The mission of the Chequamegon Institute is to provide scientific and educational support for development of a biobased economy in the Lake Superior region.
In support of its mission, the Chequamegon Institute will initially focus it's work to transform the Ashland Agricultural Research Station into an integrated research center dedicated to supporting a biobased economy in the Lake Superior region through research, demonstration, education, and economic development. The Institute will be responsible for development and operation of the Fields, Waters, and Woods Biobased Research & Development Center and will propose to assume operational and financial responsibilities for the facility. Active areas of research will include, but not be limited to hybrid hazelnuts, native plant cultivars, and feedstock for cold-pressed botanic oils. At least ten (10) new regional businesses based on this research are anticipated within a decade. These businesses will provide over 100 jobs with annual compensation well above the State average. A critical key to the success of these businesses will be development of in-depth understanding of the potential for the biobased economics of perennial agriculture.
Fields, Waters, and Woods will be a new-generation research facility designed to jumpstart and support the biobased economy of the Lake Superior region. It will serve as a model facility for other communities seeking to foster a decentralized and sustainable biobased economy. Fields, Waters, and Woods will be operated by the Chequamegon Institute with these main components: Research, Demonstration, Outreach, Education, and Biobased Economic Development.
Three Centers of Excellence are anticipated to support the Field, Waters & Woods program and advance the mission of the Chequamegon Institute, Inc.
Each Center will be staffed by professionals who recognize that research, teaching and public serivce are central elements in supporting economic development in the region. Financial support from a robust membership as well as contract research and grant administration will make up the largest share of the Institute's revenue.
The Institute is organized as a non-stock (non-profit) corporation under IRS section 501(c)(3). It will be governed by a Board of Directors, which is elected by the membership.
