By Eric Olson, Director, Extension Lakes
Tucked away in the northeast corner of Lincoln County is a special collection of smaller kettle lakes known as the Harrison Hills. Shaped by the glaciers thousands of years ago, the hilly landscape was not easily farmed and as a result much of it was forfeited to the county after the clearcut era. Lincoln County entered the land into the County Forest program and a mixed hardwood forest eventually returned. The county forest land protects over a dozen lakes from development, but there are private lands interspersed in the area. Development pressure among the lakes is growing as the area is close to Wausau and only ten miles from State Highway 51.
One of the larger private holdings in the Harrison Hills is owned by The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross of Merrill. Back in 1964, the Sisters purchased nearly 200 acres as a peaceful retreat and recreation area for their members as a place to rest, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors.
At the heart of the property is Fish Lake, a quiet 40-acre lake that’s 20 feet deep. It remains largely undeveloped, with only a small collection of cabins that the Sisters use in the summer.
Over time, the Sisters began thinking of the future. They recognized that ownership can change, and with it, the possibility of development. Wanting to ensure the land and lake remained protected for generations, they started looking for ways to leave a lasting legacy.
In 2019, they connected with North Central Conservancy Trust (NCCT) to discuss donating a conservation easement for their land.
What is a conservation easement?
In simple terms, it’s a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust like NCCT. Together they outline how the land can be used in the future, with a focus on protecting its natural features for the benefit of the plants and animals who call it home. These easements are permanent and can provide significant peace of mind for property owners who know the land will continue to be protected by future owners.
The process is collaborative. The Sisters and NCCT worked together to shape the terms of the easement until everyone felt satisfied and the document was filed with the local Register of Deeds. NCCT is then legally responsible for ensuring the terms of the easement are permanently honored by current and future owners of the property.
To guide the development of their conservation easement, a committee of Sisters and Associates crafted a Land Ethic Statement.
The Sisters’ easement complements the thousands of acres of Lincoln County forestland in the Harrison Hills. It’s a powerful example of how thoughtful planning today can help keep our inland lakes and surrounding lands protected for future generations.
Land Ethic Statement
“As Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, our Franciscan heritage urges us to embrace all of creation and its possibilities for the future. We know that creation, connected from the smallest particle to the most complex, is interdependent for survival. As stewards of the gift of creation known by us as Lake Florentini, we support that this sanctuary remain peace-filled and treated with respect and care.
Our founder, Father Theodosius Florentini, taught us that the need of the time is the will of God. And so, we endeavor to address climate change and care for the earth. We commit to safeguard this land as a healthy and sustainable environment.”