Dane County to Purchase, Restore Land Along Wisconsin River

October 29, 2008
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Property for Purchase in Town of Mazomanie Offers Plentiful Public Recreational Opportunities Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said today the county is purchasing and restoring over 1,000 acres in the town of Mazomanie. Falk made the announcement overlooking the property that’s along Highway Y a couple of miles north of the Village of Mazomanie. In addition to its natural beauty that includes rolling bluffs in the background, the property includes significant frontage along the Wisconsin River that offer great opportunity for public access and use. It’s common to see dozens of cranes together in the open areas and the property also features great woods along with areas for prairie and wetlands restoration. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase access to the Wisconsin River for Dane County citizens to enjoy forever and comes at a time when people are staying closer to home to enjoy time with friends and family,” Falk said. “This purchase offers our citizens endless opportunities to enjoy the quality of life that keeps more people moving to our county than anywhere else.” Falk said. “The property will have some of everything people love: amazing river access, beautiful woods, wetlands, and prairies, and incredible wildlife,” Falk said. Falk noted the property is between Walking Iron County Park and the Mazomanie State Wildlife Area and could one day have recreational trails connecting the two areas. In addition to around 2500 feet of river frontage, the property has a 28 acre island attached to it on the Wisconsin River. The property is currently owned by Dr. Shakeab Alshabkhoun. “My family has enjoyed the natural beauty of the land for many years, and we’re very pleased that this special property will be available for future generations of the public to enjoy,” he said. It’s rewarding to know that Dane County will help preserve this pristine land in its natural state. Dane County government recognizes the importance of securing unique undeveloped land like this so that folks can enjoy camping, hiking, and hunting locally.” Alshabkhoun added. The purchase price of $4.3 million ($4,100 per acre) reflects the appraised value of the property. The county will work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Heritage Land Trust to seek reimbursement of acquisition costs through the DNR Stewardship program funds for wetland restoration. Once passed by the County Board, Falk will give final approval to the purchase. # # #