Dr. Gene and Ruth Goellner were looking for a way to protect the natural beauty and biological integrity of their land when they first called the Bayfield Regional Conservancy. Over 90 acres of white pine, red oak woods and wetlands surround their home on the Teal Lake Thorofare in Sawyer County.

Forest health and restoration was important to the Goellners as they mapped out their vision for the future of their land. They were interested in maintaining a diverse forest of species and age class of trees. A Forest Management Plan was prepared by Groeschl Forestry that provides a variety of management activities including timber harvest according to sustainable management goals.

The Goellner's conservation easement takes into account the forest plan, as well as restrictions that protect the shoreline and the wetlands on the property.