Central Wisconsin Basin Partnership White Paper on issues related to Land Aesthetics

As caretakers of the land, it is our responsibility to leave it in better condition than we found it. All too often we fail to do so. The quality and appearance of our natural landscape affects the quality of our lives. Sustaining our ecosystems should be a common goal. Sustainabilit would mean that as a society we are using our various resources in a manner that provides for today’s human and environmental needs, while respecting the needs of future generations.

Ecosystems are the collections of plants, animals, soil and rock, air and weather that combine to create the web of life we depend upon. Aldo Leopold called for such an approach more than 50 years ago when he wrote the “Sand County Almanac.” As the development of homes, businesses, farms, industry and roads takes place, it has become important to minimize the impacts they have on the natural landscape by careful design of development. Green space may be reduced and altered by every new development. Steps should be taken to reduce damage from things like loss of green space, erosion, noise and damage to scenic corridors. It is important to preserve some of the natural environment for future generations to enjoy. 

The Partnership feals that the conservation and sustainability of the natural landscape should be a high priority. Natural resource conservation efforts should include agricultural lands, wetlands, woodlands, buffers, geological sites, and shoreline areas. The recent Comprehensive Planning initiative is a step forward to improve community’s planning and zoning efforts. These plans should include green space such as, parks or botanical gardens, with sensitive placement of roadways, industrial facilities, and commercial development.

An alarming trend is occurring throughout Wisconsin where we are using more and more land per person and household than ever before. This trend of urban sprawl threatens a quality of life we hold dear, while also posing serious ripple effects throughout the state. According to an estimate prepared by the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for the WDNR, population in the Central Wisconsin Basin grew 16% from 230,912 people in 1970 to 273,525 people in 1990. According to the 2000 census there are approximately 311,500 people living within the boundaries of the Central Wisconsin Basin. This figure represents a net change of 8 percent since the 1990 census and a net change of 34 percent since the 1970 census. Growth and development are a part of a strong and healthy economy. They can improve our lives and benefit our communities but often fail to address the need to include land aesthetics. Leaving green space will cost a developer more money initially, but people will be willing to pay more for a development that respects and demonstrates consideration for grass, trees, plants and water. We need roads and shopping centers, but they can be constructed in ways that preserve green space and aesthetics. 

In the last 30 years, Wisconsin has gained more than one million people, leading to a loss of recreational land, wetlands and farmlands. Some of our zoning regulations do include aesthetic factors, but these can be difficult to enforce. Any Many regulations do not go far enough and are too easy to change.

Social factors such as excessive consumerism contribute to excessive development. There are conflicting viewpoints regarding the definition of natural landscapes. Subdivisions and business developments that fail to include natural corridors, parks and ponds, deprive people of an aesthetic experience.

Land aesthetics and the quality of life in a community affect each and every citizen.

What Can Be Done?
We can work with local government, Realtors, and developers to encourage the inclusion of green space, trails, ponds, gardens and other natural areas in their development plans. We must also look at our county and state property to be sure appropriate maintenance plans are in place such as shoreline vegetative buffers. We can provide educational materials that provide design assistance and permit requirements.

Work with a developer in each county to create a “Demonstration Area” that showcases the concepts of green space. Provide publicity.

Encourage communities to develop trails and aesthetically pleasing corridors and develop guidelines and brochures to show them how to do it.

Provide assistance to landowners living on lakes or streams where aesthetics are important, to develop and improve their properties in a responsible manner.

Prepare a “ Guide to Land Aesthetics” demonstrating how to incorporate green space into developments and explaining the social and environmental benefits.

Prepare plant inventories, endangered species inventories, and other baseline information for natural areas that may be lacking.

Encourage communities to redevelop and remediate brownfields.

Network with other groups with similar goals and interests.

Assist similar existing organizations with their projects to maximize its’ effectiveness.

Research public and private lighting alternatives.