The Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve is a non-profit organization supported by private funds. As a local land-trust the MIWP helps protect the scenic and natural qualities of Madeline Island by acquiring land through donation, bequest, or direct purchase, and by holding conservation easements.

Donated or bequeathed land becomes Wilderness Preserve property to be held and maintained forever in its conservancy in accordance with the donor's wishes. Because the Wilderness Preserve is a non-profit organization, these gifts become deductible from federal income and estate taxes.

Purchasing land directly enables the Wilderness Preserve to ensure the continuation of unspoiled areas on the island. As critical properties become available and funding permits, these areas are acquired and protected consistent with wise land management, including educational, research, and public use.

Conservation easements are cost effective ways of protecting land for special purposes, including scenic enjoyment, wildlife and watershed protection, and forest preservation. The limitations on use are determined by the landowner and become part of the title to the property. If IRS criteria are met, conservation easements are deductible as charitable contributions.