County’s two Town of Dunn land purchases to protect Door Creek, key to future trail

May 02, 2007
Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Falk also lauds Town of Dunn partnership role in acquisition Dane County will purchase more than 67 acres for wetland preservation and a future bicycle-hike trail and another 37 acres to protect and to restore Door Creek along with breeding habitat for birds under two Town of Dunn land acquisition proposals Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk called valuable for longtime recreational needs and fragile streambed protection. The Door Creek purchase means we are protecting the creek and acquiring more of the land we need to restore the creek and wetlands. In doing so, we create breeding habitat for birds, spawning habitat for fish and better water quality for Lake Kegonsa,” Falk said. “And the purchase in the lower Mud Lake Natural Resource Area fills that critical link in the planned Lower Yahara River Trail Corridor, and provides that necessary higher ground for a north-sound trail.” Falk and Dane County Supervisor Patrick Miles of McFarland also thanked the Town of Dunn for its partnership in the purchase of the 67.48 acres in the Lower Yahara River Trail Corridor. The town is providing $202,572 toward the purchase price of $742,000 for the property. Due to the town’s partnership in the acquisition, Dane County will provide $539,428 and these funds will come from the Conservation Fund. "Here we have a fine example of how inter-governmental cooperation benefits so many,” said Miles, who represents District 34 which includes the Town of Dunn. “Working together, the Town of Dunn and Dane County secured land that will provide lasting effects of habitat preservation and a healthier Door Creek and Lake Kegonsa." The Door Creek Wetland Resource Area 37-acre purchase is critical to the restoration and enhancement of the wetlands. It also includes 16 acres of nesting cover for waterfowl and grassland birds, and provides public access to the creek for Elvehjem Road. The purchase price for the Door Creek property is $256,500 and will be covered by the Conservation Fund. Both proposals are pending before the Dane County Board of Supervisors, which will consider them as part of their May 3 meeting. After board action, the resolutions return to Falk for her final action. ###