The Vision

Reading about the anniversary of the creation of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway; that there was a great deal of conflict and resistance to that grand idea and how people of different persuasions came together for the good of the river and the citizens of Wisconsin. Look what we have today as a result of those efforts - a 95,000 acre chuck of semi-wilderness. I see the same story today regarding the creation of The Driftless Rivers National Park. There is a positive grou

There have been many instances over the past few years where businesses are looking to expand or relocate to the Driftless Area and change the landscape for their business needs. Those efforts are faced with efforts by many to preserve this incredible land. There are efforts going on to preserve this magnificent landscape. However, of the 2-3 land-preserving agencies that are doing great work in the Driftless, they are only preserving about 2,000 acres a year. At this rat

With ever increasing revelations lauding the Driftless Area (Region) where is it all leading? We have finally identified the 800-pound gorilla that sits in the heart of the Midwest. The question now is: Are we going to keep talking about it or are we going to do something about it? That is, what are we going to do with the Driftless Area? In m college years as a science major, we were taught that in any research study the most important thing to be taken from any given res

We published the 2nd edition of the flagship proposal - "The Becoming of the Driftless Rivers National Park" - updated our website, and published a full-page ad in "National Parks Magazine", which turned out very well. We received many responses to it. My hopes and dreams of this new park are still intact and I still believe in it. I think we can still achieve it. Ultimately, I think it is the best way to preserve the land and economy of the Driftless Area. Other land cons

I have been proposing the creation of a new, great national park in Crawford County for some time now. The Driftless Rivers National Park, conservatively, will generate $316 million a year in spending. This converts to about $18,000 per person, per year, in Crawford County. I would support an area tax, of some sort, to provide pensions for landowners who participate in the program. But, short of creating this new park, there are tangible things that can be done to capitali

Everyone deserves the right to make a living, but not all ways to make a living are right. The philosopher John Locke said, "People's freedom ends where another person's rights begin." And our rights include having a safe and clean environment. People in the Driftless Region are finally realizing the immense dangers that threaten the area. I keep haring about what would be the ultimate solution, and I believe that solution is still to become a new national park. Although

A few events took place in 2025, including the new look website. On September 9th, in Viroqua, in Vernon County, the Fortney Hotel sponsored the park presentation. It was very well attended with a not of question and answers afterward. Copies of our Booklet were handed out to those who attended. Another meeting was held in October in Gays Mills. A few people attended, who were mostly landowners. Some were supportive, while some were skeptical of the idea because there wa

The Driftless Region stands out in the United States for its unique geologic and cultural history. Unlike much of the Midwest, this area escaped the flattening effects of continental glaciers during the Ice Age, leaving behind a rugged landscape filled with deep river valleys, bluffs, and springs. This distinct terrain supports the highest biodiversity in the Midwest and offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Despite its natural and cultural richness, the region la

The Driftless Rivers National Park offers a unique outdoor experience that stands apart from other natural destinations. Nestled among the Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Kickapoo Rivers, this park features scenic limestone bluffs, pristine trout streams, and expansive backwaters. These landscapes create an unmatched playground for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more. Kayaking on the Driftless Rivers with limestone bluffs in the backg

Imagine a place where glaciers once loomed a mile high but never touched the land below. This untouched refuge, carved by ancient rivers and shaped by time, is the heart of what could become Driftless Rivers National Park in Wisconsin. Nestled in the northern Midwest, this park would protect a unique landscape that escaped the flattening forces of continental ice sheets, preserving a rich natural and cultural history. Driftless Rivers National Park promises a blend of rugged