Community rallies to protect ice age trail from development

During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong support for a proposed development near Prairie Moraine County Park, emphasizing its potential to enhance the Ice Age Trail connectivity. Dave, a long-time volunteer with the Ice Age Trail, highlighted the importance of the development in completing a crucial segment of the trail that currently leaves hikers with a challenging detour. He noted that the proposal would address a 2,000-foot gap in the trail, with 1,500 feet of that gap located within the development area.

Dave expressed his willingness to collaborate with the city and developers to ensure access to the park and improve the hiking experience. However, he raised two significant concerns: the construction of a new road across the moraine, which would disrupt the local ecology and hiking experience, and the positioning of homes on a steep slope that could lead to erosion issues. He urged the committee to consider alternative access routes and to preserve the integrity of the moraine.

Gary Werner, another long-time advocate for the Ice Age Trail, echoed these sentiments, stressing the historical significance of the moraine and its ecological value. He pointed out that the area is eligible for federal and state funding for conservation, suggesting that preserving the wooded areas should be a priority. Werner proposed that the development should stop at the edge of the woods to maintain public access to this natural feature, which he believes should benefit the entire community rather than just a select few homeowners.

The discussions underscored a shared commitment among community members to balance development with environmental preservation, particularly regarding the Ice Age Trail and the unique geological features of the area. The meeting highlighted the importance of community input in shaping local development projects, ensuring that they align with both recreational and ecological goals.