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• Power cooperative makes move to preserve Mississippi bluff land

A 110-acre parcel of Mississippi River bluff land has been preserved by La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative.

The cooperative has granted an easement to the Mississippi Valley Conservatory for the land which is located near Alma and borders Highway 35.

"It's satisfying to know that this land will be protected and enjoyed for perpetuity, without threat of development," said John Thiel, Dairyland senior environmental biologist.

Cooperative officials say that the land has significant ecological, natural, wildlife habitat and scenic value, and consists mainly of steep river bluffs with rocky outcroppings, native dry prairie and old growth mixed hardwood forest.

As part of this agreement, Dairyland is also donating stewardship monies of more than $12,000 to help support MVC's future restoration work on the site.

According to Dairyland officials, the cooperative will work with MVC staff to help restore natural areas within the acreage as part of the long-term care plan for the property.

"This is a wonderful collaboration between industry and environment, which is resulting in the preservation of a unique and spectacular natural area," said Tim Jacobson, MVC executive director.

MVC is a non-profit land trust in La Crosse that has permanently conserved more than 7,000 acres of bluff lands, prairies, wetlands and streams in the Coulee Region.

More information about MVC is available on their Web site at: www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org