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About Us
- Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust, Inc.
- Incorporated August 2002
- Granted tax exempt status January 2003
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- Our mission is to preserve environmentally important
land to protect rural character, water quality, and wildlife habitat for
future generations.
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Time is running out. Rapid development threatens the rural character we
enjoy as residents and property owners in Northern St. Croix and
Southern Polk Counties. St. Croix County lost over 4500 acres of open
spaces to subdivision development each year from 2000 to 2003. Future
generations may not have the privilege of appreciating the beauty of
tall trees, a soaring eagle, birds and frogs at the water’s edge, or
open spaces along our roads.
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The Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust is taking action
to preserve the wonderful qualities of this area around the lakes, in
the watersheds, and in the rural townships.
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What is a land trust?
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A land trust uses voluntary land protection tools
including conservation easements to permanently preserve land. In
addition to ensuring that land is preserved forever, donations may
provide considerable tax benefits.
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Our Current Focus:
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The
Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust is a locally based non-profit
organization whose mission is to preserve environmentally sensitive land
and to promote rural character while protecting water quality and
wildlife habitat for future generations. As a non-profit land trust,
they hold conservation easements and land title. Conservation easements
are deed restrictions that voluntarily limit land development. The
primary geographic focus for the trust is northern St Croix and southern
Polk Counties.
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The Star Prairie Land Preservation Land Trust was
formed in 2002 by individuals who were concerned with the rapid pace of
development that was resulting in the loss of valuable natural areas.
Since the inception of the trust, great progress has been made.
Development of a non-motorized access and wildlife viewing area on the
south end of Cedar Lake, acquisition of a 40 acre wetland/prairie
complex east of Star Prairie and the acceptance of a donation of a 63
acres parcel on the southeast side of Cedar Lake and its subsequent
development for educational purposes are milestones for the trust.
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The McMurtrie Preserve is the premier land trust
project. The 63 acre tract of land, generously donated by Phyllis and
Bob Menke in early 2005, provides 1400 feet of Cedar Lake shoreline with
an interior diversity of wildlife habitat including wetlands, hardwoods,
oak savannah and pine plantations. A trail system meanders through the
property providing access to each of its natural areas. An educational
center is in the planning stages to provide environmental activities for
area school children. Both outdoor and classroom activities are
envisioned.
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The Star Prairie Land Trust has a variety of
partnerships formed over their short existence. Included in the above
mentioned projects and future collaborations are formed partnerships
with the Star Prairie Fish & Game Association, Cedar Lake Protection and
Rehabilitation District, Indianhead Bass Club, Ducks Unlimited, New
Richmond Boy Scouts, Pheasants Forever, The St Croix County Sportsman’s
Alliance, The Willow River Rod and Gun Club, Star Prairie Land
Preservation Trust, Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin Wildlife
Federation, St Croix County Land & Water Conservation Department, US
Fish & Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources.
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membership and contributions will help us preserve critical parcels
that will
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protect water quality
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maintain and improve wildlife habitat
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preserve natural scenic beauty
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- Board Members
- Jack Hayes
- Peter Kling
- Trish Moberg
- Stuart Nelson
- Dave Peterson
- Chris Polfus
- Mike Reiter
- Beth Wood
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- Area of focus
- Northern St. Croix and Southern Polk Counties of
Eastern Wisconsin
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