The acquisition and ongoing preservation of Powell Spring provides a good case study of how the Green Lake Conservancy works. As an all-volunteer, non-profit Land Trust, we must carefully evaluate the type of projects that we take on. This process starts with a determination of public benefit. In the case of Powell Spring, it was easy to identify the many public benefits of preserving this special place. These benefits include those of historic, ecological, and aesthetic factors, thus checking all the major boxes for any project we consider.

Since the early days of James Powell’s trading post, subsequent private owners of the Powell Spring property have been relatively good stewards, although a log cabin was erected on the site in the 1970’s (and subsequently removed by the Conservancy in late 2022). Private land conservation plays a strong role in preservation because private landowners are often the first to recognize special places and consider their preservation.

The Green Lake Conservancy is at its best when establishing relationships with interested landowners and providing information about options for protecting their special places. In the case of Powell Spring, those conversations spanned several owners and decades. The fruits of these efforts came together when the prior owners made the difficult choice to sell the property. Based on the relationship established with the Green Lake Conservancy, we were the first place they thought of when the time to sell arrived (we have also received gifts of property, as well). As is often the case, the family recognized that they wanted to see their special place preserved for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Then came the fun part. It was time to figure out how to pay for the purchase of Powell Spring. The track record of the Conservancy and the relationships it has established with its supporters were called upon once again and the community responded. In a short time, it was apparent that there would be sufficient support to fund the acquisition and preservation of Powell Spring. Ultimately, we used a combination of financing provided by Horicon Bank and Grant funding from the DNR to close on Powell Spring in late 2021. Subsequent fundraising allowed us to retire the debt and begin restoration work at the site. Of course, additional funds are always welcome, and you can visit our website if you’d like to offer your support.

With Powell Spring’s future secured, we have begun the hard work of site restoration.  This work will be ongoing throughout 2023 and beyond.

Perhaps you know of the Special Place that is worthy of preservation? If so, please reach out and we can begin a dialogue as well.  For more information, please visit greenlakeconservancy.org