Community members, university officials and students discussed the need to continue protection of the University of Wisconsin's Lakeshore Nature Preserve Wednesday night.

This precious area covers approximately 300 acres of land along Lake Mendota and extends from Picnic Point all the way to the edge of the Memorial Union.

During the meeting, Gary Brown, campus director of landscape architecture, led the presentation, which detailed future plans for the preserve.

These plans are a part of UW's 20-year Master Plan, a descriptive framework for the future of the university — in which the preserve plays an integral part. In designing the plans, UW officials looked to the community to help "blend … ideas" into the final concept, Brown said.

"The preserve should be interpreted so that visitors will better understand the history of these lands," Brown said, quoting one of the guiding principles of the plan.

Although the design is on its way to being a finished project, it needs additional work, William Cronon, chair of the preserve, said.

He said the nature preserve "defines the campus and makes it special," adding it is "astonishing" the lands had survived as long as they had without anyone watching over them.

For people at the meeting, Picnic Point brought about concern, specifically the addition of structures such as fire pits, steps on the shore of the point and benches in the area included in future design.

Some audience members were concerned with the addition of a two-story structure with restrooms and deck, a structure still in the early stages of planning. The building would be located at the start of Picnic Point.

But Brown said the structure would give visitors a sense of welcome upon entering the area, and furthermore, out-of-town visitors would know where they are. Overall, the master plan aims to limit building construction as to preserve the natural beauty of the area, Brown added.

Another goal of the plan, is to cut down a number of trees around the Picnic Point area to improve the view from the point

"The master plan for the Lakeshore Nature Preserve will evolve over time, it is more of a living document," he said of its future.

Although, Dan Sebald, a UW alumnus, thought the beginning of the presentation was "pedantic," he said, "I'm glad they eventually got into a discussion about Picnic Point and were willing to discuss the structure there."

Cronon noted the nature preserve needs to "do a better job of educating the public."

He said he hopes this plan will improve the community's knowledge of Picnic Point and lakeshore path area as well as serve as a place for residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty for years to come.

Brown agreed, saying the audience should help get out the word to friends and work to help protect the preservation.

"Picnic Point and all campus natural areas are icons and something we need to preserve," Brown said after the discussion.