June 27, 2007
Contact:
Kathryn Brown, The Conservation Fund, 703.525.6300
Perry Grueber, Wausau Paper, 715.692.2056
Laurel Steffes, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 608.266.8109
Douglas County, Wisconsin — Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with Wausau Paper (NYSE: WPP) and The Conservation Fund, announced today the conservation of nearly 6,000 acres of working forestland. Located in the northeast corner of Douglas County, the newly acquired lands will be incorporated into the Brule River State Forest, safeguarding important wildlife habitat and timberlands while also offering more opportunity for the public to hunt, canoe, camp, and fish. Nearby, in western Douglas County, Wausau Paper has granted a recreational trail easement to the North Country National Scenic Trail.
In the face of widespread forest loss, public and private partners are teaming to preserve working forests across the Midwest--and across the country—in order to protect these lands for their recreational, ecological, and economic value. To this end, Wausau Paper in 2006 sold 5,886 acres of working forestland for the Brule River State Forest to The Conservation Fund, to hold until the state of Wisconsin could secure funds to acquire the land. The Conservation Fund drew upon its Great Lakes Revolving Loan Fund, supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, for funding.
Today, The Conservation Fund celebrates its sale of the Brule River State Forest property to the Wisconsin DNR, which has tapped the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Fund for its funding. As a significant additional gift, Wausau Paper conveyed a trail easement for the North Country Trail to the DNR.
The Brule River State Forest acquisition is one of several new and important land transactions made possible by the Stewardship Fund, noted Gov. Doyle. "This is one of the most regionally-diverse, comprehensive groups of acquisitions that Wisconsin has seen under the Stewardship program," Gov. Doyle said.
"A healthy environment means a healthy economy and healthy place to live, work and [play],” remarked Secretary Scott Hassett of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “The future of our state is closely linked to our natural resources--and I’m pleased that, today, that future is looking even brighter with the protection of these great natural areas."
Historically, Brule River State Forest has welcomed explorers, adventurers, and presidents. The Brule River (or Bois Brule River) was well-traveled by Native Americans and later by trappers, fur traders, voyagers and missionaries traveling between Lake Superior and the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. President Coolidge made a Cedar Island Estate his “summer White House” during the 1920s. Today, the forest contains perhaps the finest trout stream in Wisconsin. It is home to diverse animals, from white-tail deer and black bear to roughly 200 bird species, including endangered and threatened varieties. The property is the official “portal” to the North Country National Scenic Trail, as it stretches from North Dakota to Vermont. And on the Brule River itself, canoeists and kayakers continue to launch new adventures.
“We’re pleased to have played a role in preserving this working forestland and helping the state of Wisconsin to expand the Brule River State Forest,” said Thomas J. Howatt, President and CEO of Wausau Paper.
Tom Duffus, The Conservation Fund’s Wisconsin Director, added: “We applaud the leadership of the State of Wisconsin and willingness of Wausau Paper to undertake this historic project.”
In addition to forest land, Wausau’s donation of a four-mile segment to the North Country National Scenic Trail--located west of the Brule property—adds significant value to this popular trail.
"This acquisition provides a permanently protected corridor for the North Country National Scenic Trail—the longest and one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States,” said Tom Gilbert, Superintendent of the North Country National Scenic Trail. “The National Park Service and its partners are very grateful to Wausau Paper, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and The Conservation Fund for working together to make this corridor available for an outstanding, scenic segment of the North Country Trail."
The Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Fund is an innovative public program that provides outdoor recreation opportunities and helps protect critical natural areas, wildlife habitat, and water quality in Wisconsin. Since 1989, Stewardship funds have helped protect more than 475,000 acres across the state.
Wausau Paper produces fine printing and writing papers, technical specialty papers, and "away-from-home" towel and tissue products. To learn more about Wausau Paper's collection of innovative products and services, visit www.wausaupaper.com.
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1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300
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Phone: 703-525-6300
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