Minocaqua Recieves Gift Of 3,200 Acres From Illinois Couple.

[pk]

What a wonderful gift for the northern part of Wisconsin! This donation according to the article is the largest to any Wisconsin land trust in the state's history...

Illinois couple gift 3,200 acres for recreational use in Minocqua


Northern Wisconsin residents received an unexpected and enormous Christmas gift this month from an Illinois couple who purchased thousands of acres that will be permanently preserved for outdoor recreation.
Ken and Carolyn Aldridge, who live in the northeast Illinois city of Libertyville, purchased nearly 3,200 acres west of Minocqua in June 2010 for $4.5 million. This month, the couple finalized the donation of a conservation easement to the Northwoods Land Trust that will limit development across the entire property. The donation is the largest to any Wisconsin land trust in the state's history, said Bryan Pierce, executive director of the Northwoods Land Trust.

FULL STORY HERE:

Illinois couple gift 3,200 acres for recreational use in Minocqua | Wausau Daily Herald | wausaudailyherald.com

[j10asen]

I guess some of them Illinois people aren't so bad after all

[dgridley]

Awesome.. nice to see land that won't be developed and spoiled. What a great gift for future generations!

[pk]

I guess some of them Illinois people aren't so bad after all

LOL I knew someone would say this! I grew up in Illinois just across the border and moved here just 18 years ago. I have to admit that I try to think of myself as a true Wisconsite but I do have to remember my Illinois roots as well. And yes there really is alot of nice people around here on this side of the border and 15 minutes away across the border in Illinois too.

[dgridley]

According to an article I read, the land was put aside to protect skiing environment, which is also hinted upon by the OP's article..

If I can find the link again, I'll post it. There was a video there as well.