Congratulations to Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC) on being named 2017 Land Trust of the Year!
DALC is a nationally accredited land trust that has protected over 7,000 acres of unique natural and agricultural landscapes in southwest Wisconsin. Through the strong leadership of their board and the tireless efforts of their staff, DALC has grown into an invaluable local asset, working to protect the natural resources of their region and providing public access, advocacy, and outdoor education programming in communities across their five-county service area.
DALC organizes countless educational programs, field trips, special events, training opportunities, and community conservation projects each year. Under the leadership of their Executive Director Dave Clutter, DALC is actively developing an ambitious plan to increase public access through the Driftless Area Trail – a project that would connect three state parks and other state lands, creating a nearly 50-mile hiking loop. The Trail has real potential to boost tourism and economic development in the region.
While doing this important work, the DALC team has developed a reputation for “being a thoughtful, forward thinking, strategic and passionate nonprofit in Southwestern Wisconsin,” according to Paul Ohlrogge with UW Extension.
DALC also excels at fostering collaboration through efforts like the Lowry Creek Partnership near Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Taliesin, coordinating the Southwest Wisconsin Grasslands and Stream Conservation partnership, and facilitating multi-partner ecological restoration activities in the region.
