Groundswell Conservancy has protected its first land in the Town of Dunkirk, closing on the Brehm Quayle Conservation Easement that will permanently preserve 175 acres of wetlands and rewilded farm fields near the Yahara River.
“Groundswell is grateful to have the Town of Dunkirk as a partner in conservation of natural resources. This project is just the beginning of a long relationship preserving the community’s nature and farmland for future generations.”
—Groundswell Conservancy Conservation Director Tony Abate
The property’s owner, Joyce Brehm, joined Groundswell staff and Town of Dunkirk officials for the closing on Friday, March 28. With the final signatures, her property along County Highway N south of Stoughton will remain a special place forever and contribute towards Groundswell’s goals of acting on the climate crisis.
The land is bordered by wetlands. They act as a natural sponge that protects local communities from flooding. One of the ways Wisconsin is feeling the effects of climate change is through heavier rainfall.
The state has already lost nearly half of its wetlands. This easement will ensure those on Brehm’s property remain intact for the betterment of people living nearby and the animals, plants and insects that make the wetlands their home.
Brehm estimates she and her husband, Sanford Quayle, planted thousands of trees on the property. Quayle has since passed away, but the two worked to transform the farmland they purchased decades ago into a home more hospitable to the cranes, turtles and other wildlife Brehm encounters on a daily basis.
“My husband wanted this to be his legacy: what he was giving back to the earth. And I kind of want it to be mine too.”
—Property Owner Joyce Brehm
The easement will also protect the Yahara River which flows just across Highway N from Brehm’s property. The runoff drains into the river, carrying whatever pollutants it might pick up along the way.
“We are thrilled to announce our first development rights purchase. This exemplifies our dedication to conserving our rural landscape. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Groundswell and to Joyce Brehm for her generous donation to making this vision a reality.”
—Town of Dunkirk Chair Norm Monsen
This conservation easement is the first of many in a partnership between Groundswell and the Town of Dunkirk. In the coming months and years, Groundswell and the town expect to close on many more easements in the community as part of long-term land use planning in the area.
Funding for this easement acquisition came from the Town of Dunkirk, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant, and supporters of Groundswell Conservancy. Special thanks to Ducks Unlimited for their partnership in obtaining the NAWCA grant.