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Central Wisconsin Basin Partnership’s Land Aesthetics ad-hoc working group
UW-Stevens Point, Schmeeckle Reserve

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ATTENDANCE: Bill Ebert, Tom Jerow, Jack Zimmerman, Joe Freeman, Chuck Kell, Jim Burgener, and John DuPlissis

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Bill Ebert welcomed the group. Bill and Tom Jerow gave an overview of the Wisconsin Basin Partnership. John DuPlissis presented an overview of the working group, the process we are currently engaged in, and the outcomes that we hope to achieve through this process. John D. gave a brief report on who was invited to attend the meeting, how the list was generated, and who was contacted. The partnership mailed a letter of invitation including the white paper to 19 individuals representing County Highway, Planning, and Zoning Departments, Conservancy Trusts, and Conservation organizations. Contacts were also made with the Wisconsin Realtors Association. The letter invited these people to review the enclosed white paper, provide us with feedback, and to participate in the partnership and help us as we work our way through the issue identification and project selection process.


REVIEW OF THE WORKING GROUP’S WHITE PAPER
The group provided excellent feedback on the white paper and provided comment regarding revisions to the white paper. See attached.

The main proposal from the meeting was to change the name of the working group to Land-use since it better represents what they see as the purpose of the group. There was a discussion concerning the fact that we lacked baseline water quality data in the CWB. There was also some discussion concerning the use of the term “our natural landscape” this term was unclear and open to interpretation. The main issue that was addressed by the group was the “consumptive use behavior” of individuals and how that affects efforts by both planning and zoning agencies to control “exurbanization.” The example given was that many high-density development projects often fail due to the desire for lot sizes in the 1 to 5 acres range. Also, it was recommended that we look at the census data more carefully. The numbers presented in the white paper did not “sound” right to the group.

DISCUSSION OF THE WORKING GROUPS DIRECTION
There was a general discussion of the issues. However, the focus was on planning/zoning of new developments and the use of easement and trust to preserve certain highly desirable lands.

Attendees were asked about their thoughts on potential projects that the Partnership could undertake.

Jim Burgener shared an idea they are using in Marathon County a shoreland friends information packet. The county sends this information packet out to all new shoreland property owners. Jim provided the Partnership with a copy. Chuck Kell discussed a model development being planned outside of Stevens Point.

Ideas for potential projects include:
1. Education
a. Landowner education packets
i. Shoreland Friends
ii. Rural/urban interface fire protection
b. Promote the protection of highly desirable lands through
i. Land trusts
ii. Conservation easements
c. Develop a speaker’s series of presentations for community groups
d. Workshops/Conference
i. Shoreland restoration practices for county/municipal workers
- Demonstration of best management practices
ii. Acreage owners workshop (trade show format)
iii. Plants out of Place workshop
- The goal here is to educate local landscape centers/nurseries about exotics/invasive species)
iv. Develop a simplified version of the conservation design handbook
v. Cluster development workshop/training session for Realtors and surveyors.