“Wisconsin’s forestlands are the lifeblood of our great state. They provide us with clean air and water, vital fish and wildlife habitat, countless recreational opportunities, and a supply of natural resources that boost our economy and create jobs.”
Congressman Mark Green (8th Congressional District) used these eloquent words to describe one of Dan Lemke’s signature land protection projects in Wisconsin.
Dan, Plum Creek’s Senior Land Asset Manager and one of our 2013 winners of the Rod Nilsestuen Award for Working Lands Preservation, shows not just a true commitment and dedication to growing and preserving Wisconsin’s forested lands but also a flexible and creative drive that makes him stand out in a crowd of eminent conservationists statewide. Some of Dan’s most notable conservation efforts include his work on a Wolf River conservation easement that permanently conserved 18,500 acres of working forest for recreational use and wildlife habitat and a Chippewa Flowage conservation easement that protected more than 18,000 acres of hardwood forest in Northern Wisconsin.
As working forests, these acres continue to produce sustainable forest products for the state’s timber industry and provide permanent public access and land protection for critical bird habitat. These unique conservation easements help to support Wisconsin’s two largest industries while conserving lands that have great value – whether for scenic, wildlife, or recreation.
Dan’s hard work has helped not just the forestry and tourism industry flourish, but transformed the northwoods into the beautiful and cherished gem that defines it today. His continued dedication to helping preserve important and valuable forest lands for generations to come is truly an asset and we thank him for his dedication.
Please join us in celebrating and honoring Dan’s many achievements at our annual Land Conservation Leadership Awards Ceremony on September 26th at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI.
