"This matching grant of $500.00 will be applied to the production cost of a Field Guide on the Rare and Endangered Species in the Brule River State Forest," said Kay Saari, President of the 'Friends', "and we are delighted to be awarded this grant."

The Field Guide will be a 48 page publication, identifying, with text and illustration, each of the 52 rare and/or endangered species in its habitat and general location in the Brule River State Forest.

The main body of the information for the field guide will be based on the 'Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Inventory Program; Biotic Inventory and Analysis of the Brule River State Forest,'produced in 1999 by the DNR, Bureau of Endangered Resources.

Beckey Sapper, botanist with The Nature Conservancy in Ashland, Wisconsin is also assisting the "Friends of the Brule" with the development of the Field Guide on the Rare & Endangered Species in the Brule River State Forest.

The purpose of the booklet is educational and for the overall protection of these species. The Brule River State Forest affords a unique opportunity for preserving and restoring them in their native communities. This will be a valuable tool for the DNR foresters so they can identfy the species when they cruise for timber sales. It can also be used by local residents and visitors for identification and protection of the species.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit organiztion that works with public and private partners to promote the knowledge, enjoyment and stewardship of Wisconsin's natural resources. The C.D. Besady Conservation Grant Program provides financial support for natural resources projects and programs that support the Foundations mission at the grass roots level