County Executive Awards Grant for Land Preservation adjacent to the Historic Hauge Log Church in Southwestern Dane County

January 15, 2004
Sharyn Wisniewski, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823
County Executive

Note: If you would like an aerial map or photo of the purchase area, please contact Laura Guyer, Dane County Parks, at 246-7968, to arrange for a digital image to be sent to you. Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk delivered a grant award today to the Town of Perry and the Perry Hauge Log Church Preservation Association, Inc., preserving land adjacent to the historic, 152-year old Hauge Log Church. The grant, made available through the Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program, will aid in the acquisition of almost 20 acres in the Hauge Historic District. This District is part of the larger Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area (MRPHA), a study area that is located in southwestern Dane County. The MRPHA is of regional significance due to the presence of high quality prairie remnants and open grassland landscape, providing habitat for many rare and declining bird species as well as game birds such as ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys. “This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet,” said Falk. “The local community has done a fabulous job in preserve this important historical site in its natural surroundings. Our contribution reflects the fact that these lands are valued by people throughout the county.” Falk said, “This project provides wonderful opportunities for prairie restoration and possesses commanding views of Blue Mounds to the north, while creating a valuable partnership that matches state, county, local and private dollars.” The simple, 18 by 18-foot church was built of oak lobs in 1852, one of the earliest Norwegian Lutheran churches in Wisconsin. Adjacent to the church is a small cemetery where members of the first congregation are buried. The acquisition adds to other publicly owned recreation lands and will provide passive recreational activities such as hiking and cross-country skiing year-round. In addition to the County grant of 25% of project costs (estimated at $25,780), the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is providing a grant of 50%, with the remainder of project costs covered by the Town and the Preservation Association. Joining Falk at today’s event were Town of Perry Chair Patrick Downing, Gary Boley, Director and President of the Preservation, Dane county parks officials and other local officials. The 20 acres in the purchase are to the south, west and east of the Hauge Log Church. This grant is one of six awarded under the Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program in 2003. Grants are awarded to local units of government and non-profit organizations in recognition of their role in meeting the goals of the Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan. # # #