2011 will mark the centennial for Devil’s Lake State Park. This hundred year anniversary is not just a celebration of nature or conservation, but a reminder of the economic value of land left un-scarred by privatization, greed and self-interest. The Baraboo hills area is blessed with innumerable acres of public lands, protected natural areas and private conservation areas open to public use. In fact, Wisconsin’s first designated natural area, Parfrey’s Glen is just a couple miles east of Devil’s Lake. It’s fair to say that the Baraboo hills have long been recognized as a special place demanding thoughtful use with an eye toward preservation.

In our part of the state the land itself leads us toward an economy heavily supported by tourism and outdoor recreation. Although this should be obvious to everyone living within the walls of the Baraboo valley, it often is not. The idea that land is without value if it cannot be owned, paved,  taxed, plowed, or built upon, still has deep roots in the minds of many and will be hard to remove. There are no chasms between preservation and profit, but it does take a clear mind to envision the possibilities.  It is my hope that this centennial celebration will help to open a few more eyes to what should have always been terribly obvious. Devil’s Lake State Park is the anchor of our local economy. Not the factories, or some new office complex on the riverfront, and certainly not the leftovers of passersby on their way to Wisconsin Dells. No, what Baraboo is, is the center of a thriving outdoor recreational destination waiting almost 100 years for many in the business community to fully understand the potential. The Devil’s Lake State Park centennial offers an opportunity to bring this point home to everyone. The first planning meeting for the 2011 celebration will be held at the Devil’s Lake State Park office at 10 am on Jan 28th. 2 days from now.

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