County Executive Announces Partnership to Open Lakefront Property to the Public in the Town of Dunn
March 15, 2012
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
Purchase Opens 1400 Feet of Shoreline for Outdoor Recreation
Dane County will enter into a new partnership with the Town of Dunn and the Natural Heritage Land Trust to protect one of the largest remaining privately owned, undeveloped stretches of lakefront property in the county, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.
Parisi made his announcement on the 40-acre property located on the southern most shore of Lake Waubesa, adjacent to the Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area. The property overlooks the lake and includes approximately 1,400 feet of shoreline that will now be open to the public for everything from fishing to launching a canoe.
“This picturesque property will be a great place for families to get out and enjoy the outdoors whether it be hiking, fishing, or viewing wildlife,” said Parisi. “By bringing together public and private partners, we’re able to protect this beautiful lakefront property for generations to come.”
In addition to making new opportunities available to enjoy the outdoors, this purchase also protects the Waubesa Wetlands, considered one of the highest quality and most diverse wetlands remaining in southern Wisconsin. This is the county’s first acquisition in this area.
These wetlands are home to a wide array of aquatic plants, rare birds such as the sand hill crane, and the state threatened Blanding’s turtle. The purchase will also help protect water quality in the lake – Lake Waubesa already has a natural source of high quality water, fed by more than nine natural springs.
The resolution to acquire the property will be introduced at tonight’s meeting of the Dane County Board by Supervisor Patrick Miles, who’s district includes the Town of Dunn.
“Purchasing this shoreline protects a lifetime of outdoor recreation for the public and natural habitat for fragile species,” said Miles. “These continued investments are important to protecting our high quality of life in Dane County.”
The property is currently owned by the D. and B. Anderson family. The purchase price is the appraised value of $482,000. The County share of project costs will be no more than $199,000. The Natural Heritage Land Trust has sponsored a grant application to the DNR, which would cover up to 50% of the purchase price. The Town of Dunn may also contribute up to $91,500, contingent upon approval by Town residents. Funds for the purchase would come from the 2012 Lake Preservation Fund.
Parisi will give the purchase final approval upon review and passage by the Dane County Board.
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