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Commission denies private trail into Lac La Ronne Conservancy; accepts $368,804 in Friends Board donations
Summary
The Park and Recreation Commission voted to deny a developer/condo association request for a second trail into the Lac La Ronne Conservancy, citing erosion and maintenance concerns raised by the Friends Board. The commission also recognized and accepted $368,804 in improvements and donations from the Conservancy Friends Board.
The West Bend Park and Recreation Commission voted Jan. 29 to deny a developer-requested second trail connection into the Lac La Ronne Conservancy and separately recognized a large set of donations from the Conservancy’s friends group.
Courtney (Conservancy staff) summarized the friends board discussion of a private trail proposed by a condominium group adjacent to Rainbow Lake; the friends board preferred that residents use the existing, originally-agreed trail because they feared erosion and additional maintenance obligations. Courtney told the commission the friends board “did not vote in favor of the new trail.”
After discussion about trail location, potential erosion and uncertain final development plans, a commissioner moved to deny the request; the motion was seconded and the request was denied by voice vote.
Donations accepted: Staff then presented a resolution recognizing donations from the Lac La Ronne Friends Board totaling $368,804. The list provided by staff included: development of the nature playground ($302,000); tree planting in the pine plantation ($9,200); painting and exterior wood maintenance of the Marin Center ($22,600); painting and exterior wood maintenance of the barn ($12,100); construction of a new maintenance shed ($15,200); and table replacement inside the Marin Center ($7,400). The commission moved and carried a resolution to accept the donations.
Why it matters: The vote to deny the trail request defers a physical change to the conservancy landscape until staff and the developer supply full plans; the donations agreement documents substantial private support for Conservancy projects and upgrades.
What’s next: Staff said they will obtain the developer’s plans and, if appropriate, could bring the trail proposal back to the friends board and the commission for reconsideration. The donation resolution is effective immediately and staff will coordinate use of the funds with the Friends Board and city legal review.
