The state of Wisconsin has recognized that individual communities do an excellent job of identifying places worthy of protection. Additionally, the state has facilitated private land stewardship by legislation that helps landowners maintain the right to enjoy what is special about their property while decreasing their tax burden and allowing them to realize some financial gain from their good stewardship.

The Green Lake Conservancy has fashioned a variety of agreements for easements, ownership and public access for these properties based on the landowners’ needs and desires. Some have gone into pure land conservation easements, with the property owners maintaining hunting rights or agriculture privileges, while protecting those private properties from future development.  Another site, Tichora Conservancy, was protected with a conservation easement – even though it remains open to the public for hiking and recreation.