The Niagara Escarpment Resource Network is a joint effort led by the East Central and Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commissions and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).   Click on any of the images below to check out their websites!

Organization History

The Network's history dates back to 1998 when a conference was held at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay that highlighted land use and conservation issues facing the Niagara Escarpment.   Over 100 attendees to this event provided input and guidance on the future direction of conservation and planning efforts pertaining to the Niagara Escarpment in Wisconsin.   This input suggested that such an effort be 'bottom-up' (i.e., grassroots) versus 'top-down' (i.e. statewide regulation) and that the two advisory Regional Planning Commissions lead the efforts with the assistance of the WDNR.   Over the next several years additional meetings and discussions were held to formulate a strategic plan to lead such an efforts.  With the assistance of numerous participants, the efforts were formalized in 2002 and became known as the Niagara Escarpment Resource Network.  The Network is essentially a coalition of federal, state, and regional agencies; local and county governments; academia; non-profit organizations, and; individual landowners and citizens whose purpose is to provide a common forum for discussion and action which promotes the short and long term planning for the protection and conservation of this resource (see Mission Statement below).   The Network IS NOT a non-profit organization (at least not yet, although discussions have suggested that this be considered in the future) and has no regulatory control over private lands.   The Network exists to function as its name suggests.....linking people with information.  You might think of it as your  ‘one-stop-shop’ for all your Escarpment needs.   A lot of information, knowledge, and expertise about the Niagara Escarpment is held by Network’s individual members, partners, and their respective agencies or organizations. By joining the network, or requesting assistance from us, this information (and perhaps a unique perspective) can be made more accessible to individuals or communities, in a manner suitable to the issue at hand.

Organization Membership

Membership to the Network is open to everyone and is completely FREE!.   We ask nothing of you in terms of commitment, however; we encourage you to be an active part of the group, particularly if you have knowledge, expertise, or experience related to the escarpment and are willing to share it!   As a member, you will receive periodic e-mails informing you on upcoming meetings and event; updates on Network projects and activities, and; news and information about local land use issues and conservation opportunities related to the Niagara Escarpment.   Click here to sign up!

Current Activities & Projects

Members and partners within the Network have been working on a variety of projects to assist in supporting community and regional conservation planning for the Niagara Escarpment.    These projects include the development and maintenance of this website, as well as:

More information on the Network's current and planned activities and projects for 2006will be available on this site soon!

Our Mission Statement

“To promote balanced land-use decisions and an appreciation for the unique ecology of Wisconsin’s Niagara Escarpment.  This will be achieved by providing education and scientific information to decision-makers, acknowledging local interests, and promoting sound planning and management concepts that conserve the integrity of the Niagara Escarpment."

Organizational Principles

Awareness & Appreciation We foster increased awareness and appreciation of the Niagara Escarpment and its unique and varied resources. 

Communication & Information Sharing  We seek to identify, collect, develop, and communicate information and research regarding the Niagara Escarpment.

Community Involvement & Education  We promote and facilitate community involvement and education related to both small and large-scale issues concerning the Niagara Escarpment.

Public & Private Stewardship  We encourage the public and private protection and stewardship of Niagara Escarpment resources through voluntary measures.

Funding Opportunities  We encourage and promote the use of public and private programs for funding future conservation, acquisition, and enhancement of Niagara Escarpment resources.

Land Use Planning We encourage communities and counties to proactively create meaningful local and regional plans for the protection and conservation of the Niagara Escarpment’s unique and valued resources. For example:

Groundwater Resources We promote the understanding of the karst geology of the Niagara Escarpment and seek to protect the groundwater resources of the Niagaran Aquifer system

Aesthetic Resources We provide insight on the aesthetic qualities of the Niagara Escarpment and seek to protect scenic resources and enhance visually degraded areas along its corridor. 

Public Access & Recreation  We promote and support expansion of public access to the Niagara Escarpment corridor to facilitate additional low-impact recreation activities.

Mineral Resources  We seek to balance the needs of Niagara Escarpment protection with the public’s needs for mineral resources.

Wildlife & Habitat  We seek to identify and promote the conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat, especially rare and significant areas, along the Niagara Escarpment corridor.

Cultural & Historical Resources We seek to identify and protect cultural, archeological, and historical sites along the Niagara Escarpment corridor.