LAND O' LAKES - Governor Doyle made a stop in Land O' Lakes as part of his Up North Tour to announce the addition of more than 1,000 acres of land to the protected, public Northern Highlands State Forest.

He says this is a big step forward for the environment in Wisconsin, "This is the best way that we have to clean our air, is to have big, strong, active forests."

In addition to the benefits to the environment, Forest Superintendent Steve Petersen says this will be a boon to the Northwoods' economy, because it will allow more, permanent room for public recreation, "Northern forest provide the basis for a lot of our economy up here, we depend so much on tourism, this is an important element of it.

Governor Doyle says the state was able to purchase this land from private owner and conservationist Joe Hovel through the State Stewardship Fund. The Governor says he's thankful for all of Mr. Hovel's work to keep the land wild

"We're very, very grateful. You know, behind every major Stewardship purchase in this state you'll find a very generous landowner and someone who has really cared for that land and this is another example of it," says Governor Doyle.

Hovel says just happy knowing the land will be protected, "It's our responsibility as landowners to leave things in good hands so our grandchildren and future generations can experience the same things that we've had the pleasure to experience."

According to Governor Doyle the land will remain public and protected from now until forever. Hovel says that is just what he envisioned when he bought all those acres nearly 20 years ago.

Governor Doyle says the addition to the Northern Highlands State Forest lies along the Ontonagon River and Palmer Lake and will create a steady eco-system that bridges the Northwoods with the
Upper Peninsual. He says this is essential for protecting the plant and animal species in those areas.