Northwood Alliance

What Northwood Alliance does

Northwood Alliance (legal name Northwoods Alliance, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(2) public charity founded in 1981 and re-energized in 2006, operating entirely through unpaid volunteers with no paid staff. Its mission is to conserve forestland, habitat, and public access across northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with a current focus on the Border Lakes region spanning Vilas County, WI and adjacent UP counties. The organization directly holds and manages two community forests — Wildcat Falls (200 acres, established 2020) and Headwaters Cedar (200 acres, acquired August 2023) — and has supported or facilitated conservation of several thousand additional acres across projects including the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest (1,042 acres), Pilgrim River (~1,600 acres), Border Lakes Forest Legacy (~1,350 acres, October 2024), Warren and Popovich easements, and others.

The organization's core products and outputs fall into two categories. First, conserved real estate: NWA either acquires fee title, partners with land trusts (Keweenaw, Northwoods) to hold easements, or supports WDNR-held Forest Legacy easements, providing landowners with appraisal support, grant administration, and succession planning. Second, educational publications: a four-part Northwoods Forest Conservation handbook series (released 2020-2021, consolidated as a 176-page Second Edition in 2023) co-published with Partners in Forestry Cooperative, plus Joe Hovel's memoir "From Barbells to Spruce Grouse," with all proceeds directed to conservation projects.

The business model is grant- and donation-funded. Revenue streams comprise individual donations (directed to specific projects), federal grants (USFS Community Forest Program, Forest Legacy, LWCF), state grants (Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund), private foundation grants (Weeden, John C Bock, Watermolen, Boulder Junction Community Foundation, Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula, UPEC), and nominal income from print publication donations. Because all board and affiliates are volunteers, the organization claims 100% of donations flow directly to projects. Go-to-market is community-led: WXPR radio features, library and community presentations, email newsletters, and partner-organization referral networks serve as the primary channels for both donor acquisition and landowner outreach.

Name

Northwood Alliance

Legal name

Northwoods Alliance, Inc.

Website

https://northwoodalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Northwood Alliance is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers, that acquires and facilitates forest conservation easements and community forests across northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, funded by individual donations, USFS/state grants, and private foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Land Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Conservation Easements & Land Trust Services (AFAMAMAH), Timberland & Forest Asset Management (IMAMAJAA)

Keywords

• Land conservation services
• Community forest management
• Conservation easement facilitation
• Forest habitat protection
• Environmental nonprofit advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Conover

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Individual Contributions: NWA relies heavily on donations from individuals who support land conservation projects. Donations can be directed to specific projects. The organization states that all donations go directly to projects since there are no paid staff or excess overhead. The board and affiliates are entirely volunteer.
2. Government Grants: NWA secures funding from federal programs including the USFS Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, USFS Forest Legacy Program, and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Recent grants include $200,000 USFS Community Forest award for Headwaters Cedar Community Forest, $145,000 USFS Forest Legacy award for Upper Wisconsin River Bird Habitat (October 2024), and $600,000 USFS Forest Legacy award for Border Lakes Forest Legacy (October 2024).
3. Foundation Grants: NWA receives grant awards from private foundations including the Weeden Foundation, John C Bock Foundation, James D & Jane P Watermolen Foundation, Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition, Boulder Junction Community Foundation, and others. These grants support specific conservation projects and community forest acquisitions.
4. Book Sales and Publications: NWA produces and distributes the Northwoods Forest Conservation handbook series (three booklets plus a combined second edition). While digital copies are free, print copies are available at no charge with donations requested for postage. Joe Hovel's memoir 'From Barbells to Spruce Grouse' has all proceeds directed to NWA conservation projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Northwood Alliance is a volunteer-driven nonprofit conservation organization that protects land in northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula through fee ownership and conservation easements. It holds and manages community forests open to non-motorized public recreation, facilitates conservation transactions between private landowners and government agencies or land trusts, and publishes educational handbooks on forest conservation.

Product overview

Northwood Alliance offers a portfolio of conservation education resources centered on the Northwoods Forest Conservation handbook series—three thematic handbooks (A Handbook, Celebrating Local Wood, Managing Forestlands for the Future) now consolidated into a 2023 Second Edition—plus published books and community forest properties. The organization also maintains and manages conserved lands including Wildcat Falls Community Forest (200 acres, established 2020), Headwaters Cedar Community Forest (200 acres, acquired 2023), and Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest (1,042 acres, established 2015) as publicly accessible conservation properties. All publications are available free in digital format with print copies available at cost or by donation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Northwoods Forest Conservation Handbook (Second Edition) A consolidated 176-page bound book combining three handbooks on conservation practices, local wood and alternative forest products, and managing forestlands for the future. Available digitally free and as print-on-demand, targeting landowners, foresters, and conservation practitioners in the upper Midwest.
• Wildcat Falls Community Forest A 200-acre community forest near Watersmeet, Michigan protecting old-growth cedar and hemlock forest, a 25-foot waterfall, trout stream, wetlands, vernal pools, and rock outcrops with permanent non-motorized public access. Open to the public for hiking, bird watching, hunting, fishing, and snowshoeing.
• Headwaters Cedar Community Forest A 200-acre community forest west of Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin featuring 49 acres of mature cedar stands, wetlands, and habitat connectivity between Northern Highland State Forest and Ottawa National Forest. Open to the public for non-motorized recreation.
• Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest A 1,042-acre protected forested area in Vilas County, Wisconsin created with Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funding, protecting Wisconsin River riparian habitat and forest resources, including a 191-acre bird habitat expansion supported by a $145,000 USFS Forest Legacy award in October 2024.
• From Barbells to Spruce Grouse A 238-page memoir by Joe Hovel reflecting on his conservation career with focus on conservation and community-based activism, with all proceeds supporting Northwood Alliance conservation projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,200 acres transferred to public ownership in early Border Lakes conservation efforts
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Partners in Forestry CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing close partnership with PIF, which shares office space and coordinates on nearly all conservation projects. Joe Hovel serves as Acting Director of NWA while maintaining involvement with PIF. PIF manages the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest under Managed Forest Law. The two organizations co-publish the Northwoods Forest Conservation handbook series and jointly hold events.
• USDA Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWA partners with USFS on the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program and the Forest Legacy Program. USFS has awarded $147,500 for Wildcat Falls, $200,000 for Headwaters Cedar, $145,000 for Upper WI River Bird Habitat, and $600,000 for Border Lakes Forest Legacy. USFS also manages the Ottawa National Forest where several conservation efforts are focused.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDNR holds conservation and access easements on Forest Legacy properties (Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest) and is the primary state agency partner for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. NWA assists landowners in submitting Forest Legacy applications through WDNR Division of Forestry.
• Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPEC was one of the first supporters of NWA's Wildcat Falls Community Forest with a $10,000 community grant award in 2018, and subsequently supported the Headwaters Cedar Community Forest. UPEC recognizes the value of the Border Lakes HCCF project to the UP and the Ontonagon River watershed.
• Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa IndianscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner actively involved in Border Lakes conservation efforts. Andre Virden, the Tribe's Habitat Manager, serves on the NWA Board of Directors. The Tribe has provided financial support (television ads for Protect the Willow campaign) and collaborates on wildlife habitat management decisions.
• Keweenaw Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWA works closely with Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT), which holds and facilitates conservation easements. KLT is a key partner in NWA's Land Conservation Initiative, particularly in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. NWA supports and collaborates with KLT on easement projects including the Popovich Conservation Easement.
• University of Wisconsin Center for CooperativescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUWCC provides critical financial support and grant assistance to NWA and Partners in Forestry for conservation outreach and education. Their support enabled the Northwoods Forest Conservation handbook series and outreach activities. UWCC lists advancing Headwaters Cedar Community Forest as one of three priorities in their award.
• Gathering Waters (Wisconsin Alliance for Land Trusts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWisconsin's statewide land trust alliance. Gathering Waters co-hosted the October 2024 Land Legacy Award event with NWA and Partners in Forestry at Trees for Tomorrow. Gathering Waters also provides Knowles-Nelson Policy Brief resources and advocacy support for Wisconsin land conservation.
• Northwoods Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWA works with Northwoods Land Trust (serving Vilas, Iron, Price, Oneida, Florence and Forest Counties in Wisconsin) as a supporting partner. NL T holds conservation easements and partners with NWA on projects in northern Wisconsin.
• The Nature Conservancy of WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner organization in NWA's conservation efforts, particularly in the Border Lakes region where The Nature Conservancy's Tenderfoot Reserve is in proximity to the Headwaters Cedar Community Forest project.
• Friends of Sylvania WildernessflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoung nonprofit promoting protection of Sylvania Wilderness. Friends of Sylvania provided $3,000 in fundraising support for Wildcat Falls Community Forest (with a matching offer) and assisted in the Popovich Conservation Easement fundraising effort.
• Town of Land O LakescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal municipality that supports NWA's conservation projects in the Border Lakes region. The Town Board passed a resolution of support for the Land O Lakes Conservation Projects (Border Lakes and Upper WI River Legacy Forest expansion) in June 2024.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• The Conservation Fund: National nonprofit focused on land and water conservation, working with federal agencies, states, and private landowners. Comparable as a broader incumbent that facilitates conservation real-estate transactions, leverages federal funding, and holds conservation lands for public benefit.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that works with communities to protect land for public access and conservation. Directly comparable as a broader incumbent that uses federal programs (Forest Legacy, USFS Community Forest) and pursues community forest and conservation easement deals nationwide, including in the Upper Midwest.
• The Nature Conservancy (Wisconsin): Global environmental nonprofit with active Wisconsin chapter operating in the same geography (Tenderfoot Reserve borders Headwaters Cedar). Comparable as a broader incumbent conservation landowner and partner in the Border Lakes region with overlapping conservation priorities.

Direct peers

• Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition: Coalition of environmental organizations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that has provided grants to NWA's Wildcat Falls and Headwaters Cedar projects. Comparable as a peer funder and regional environmental advocacy organization operating in the same UP geography.
• Keweenaw Land Trust: Regional land trust operating in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, focused on conservation easements and land protection. Directly comparable as an NWA partner organization holding easements in the same Border Lakes geography and serving the same private landowner base.
• Maine Coast Heritage Trust: Statewide land trust in Maine that holds conservation easements and manages a network of community preserves. Comparable as a peer regional land-conservation organization working in a similar northern forested, coastal-adjacent geography with comparable stewardship and easement-holding functions.
• Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts: Wisconsin's statewide alliance of land trusts providing advocacy, training, and Knowles-Nelson policy support. Directly comparable as a peer advocacy organization that awarded NWA the 2024 Land Legacy Award and shares the same policy and funding ecosystem.
• Northwoods Land Trust: Regional land trust serving Vilas, Iron, Price, Oneida, Florence and Forest Counties in northern Wisconsin. Directly comparable as a partner organization that holds conservation easements and works with private landowners on land protection in NWA's core service area.

Regional players

• Northern Forest Center: Regional nonprofit focused on the Northern Forest of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Comparable as a peer working on community forest establishment, conservation finance, and rural community economic development in a similar northern forested geography.

Emerging players

• Wisconsin Wetlands Association: Wisconsin-based nonprofit focused on wetland conservation and policy. Comparable as a peer nonprofit operating in the same Wisconsin geography with overlapping habitat-protection mission (NWA protects wetlands and riparian corridors as part of its forest work).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/northwoods-alliance-incorporated

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Northwood Alliance