Dane County and WI DNR Host Public Meeting to Review Draft Capital Sprngs State Rec Area Master Plan

July 22, 2009
Chris James, Park Planner, 608-224-3763
Land & Water Resources

The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on draft plans for how the state and county should develop and manage the Capital Springs State Recreation Area in Dane County, Wisconsin. The project area includes nearly 2500 acres of land stretching east to west from Upper Mud Lake to the Wisconsin DNR South Central Service Center on Fish Hatchery Road. Some of the proposed additions to the project area include hiking and biking trails, an amphitheater, additional public hunting areas and fishing access, canoe landings, a disc golf course and dog exercise area.

Since the property’s purchase in 2000, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Dane County have been working together to gather information needed about the project area that has guided the planning process. This base information has been used to work with the public and local governing bodies to identify issues of interest and to receive comments on the vision, goals and management alternatives for the properties. Based on this information the master planning team has developed a Draft Capital Springs State Recreation Area Master Plan and conducted an Environmental Assessment for the property.

The draft Master Plan and Environmental Assessment will be available starting July 22 for public review and comment. The plans will be available on the DNR web site listed above. Copies of the Draft Master Plan and EA will also be available at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711.

A public information meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 29th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison WI, 53711. The Center is accessible to people with disabilities.

There will be a 15 minute introductory presentation, followed by an open house style discussion and listening session. Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the draft Master Plan and EA with DNR and County staff.
Comments on the draft plan can be submitted between July 22 to August 22 and can be made via the website or by contacting:

Kevin Swenson, Park Manager
Capital Springs Centennial State Recreation Area
3101 Lake Farm Road
Madison WI 53711
Phone: 608-224-3606
Email: kevin.swenson@wisconsin.gov