Dairyland Power employees take on environmental stewardship project at Old Settler’s Overlook

Volunteer work included brush clearing and trail repair

Sept. 18, 2026

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland, LLC employees participated in a volunteer environmental stewardship project at Old Settler’s Overlook in Vernon County. The effort was completed in partnership with the Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission and the MariBell Transmission Project team. Zielies Tree Service also donated volunteer time to support the project.

“The work at Old Settler’s Overlook, which expands the view and removes invasive species, is transformational,” said Sherry Quamme, chair of the 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.”

Old Settler’s Overlook, a scenic destination featuring expansive views of the Mississippi River between Stoddard and Genoa, was selected for improvements because of extensive overgrowth and the need to enhance sightlines. Volunteers from Dairyland and GridLiance Heartland cleared brush, raked debris, repaired trails and performed general site maintenance.

“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.”