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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 1 of 9

“Our mission is to protect the places that make Wisconsin special,” says Chris Danou, government relations director with Gathering Waters. (Photo by Tim Sweet)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 2 of 9

Gathering Waters works with groups of citizens—who form organizations called land trusts—to protect property for an eternity. (Photo by Beatriz Botero)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 3 of 9

The Conservation Fund’s Brule-St. Croix Legacy Forest in northeast Wisconsin is made up of 67,285 acres of protected working forest that provides more than a thousand Wisconsin jobs and brings in millions of dollars through employment, timber sales, and taxes each year. This protected land also provides opportunities for all sorts of outdoor activities and recreation. (Photo by Coldsnap Photography)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 4 of 9

Land trusts can spring up simply because a parcel of property is valued by the community. They may start with a small land trust of five or 10 acres, and grow as their mission expands. (Photo by Eric Sherman)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 5 of 9

Gathering Waters, which will celebrate its 23rd birthday in 2018, is providing assistance to land trusts that will reap perpetual benefits and maintain sentimental value for generations to come. (Photo by Michael Knapstein)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 6 of 9

This 16-acre property and its famous view are now permanently protected as the Grand View Scenic Overlook and Park by the Door County Land Trust. It is a place for visitors to picnic, take photos, reflect, and explore. (Photo by Julie Schartner)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 7 of 9

“There are easements in this country that cover thousands of acres. People and other organizations want to preserve land for tourism purposes, or to conserve resources, or simply to keep in the family,” says Chris Danou. (Photo by Alyson Tiffany)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 8 of 9

Protecting land doesn’t mean leaving it completely untouched. The appealing aspect of easements is their flexibility, and the ability for land trusts to control restrictions they see fit—ensuring that the land is truly their property to take care of. (Photo by Adrienne Wallner)

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Gathering Waters land conservation: No. 9 of 9

“Early in my career, I worked on a preserve in Door County that was purchased as a beautiful piece of state shoreline,” recalls Chris Danou. “It’s meaningful to me to return with my kids so many years later and say: ‘Hey, your dad helped protect this, and it will be protected forever.’ ” (Photo by Tom Schultz)

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