State Parks & Forests

Kettle Moraine South

In the Area

Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit
Paradise Valley

On March 25, 2009, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved adding the 6,318-acre Paradise Valley area to Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit.

Map [PDF 296KB]

This action expands the state forest project boundary westward in Waukesha County, primarily in the Town of Ottawa, with a small portion in northern Town of Eagle.

Savanna landscape

Oak savannas and grasslands abound in the area and will be preserved through this project
DNR Photo

As a result of the Natural Resources Board action, the department has authority to purchase land from willing sellers within the project boundary for lake and wetland conservation, wildlife and fish habitat, and nature-based public recreation. A feasibility and environmental assessment [PDF 133KB] for the project provides additional details about the expansion.

Lake and wetlands

A goal of the project is preserving wetlands and lakes, including Beaver Dam Lake (pictured here).
DNR Photo

Spreading trees
Mature trees enhance the landscape.
DNR Photo

The department and other partners will try to acquire 4,000 of the 6,318 acres in the project area. Land acquisition will occur over the next 10 to 20 years from willing sellers only, based on appraised fair market value. The department also will help landowners to improve conservation practices on private lands and farmland through federal, state, and non-governmental programs. The Paradise Valley project will result in a group of core wetlands and lakes surrounded by upland grassland, southern forest and working farmland.

Family of sandhill cranes

Preserving and managing wildlife habitat is a major focus of the Paradise Valley project.
DNR Photo

Hillside woods
Forest trees and flowers also will be preserved.
DNR Photo

The department will focus acquisition efforts on larger parcels that have high potential to meet the project objectives. Funding for land acquisition will primarily come from the state Stewardship program. The Stewardship program can also provide matching funds to local governments or conservation groups buying land in the project area. The department will begin to appraise properties beginning in mid-late 2009. If you are interested in discussing the potential of selling land to the department, please contact Kettle Moraine State Forest Superintendent Paul Sandgren, (262) 594-6204.

This project is a successful result of the combined efforts of local landowners, local governments, citizens, conservation groups, and department staff. Thank you for your interest and support of the Paradise Valley project.

Paul Sandgren, forest superintendent

For more information, ask Paul Sandgren, Manager, (262) 594-6200.

Last Revised: Monday October 05 2009