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Marquette County parks committee approves Muir Park MOU with DNR and backs snowmobile grant pursuit
Summary
At its April 13 meeting, the Parks and Rural Planning Committee approved a memorandum of understanding with the Wisconsin DNR to manage the State Natural Area at Muir Park and passed a resolution authorizing the parks director to pursue an annual snowmobile grant; routine maintenance and program updates were also reported.
The Parks and Rural Planning Committee of Marquette County met April 13, 2026, and approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for management of the State Natural Area at Muir Park and a resolution directing the parks director to pursue annual snowmobile grant funding from the DNR.
Patrick Kilbey gave the committee’s monthly report, saying bathrooms have been recharged and some are open to the public, docks are being installed, and winter snowplow damage and ice-storm debris remain under cleanup. Kilbey told the committee that parts salvaged from the Krakow toilet building — which will be razed and replaced when Buffalo Dam Lock Chamber construction occurs late in 2026 — allowed Karen Christensen to repair a toilet door and other items at Muir Park, saving more than $500 from the annual budget.
Kilbey also reported that the City of Montello has officially received Trail Community designation; a dedication will be held during Fish & Fun Weekend, and the Ice Age Trail continues to draw hikers to the Montello area, committee members said.
On the Muir Park SNA, the committee reviewed a proposed MOU between Marquette County and the Wisconsin DNR that assigns management responsibilities for the State Natural Area and, according to the minutes, contains no fiscal requirements. Mike Raddatz moved to approve allowing Kilbey to sign the MOU on the county’s behalf; Karen Christensen seconded the motion and the minutes record that the motion carried.
On snowmobile funding, Kilbey outlined an upcoming grant deadline for the 2026–27 season and mentioned potential funding for a stream crossing. Karen Wampler moved, with Karen Christensen seconding, to approve a resolution authorizing the parks director to pursue the annual snowmobile grant from the DNR and forward the resolution to the County Board for approval; the motion carried, per the minutes.
Committee member Kathleen McGwin reported that use of the Muir Historical Route App has climbed over the past year and discussed training a successor to manage the app when she steps down. The chair and committee thanked McGwin and a person named Fraser for years of service. The meeting concluded after the committee reviewed October–December 2026 expenses and the chair adjourned the meeting.
Votes and formal outcomes recorded in the minutes are summarized below; the minutes note that motions "carried" but do not include roll-call tallies.
