Dairyland Leads Environmental Stewardship Project at Old Settler’s Overlook

September 14, 2026

Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland, LLC, employees participated in brush clearing and site improvements at Old Settler's Overlook in Vernon County as part of a volunteer project. The work was done in partnership with the Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission and the MariBell Transmission Project team. Zielies Tree Service also provided volunteer time on the environmental stewardship project.

"The work at Old Settler's Overlook, which expands the view and removes invasive species, is transformational," said Sherry Quamme, Chair, Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission. "This is an iconic site on the Wisconsin Great River Road-All American Road. The stewardship project will positively impact tourism for Vernon County."

The site, a scenic destination with vast views of the Mississippi River between Stoddard and Genoa, Wis., was selected due to extensive overgrowth and the need for improvements to sightlines. Volunteers from Dairyland and GridLiance Heartland raked, collected debris, repaired trails and maintained the site property.

"Old Settler's Overlook is a hidden gem for Vernon County and the entire Driftless Region," said Dairyland Senior Transmission Project Manager Dylan Alitz. "Guided by the Cooperative Principle of Concern for Community, we are proud to be part of these improvements for the community to enjoy."