Martell Rush River Protection

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Unique Partnership Provides Public Access to Rush River

Location: Midwest/Northern

Project Summary: Diverse partners collaborate to protect shoreline, and provide public access to the Rush River.

Britta Lee

Resource Challenge

The Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area is rapidly expanding into western Wisconsin. Many Wisconsin counties along the border are experiencing unprecedented rates of growth, resulting in record losses of working farmland and natural areas that characterize the region. Western Wisconsin hosts many pristine trout streams, and draws fishermen from throughout the Midwest. Not only is conservation of Wisconsin's natural areas important for their scenic value and wildlife, it is also critical to protecting a major part of Wisconsin's economy - tourism. As properties along the Rush River have changed ownership, walking paths once open to fishermen, are now posted "no trespassing". A variety of organizations were compelled to take part in protecting shoreline along the Rush River, and providing free public access to this popular trout stream. Through their financial contributions, West Wisconsin Land Trust purchased the property, ensuring its permanent conservation. The property will be donated to the Town of Martell, with a conservation easement on it, and will be managed as a Town Park.

Examples of Key Partners

West Wisconsin Land Trust, Trout Unlimited, Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club, Eau Galle Sportsmen's Club, Town of Martell, Pierce County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and private landowner

Results and Accomplishments

Preservation of shoreline along the Rush River allows free public access to one of Wisconsin's most popular trout streams, ensuring tourists and local residents may continue to use this valuable resource.

Innovation/Highlight

This project represents the first time West Wisconsin Land Trust has partnered with a landowner, another nonprofit organization, sportsmen's clubs and local, county and state government. The common commitment of all of these partners ensured the Rush River would remain a valuable resource for everyone's benefit.

Project Contact

Michelle Dingwall
Director of Development & Communications
West Wisconsin Land Trust
500 E Main Street, Suite 307
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-235-8850
mdingwall@wwlt.org

Rick Remington
Land Program Director
West Wisconsin Land Trust
500 E Main Street, Suite 307
MenomonieWI 54751
715-235-8850
rremington@wwlt.org

Website: http://wwlt.org

To request additions or corrections to this case study email the Administrator

Current Conservation Programs