Shoto Conservation Club, Inc.
A small group of avid conservationists who were concerned about
conservation and the effect it has on our community got together on
October 28, 1954 with the purpose of organizing a sportsmens club that
would promote a closer unity and fellowship among all true sportsmen and
lovers of nature in the Shoto area.
Their objective was to furnish public access on the West Twin River for
fishing, picnicing, etc. They also wanted to provide habitat for wildlife,
which includes duck ponds,to improve nesting and cover for song birds and
game birds, to encourage reforestation, to procure the enactment of game
laws, also laws prohibiting pollution of lakes and streams,and other
desirable legislation insuring a better protection of game and fishes and
song and insect-eating birds, and to lend assistance in the proper
enforcement of game laws.
By April of 1955, this small group of concerned men had grown to 122
members. In June of 1955, they incorporated as the non-profit Shoto
Conservation Club, Inc. with Howard Scheinoha and Earl (Smokey) Toltzmann
signing the Articles of Incorporation. It was a big job to undertake for a
handful of sportsmen, but they felt it was essential to the future quality
of life in our community. Success of the club required the cooperation of
many persons, as their time,energy,and resources permitted. By the end of
1955, membership was over 150.
Approximately 30 acres of land, including a road and a very temporary
clubhouse, was purchased in 1956 on the south bank of the West Twin River,
about 1/2 mile downstream from Shoto. By the end of the year, the
membership had reached 200.
A traphouse was added in 1958, and for many years league trap shooting was
a very popular activity on the club grounds. In 1960, a boat launching
site was developed on the east end of the property, and soon after, it was
donated to Manitowoc County as a Public Landing. In the fall of 1964, the
present clubhouse was erected.
During the club's existence, they have assisted youth's groups such as 4-H,
Boy Scouts, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Each year financial assistance
is provided for Hunter Safety programs at Camp Tapawingo, and tuition has
been provided for college students to attend Conservation Workshops
locally. Recently, high school students have been completing their
volunteer work on club property under the direction of members. Our
Scholarship Program began when we awarded scholarships to High School
graduates who were pursuing careers in the conservation, fish and wildlife
field. Our present Scholarship Program awards a $500.00 scholarship to a
college student who is in his/her junior year and who is majoring in
conservation, fish and wildlife field.
Approximately 1,000 feet of shoreline has been developed for fishing.
During the salmon fishing season,many people from surrounding communities,
and other states, chose the river frontage on our club grounds , which has
been well known for it's abundance of salmon. In the past, canoe races and
also dog sled races havr been held on the West Twin River and on our
property. In the early 1980's the first pier for the physically challenged
(in this area) was installed on the property. This pier is a popular site
for both senior citizens and the youth of our community.Public restroom
facilities were built and are maintained on site. A pavillion constructed
by the club is used for various events, including the Izaac Walton
League's Annual Youth Fishing Day.
The club financially supports local and state organizations in their
habitat and hunter education programs each year including Conservation
Education, Lincoln Park Zoological Society, Wisconsin Wildlife
Conservation Fund of America and Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Inc.
They became affiliatd with the Manitowoc County Fish and Game Protective
Association in 1992.
In the 1980's, approximately 38 acres of land lying immediately to the
north, across CTH "VV", was willed to the club in the Clarence Silbersack
Estate. Since that time, the club has been concentrating their efforts on
developing and improving wildlife habitat on that site.
Approximately 15 acres of cropland was planted of warm season prairie
grasses for nesting cover, and six small wetlands were developed for
breeding waterfowl. In 1996, an access road was built so that hunters
would not have to park on the county road, and so that necessary habitat
manipulation could be accomplished by agricultural equipment.
During the past forty-plus years, the club has raised nearly a half of
million dollars for conservation purposes. Their main sources of income
have been from trap shooting, annual picnics, fishing derbies, snowmobile
derbies, and from the operation of a refreshment stand at the Manitowoc
County Fair. At present, fund raising activities are limited to a winter
fishing derby and the county fair stand. The provision of low-cost, high
quality food for families at the County Fair has become a very important
public service. The organization attributes their success to all their
volunteers and the general support of the community.
Over the years, on what bebegan as undeveloped land, our club has planted
grass, bushes,shrubs,tress,placed rip-rap along the river bank, developed
duck ponds, created parking and recreational areas, constructed a
beautiful clubhouse,pavillion, restroom facilities, and as a dedicated
group, has maintained this property.
The club presently maintains approximately 66 acres of productive wildlife
habitat and well maintained public use facilities. The club is unique, in
that, the members had a clause inserted in the club property deed which
states in the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the corporation,
it shall revert to Manitowoc County or, in the event the county does not
accept it, then the property may be accepted by any other organization
whose purposes are the same or similar to that clause. From the very
beginning, women were active members and officers, and a special emphasis
was placed on conservation education.
The Shoto Conservation Club has been at the Manitowoc County Fair since
1963. The club is famous for it's hot ham on rye sandwiches that are
served at the fair.
New members are always welcome. The club meets at 8:00 p.m., the second
Tuesday of every month, at the clubhouse in Shoto.
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