After a 3-year process, the grantors at NOAA’s Coastal Management Program recently gave the greenlight to proceed with the final steps of the Swenson Forest Preserve project.  On May 1st, 2018, landowners Brent & Cheri (Swenson) Surowiec and Larry & Marcy Dorau signed over ownership of their combined 100 acres to Bayfield County representatives in a private gathering on the property.  The date is significant, as it was 3 years ago that day when a fire claimed the lives of Dorothy and Dennis Swenson.  It was the family’s wish that this special place be protected forever and open to the public to enjoy.

Also of note, it was 75 years ago this month that Cheri’s father, Arvid Swenson, first purchased the property.  Now, a new chapter for this beloved place begins…

The transfer of ownership of the Swenson and Dorau properties went to Bayfield County. The Bayfield County Foresty Department will be responsible for the developement of the property for public recreation recreational use, forest preservation and conservation of natural resources.  The Bayfield Regional Conservancy will hold a Conservation Easement on the property and will annually inspect the property for compliance with a contracted conservation plan.  They will also help the county with any future grant applications they might wish to apply for to maintain and develop the property. Watch for future developements.