It is the responsibility of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Committee to develop policies and guidelines for the stewardship of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve that protect and interpret the biological and cultural resources of the landscape in conjunction with the UW-Madison’s educational mission. The Preserve Committee welcomes use, teaching, and research projects in the Preserve but requires that they be approved by the Preserve Director.
Policies concerning use, teaching, and research are summarized below:
- The preservation and restoration of natural plant and animal communities in conjunction with UW instruction and research is the primary management objective for most of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.
- Use, teaching, and research projects, including master planning, management, and restoration activities, that study and restore natural communities have the highest priority in the Preserve. Preference is given to campus-affiliated organizations whose purpose includes thoughtful and constructive relation to natural landscapes.
- Research and educational projects (including class, independent study, service learning, and formal and informal volunteer assistance) are encouraged and require permits and coordination to avoid conflicts and damage to the resources.
- Any use, teaching, or research activity that will alter vegetation, animals, soils, or hydrology (including the collection of specimens) requires a permit from the Preserve Director.
- For any research that involves use of vertebrates, the Preserve requires a copy of an approved Observation Waiver or Vertebrate Animal Care and Use Protocol for our files.
- The Preserve maintains a database of registered projects in order to document the use of the Preserve, share information with all who are interested, and help avoid conflicts. Each permit holder must submit a short report by December 15 each year. Send reports to lakeshorepreserve@fpm.wisc.edu.
- Grant proposals for projects that rely on existing vegetation, animals, soils, or hydrology or that will change vegetation, animals, soils, or hydrology or that will add structures require approval by the Preserve Director prior to submission to the granting agency.
- Only authorized motorized vehicles are permitted. Their use must be kept to a minimum and restricted to paved and gravel roads. Vehicle permits are issued by the Preserve Director.
- The use of any pesticide in the Preserve is restricted and requires authorization. Such chemicals may be applied only by trained personnel with oversight by the Preserve Director.
- Any unattended equipment or items (art installations, traps, flagging, boards, signs, etc.) must have the permit number attached to it and must be removed upon completion of the project.