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County Executive's Office

County Executive Falk Announces Grants Available for Land Protection

March 03, 2004
Sharyn Wisniewski (608) 267-8823
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced today that communities and nonprofit organizations can now apply for funds from the Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program to help them preserve natural, recreational, and cultural resource lands in their area. Applications are being accepted by Dane County Parks and should be submitted by either April 1st or August 1st. “This is a chance for citizens to be able to save special places in their part of the county, and to make a real difference in their communities,” said Falk. Falk said the partnership with local communities and nonprofit organizations multiplies the benefits of county dollars and makes the protection of these properties possible. The Dane County Conservation Fund, proposed by Falk with the support of developers and environmentalists, was established in 2000 following a successful advisory referendum, which called for a significant commitment of countywide resources for the protection of land for parks and open space. The referendum was approved by over 75% of voters countywide. “The program has been an overwhelming success,” said Falk. “Together we have protected nearly 1,500 acres of land through partnerships with 17 different cities, villages, towns and nonprofit organizations in the first three years.” Lands submitted for grants are in project areas identified in the 1995-2000 & 2001-2005 Dane County Park and Open Space Plan. Examples of funded projects include the acquisitions of: -- 41 acres for the expansion of Door Creek Park in the Blooming Grove Drumlins by the City of Madison, which protects Door Creek and provides opportunities for public recreation. -- 20 acres for the expansion of the Hauge Historic District Park in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area by the Town of Hauge and the Hauge Perry Log Church Preservation Association, which protects scenic vistas and provides opportunities for prairie restoration and for public restoration. -- 117 acre conservation easement in the Black Earth Creek Resource Area by the American Farmland Trust, which protects lands adjacent to the creek and provides public fishing access while allowing the land to remain in active agriculture. Eligible applicants are encouraged to contact Laura Guyer at Dane County Parks, 246-7968, or guyer@co.dane.wi.us to discuss potential projects and for more information on the grant program. # # #
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