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Now that their work is done, they have entered an agreement with the Mississippi Valley Conservancy to ensure their land will be preserved forever. The conservation easement means the family will continue to own the land and can even sell it, but no one can build there.
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It is the largest land deal in the 10-year history of the La Crosse, Wis., based nonprofit group.
“Both of us have had a lifelong interest in the great outdoors, and we’ve wanted to be able to give something back and hopefully things will remain in a natural setting,” Al Kube said.
Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, the Kubes were able to install erosion controls and create a wetland habitat around Waumandee Creek.
Last winter, they attended a meeting to learn more about the conservancy and the types of agreements it offers.
“After having completed a lot of projects and seeing the benefits to wildlife and the natural community, we felt it would be important to pass it along,” Al Kube said.
Through the agreement, the Kubes were able to preserve their land and still retain ownership. The agreement was the organization’s first deal in Buffalo County.
“It really helps us take a giant step … in preserving beautiful natural lands up there,” said George Howe, conservation director for the nonprofit group.
The conservancy was founded by La Crosse area residents concerned about the speed of local devolvement.
“They wanted to see a balance between new development and the conservation of land,” Howe said.
The organization works on voluntary conservation projects in seven counties along the Mississippi River including Buffalo, Trempealeau and La Crosse.
