The Mid-West Farm Report will be featuring each finalist over the next few weeks.
Joe Hovel, a dedicated steward of the land, has been at the forefront of conservation efforts since the 1970s, when he first became inspired by the “back-to-the-land” movement. Today, his family owns and manages around 3,500 acres of diverse forested land across the Upper Peninsula and central Wisconsin. With a passion for protecting natural habitats, Joe’s commitment has expanded beyond his own property to help other landowners preserve their lands as well.
“It all began with a love for the land,” Hovel recalls. “Over the years, we did good things with it, and the land gave back to us. Our forests produce many important products, but one of the most valuable is clean water. Many of our lands are located near rivers and headwaters. Protecting these ecosystems has become one of our main goals.”
Hovel’s conservation efforts are not just about timber or wildlife management; he emphasizes the less visible yet critical products of forests, like clean air and water. “These intrinsic values are often overlooked, but they’re vital for future generations,” he said.
One of the family’s properties is part of the Wisconsin River Legacy Forest, home to five known species of threatened or endangered wildlife. This land lies near the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, a fact that resonates deeply with Hovel. “Who wouldn’t want to protect their state’s namesake river at its source?” he asks. Another notable property is the Pilgrim River Forest in the Upper Peninsula, which supports coaster brook trout and feeds into Lake Superior, underscoring the ecological significance of his work.
In addition to managing his family’s lands, Hovel has been an advocate for broader conservation initiatives. “Probably the most important thing I’ve accomplished is the permanent protection of our lands through conservation easements,” he explains. His properties are protected under the Forest Legacy Program, a partnership between the federal government, states, and private landowners.
“I hope to create a wider culture of conservation,” he continues. “As I age, my physical abilities may wane, but my interest in inspiring others grows stronger.” Through outreach, advocacy, and hands-on teaching, Hovel works to share his knowledge with other landowners and encourage sustainable forest management.
His work has not gone unnoticed. As a finalist for the 2024 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award, he reflects on the impact of his efforts: “It’s gratifying to know that all our conservation work, whether protecting water, wildlife, or forests, is making a difference. It feels great to know you’re doing something right.”
For Joe Hovel, conservation is about more than just managing land—it’s about safeguarding the future. “We have a responsibility to look beyond our individual properties,” he emphasizes. “We’re part of a larger landscape, and it’s up to us to protect it for future generations.”
