Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk Announces Key Purchase for Indian Lake Park

March 03, 2004
Sharyn Wisniewski (608) 267-8823
County Executive

Indian Lake County Park, located midway between Waunakee and Mazomanie along Highway 19, is gaining a key public access easement for the Ice Age Trail and a scenic buffer along its edges, thanks to a Dane County parks purchase now underway, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said today. “Indian Lake Park has breathtaking views of the lake and valley and miles of cross country ski and nature trails. By purchasing the development rights from an adjoining landowner, we’ll be able to keep development from encroaching on the park’s boundaries,” said Falk. Enhancing both scenic and recreational opportunities are priorities of the Dane County Parks and Open Space plan. Dane County will purchase a conservation and development rights easement on 46 acres as a scenic buffer to Indian Lake Park from landowner Carla Wright. The land will continue to be used for agriculture, or as restored prairie and maple or pine woodlands, and will not be developed. In addition, the county will purchase a 50-foot wide public access easement for the Ice Age Trail involving approximately 1.5 acres. The purchase will add ¼ mile of trail and is in the segment of the trail known as “Festge to Indian Lake.” Funds for the purchase, totaling $162,000, are from the Dane County Conservation Fund. However, a major portion of the county’s investment is expected to be offset by a combination of federal and state grant funds, including the State Stewardship Fund and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation. A Resolution authorizing the purchase was introduced to the Dane County Board. Indian Lake, in the Town of Berry, is one of Dane County's largest parks. A winding trail leads to a historic chapel built in 1857, located on a hilltop that provides a view of the lake and surrounding valley. A trail has been developed around the entire lake, and cross-country ski and nature trails in the wooded hills provide recreational opportunities and access to a log cabin warming house. The park also has a pet exercise area located adjacent to the small boat launch off US Highway 19. # # #