Report of the Committee appointed by
The Biological Division, University of Wisconsin
 

Area.  The area considered in this report is delineated on the attached map [omitted].

Recommendation.  That the Board of Regents designate this area as the Picnic Point – University Bay Preserve, to be kept in its natural state for recreational use, and for use as an outdoor laboratory for teaching and research.  Roads, buildings, and other artificial developments should be excluded.

Argument.  The area is of outstanding value because of its natural beauty, its diverse plant and animal life, and because it is within walking distance of the campus, and hence can be quickly reached by students and by classes.  It is already used by many students and by 20 different classes in various biological subjects, and is the site of 40 published researches.  This existing use is, we believe, its highest use.
     Its value for these purposes would suffer by an artificialization of the bay, the point, or the adjoining hinterland.
     On the other hand its value for these purposes could be enhanced by the removal of unnatural plantings and structures, by the restoration of native prairie and woodland vegetation, and by the installation of certain natural features deliberately arranged for teaching purposes.
     To provide similar facilities, many universities have been obliged to establish expensive biological stations at distant points.

Administration.  The proposed preserve is similar in concept to the University Arboretum, and might well be administered by the Arboretum Committee.  It differs from the Arboretum only in that it offers certain soils and aquatic habitats not found on the Arboretum, and in being quicker to reach and hence useable in shorter periods of time.

Boundaries.  The natural features necessary for teaching can be accommodated on an area smaller than that delineated on the attached map [omitted], but if the area is to have room for an extended walk by students, and if it is to be screened and isolated by suitable plantings from adjoining artificialized land uses, then the delineated area is the minimum practicable one.
     The private property on “Second Point” should, if possible, be acquired and added to the proposed preserve.

Note: This report was presented to the Arboretum Committee at its June 27, 1944 meeting. 

After the report, it was moved that the Arboretum Committee endorse the proposal set up by the Biological Committee; seconded and passed.

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