McMurtrie Preserve
- Photo by
Daniel J. Davison
By Mike Reiter
The
McMurtrie Preserve is a 63 acre plot of land located on the southeast
corner of
Cedar
Lake
. It contains over 1000 feet of
undeveloped shoreline on
Cedar
Lake
. Cedar Creek, the outlet of
Cedar
Lake
, winds through the property. The dam
that controls the level of
Cedar
Lake
is located on the property also and is
the responsibility of the Cedar Lake Preservation and Rehabilitation
District. The preserve contains a wide variety of wildlife including a
nesting pair of eagles that have raised their young over the years. One
would be hard pressed to design a property in a more perfect layout than
presently exists. The flora of this area is highly diversified ranging
from a pine plantation, to mixed hardwoods, and from an oak savannah to
a typical
Wisconsin
wetland. With such diversification comes
the fauna that utilizes each habitat type. It is truly a
conservationist’s dream come true.
On
January 3rd, 2005
, Phyllis Menke, the owner of this
property, deeded it over to the Star Prairie Preservation Land Trust.
Members of the land trust and the Star Prairie Fish and Game
Association, through ambitious planning and physical effort, have
developed nature trails throughout the property. Plans for educational
viewing sites and signage on the trails will soon become a reality.
On
August 16th, 2005
, the McMurtrie Preserve was officially
dedicated. The Menke family, including children, grandchildren and
family friends were in attendance. President of the Star Prairie
Preservation Land Trust, Stuart Nelson, began the event with a quote
from the late Gaylord Nelson. “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may
be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations,
whose words of thanks will not be heard.” This quote sums up the
environmental philosophy demonstrated by the Menke family. The land was
first purchased by Phyllis Menke’s parents back in the early 1950’s. Her
maiden name was McMurtrie and hence the name, “McMurtrie Preserve”.
Phyllis’s dad had plans to develop the property, as evidenced by a
plotted development plan currently framed and hung in the Menke cottage.
Those plans never materialized. What did materialize, however, was a
tract of land that has been passed down for future generations to enjoy
and utilize as an educational, conservational and environmental
resource.
One of
the most evident observations at the dedication service was the number
of partnerships that have developed through the planning and
implementation phases of this project. Speakers from federal, state,
county and local agencies and outdoor organizations presented their
views on how the use and development of the McMurtrie Preserve will
expand and intensify the environmental educational potential of our
area.
Cedar
Lake
Protection and Rehabilitation District,
Star Prairie Fish and Game Association, Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
St Croix
County
Land
and Water Conservation Department,
Pheasants Forever, St Croix County Sportsman’s
Alliance
,
Wisconsin
Conservation Congress and area school
systems along with the Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust are all
partners in this endeavor. Wisconsin Legislative Representative Andy
Lamb also commented on the generosity and foresight the Menke family
exhibited with their donation. Mrs. Menke concluded with a Menke family
history and insight into some of the property’s past. Following, at the
end of the dedication, came the unveiling of a beautiful colored
entrance sign that will welcome visitors to the preserve. The sign
depicts some of the physical offerings of the preserve including the
eagle nest, habitat views and dam structure.
Later
that evening, at the Star Prairie Fish and Game Association sponsored
third annual River Island Park Party, a major announcement was made. The
Star Prairie Preservation Land Trust announced a capital campaign
kickoff for the construction of an environmental center to be built on
the McMurtrie Preserve. Phyllis and Bob Menke presented a check of
$10,000.00 to the Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust and the Star
Prairie Fish and Game Association pledged matching funds and in-kind
services to help with the project. Stuart Utgaard and his wife Kim made
an announcement later on in the evening of a very generous donation to
the fund from their corporation, “Sportsman’s Warehouse”. The Utgaards
own a string of outdoor sports stores across the
United States
.
PcMurtie Preserve Trail
Guide
