The Pierce County Board heard a first reading May 28 on a proposed 2024-2028 Outdoor Recreation Plan, which will be voted on at the June meeting.

According to Land Management Director Andy Pichotta, the plan is “kind of an inventory of existing recreational resources and includes municipalities’ standalone plans. It enables municipalities to be eligible to participate in the land and conservation programs.”

The resolution being considered says the plan’s purpose is to “provide information to help develop and improve the county’s recreational resources, and to assure the county and municipalities within the county are eligible to participate in the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LAWCON) and the State Stewardship Program.”

The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission was responsible for updating the plan, in conjunction with a public hearing held April 3 by the Pierce County Land Management Committee.

The plan’s introduction states recreation helps citizens’ physical health and the county’s economic health and attracts new visitors to Pierce County each year. The plan provides a framework for guiding future development of the county’s recreational properties. It also brings together individual community plans to provide a county-wide inventory of existing outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities.

The county conducted a survey during this process that was available on its website and via social media. Out of the 96 responses received, the most popular recreational activities in Pierce County included hiking/walking, fishing, wildlife viewing, biking, boating, hunting and canoeing/kayaking.

Other findings in the survey include:

• 30 people were “somewhat dissatisfied” the number of outdoor parks/facilities available in Pierce County
• Just over 30 people were “neutral” about the outdoor parks/facilities’ quality
• About 35 people were “neutral” about the outdoor parks/facilities’ maintenance

When people were asked to list 3-5 areas of improvement, the responses varied. Here are the top ones listed:

• More multipurpose trails
• More public swimming areas (beaches/pools)
• Public fishing area
• Acquire undeveloped areas
• Mores support facilities (bathrooms, etc.)

Comments received included:

• “ATV trails and bike trails would be appreciated.”
• “Areas for older children/teens for outdoor physical fitness – skate parks, badminton/volleyball, frisbee, disc golf, etc.”
• Distribution of county parks and trail areas. Most are in eastern Pierce County. Would be good to have more in western Pierce County.”

When asked to name the ideal outdoor recreation experience, participants were asked to “dream big.” Their ideas included:

• “Support Coulee River Trails! Let’s make these trails happen!!!”
• “Nugget Lake with cleaner water and a nice beach that also has a dog friendly beach area.”
• “More open roads for UTVs.”
• “Rock climbing, mountain bike trails, pool – splash pads, more primitive camping, outdoor educational area.”
• “Waterpark”
• “An area similar to Lake Frontenac in Minnesota that overlooks Lake Pepin that offers the same amenities and hunting opportunities, camping, winter skiing trails, hiking with vista views and wildlife viewing such as waterfowl migration.”
• “Nice shelters with bathroom facilities, playground and basketball courts, boat launches with ample parking.”
• “A trail system with food and lodging options.”
• “Fly fishing on the Rush River.”
• “Amphitheater used year round … summer concerts, theater in the park, educational programs, festivals, private events, winter contests…”
• “Fishing docks, rental for badminton/outdoor games equipment, disc golf course, skate ramp, indoor swimming facility for lessons then extended swimming activities at beach (kayak, canoe lessons, water games, small shelter with possible concessions? Bike rentals for trails, groomed walking/running trails)”
• “Bicycling on paved trails for a hundred miles with picnic areas at the beginning/end of the trails, several accesses to the trails, bathrooms (approx.. every 25 miles) with running water along the trails. Also a really nice swimming beach with a picnic area and kayak access, all in one area.”
• “Massive recreation facility that includes indoor/outdoor pools, outdoor trails, workout facilities and playgrounds/fields.”

In a table outlining current goals with high priority, the following were listed:

• Rip-rap numerous hiking trails at Nugget Lake County Park that are eroding due to extreme flooding from excessive run-off
• Develop a hiking trail and parking area at the Ellsworth Demonstration Forest
• Continue planting trees at Nugget Lake in anticipation of ash tree die off
• Dredge the upper end of Nugget Lake to maintain access to the main portion of the lake
• Implement measures to reduce sedimentation in Nugget Lake and at the boat landing
• Upgrade electrical access to some Nugget Lake campsites
• Replace ranger/storage shed at Pierce County Shooting Range
• Install erosion control practices in shooting lanes at Pierce County Shooting Range
• Apply for necessary grants to maintain current snowmobile trail system and to rehabilitate/construct bridges as necessary

To view the entire plan, which includes a detailed inventory of the county’s existing parks/facilities and state wildlife/nature areas, visit www.co.pierce.wi.us

Other business

• The board approved on first reading to authorize the purchase of upgraded equipment for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office tactical response vehicle. Sheriff Chad Koranda said the turret purchased will allow for better visibility and a safe defensive position. The vehicle is used 12-15 times per year.
• Judge Elizabeth Rohl and Drug Court Coordinator Mary Kelly, joined by several Drug Court graduates, told the board what the program has meant to its participants and thanked them for their support.
• Supervisor Neil Gulbranson said the Highway Committee received a grant for pulverizing and paving 3.4 miles of County Road S. The project cost is $2.4 million with the state funding 80% with the grant.
• Buffalo County resident Terry Schoonover introduced himself as a candidate for the 29^th Assembly District, which includes most of Pierce County.
• County Administrator Jason Matthys met with staff from Discover Wisconsin to see what opportunities could increase tourism and create economic drivers in the county.