Benes Easement

Benes Easement

Adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, in the Town of Whitewater, two high-quality, cold-water streams find their confluence amid sedge meadow, wet prairie, and savanna. The northeast corner of the parcel holds oak woodlands contiguous with the State Forest; to the west, most of the property supports a working family farm.

This is the Benes Easement. A gift to the future from Lois and James Benes who, with their family, work and recreate on this land that they have come to love and respect. The nearly 176-acre site features three distinct management zones, all under easement. The agricultural management zone has more than 123 acres of productive farmland. The 16-acre minimal protection zone allows plenty of space for family residences and support buildings—and includes a pond that was installed many years earlier. The remaining portion (a little less than 37 acres) is protected as natural area, featuring the confluence of the trout streams, a true prairie remnant, oak woods, and an area that the Benes family has been restoring as savanna.

Clean water, productive soils, beautiful vistas, biodiversity… the Benes easement exemplifies much of what is so special about the southern Kettle Moraine Region. And thanks to Jim and Lois, it will stay that way forever.

This conserved property is PRIVATE and is not open for public access.