Germantown council moves to allow hunting in Wilderness Park

The Village Board of Germantown convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a notable focus on an amendment to the municipal code regarding hunting regulations in Wilderness Park.

The meeting began with a motion to amend Section 9.02 of the Germantown Municipal Code to permit hunting in Wilderness Park. The motion was made and seconded by Trustee Kaminski. Following the motion, Trustee Jan Miller raised a point of discussion regarding the implications of this amendment. She referenced a recent Park and Recreation Committee meeting, where it was noted that the village may need to relinquish certain Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations concerning the Goldendale Park area.

Village staff member Mr. Craigclo provided clarification on this matter. He explained that the Goldendale Creek parcel, which was transferred to the village by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), was acquired using Nelson Knowles stewardship grant funds. These funds impose specific restrictions on the land's use, one of which mandates that hunting must be allowed on the property.

The discussion highlighted the complexities involved in balancing local regulations with state requirements, particularly in areas designated for natural use and recreation. The board's deliberations on this amendment reflect ongoing efforts to manage parkland effectively while adhering to grant stipulations.

As the meeting progressed, the board continued to evaluate the implications of the proposed changes, with further discussions anticipated in future sessions. The outcome of this motion will be crucial in determining the future use of Wilderness Park and the Goldendale area.