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County adopts 2026–2030 Outdoor Recreation Plan to secure DNR grants and guide park investments
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to adopt the St. Croix County 2026–2030 Outdoor Recreation Plan, enabling grant eligibility and setting priorities including trail connections, protection of sensitive resources, and $1.5 million in CIP funds for Eckert Blufflands access and initial trail work.
The St. Croix County Community Development Committee on Nov. 20 unanimously adopted the county's 2026–2030 Outdoor Recreation Plan, a five‑year guide that staff said is the foundation for applying to Wisconsin DNR grant programs.
Parks staff framed the update around five priorities: expand and connect trails (implementing the county bike and pedestrian plan), protect scenic and environmentally sensitive areas, modernize park facilities, develop sustainable operations and improve collaboration and outreach. Staff said the update incorporated public outreach begun in March 2025 — a project webpage, a user survey that drew 162 responses, project boards at county parks and a July open house.
Key capital items highlighted in the draft included scaled‑back work at Eckert Blufflands (the prior master plan projection was reduced from $18 million to $3.6 million), an allocation of $1.5 million in the capital improvement program to reconfigure access, begin trail establishment, create parking and retention ponds, and provide a River Heights trail connection. Staff noted many of the later items (playgrounds, vault-to-flush toilets, visitor amenities) are typically grant‑eligible, with grants covering 50–80 percent of eligible project costs.
Public comment supported the plan's goals and urged the county to prioritize protection of the St. Croix River corridor and to coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions about access near Lake Malalu/Trestle Park. After discussion, a motion to adopt the plan was approved unanimously.
Adoption makes the county eligible to apply for DNR funding and moves the CIP guidance forward for the next five years.
