The DNR has begun the process to develop a new Master Plan for Blue Mound State Park. There is an initial "small group discussion" session coming up in March, see below.
CORP and the Friends of Blue Mound have tentatively agreed to hire IMBA Trail Solutions Director of Planning and Design, Mike Repyak to be our project coordinator. Mike has many years of experience in coordinating trail development projects all around the USA. We're excited to have someone of his accomplishments coordinating our efforts.
We're very much in the initial stages of planning for the bike trails. We learned a lot about working with the DNR in the Amendment process two years ago. We're taking the opportunity to work out with our partner, the Friends, deciding how we will incorporate professional construction help into the project. Gary and I spent a lot of time last summer going over what we want to do to improve the trail layout. I look forward to working with Mike on the design.
I want to emphasize that the planning is still very much in the preliminary stages. We can't give specific answers to a lot of the questions people may have, because so much is yet to be decided.
Initial Public Meeting Set for Blue Mound State Park Master Plan
Public invited to participate in small group discussions at March 12 meeting
BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. - The public will have an opportunity to give input and share ideas on the future use and management of Blue Mound State Park at an upcoming public meeting.
In June 2018, the Natural Resources Board approved the department's recommendation to develop a plan revision to the Blue Mound State Park master plan. The department has been gathering data and is now initiating the planning process. The result of this process will be a master plan that replaces the existing 1984 master plan. A master plan, guided by Chapter NR 44, Wisconsin Administrative Code, establishes the level and type of resource management and public use permitted on department-managed properties.
Blue Mound State Park is 1,153 acres atop the highest point in Southern Wisconsin. The park offers spectacular views, opportunities to see and learn about unique geological features and a variety of recreational facilities. Over 20 miles of scenic trails, access to the Military Ridge State Trail, bike-in campsites, a family campground, summer swimming pool, and a rustic cabin for people with disabilities make Blue Mound a popular year-round destination.
The public can learn more about and engage in the planning process by attending the public meeting from 5-7:30 p.m., March 12, at the Mount Horeb Middle School Cafeteria, 900 E Garfield Street; Mount Horeb.
A brief presentation will take place at 5:15 p.m. and will be followed by small group discussions focused on sharing perspectives and identifying topics to be considered during the planning process.
People are also encouraged to visit the Blue Mound State Park Master Plan website by going to the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, searching keywords "property planning" and Blue Mound State Park under "Property-based plans in progress". In addition to opportunities to learn more about Blue Mound State Park and the planning process, an online public input form is also available. For more information about the park, search keywords "Blue Mound."
"We welcome everyone to visit our website and attend the public meeting to share their perspective on future use and management of Blue Mound State Park and to learn about the department's property master planning process." said Diane Brusoe, Property Planning Section Chief.
In addition to the opportunities to offer input online or at public meetings, people may contact DNR Planner Phil Rynish, by email at phillip.rynish@wisconsin.gov, phone at 608-266-5854, or US mail at Phil Rynish, Wisconsin DNR, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI, 53707-7921.
The public comment period for the first phase of planning is open through March 26, 2019.
