VSN has embarked on a new program that combines landowner outreach with data gathering and mapping of the natural assets of the Kickapoo River Watershed. The program is a natural--and ambitious--progression from earlier (and on-going) VSN efforts. It is intended to strengthen the conservation ethic among landowners, as does our water monitoring, and to provide valuable information on Watershed characteristics, to aid in the comprehensive planning efforts that were the focus of Kickapoo Conversations.

VSN has embarked on a new program that combines landowner outreach with data gathering and mapping of the natural assets of the Kickapoo River Watershed. The program is a natural--and ambitious--progression from earlier (and on-going) VSN efforts. It is intended to strengthen the conservation ethic among landowners, as does our water monitoring, and to provide valuable information on Watershed characteristics, to aid in the comprehensive planning efforts that were the focus of Kickapoo Conversations.

The initial step of the program is the just-published booklet called Owning Rural Lands, A Guide for the Kickapoo River Watershed. The 22-page guide makes it easier for landowners to get the information they need in order to make the best choices for their land while safeguarding its natural assets. It contains a checklist with helpful information on purchasing land; understanding the property; obtaining services; building a structure; and conserving the land. It lists resources and contacts for common questions relating to the required permits and available programs of local government units and agencies. In addition the guide provides an intriguing peek at our unique geology, forests, prairies, wetlands, river and streams, plants and wildflowers, and wildlife, along with names of publications, websites, and organizations specific to each. The publication is earning rave reviews from county conservationists, the DNR, UW-Extension personnel, and watershed citizens. It will be distributed through area realtors, banks, building supply stores, county agencies, and, of course, by VSN.

The next step is to initiate the mapping of the Kickapoo River Watershed in GIS format. GIS stands for Geographical Information Systems. It is a system of hardware and software used for mapping and analysis of data that is used widely by state and federal agencies to gather and present information for scientific purposes. When funds for staff are secured, we will begin incorporating existing data from sources such as the DNR, with the aim of mapping environmental corridors--steep slopes, water features, forested lands, prairie remnants, priority farmlands, and wildlife habitat. This type of mapping has never been provided for the entire Watershed and is a valuable tool for both planning and conservation.

Future (and as yet unfunded) steps include land walks over large and small parcels within the Watershed, with the intent of raising owner awareness of their own responsibility for stewardship, learning from landowners about their lands and obtaining ground-proofed data for detailed mapping of Watershed lands.

The Landowner Outreach / Mapping Program, realized in full, is estimated to cost over $50,000. We are grateful to the foundations and individual contributors who have made it possible to launch the effort. The Paul E. Stry Foundation of LaCrosse has invested $10,000 in the program, underwriting the initial production and printing of Owning Rural Lands. Massachusetts-based Norcross Wildlife Foundation has provided $3,000 to fund the purchase of the computer equipment necessary for GIS mapping along with digital cameras and handheld GPS units. Two generous donations totaling $8,000 have come from VSN members. We are now seeking additional funding to support the balance of the program. Please be generous in your contributions.