The Marengo River winds through Bayfield County, Wisconsin, its clear waters originating in dense forests and steep hillsides before traveling through agricultural valleys to join the Bad River.  Thanks to the conservation efforts of Mark and Pam Dryer, over 270 acres of this watershed were permanently protected through a conservation easement granted to Landmark Conservancy in 2010. 

Mark and Pam’s journey to land stewardship began over two decades ago. Mark, a lifelong biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Pam, a natural resources consultant, dreamed of finding a large, natural property where they could immerse themselves in nature and protect its ecological resources. That dream became a reality in 1998 when they purchased a parcel of land along the Marengo River. It quickly became a cherished retreat, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Mark’s childhood memories of fishing on the Marengo and the couple’s shared passion for conservation fueled their desire to protect the land’s natural features. 

The property includes healthy hardwood forests, and river bottom swampland filled with cedar, tamarack and spruce. It is home to at least 153 bird species, as well as wolves, bear, fisher, bobcat and other Northwoods species. One and one-half miles of the Marengo River flow through it and ephemeral ponds provide breeding areas for hundreds of frogs, toads, turtles, and salamanders. 

Mark and Pam Dryer walking on groomed trails on their land

The Dryer’s commitment to conservation continued when, in the late 2000s, a timber company that owned a 396-acre tract across the Marengo River directly adjacent to their property announced plans to subdivide the land for development to the Lincoln Town Board. Mark had previously served on the Land Use Planning Committee and knew the town had established that the Marengo River floodplain was an important resource area worth conserving. Mobilizing local support and working closely with Landmark Conservancy (formerly Bayfield Regional Conservancy), Mark and other community members developed a plan to conserve the land. The conservation of this property provided 4 miles of protected riverfront along the Marengo River. 

Their efforts culminated in establishing the property as the Lincoln Community Forest in 2013, ensuring its preservation for non-motorized recreation and wildlife habitat. To maintain the forest’s legacy and stewardship, the Dryers and people from the local community also established the Friends of Lincoln Community Forest, fostering a community-driven effort to protect and enhance this cherished resource in collaboration with the land stewardship efforts of Landmark Conservancy.

Erika Lang went on to share, “Mark and Pam continue to be excellent stewards of their property as well as the Lincoln Community Forest. Their passion for our natural world is contagious and inspires other people to get involved in supporting conservation efforts. They also lead by doing, and can often be found planting trees, building trails, and grooming cross-country ski trails, all activities they enjoy sharing with the community.”  

When reflecting on their conservation efforts, Pam reflected, “The land is a constant. Even as organizations evolve and new challenges arise, the easement guarantees that its natural beauty and ecological value will endure.”