TRANSACTION OVERVIEW

Status: Sold

Sold Price: $775,000

Address: Lt2 County Road Z, Dousman, WI 53118

County: Waukesha County

Municipality: Town of Ottawa

Property Type: Recreational Land with CRP & WRP Income and Building Site

Acreage: 81.21 Acres

Zoning: Farmland Preservation & Agricultural

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WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wisconsin - Land & Legacy Group is proud to announce the successful sale of an 81.21-acre diversified land holding in the Town of Ottawa, closing at the full asking price of $775,000.

Representing an exceptional slice of the Kettle Moraine landscape, this expansive acreage features a highly sought-after blend of level and rolling topography, mature hardwoods, and low-ground wildlife ponds. For landowners evaluating what their property is worth in today's market, this transaction highlights how combining recreational enjoyment with built-in financial returns can command a premium price tag in southeast Wisconsin.

You don't often find a tract this close to the Milwaukee metro area that already has CRP enrollment, a WRP easement, and a clear path to a building site, said Al Wisnefske, Broker/Owner of Land & Legacy Group. The buyer didn't need to invent a use for it. The land was already doing the work.

NAVIGATING CONSERVATION EASEMENTS IN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

When selling land with a CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) contract or a permanent WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program) conservation easement, navigating the rules of government programs is essential to a successful sale. A common concern for Wisconsin landowners is whether these conservation encumbrances will hurt their land value.

When marketed to the right conservation-minded buyers and outdoor enthusiasts, these programs actually protect the character of the land while providing reliable income. This transaction's value was anchored by these dual-purpose assets:

• Annual passive income via active CRP habitat enrollment
• Permanent recreational and conservation protection via a WRP easement
• Diverse topography supporting a robust wildlife and hunting ecosystem

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THE STRATEGY: UNLOCKING EQUITY WITH LAND DIVISIONS

Beyond the acreage's natural diversity, the true catalyst for unlocking the maximum equity of this parcel was the strategic inclusion of a partial rezone and land division. To maximize the sale price for the seller, the marketing framework specifically highlighted the potential to split the parcel. This strategy allowed a future owner to carve out a pristine, private building envelope via a Certified Survey Map (CSM) without disrupting the income-producing open ground or the hunting habitat in the western lowlands.

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TRANSACTION TIMELINE & MUNICIPAL CONTINGENCIES

The property generated immediate market traction when listed on April 10, 2025, moving from "active" to "accepted offer" in just 21 days.

Because the agreement required completing the formal land division and navigating local municipal rezoning contingencies, the transaction featured an extended timeline that officially closed on May 8, 2026, at the full asking price of $775,000.

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‍REGIONAL MARKET DEMAND IN WAUKESHA COUNTY‍

This $9,543 per acre benchmark reinforces the robust demand for larger acreage parcels in southwestern Waukesha County. Because inventory remains incredibly tight near the Milwaukee and Madison commuter corridors, buyers are moving quickly on land that offers immediate utility. For regional property owners considering selling inherited land or liquidating a long-term recreational investment, this milestone proves that structured, expert positioning can successfully navigate complex local zoning laws to deliver a full-price cash-out.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Does a WRP easement or CRP contract hurt my land value in Wisconsin?‍

It depends. When marketed correctly, conservation programs can enhance your land's value. While a WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program) or CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) restricts certain agricultural or development uses, they can be highly attractive to recreational buyers and outdoor enthusiasts because they provide guaranteed wildlife habitat protection and annual passive income to offset holding costs.

What is recreational land selling for in Waukesha County?

Recreational acreage values in Waukesha County vary based on proximity to the Milwaukee metro area, topography, and buildability. Parcels that offer both hunting utility and a designated building envelope command a premium. This 81.21-acre tract in the Town of Ottawa recently sold for $775,000, breaking down to $9,543 per acre.

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ABOUT LAND & LEGACY GROUP

Land & Legacy Group is a Wisconsin real estate brokerage specializing in agricultural, recreational, and transitional land for sale. Led by Broker/Owner Al Wisnefske, the firm provides in-depth property details, targeted marketing, and transaction services to maximize equity for Wisconsin property owners. To learn more about our current offerings or to discuss the value of your land, visit www.landandlegacygroup.com or call 262-873-8375.