DNR Board Approves Land Swap with Walker Donor

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resource's board has approved a land swap with one of Gov. Scott Walker's key donors.

The DNR proposed giving Elizabeth Uihlein 1.75 acres along Rest Lake in Manitowish Waters in exchange for 42.7 acres Uihlein and her husband bought within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

Uihlein wants the Rest Lake frontage so a condominium complex she owns will have lake access. DNR officials came up with the swap approach after drawing criticism last year for proposing selling the parcel to her for about $110,000 less than what one appraiser valued the land.

Uihlein and her husband donated nearly $3 million to Walker's presidential super PAC and a nonprofit group that helped promote his presidential bid.

The board approved the swap Wednesday in Ashland.