Dane County Announces Kick-off of New Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) Program

January 19, 2011
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

Application Process Detailed for Local Communities, Non-Profits Interested in Partnering with County on Recreation, Conservation Improvement Projects

 

Dane County communities and non-profit organizations looking to improve outdoor recreation or natural resources can now apply for county assistance for their projects, County Executive Kathleen Falk announced today.

 

Under the Dane County Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) program created by County Executive Falk in the 2011 county budget, $1-million in county grant funding is available to support the efforts of communities and non-profits to enhance recreation and conservation.

 

“From restoring trout streams, to developing new recreational trails or new sporting complexes, citizens across our county are working on a number of exciting projects that will benefit all of us - - young and old,” Falk said.  “We have real, immediate opportunities to not only enhance our quality of life but also bring in new tourism dollars and preserve valuable natural resources not found anywhere else.”

 

Falk mentioned work to restore the Black Earth Creek in Cross Plains, improvements to Lake Marion in Mazomanie or Lake Belle View in Belleville and plans to expand the Reddan Soccer Complex in Verona as a few examples of projects that could be eligible for Dane County PARC funding.  The new PARC grant dollars could also assist townships interested in widening roads to make them safer for motorists, farmers, and bicyclists.

 

"Dane County is home to one of the nation's greatest cities, as well as towns and villages each with its own distinct identity, and some of the most beautiful rural areas in the Midwest," County Board Chair Scott McDonell said. "We really have the best of all worlds here, and this program will help protect and expand our opportunities to enjoy everything the county and its communities have to offer."

 

The county will begin accepting applications for PARC grants this month (January, 2011).  Those interested in determining whether their projects are eligible for county PARC support are encouraged to contact Dane County Land and Water Resources staff.  Information about how to apply for a PARC grant is attached.

 

The $1-million funding for PARC was included in Falk’s 2011 budget to the county board and was adopted by the county board and signed by Falk in late November. 

 

Falk created the Dane County Conservation Fund ten years ago, which has helped protect over 10,000 acres of valuable natural resources.  She developed the Dane County Land and Water Legacy Fund in 2007 to support efforts to improve water quality and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.

 

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