MONONA – Governor Jim Doyle today named the Wisconsin state trail system in honor of Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold. Governor Doyle signed Senate Bill 161 into law to name the Wisconsin state trails the “Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System.” The trail system will keep the legacy of Aldo Leopold alive and teach a new generation about the importance of conservation and wildlife ecology.
“Wisconsin has a storied history of conservation and preservation of our precious natural resources,” Governor Doyle said. “Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes, forests, and prairies are the essence of who we are in this state. Our rich history of conservation has given us the beautiful state we have today and the bright future we have ahead of us. The Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System will carry on this tradition by allowing many to experience the untouched natural resources of our great state.”
SB 161 names the Wisconsin state trail system the “Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System” for Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold in honor of his many contributions to Wisconsin.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Mark Miller and Neal Kedzie, and Representatives Scott Gunderson, Spencer Black and Gary Hebl for their work on the bill.
The Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System will preserve the personal experience of Wisconsin’s natural landscape that was so inspiring to Leopold and his work. There are 42 state trails covering 1728 miles in all regions of the state. The trails will continue to allow residents and visitors of all ages to experience Wisconsin’s unspoiled beauty, and students will be able to experience and learn about Wisconsin’s natural resources hands-on.
Aldo Leopold is widely considered the father of wildlife ecology and management. He was a prolific writer in ecology and philosophy, and is most famous for publishing A Sand County Almanac. Leopold taught a land ethic that encourages humans to embrace the land and its resources as part of their community. He received much of his inspiration while living on his family’s farm in Baraboo.
At the ceremony Governor Doyle was joined by Leopold’s daughter, Nina Leopold Bradley.
