After years of drainage efforts for farming, Wisconsin family’s 2,000 acres are now protected

A nearly 2,000-acre former farm along Wisconsin’s Sugar River is now permanently protected after years of drainage efforts and a tax dispute.

Groundswell Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited bought the property, which includes wetlands, floodplain forests and prairies.

The land will become part of the Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area and remain open for hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife watching.