GILE FLOWAGE LAND CONSERVATION PURCHASE

On 6/11/26 marked the celebration of Iron County’s purchase of 1104 acres of Flowage shorelines and uplands, over 20 islands, and 18 miles of shoreline that are now entered into the Iron County Forest for conservation and public access in perpetuity. The lands were offered by sale by Xcel Energy which owned them since the Flowage was formed. The purchase is the result of five years of work to secure $5.5 million dollars in funding from the National Oceangraphic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through a partnerhsip with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund needed to purchase the properties.  Iron County, local muncipalities, neigboring Ojibwe tribes and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission provided unanimous support. FOG offered support, expertise about the Flowage, and partnership connections that resulted in the grant funding. 

This remarkable achievement will help preserve fish and wildlife habitat, wild beauty, and public enjoyment of the Gile Flowage forever!