Open Space Management Plan for FEMA properties

Land Conservation representatives will be at the meeting to discuss the draft of the Open Space Management Plan for the FEMA/DNA/CouleeCap properties.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Monroe County would like to thank the property owners that participated in the voluntary
buyout program to return their properties in the floodplain back to open space in order to
prevent future property damages and expenses from flooding.
Additional thanks to Federal Emergency Management Agency, Wisconsin Emergency
Management, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Couleecap Inc. for providing
grant funding and guidance to complete the voluntary buyouts.
This plan is made possible through the support of the Monroe County Board of Supervisors.
2024 County Board of Supervisors
Cedric Schnitzler, Chair
Wallace Habhegger, Vice
Chair
David Pierce
Nodji Van Wychen
Jason Jandt
David Kuderer
Toni Wissestad
Zachariah Zebell
Todd Sparks
Mary Cook
Adam Balz
Eric Devine
Remy Gomez
James Kuhn
Joey Esterline
Doug Rogalla
The knowledge and expertise of Monroe County Staff will provide successful implementation of
this plan.
Bob Micheel, Land Conservation Director
Alison Elliott, Zoning and Sanitation Director
Chad Ziegler, Forestry and Parks Administrator
Roxie Anderson, Land Use Planner
Jared Tessman, Emergency Management Coordinator
Plan Prepared by Monroe County Land Use Planner, Roxie Anderson
Plan Adopted by Resolution July XX, 2024 by the Monroe County Board



Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
1.1 Open Space Use ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
1.2 Purpose of Open Space Management Plan …………………………………………………………………… 9
1.3 Planning Process ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Chapter 2. Open Space Management Goals and Considerations ……………………………………………. 11
2.1 Vision, Goals, and Objectives ……………………………………………………………………………………… 11
2.2 Property Management Considerations ……………………………………………………………………….. 13
2.3 Property Use Considerations ……………………………………………………………………………………… 15
2.4 Property Maintenance Considerations ……………………………………………………………………….. 16
2.5 Property Improvement Considerations ………………………………………………………………………. 16
2.5 Partnership Considerations ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 18
Chapter 3. Property Overview ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
Brinkman’s Landing …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20
Hammer Road Property …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
Jameson Road Property …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
Highway 27 (Leon) Property …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23
Highway 27 (Portland) Property ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 24
Chapter 4. General Administration ………………………………………………………………………………………. 25




Chapter 1. Introduction
Background
In late 2018, Monroe County applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant
funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to provide relief to property owners
whose homes sustained significant flood damage from the 2017 and 2018 flooding events.
Several property owners along the Little La Crosse and La Crosse Rivers were identified in the
grant application as voluntary participants for property acquisition and demolition.
In September of 2020, FEMA grant funding was awarded to Monroe County. Additional grant
funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WiDNR) Municipal Flood Control
Grant Program and Couleecap’s Community Development Block Grant was also secured to
provide matching funds and cover project costs for additional properties.
In November of 2021, Monroe County completed the acquisition and structure removal for eight
properties, returning approximately 18 acres of land within the floodplain to open space. Grant
requirements for the properties included recording deed restrictions, during acquisition of the
properties, which will maintain the use of the properties as open space in perpetuity.
August 18, 2018 Flooding Event – Hammer Road Property (Town of Sparta)
1.1 Open Space Use
Federal law requires that property acquired under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
must be forever dedicated and maintained as open space. Open space is generally defined as
land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built structures) and is partly or completely
covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation. Open spaces are usually accessible to the
public.
What uses are allowed on Open Space?
Open space can be used in many ways. Open space can have combined uses such as
recreational, flood management, and environmental education. It is the community’s and
property owner’s responsibility to determine how the open space can be used and what
management needs and costs should be considered for long term use and management.
What is prohibited on Open Space?
Generally, “development” of any type is prohibited if it:
• Impedes the ability to convey flood flows
• Reduces the capacity to store floodwaters
• Increases downstream velocities
What are the benefits of Open Space?
• Significantly alters the terrain and natural appearance (except as needed for flood control
measures)
Deed restrictions are often recorded with open space properties and run with the land in
perpetuity. See Appendix X for deed restrictions.
Open spaces have aesthetic, recreational, cultural, educational, and natural resource values that
are beneficial to local communities. Responsible stewardship and management of these open
spaces must be practiced in order to pass these benefits on to future generations.
Community benefits of open space include:
• Provide an economic benefit by bringing people into the community for outdoor
recreation activities.
• Provide environmental benefits allowing plants and animals to thrive. Vegetation also
helps control erosion and improve air and water quality.
• Improve quality of life by providing publicly accessible natural places for outdoor
recreation or education. Natural aesthetically pleasing places can contribute to mental
and emotional well-being.
• Provide hazard mitigation benefits to reduce flooding impacts. Floodplain management
practices to increase flood storage capacity and slow down drainage can protect
surrounding communities. Open space also requires little or no search and rescue efforts
during flooding disasters.
• Improve the Community Rating System (CRS) ratings and lower National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) premiums by mitigating flood hazards.
Creating open spaces provides benefits to the whole community, not just the property owners
that sold their properties.
1.2 Purpose of Open Space Management Plan
The Open Space Management Plan is intended to guide the management and use of open space
properties. Monroe County acquired 8 properties, approximately 18 acres of land, located at five
different locations along the Little La Crosse and La Crosse Rivers within three Townships (Sparta,
Leon, and Portland). The open space properties carry certain restrictions and require ownership
by a public entity or non-profit conservation organization. Monroe County and the Towns have
varying levels of interests regarding ownership and management of the open space properties
presenting the need for a plan to be developed and implemented based on the input from the
County, Town, and community members.
• Inventory and assess the existing conditions
The purpose of this plan is to create a practical and effective management plan that does the
following:
• Define a vision, goals, and objectives for management of the open space properties
• Identify the management issues and maintenance needs
• Prioritize maintenance responsibilities to preserve the open space
• Identify potential improvements and projects
• Identify community stewardship and educational opportunities
• Identify potential funding sources to implement plan
• Develop a collaborative and coordinated management approach to planning,
implementation, and maintenance activities
The plan is a best effort to address current and anticipated future needs and will serve as a living
guide that should be updated as conditions and management needs of the open space
properties change.
1.3 Planning Process
The Open Space Management Plan was developed by the Monroe County Land Conservation
Department and Zoning Department. The planning team included Monroe County’s Land
Conservation Department Director, Land Use Planner, Soil and Water Conservationists, Zoning
Director, and the County. The planning team inventoried the open space properties, assessed
the management needs, and identified potential improvement projects and funding sources.
Plan Notification
The Towns of Portland, Leon, and Sparta and property owners abutting the open space
properties were notified of the consideration of this Open Space Management Plan for adoption
and shall be notified of any subsequent proposed amendments to this plan.
Plan Adoption
The draft Open Space Management Plan was presented to the Sanitation and Zoning Committee
and the Natural Resource and Extension Committee for review and approval. The resolution will
be forwarded to the Monroe County Board for approval to adopt the Open Space Management
Plan.
Committee and Board meeting dates:
Plan Update
Natural Resource and Extension Committee – July 15, 2024
Sanitation and Zoning Committee meeting – July 15, 2024
Monroe County Board meeting – July 24, 2024
The time scope of this plan is approximately 5-10 years. This initial plan is a preliminary
assessment of the management goals and needs for the open space properties and will become
more specific over time. Changing community needs, environmental conditions, and County
management capacity will lead to the need for amendments and updates to the plan. The plan
will be updated periodically to ensure consistency with County policies and regulations. The
County’s Land Use Planner will be responsible for facilitating the plan’s amendments and
updates.

Chapter 2. Open Space Management Goals and Considerations
2.1 Vision, Goals, and Objectives

The following goals and objectives were identified to guide the management, maintenance, and
future improvements of the open space properties.
GOAL 1: PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND MANAGE OPEN SPACE IN PERPETUITY.
Objectives:
• Ensure compliance with property deed restrictions, Floodplain Zoning Ordinance, and
Shoreland Protection Ordinance.
• Establish regular vegetation, habitat, and stream monitoring to protect open space and
minimize negative impacts.
• Establish maintenance schedule which designates responsibilities and management
activities.
• Identify funding sources and mechanisms to cover maintenance and improvement costs.

GOAL 2: IMPROVE FLOOD RESILIENCY AND INCREASE FLOOD STORAGE.
Objectives:
• Preserve and reconnect the floodplain by redesigning and restoring eroded or degraded
streambanks.
• Identify and implement conservation practices to improve vegetation, erosion control,
drainage, and ecological health of floodplain and riparian corridor.
• Identify flood mitigation projects to include in the County’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.

VISION STATEMENT
Monroe County and the community are engaged in the stewardship of the open space
lands. The open spaces are carefully managed and used for environmental, recreational,
and flood management purposes. The County and the community work collaboratively to
provide opportunities for recreation, education, conservation, natural resource
management, floodplain management, and public access to the rivers.

GOAL 3: PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS TO OPEN SPACE.
Objectives:
• Implement signage to distinguish property boundaries and access points to manage
traffic access to open space properties and minimize impacts.
• Identify public safety concerns and coordinate with local law and public safety officials to
ensure compliance with local laws and ordinances.

GOAL 4: PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PASSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL AND
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
Objectives:
• Encourage passive recreation and increase awareness of open space’s activities.
• Identify improvements to provide passive recreational opportunities to the community.
• Promote education about the open space properties roles related to flood management
within the watershed. Develop informational brochures and utilize social media platforms
to increase awareness of open space stewardship.
• Identify and form partnerships with conservation organizations and environmental
educators to provide outdoor educational activities at open space properties.

GOAL 5: PROVIDE MONITORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DATA OBSERVATION AND DATA
COLLECTION.
Objectives:
• Establish and maintain flood monitoring stations at open space properties to provide
stream water level data.
• Cooperate with Monroe County Invasive Species Working Group to record, monitor, and
manage invasive species.
• Cooperate with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide
opportunities for fish species population surveys and aquatic habitat assessments.
• Monitor changes in surrounding land uses.

GOAL 6: COLLABORATIVELY WORK WITH TOWNS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE
MANAGEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP OF THE OPEN SPACE.
Objectives:
• Continually monitor open space properties and changes in surrounding land use to
determine when changes in management are needed to address any issues that arise.
• Manage the open space properties in an inclusive and collaborative manner while
developing a communication structure with the community, Towns, and public safety
officials about planning, implementation, and maintenance activities.
• Seek and form partnerships that create cost-sharing opportunities and utilize in-kind or
volunteer services to help with maintenance or management activities.
2.2 Property Management Considerations
Open space properties will be maintained and managed consistent with the identified goals and
objectives of this plan, subject to fiscal and policy considerations. Management of properties
shall include periodic monitoring in order to identify maintenance needs, safety issues, and other
environmental concerns. The County may modify and/or amend this management plan as
needed. State statutes, local ordinances, easement language, and deed restrictions shall apply to
all open space management activities.
Floodplain Management
•Identify projects and improvements to preserve the floodplain, improve
flood resiliency, and increase flood storage.
Vegetation Management
•Conservation practices may also be identified to reduce streambank
erosion and sediment runoff, while improving aquatic habitat.
•Flood hazard mitigation should be considered in open space management
decisions.
•Vegetation management shall provide aesthetic and environmental
benefits without compromising the natural function of the floodplain.
•Strategic mowing is allowed depending on uses of property and shall be
scheduled outside of nesting and brood-rearing season (generally from
April to August).
•Mowing shall be limited near riparian corridors and shall conserve at least
a 35-foot minimum vegetative buffer.
•Invasive species monitoring and management will also be performed as
needed.
•Vegetation plantings shall be approved by the Land Conservation
Department.

•Fallen trees form habitat for wildlife as the wood decays and should be left in
place as long as there are no safety concerns for open space users.
•Trees may be removed for flood management purposes, streambank protection,
or for safe access to the river.
•If trees are removed they shall be cut close to the ground and the stumps shall
be ground to prevent mowing hazards or tripping hazards.
•Tree plantings or removals shall be approved by the Land Conservation
Department.
Trees Management
•The County does not manage wildlife. Any wildlife management issues that
occur at the open space properties shall be directed to the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for assistance.
•Maintain wildlife corridors.
Wildlife Management
•Post and cable may be utilized to help keep motorized vehicles out of the open
space site and driveway access may be gated if there are security issues.
•County open space standard signage should be utilized to identify site
regulations and operations information and/or restricted areas.
•Site access should be provided by clearly identified ingress/egress points.
•Site addresses and fire signs shall be provided and maintained by Monroe
County Land Information Director and Emergency Management.
Access & Security Management
•Passive recreational and environmental educational uses will be allowed and
open space properties may include improvements such as walking trails, picnic
tables, interpretative signage, and fishing, canoe, and kayak access.
•Improvements may require permission from FEMA, Wisconsin Emergency
Management (WEM), and/or DNR, per deed restrictions.
•Improvements shall be low impact and avoid environmentally sensitive areas.
•Improvements will require routine upkeep and periodic maintenance. Trash
removal may also be necessary depending on the popularity of the open space
property.
•The County will address and maintain safety concerns within the surrounding
areas of improvements as they are observed or reported.
Recreation Management
2.3 Property Use Considerations
Passive recreational use of the open space properties by the public is encouraged where
environmentally compatible and socially responsible. Types of use will vary by property and will
require improvements and public access. Areas that are environmentally sensitive will be
protected from improvements and passive recreational use. State statutes or County ordinances
that place protections and restrictions upon public property are also applicable.
Permitted recreational activities:
• Fishing
• Wildlife viewing and bird watching
• Picnicking
• Canoeing / kayaking / non-motorized boating
• Nature walks
• Foraging
• Environmental education
Activities shall be regulated by the County for all open space sites:
• Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only.
Prohibited Activities:
• Organized events involving groups of 10 or more people shall require written approval
from the County’s Land Conservation Department, prior to event.
• Posters, brochures, or advertisements shall not be distributed or affixed to open space
properties without written approval from the County’s Land Conservation Department.
• Pets shall be kept on leash and under control at all times while on open space property.
• Motorized recreational vehicles, except for use for maintenance, public safety, and
emergency response.
• Commercial activities or solicitation.
• Open fires, grills, or fuel stoves.
• Disposal of sand, gravel, fill, brush, and other household or commercial materials or
refuse.
• Disturbance or removal of vegetation, except by written approval by the County’s Land
Conservation Department.
• Cultivation, hunting, or trapping, except by written approval by the County’s Land
Conservation Department.
The open space deed restrictions also outline permitted and prohibited activities and are
included in Appendix X.
2.4 Property Maintenance Considerations
Maintenance of the open space properties is to be conducted when necessary to promote the
goals of the management plan. Site inspections should be performed annually and after flooding
or major storm events to help determine and prioritize maintenance activities for each open
space property.
An annual work plan and budget will be prepared by the Land Conservation Department and will
be approved by the Natural Resources & Extension Committee.
The following list outlines the proposed maintenance activities that should be performed
periodically. Some maintenance activities will only need to be performed if there are safety
hazards or concerns. Following maintenance activities will include but are not limited to:
• Site inspections – include streambank erosion inspection
• Litter removal
• Mowing
• Invasive species management
• Tree maintenance – removal of hanging limbs or fallen trees (if safety concern or hazard)
• Brush removal (if safety concern or mowing hazard)
• Trail maintenance
• Parking and driveway maintenance
2.5 Property Improvement Considerations
• Storm/ flood debris removal – after flooding or major storm events (if safety concern or
hazard)
Inspection and maintenance of any on-site improvements such as signage, picnic tables,
benches, educational kiosks, post and cable fencing, etc.
Physical improvements to the properties are to be conducted when necessary to promote the
goals of this management plan. Any improvements to the open space should foster a sense of
public safety and enhance passive recreational and educational opportunities without impeding
the natural function of the floodplain. Improvements may require permission from FEMA,
Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), and/or DNR, per deed restrictions. Obtain local,
state, and federal permit approvals where applicable.
• Walking trails
• Picnic tables and benches
• Informational signage
• Interpretative signage / educational kiosks
• Fishing and boat access to the river
• Pollinator habitats
• Streambank restoration
• Flood storage and mitigation
• Bird and fish habitats
• Driveways and parking areas
• Post and cable fencing
Improvement projects require concept planning, research, and funding to be implemented. The
County should go through the general process outlined below. Potential improvements for each
open space property are listed in the property overviews in Chapter 3.
Project
Identification
• Identify property improvement project.
• Determine project schedule.
• Identify potential funding sources.
• Obtain County approvals as needed to proceed with project.
Concept Plan
Funding
• Research and develop concept plan for project.
• Engage community, agency representatives, and County staff and
representatives with interests in the project.
• Obtain FEMA, WEM, and/or DNR approval of project’s concept plan to
proceed with implementation of plan, design, and/or construction.
• Secure potential funding sources through grants, partnerships, or budget
adjustments.
Implementation
• Proceed with County process to implement plan, design, and/or
construction.
• Obtain local, state, and federal permit approvals where applicable.
• Utilize partnerships or municipalities to assist with implementation of
project.

2.5 Partnership Considerations

Monroe County will be able to implement this plan by successfully cultivating collaborative
relationships with local municipalities, landowners, stakeholders, organizations and other
interest groups. This collaborative approach will reduce the need for outside funding and it will
build community relationships and stewardship by the people that have the greatest interest in
the properties.
Collaborative partnerships may include property use agreements, public-private partnership
agreements, or memorandums of understanding which shall be approved by Monroe County.

POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS
Potential Partner Potential Programs / Assistance
Municipalities – Towns of Sparta,
Leon, & Portland; Villages of Melvina
& Cashton
Maintenance assistance, local events, programs, cost
share open space improvements or flood mitigation
projects
Sparta Chamber of Commerce Local events, programs, promotional materials for
tourism
Trout Unlimited Chapters Fishing programs, streambank and habitat restoration
projects
WI Department of Natural Resources Fishing programs, streambank and habitat restoration
projects, environmental education
Monroe County Invasive Species
Working Group
Invasive species management, environmental
education, field day events
Schools and Youth Organizations Environmental education, volunteer projects
La Crosse and Coulee Region Paddlers’
Clubs
Cost-share installation of canoe & kayak landings, local
events & tourism, volunteer river cleanup
Local campgrounds & sportman gear
shops
Local events & tourism, fishing programs, promotional
materials for tourism, cost-share recreational
improvements

Chapter 3. Property Overview

This chapter includes individual property profiles of each open space property and a series of
maps. The table below summarizes information for each property. Only one of the open space
properties has been formally named the other properties will be identified by their location.

OPEN SPACE PROPERTY SUMMARY
Property Name Township Property Address Parcel Number(s) Acres
Brinkman’s Landing Sparta 17476 Icarus Road 040-00973-7500 1.0
Hammer Road
Property Sparta 17739 Hammer Road
040-00956-5000,
040-00956-2500,
040-00956-0000
4.97

Jameson Road
Property Leon 20604 & 20626
Jameson Road
022-00838-0000,
022-00843-0000,
022-00846-0000,
022-00843-1000
7.16
Hwy 27 Property
(Leon) Leon 21284, 21308 & 21310
St. Hwy 27
022-00321-2500,
022-00322-0000,
022-00323-0000
1.86
Hwy 27 Property
(Portland) Portland 26880 St. Hwy 27 032-00247-0000 3.18
TOTAL ACRES 18.17

Deed restrictions for open space properties are included in Appendix X.

Brinkman’s Landing

Brinkman’s Landing is a 1.0 acre site along the La Crosse River in Town of Sparta. The site is
located a quarter mile north of a popular private campground site that also offers canoe, kayak,
and tubing access to the river. The Little La Crosse River confluence is upstream from this site.
EXISTING FACILITIES:
• Sign w/brochure holders
• Driveway / parking
• Canoe & kayak launch
IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS:
• Picnic table
• Walking paths to access river
• Streambank restoration
• Signage at street entrance and canoe & kayak
landing.
PARTNERSHIP / PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
• Whiskey Creek Family RV Park
• La Crosse Paddling Club
• Coulee Region Paddlers
• Trout Unlimited Chapter
• Sparta Chamber of Commerce
DEED RESTRICTIONS & POLICIES:
• Open Space Deed Restriction
• Floodplain & Shoreland Ordinances
Hammer Road Property
The Hammer Road property is a 4.97 acre site along the Little La Crosse River in Town of Sparta.
The property is adjacent to the Canadian Pacific Railway along the southern boundary and U.S.
Silica Company owns land adjacent to northern and western boundaries.
EXISTING FACILITIES:
• Driveway entrance and parking area
IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS:
• Picnic table
• Walking paths to access river
• Streambank restoration
• Canoe & kayak landing
• Fishing easement between western boundary of property and Little La Crosse River
• Interpretative signage or kiosk
• Signage at street entrance and canoe & kayak landing
PARTNERSHIP / PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
• Whiskey Creek Family RV Park
• La Crosse Paddling Club
• Coulee Region Paddlers
• Trout Unlimited Chapter
• Sparta Chamber of Commerce
DEED RESTRICTIONS & POLICIES:
• FEMA Deed Restriction
• Floodplain & Shoreland Ordinances
Jameson Road Property
The Jameson Road property is a 7.16 acre site along the Little La Crosse River. The property is
adjacent to the Leon Community Center and Park. Building remnants from the Mill Reserve are
located on this property. La Crosse Area Comprehensive Fishery Area, managed by the Wisconsin
DNR, is on the east side of the Little La Crosse River, across Jancing Ave. and downstream of the
open space property.
EXISTING FACILITIES:
• Four (4) driveway entrances
• Stream monitoring station
• La Crosse Area Comprehensive Fishery Area
• Historical building remnants
PARTNERSHIP / PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
• Wisconsin DNR
• Trout Unlimited Chapter
• Leon Community Center
IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS:
• Picnic table
• Walking paths to access river
• Streambank restoration
• Interpretative signage or kiosk
• Signage at street entrance
DEED RESTRICTIONS & POLICIES:
• FEMA Deed Restriction
• Floodplain & Shoreland Ordinances
• CenturyTel Utility Easement

Highway 27 (Leon) Property

The Highway 27 (Leon) property is 1.86 acre site along the Little La Crosse River.
EXISTING FACILITIES:
• Two (2) driveway entrances
PARTNERSHIP / PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
• Wisconsin DNR
• Trout Unlimited Chapter
IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS:
• Picnic table
• Walking paths to river access
• Streambank restoration
• Interpretative signage or kiosk
• Signage at street entrance
DEED RESTRICTIONS & POLICIES:
• FEMA Deed Restriction
• WI Department of Natural Resources Deed Restriction
• Floodplain & Shoreland Ordinances

Highway 27 (Portland) Property

The Highway 27 (Portland) property is a 3.18 acre site along the Little La Crosse River. The
property is adjacent to the Village of Cashton Water Treatment Plant.
EXISTING FACILITIES:
• Driveway entrance
PARTNERSHIP / PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
• Wisconsin DNR
• Trout Unlimited Chapter
• Village of Cashton
• Cashton middle and high schools
IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS:
• Picnic tables
• Walking paths to access river
• Streambank restoration
• Interpretative signage or kiosk
• Signage at State Highway 27 entrance
• Parking area
DEED RESTRICTIONS & POLICIES:
• FEMA Deed Restriction
• WI Department of Natural Resources Deed Restriction
• Floodplain & Shoreland Ordinances
• CenturyTel Utility Easement
Chapter 4. General Administration
General administration of the open space properties will comply with the properties’ deed
restrictions and County policies and ordinances. The County’s Land Conservation Department
has interest in the general administration of the open space properties and will cooperate with
the Zoning Department, Forestry & Parks Department, and the Natural Resources and Extension
Committee to carry out the goals and implementation of this plan.
The County Administrator and County Board will advise and make policy decisions concerning
the management of the open space properties.
Additional authority of the County Board may include approval of the following:
• Grant or loan applications
• Land acquisitions
• Open space property policies and regulations
• Open Space Management Plan updates
Annual Work Plan & Budget
• Land Conservation Director
• Zoning Director
• Forestry & Parks Administrator
• Land Use Planner
The Land Conservation Director shall have the authorization to prepare the annual work plan and
budget for the open space properties. Maintenance responsibilities will be assigned to Monroe
County staff and shall be approved by Department Heads. The following staff may be assigned
responsibilities:
• Soil and Water Conservationists
• Highway Department
• County Interns
The annual budget shall outline the funding needed to carry out the annual work plan for the
open space properties.
Grant Funding
Grant funding is available through various programs and agencies for implementation of
improvement projects for the open space properties. The property overviews in Chapter 3 list
proposed improvements projects that may qualify for grant funding.
The Monroe County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation shall also list the open space
properties’ proposed improvement projects in order to qualify for grant funding programs. The
Land Conservation Department and Forestry and Parks Department shall coordinate to ensure
that proposed project improvements are reflected in both plans.
FEMA and DNR Policies and Deed Restrictions
See Appendix X for deed restrictions.
Emergency Response
The County’s Sheriff’s department, local fire departments, and ambulance services, are
responsible for emergency procedures to be in place for response to emergencies at open space
properties. Motorized vehicles are allowed on the open space lands for public safety
emergencies without prior written permission of the County.
Communications Contact
Comments, suggestions, requests for permission and all other communication with regard to this
Plan should be directed to Monroe County Land Conservation Department.
Monroe County Land Conservation Department
820 Industrial Drive
Sparta, WI 54656
Tel: (608) 269- 8975

Open-Space-Mgmt-Plan-DRAFT-1.pdf (townweb.com)