As part of his nine day tour of the northwoods, Governor Jim Doyle is leaving his mark in Tomahawk.

Sunday he made a big announcement regarding the protection of a large amount of frontage land along the Tomahawk River, announcing the acquisition of 1,546 acres of land in Oneida County.

As part of the Wisconsin Stewardship Fund, the move will protect a seven mile stretch of streambank along the Tomahawk River.

The land is being purchased for the price of four million dollars from Potlatch Holdings, a Minnesota company who identifies trophy properties for protection.

The governor made the announcement Sunday morning, and says he is proud that the move will mean people can continue to fish, camp, and go canoeing in the Northwoods for generations to come.

Governor Doyle says, "When you are able to do that through the Stewardship Program, obviously we maintain and are able to preserve what makes Wisconsin so special."

The move is part of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Project, which was established in 1997 to preserve the Willow Flowage's scenic beauty and natural resources.

The purchase will also connect parts of the area's Bearskin State Trail, as well as improve water quality and the fish and wildlife habitat.

Doyle will begin the trip back to Madison Monday, but he will be stopping in Antigo, Amherst Junction, Weyauwega, and Wild Rose before he gets there.