Sand River Headwaters

The Northwoods across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are a treasured mix of hardwood forests, bountiful lakes, and incredible wildlife. Whether greeted by brilliant sunrises and songbirds on an early morning hike or coming together around the campfire after a wintry day of skiing, visitors to this beloved landscape find opportunities to connect to nature and to each other.

But these types of experiences in the Northwoods are becoming increasingly threatened due to second home development and no trespassing signs. Trust for Public Land is committed to protecting the spaces that bring us all outside, so when 2,017 acres of land in Bayfield County, Wisconsin became available for protection, we worked with our partners to safeguard the space for more Wisconsinites to enjoy.

TPL helped protect land along the Sand River in the heart of the Northwoods. The property includes 1.77 miles of the Sand River and its headwaters, and nearly eight miles of tributaries and feeder streams. The land is also in the viewshed of the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and safeguarding this property means protecting the spectacular views and water quality of the river, which flows into Lake Superior.

As an addition to the Bayfield County Forest, public access to miles of canoeing streams, hiking trails, and fishing spots is now guaranteed forever. The Sand River is an important habitat for trout as a Class II Trout Stream and the property is prized for its hunting game like bear, grouse, and deer. Additionally, the land will continue to provide high quality, sustainably managed timber products for local and regional industries.

This project garnered local and regional support, including backing from the forest industry, logging contractors, hunting and fishing groups, school districts and professional associations because its protection means that more people can continue to connect, benefit, and enjoy the incredible magic of the Northwoods.