Powering our communities with safe, reliable energy goes hand in hand with protecting the environment we all share. That’s why sustainability and stewardship are at the heart of what we do. From investing in renewables to enhancing fish habitats in the Flambeau Reservoir, developing pollinator habitats and supporting the Peregrine Falcons at our nesting sites, we’re committed to powering our members and the environment.
In recognition of Earth Week, we are highlighting some of our most notable stewardship initiatives.
Dairyland Reservoir and Recreation Opportunities:
Dairyland's Flambeau Hydroelectric Station in Ladysmith, Wis., has been generating clean energy since 1951. Through major environmental and recreational enhancements to land adjacent to the Reservoir, parklands and roads have been improved. Projects have included the construction of boat landings and providing handicap-accessible areas to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Peregrine Falcon Restoration Program:
Dairyland’s Peregrine Falcon Restoration Program began in the 1990s and, since then, 164 falcons have fledged from the Alma and Genoa sites combined!
Bluffland Preservation:
In 2008, Dairyland granted a conservation easement to the Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC) to permanently preserve 110 acres of Mississippi River bluffland near Alma, Wis., in Buffalo County. The land, which borders the Great River Road (Hwy. 35), includes rare oak savanna habitat, as well as mature hardwood forests and dry bluff prairie areas. Dairyland continues to work with MVC staff to help restore natural areas within the acreage as part of the long-term care plan for the property.
Pollinator Habitats:
Dairyland supports hundreds of acres of pollinator habitat at solar arrays and substation sites throughout our service territory. Dairyland’s first pollinator prairie was established by seeding a 38-acre landfill cap at the retired Genoa (Wis.) power plant site with over 40 different species of grasses and flowering forbs. An eight-acre site is being established this year adjacent to the Flambeau Hydroelectric Station.