Dane County Executive Falk Announces Land Purchases to Protect Six-Mile Creek and Patrick Marsh

February 10, 2006
Lesley Sillaman, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

Madison – Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today announced two land purchases that will protect approximately 34 acres and 2.5 acres of land, respectively, in the Six-Mile Creek Natural Resource Site and at the Patrick Marsh. The purchases, introduced by resolution to the County Board on February 2, are a partnership with the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “These two sites are important natural resources for our County: one will help us restore and upgrade the fisheries and improve Lake Mendota water quality and the other will connect a continuous hiking and recreation trail system around the Patrick Marsh,” said Falk. The Six-Mile Creek Natural Resource Site includes wetlands that are critically important to the health of Lake Mendota and drain into the lake. The area will be used for northern pike spawning at a scale that is currently not possible. It will also serve as a buffer and filter for Lake Mendota, and will help keep phosphorous out of the lake. The DNR will manage and restore the property to its native wetland habitat and the County will receive a conservation easement on the property. The Patrick Marsh site is a 2.5-acre property located near the southern shore of the Marsh. This property will help meet the goal of creating a continuous trail system that would travel around the entire perimeter of the marsh. The County will also apply for a DNR Stewardship grant, which could equal 50% of the purchase price. # # #