Oak savannas, prairies, relic pine forests, grazing livestock, and rolling open vistas define the driftless landscape and make our homes beautiful and are the reasons we live here. Many of us have been concerned about preserving the unique places of our area before it is lost forever. With increasing sprawl from the urban centers we have already lost precious plant communities and habitat for species once common in this area. The Driftless Area Land Conservancy is your local land trust working diligently to save these special landscapes that you enjoy.

In 2000, a small group of dedicated individuals forged the foundation for the Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC). With a diverse Board of Directors and staff, DALC has the capacity to address the complex conservation and environmental needs of private landowners who seek expertise in botany, geology, forestry, archeology, economics, and legal matters associated with the conservation and preservation of their land.

DALC’s mission is to provide a means to protect the unique natural resources and preserve the rural landscape and quality of life in southwestern Wisconsin. We will accomplish this mission through traditional land trust techniques such as accepting donations or purchasing of land and development rights on significant lands in an area generally defined as Richland, Sauk, Iowa, and Lafayette counties. The diversity of our Board of Directors, staff, and active members will also allow us to realize our mission by providing information and support to other local conservation organizations and units of government.