Cedar Lake McMurtie Preserve

By Mike Reiter

     The McMurtrie Preserve is a 63 acre plot of land located on the southeast corner of Cedar Lake . It contains over 1000 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Cedar Lake . Cedar Creek, the outlet of Cedar Lake , winds through the property. The dam that controls the level of Cedar Lake is located on the property also and is the responsibility of the Cedar Lake Preservation and Rehabilitation District. The preserve contains a wide variety of wildlife including a nesting pair of eagles that have raised their young over the years. One would be hard pressed to design a property in a more perfect layout than presently exists. The flora of this area is highly diversified ranging from a pine plantation, to mixed hardwoods, and from an oak savannah to a typical Wisconsin wetland. With such diversification comes the fauna that utilizes each habitat type. It is truly a conservationist’s dream come true.

     On January 3^rd, 2005 , Phyllis Menke, the owner of this property, deeded it over to the Star Prairie Preservation Land Trust. Members of the land trust and the Star Prairie Fish and Game Association, through ambitious planning and physical effort, have developed nature trails throughout the property. Plans for educational viewing sites and signage on the trails will soon become a reality.

     On August 16^th, 2005 , the McMurtrie Preserve was officially dedicated. The Menke family, including children, grandchildren and family friends were in attendance. President of the Star Prairie Preservation Land Trust, Stuart Nelson, began the event with a quote from the late Gaylord Nelson. “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations, whose words of thanks will not be heard.” This quote sums up the environmental philosophy demonstrated by the Menke family. The land was first purchased by Phyllis Menke’s parents back in the early 1950’s. Her maiden name was McMurtrie and hence the name, “McMurtrie Preserve”. Phyllis’s dad had plans to develop the property, as evidenced by a plotted development plan currently framed and hung in the Menke cottage. Those plans never materialized. What did materialize, however, was a tract of land that has been passed down for future generations to enjoy and utilize as an educational, conservational and environmental resource.

     One of the most evident observations at the dedication service was the number of partnerships that have developed through the planning and implementation phases of this project. Speakers from federal, state, county and local agencies and outdoor organizations presented their views on how the use and development of the McMurtrie Preserve will expand and intensify the environmental educational potential of our area. Cedar Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District, Star Prairie Fish and Game Association, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, St Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department, Pheasants Forever, St Croix County Sportsman’s Alliance , Wisconsin Conservation Congress and area school systems along with the Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust are all partners in this endeavor. Wisconsin Legislative Representative Andy Lamb also commented on the generosity and foresight the Menke family exhibited with their donation. Mrs. Menke concluded with a Menke family history and insight into some of the property’s past. Following, at the end of the dedication, came the unveiling of a beautiful colored entrance sign that will welcome visitors to the preserve. The sign depicts some of the physical offerings of the preserve including the eagle nest, habitat views and dam structure.  

     Later that evening, at the Star Prairie Fish and Game Association sponsored third annual River Island Park Party, a major announcement was made. The Star Prairie Preservation Land Trust announced a capital campaign kickoff for the construction of an environmental center to be built on the McMurtrie Preserve. Phyllis and Bob Menke presented a check of $10,000.00 to the Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust and the Star Prairie Fish and Game Association pledged matching funds and in-kind services to help with the project. Stuart Utgaard and his wife Kim made an announcement later on in the evening of a very generous donation to the fund from their corporation, “Sportsman’s Warehouse”. The Utgaards own a string of outdoor sports stores across the United States .

     Amazingly, in less than a year, the McMurtrie Preserve development has progressed from a dream to reality. This is only the beginning. There is much hard work and dedication ahead to bring the dream to its full potential. The capital campaign will continue and plans are still evolving. Only through full public support will this worthwhile project meet its true level of success! 

     For more information about the McMurtrie Preserve and other Star Prairie Preservation Land Trust endeavors contact the trust at SPPLT, Box 155 , New Richmond, WI 54017 or call SPPLT President Stuart Nelson at 715-248-3829.