In northern Vilas County, NWA is spearheading two important Forest Legacy projects which will be reviewed by a national USFS panel in Winter 23-24. They both have been submitted under a new category in the program called ‘Family ownerships with greater strategic importance’. For these projects, NWA’s advocacy likely will require providing part of the matching funds to the hopeful Forest Legacy Awards, given the uncertainty of Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund.

How you can help support the Border Lakes Forest Legacy proposal

Vilas County is currently experiencing severe fragmentation of forest habitat, with thousands of acres of once-working forests now converted to residential and recreational properties. There are hundreds of new 5-acre lots in Vilas County, with many acres lost to public access. The habitat of the Border Lakes project warrants protection, and the community needs to maintain open space for recreation! Two watersheds will benefit from this project, as will future generations. Outstanding features of this project include:

1-Undeveloped Emil Lake. Undeveloped lakes are exceedingly rare. Emil Lake appears to be very important habitat for migrating waterfowl and may contain rare plants associated with a poor fen. 

2- Stands of mature hemlock/yellow birch. Theses stands are also very rare on the landscape and are very important habitat for many animal species such as endangered bats, bark gleaning birds like brown creepers and neotropical migrants such as Blackburnian warbler.

3- Unfragmented forest - Both of these tracts contain large, unfragmented habitat for forest interior birds. Such habitat is increasingly scarce with each passing day. 

4- Large, mature oaks are scattered through the southern tract. Mature oaks are rare on the landscape and are vital habitat for breeding birds and provide mast for numerous species. 

5- Low invasive plant species density. We found no garlic mustard, invasive honeysuckle or buckthorn. While they could be present, if they were common, it would've been noticeable.

The landowner of the Emil Lake tract has been an incredible steward for decades, is now in his eighties and very much wants to protect this land through the Forest Legacy Program. He has been a charter member of PIF (> 20 years) and has supported NWA conservation efforts for years. When he asked for our help protecting his land, we immediately engaged.

These two tracts in the proposal need protection and we need assistance in accomplishing the goal. With the Vilas County Board resolution of support passed on June 25, we are very optimistic of realizing a USFS Forest Legacy award to WDNR to establish the Border Lakes Legacy Forest.