The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is accepting public comment on possible land use alternatives for the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area, formerly known as the Badger Army Ammunition Plant.
While the majority of land uses proposed by the WDNR promote ecological restoration and nature-based outdoor activities – one option is the creation of a 562-acre “Special Use Zone” which would be set aside for off-road vehicles and a shooting range. This high-impact recreational area would be located in the township of Sumpter near several rural subdivisions including Gruber’s Grove Bay, Water’s Edge and the Windings of Wisconsin. The WDNR is seeking comment on this and an alternative proposal which would conserve this same land parcel for wetland restoration, hiking, and wildlife habitat.
The WDNR will be holding a public open house on July 31 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. at the River Arts Center, 105 Ninth St., Prairie du Sac with a short presentation from 6 – 6:15 p.m. Written comments may also be submitted to Diane Brusoe, 101 S Webster St., Madison, WI 53707 or diane.brusoe@wisconsin.gov . The deadline for submitting comments is 4:30 p.m., Aug. 30, 2013.
More than 40 organizations have already co-signed a letter circulated by CSWAB supporting the conservation of the former Badger lands for ecological restoration, education, sustainable agriculture, and only low-impact recreation. These same values are the basis of the Badger Reuse Plan which has been formally supported by local, state, federal and tribal governments, area business interests, farmers, landowners and environmental organizations.
Please sign CSWAB’s on-line petition supporting restoration and only low-impact recreation on the former Badger lands.
DRAFT Land Use Alternatives WDNR July 2013