Dane County Board Approves Land Purchase for Sugar River Wildlife Area

November 22, 2024
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167
County Board

Receives remarks from County Executive Agard

 

 

The Dane County Board of Supervisors met last night, and at the beginning of the meeting, was joined by newly elected County Executive Melissa Agard.  In addressing the County Board, County Executive Melissa Agard said “giving to your community and running for office is not only a gift to the people that you serve, but it’s another opportunity to learn so much more about the fabulous people who we serve.” 

 

County Board Chair Patrick Miles remarked “we appreciate County Executive Agard’s presence and remarks at the meeting and look forward to working with her collaboratively in the future as we continue to provide much needed service and support to the residents of the community.”

 

Also at last night the Dane County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of 80 acres in the Town of Verona from the Allison Family Limited Partnership for the Sugar River Wildlife Area. The property sits between the recently purchased 625 acre Duerst farm and the 300 acre Madison Metropolitan School District Forest. Acquisition of this property will create an area of approximately 1000 contiguous acres of public land. 

 

The cost of the property is $3,598,500.  Funding for the purchase will be provided through the Dane County Conservation Fund.

 

The resolution indicates that a future partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District Forest would allow for shared opportunities in public education and recreation and in land management. 

 

“The purchase of this land will establish a wildlife corridor while protecting public recreation opportunities.  It is important to preserve natural spaces ensuring they remain accessible and thriving for future generations of Dane County residents,” said Supervisor Kemp (District 32).

 

At the meeting, the Board also recognized November 18 through November 22 as American Education week, with it serving as “an opportunity to highlight the vital role of education in shaping the future, recognize the contributions of educators, school staff, and the entire education community, and emphasize the value of a quality education,” per the resolution.

In addition, a resolution affirming the 2024 Affordable Housing Development Fund awards was also approved.  The Dane County Department of Human Services (DCDHS) Housing Access and Affordability (HAA) program plans to award funding to ten projects through the 2024 Affordable Housing Development Fund (DCAHDF), supporting the creation of 442 affordable housing units.

 

In 2024, the fund had over $16 million available for distribution through an application process, while eligible applications totaled $21,752,000 in requested funds. The selected projects will generate 272 new affordable housing units for Madison, as well as 170 units for the communities of Monona, Stoughton and Verona.

 

View the resolution on the land acquisition at: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13369047&GUID=DE490D8D-8331-4753-B23B-CD8CE949DE7A

 

The resolution on American Education Week can be reached at: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13561722&GUID=1C77C40C-6198-40DD-B2D1-3CE20FD1A2FD

 

View the resolution on DCDHS awards at: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13368889&GUID=54C9C377-2E74-4F3D-8757-F2B7828EAA46