Northwoods Land Trust announces expansion of Holmboe Conifer Forest

The Holmboe Conifer Forest in Rhinelander just grew by six acres. 

The Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT), which has managed the old-growth tract since 2007, has announced that it acquired an additional six acres at the end of January, boosting the total acreage of the protected forest to 38.

Pictured is a photograph of the six-acre parcel purchased by the Northwoods Land Trust and added to the Holmboe Conifer Forest. 
(Submitted photo)

According to an NWLT press release, the newly acquired acreage was once associated with the Riverview Hall property on Boyce Drive.

“When NWLT became owner of Holmboe’s original 32 acres in 2007, it came without deeded legal access from Boyce Drive,” NWLT officials explained. “This left the chance that the community could one day be denied the opportunity to access Holmboe, an area that has become a beloved spot to enjoy a quiet hike under towering trees, away from the city sounds. After plans for a condominium redevelopment at Riverview Hall fell through, the building and the land surrounding it was listed for sale.”

According to the release, NWLT saw two opportunities — “secure legal access and expand the conservation area.” 

Six acres was outlined as being suitable for the expansion, and then an offer was made and accepted, the release notes.

Charitable gifts and grants provided the financial resources for NWLT to purchase the land on Jan. 24.

“NWLT appreciates the cooperation of the owners of Riverview Hall, who have graciously allowed for access and parking for Holmboe over the years, We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to secure permanent access to this hidden gem in the middle of the city of Rhinelander,” said Kari Kirschbaum, NWLT’s Land Protection Director.

Holmboe is unique among NWLT’s conservation properties as it’s also a designated a State Natural Area due to its ecological importance. 

According to the release, the State Natural Area designation applies only to the 32 acres originally donated by Frithjof and Thoralf Holmboe in 1965, which features old-growth forests, glacial ridges, lowland swamps, and natural springs that flow into the Pelican River, right near the confluence of the Wisconsin River. 

“Included in the Holmboe expansion is a small parking area, and a natural vegetative buffer to protect the conservation land from any future redevelopment on adjacent properties,” the release continues. “An additional 100 feet along the Pelican River has also been protected as a part of this project.”

The Arthur L & Elaine V Johnson Foundation was one of the project’s financial supporters. Sally Mode, a trustee of the foundation and resident of Rhinelander, was excited to consider the grant application from NWLT when it was received in 2023.  

“The Arthur L & Elaine V Johnson Foundation has worked with the land trust for many years and we’ve always been impressed with the work they do,” Mode said. “This was a great opportunity to once again, partner with the Northwoods Land Trust and ensure permanent access to the wonder of this old-growth forest in our community.”

Steve Petersen, who serves on the Northwoods Land Trust’s board of directors and is owner of Steve Petersen Realty, was instrumental in helping this project reach completion, according to the NWLT.

“Together with the listing agents we worked to craft a mutually beneficial transaction that meets our organizational goals and maintains options for the remaining Riverview Hall property,” he said. “On a personal level I find it very satisfying to be part of protecting this property and providing access in perpetuity for the benefit of the public.”

As readers may remember, a group of developers approached the city back in 2021 with a proposal to build a $10 million apartment and townhouse complex along the Pelican River on Boyce Drive. 

The project, which was also set to include a bar and grill, as well as a gaming center, ultimately received city approval.

The River News reached out to Mayor Kris Hanus, city administrator Patrick Reagan and the owner of the Riverview Hall property to seek information on the fate of the redevelopment project. However, as of press time for this edition, no responses have been received.

Further information will be reported as it becomes available.

To visit the Holmboe Conifer Forest, search for “Holmboe Conifer Forest Trailhead” in Google Maps. GPS coordinates for the parking lot are: 45.627285, -89.426279. The parking lot is located behind the Riverview Hall property at 903 Boyce Dr. For use guidelines and a trail map, visit www.northwoodslandtrust.org. Donations from the public are encouraged to support the ongoing maintenance of the property, the release states.