The Associated Press article on page three in Monday's Daily Register titled "Donated painting to help endangered species" contained a misleading statement.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the boyhood home of John Muir "is now a state natural area." That's partly true, since approximately three-quarters of the Muir's "Home 80" is included in the natural area dedicated boundary.

However, and much more importantly, the John Muir boyhood homestead, known historically as Fountain Lake Farm, was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior (National Park Service) in 1990. The entire landmark contains the acreage once owned by the Muir family, including the original homesite, which is privately owned and closed to the public.

Wisconsin has nearly 600 "state natural areas," but only a fraction of that many National Historic Landmarks. A site must possess historical significance at a rare level, displaying real evidence of having had a strong influence on our nation's natural and/or cultural past, to be recognized as a NHL. The first American boyhood home of John Muir is now officially known as Fountain Lake Farm National Historic Landmark.

Erik Brynildson, registered landscape architect/ecologist, Fountain Lake Farm National Historic Landmark, Montello