Groundswell Conservancy, Village Of Black Earth Seeks Urban Green Space Grant For Land Acquisition

BLACK EARTH, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Groundswell Conservancy has applied for a 50% matching grant from the Urban Green Space subprogram of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to assist with the purchase of 1.27 acres of land in the Village of Black Earth in Dane County. Groundswell will provide the matching funds to the grant award.  

Groundswell Conservancy will acquire approximately 1.27 acres to create a Village park along Black Earth Creek and eventually develop it into a public access point. The property includes approximately 120 feet of frontage on the west bank of the creek. Recreational activities will include fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-country skiing, picnicking and scenic enjoyment. 

The DNR has examined the property’s locational factors and is determining that the prohibition of hunting is necessary to protect public safety because of the parcel’s proximity to residential dwellings.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural resources, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation for all Wisconsinites to enjoy.

On Stewardship-purchased land, nature-based outdoor activities (hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking or cross-country skiing) cannot be prohibited unless the DNR has determined that prohibiting one or more of those activities is justified to protect public safety.

The DNR’s initial assessment of the allowed Nature Based Outdoor Activities is available on the DNR’s Stewardship Public Notice webpage. To request a hard copy email: Cheryl.Housley@wisconsin.gov. 

The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the proposed acquisition by Dec. 2, 2021 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Fitchburg Service Center
C/O Cheryl Housley, DNR Regional Project Manager
3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Email: Cheryl.Housley@wisconsin.gov.

In accordance with s. NR 52.04 (2) (b), Wis. Adm. Code, objections about the hunting activities on this property must show the proposed prohibition to be inconsistent with s. 23.0916 (2) (b), Stats., and s. NR 52.05, Wis. Adm. Code.

For more information on the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, visit the DNR website. To receive updates on Stewardship Grant projects, please subscribe on the DNR website here.