Stewardship Fund
helps purchase
1,103 acres west of Land O' Lakes

LAND O’ LAKES — Gov. Jim Doyle announced last week that the Stewardship Fund will purchase a 1,103-acre tract of diverse forest along the Ontonagon River and Palmer Lake in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest just west of Land O’ Lakes.

“The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is one of the real treasures of Wisconsin, and I am pleased to announce the purchase of valuable river frontage along a trout stream,” Doyle said.

“The Stewardship Fund is vital to protecting our great natural resources, from urban parks to untouched forests, and we are working hard to make sure everyone in Wisconsin can enjoy the outdoors,” Doyle continued.

The land is located south and southeast of Palmer Lake on both sides of Highway B. The parcel is a key link between the state forest and other state-owned property that is close to the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan — with only Notre Dame University property separating the two.

A section of the Ontonagon River that flows through the parcel is categorized as a trout stream.

The land was purchased from Joe and Mary Hovel of Conover for $2.09 million, or $1,900 per acre.

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is one of Wisconsin’s top destinations and covers more than 232,000 acres in Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties. Its lakes, woods, boat landings, skiing and hiking trails and other features draw more than 2 million visitors each year.