Conservation Priorities
A watershed-wide blueprint guiding conservation work across Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron counties.
Conservation from Headwaters to Coast
These six conservation priorities were developed through the Headwaters to Coast Initiative — a collaborative effort spearheaded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant, in partnership with the Collaborative, that brought together more than 50 people from 40+ organizations across Wisconsin's Lake Superior Basin. That work is now fully integrated into the Collaborative, and these priorities guide how the Collaborative coordinates and funds conservation work across Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron counties.
The blueprint addresses critical challenges including habitat fragmentation, water quality, and biodiversity loss — helping partners prioritize and coordinate projects to meet the ecological, social, and cultural needs of current and future generations.
Mission
To bring people together to prioritize and coordinate conservation projects that meet the ecological, social, and cultural needs of current and future generations in Wisconsin's Lake Superior Basin.
Six Conservation Priorities
These priorities guide project coordination and funding alignment across Wisconsin's Lake Superior Basin.
Connected and Functional Habitats
Improve and maintain habitat connectivity and functionality at the landscape scale.
Healthy and Biodiverse Habitats
Maximize self-sustaining native species biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
High Water Quality and Hydrologic Integrity
Improve and maintain water quality and hydrologic function to support resilient aquatic systems for all life that depends on them.
Extreme Weather Preparedness
Maximize the resilience of ecosystems and communities to extreme weather.
Community Engagement
Engage communities in conservation-related work, and foster connections and reciprocal relationships to care for the Lake Superior Basin.
Prepare for and Address Current and Emerging Threats
Mitigate current and emerging environmental threats through strategic and coordinated conservation efforts.
Connect With the Collaborative
Have questions about the Lake Superior Collaborative (LSC) or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.
Program Coordinator
Catie Geib
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI 54806
715-820-1852
catie.geib@wisc.edu