The Nature Conservancy Hires Land Steward for Southwest Wisconsin

New Employee will Help Conduct Prescribed Burns, Combat Invasive Species in Region

MADISON, Wis. — December 22, 2008 — The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin announced today the hiring of Eric Mark as land steward for its work in southwest Wisconsin. Mark will coordinate the Conservancy’s prescribed fire program and implement land management activities in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area (MRPHA) in Dane and Iowa counties and on Conservancy preserves in southwest Wisconsin.

“We are delighted and privileged to have Eric Mark join our staff,” said Hannah Spaul, who directs the Conservancy’s land management work in Wisconsin. “His background, knowledge and creative thinking will bring a unique perspective and expertise to our conservation programs.”

Mark has more than eight years experience in natural resource management including grassland and wetland restoration, prescribed fire and wildlife management. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Mark worked as a private lands biologist in Balsam Lake for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He also has worked in western Wisconsin for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a biological science technician. Mark has a bachelor’s degree in conservation/resource management from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Photo courtesy of Eric Mark

Mark is currently working in the MRPHA, a 50,000-acre grassland that includes high-quality prairie remnants and wildlife habitat for rare and declining grassland birds. He will also assist with land management activities that benefit native species including prescribed fire, planting and efforts to control invasive species on Conservancy lands in southwest Wisconsin. He said that he looks forward to putting his land management experience and skills to use with the Conservancy.

“I am truly pleased to join the Conservancy,” said Mark. “I look forward to helping conserve and restore our most significant lands and waters in southwest Wisconsin and working with our remarkable staff and partners.”

Mark works out of the Conservancy’s Madison office. He also resides in Madison.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. In Wisconsin, the Conservancy has helped conserve more than 140,000 acres since 1960. The Conservancy has more than 21,000 members in Wisconsin and offices in Madison, Baraboo, East Troy, Minocqua and Sturgeon Bay. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org/wisconsin.