of Presque Isle Township, it was given by
an Act of Congress as a land grant to Wisconsin at our statehood in 1848.”
To manage these lands and the proceeds from their sale, the
Wisconsin Constitution created a school trust, now called the
Common School Fund, to be managed by the BCPL. Nearly 1.5
million acres were eventually set aside in Wisconsin; almost
99% of those lands were sold prior to the turn of the 20th
century to support K-12 public education.
“Van Vliet Hemlocks is part of what remains of the Common
School Trust Lands, and is quite simply the crown jewel of
northern hemlock forests,” says Nelson.
Among BCPL’s goals are to realign ownership of its remaining
parcels into larger blocks of more productive timberlands and
to sell to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) those
6
BRIDGES / Summer 2012
places that warrant permanent protection because of their
rare ecological features. Thus a plan was formed to preserve
Van Vliet Hemlocks as an old-growth forest.
An Ideal Proposal
“Wisconsin's State Natural Areas protect outstanding examples
of our state's native landscapes and natural communities,”
states Randy Hoffman, DNR Endangered Resources biologist.
“They also provide a critical refuge for our most threatened
plants and animals. Van Vliet Hemlocks contains precisely the
kinds of lands and waters that we seek to protect when designating a new State Natural Area. The Natural Resources
Foundation and the Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks were instrumental in bringing attention to this property.”
Hoffman says that Van Vliet Hemlocks is a fine example of
what once was abundant, but is now rare in Wisconsin: oldgrowth forests that harbor diverse and abundant species such
as lichens and fungi, salamanders, chimney swifts nesting in
hollow snags, and others.
A Friend in the Foundation
Van Vliet Hemlocks has a strong advocate in our Foundation
board member Tom Olson, whose family has hiked and
paddled in the area for many years. In 2011 he helped create
the Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks and currently serves on its
board. Others in the community—including the North
Lakeland Discovery Center, the Presque Isle Chamber of
Commerce, and numerous individuals —encouraged the
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to approve the acquisition
of Van Vliet Hemlocks, which they did by unanimous vote late
last year.
Our Foundation provided two early grants, through our C.D.
Besadny Conservation Grant Program and the Paul and Alice
Olson Memorial Fund, which helped the Friends get established and supported trail building and signage.
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
“The Foundation’s support aided the Friends’ credibility with BCPL
and DNR as an organization that could make things happen. Plus, the
Foundation has led several field trips on the property, which helped
people discover and appreciate it,” says Olson.
Bayview Lodge
Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL)
Carlin Lake Association
Crab Lake Association
Friends of Armour Lake
Friends of Van Vliet hemlocks
Last Wilderness Conservation Association
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
North Lakeland Discovery Center
Paul and Alice olson Memorial Fund
Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Van Vliet Lake Association
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
While it will take a while longer for the Van Vliet Hemlocks to become
an official State Natural Area, all signs point in that direction. And it
could not have happened without the partners—including
supporters like you—who recognized the importance of this special
place and tirelessly worked to assure it is protected forever.
J. Wilm
VAN VLIET hEMLoCKS
PARTNERS AND SUPPoRTERS
honorary & Memorial Gifts
The Natural Resources Foundation recognizes memorial and honorary gifts made from January–June 2012.
In Memory of Saucy
Diane Rosner
In Memory of George Anderson
Connie Anderson
In Honor of Jane Barnett
Mathew Stanke
In Honor of Barb Barzen
Jill Metcoff-Jahns
In Memory of Lawrence Biggin
Lawrence Budde
Deborah Frederick
In Memory of Margaret J. Brown
Jake & Kristin Barnes
In Honor of Indigo Buntings
Lynn Morgan
In Honor of Roxanne Christianson
Lottie Godsil
Carol Moore Painter
Susan Wager
Kathryn Clark
Eleanor Davidsaver
Kimberly & David Feller
Paul & Dale Hagen
Elizabeth Halpin
Brenda & Jay Hanamann
David Knauss
Carrie Knautz
Peggy & James Kollath
Mark Lang
Bernard Micke
Nori Nathanson
Karen & David Page
Randy Riemer
Janet Romich
Amy & Jason Sanger
Scientific Protein Laboratories
Jane & Jeffrey Stoikes
Janet Stoikes
Textron Matching Gift
Program
Martin Verhelst
In Memory of Dalroy Haven
Tammy Haven Long
In Honor of Ken Coyle
Association of Retired
Conservationists
In Memory of Sharon Holets
William Holets
In Honor of Noel Cutright
Christine Nuernberg
In Memory of Harland Jeffords
Russell & Barb Clagett
Robert & Carolyn Fritsch
Chris & Patti Jeffords
In Memory of Robert Halpin
Jill & Thomas Bennwitz
Lorine & Jeffrey Carlson
Brenda Leslie
Elizabeth Pickering
George & Carmen Sipes
In Memory of JD Kautzer
Faye Ludens
In Memory of Stanley Kmiotek
Association of Retired
Conservationists
In Memory of Janet Luhman
Theresa Werner
In Honor of Charlie Luthin
Anonymous
William & Virginia Nelson
Jonathan Reed
In Honor of Mark Martin
Anonymous
In Memory of Doris Masterson
John Bannen
John & Katharine Barry
Darryl Bell
Joseph & Jennifer Clements
Bruce Davidson
Duwe Metal Products, Inc.
Mary Fertl
Friends of Kohler-Andrae
State Park
Kathleen Glodoski
Linda Gorens-Levey
Kenneth & Anne Hallett
David Hodge
Nancy Hofherr
Harry & Nancy Holz
Alyce Katayama
Joseph Masterson
Michael & Patricia McCauley
Elizabeth & Kenneth
Nowakowski
Quarles & Brady LLP
Ellen & Phillip Recht
Sensient Technologies
Foundation, Inc.
Christine Tews
Margaret & Wiley Utterback
Judy Warner
Donald & Charlotte Wendorff
Weyco Group Charitable Trust
James & Dorothy White
Terry & Chelle Wick
Carol & Billy Zastrow
In Honor of Dave Redell
James & Mary Ann Baggs
In Memory of Charles Rieck
Association of Retired
Conservationists
Christine Hartman
Cynthia Rieck
In Memory of Robert Riepenhoff
David & Jane Bednarek
Mary Ertl Dettman
John Laskowski
Jeanne & William Pedriana
James & Sarah Rand
Barbara & Russell Searing
Linda Sonnenberg
Bruce & Kristin Strom
In Memory of James Roubinek
Steve & Paula Roubinek
In Honor of Sue & James Meyer
Carol & Gerald Ristow
In Memory of Wayne D. Schattner
Kelli & C Maxwell Ishman
In Memory of James Michael
Friends of Kohler-Andrae
State Park
Dr. Robert Levin
Sarah Stoll
In Memory of Dennis Stimart
Jeanne & John Reiter
In Memory of Steve Paprocki
Bonnie Zipperer
In Memory of Michael Strasser
Mary Rose Strasser
In Memory of Robert Lee Wishowski
Bobbi Graffunder
Support Your Foundation Today!
Renew your membership or join the Natural Resources Foundation today and help conserve Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife.
Please fill out this form and return it to the Natural Resources Foundation, Po Box 2317, Madison, WI 53701-2317.
K&B Wardius
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ESCAPE To ALASKA
AUGUST 6–AUGUST 16, 2013
Join us for an exclusive 11-day adventure
created especially for the Foundation!
We’ll visit Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks
and enjoy hikes with local experts, a trip aboard
Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star, boat tours, plus
behind-the-scenes visits to wildlife centers.
TRIP LIMITED To 20 PARTICIPANTS
Itinerary, pricing, and registration at: http://www.holbrooktravel.com/privategroups/NRFAlaska