Farmland, paddler scenery protected forever along Yahara River

Groundswell Conservancy, along with Alan and Carol Breed and the Town of Dunn, has made sure that over 48 acres of land near the Yahara River will be protected forever. The Breeds have lived on this land, located on East Dyreson Road, for 25 years.

“Given our deep ties to the town and the land’s rich cultural and natural resources, protecting it with a conservation easement was a meaningful step in our mission to advance local conservation,” Groundswell Conservancy Executive Director Heidi Habeger said. “We protect special places forever, and the land Alan and Carol have carefully stewarded over the years is special in more ways than one.”

The Yahara River curves around the north and east parts of the land for about half a mile as it flows south from Mud Lake. People paddling on the river will always be able to enjoy the view of this peaceful and natural area.

Even though the land isn’t open to the public, it can still be seen from the Dane County-managed Lower Mud Lake Natural Resources Area, which is right across the river. Alan and Carol Breed will continue to own and farm the land. The soil on the property is great for farming. This land becomes even more important as more rural places are developed.

“This property is remarkable for its agricultural, environmental, and historical significance,” said Ben Kollenbroich, who helped lead the project as the Town of Dunn’s former land use and conservation manager. “Thank you so much to the Breeds for wanting to ensure that this property is protected forever, and that it remains an agricultural, environmental, and historical treasure.”

The money to protect the land came from several sources: the Dane County Conservation Fund, the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the Town of Dunn’s Purchase of Development Rights Program, and Groundswell’s supporters. Since 1997, Groundswell and the Town of Dunn have worked together to protect more than 4,000 acres of farmland and wetlands.