Chippewa Flowage
The Chippewa Flowage is one of the wildest lakes in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The state depends on the $8 million generated annually from those who visit this popular tourist destination for world-class muskie and walleye fishing or to hunt, hike, or camp in the surrounding wilderness. Wildlife depend on the area too—the woods are home to many species of birds and mammals including eagles, bears, beavers, bobcats, and wolves. But not all of the land is public and sale and subdivision for private homes could easily threaten the wild remoteness of this special place.
For over two years, TPL worked with local, state, federal, and tribal interests and many conservation and sportsman groups to place a working-forest conservation easement on 18,179 acres of Plum Creek Timber Company lands. Protecting this property connects land already managed by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Lac Courte Oreille Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Public access to the forest will continue to support the local economy and allow for hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on designated trails. The final phase of the project was completed in October 2011.