Dane County Executive Parisi Announces County to Purchase Land to Expand Access to Token Creek

January 30, 2017
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
County Executive

Today Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced the intent to purchase 54 acres of land in the Town of Burke which contain a 3/4 mile stretch of Token Creek and 20 acres of mixed hardwood and  pine/spruce forest.  The property would be managed as part of the Token Creek Natural Resource Area and may also be classified as a wildlife area. 

 

“Token Creek is a beautiful area of Dane County,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “This purchase will help increase access and help protect this beautiful resource for generations to come.”

 

Token Creek is the sole cold water trout fishery in northeastern Dane County.  The 27 square mile watershed provides nearly half of the base flow of water for Lake Mendota.  The County, along with other governmental units and nonprofit organizations, has actively worked on water quality and habitat improvement measures for many years to protect and enhance this resource.

 

Protection efforts include the acquisition of land for Token Creek County Park and the Token Creek Natural Resource Area. Lands protected in these areas are available for public use and enjoyment and also create opportunities for habitat improvement projects.

 

A resolution approving the purchase was introduced Thursday,  January 12 to the Dane County Board. Once approved by the board and signed by Dane County Executive Parisi county will close on the property later this spring.