Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan
TREMPEALEAU COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN 2017-2021
Prepared By: Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission and the Trempealeau County
Department of Land Management for the Trempealeau County Parks, Tourism, and Economic Development Committee and the Trempealeau County
Board of Supervisors
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Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Adopting Resolution Goes Here
Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No. Introduction ...... 1 Objective and Goals ...... 1 Planning Process ...... 1 An Overview of the County ...... 2 The Landscape ...... 2 Socio-economic Characteristics ...... 3 Employment ...... 3 Table 1 Trempealeau County Employment by Industry ...... 3 Per Capita Personal Income ...... 3 Urban/Rural ...... 3 Farming ...... 4 Population ...... 4 Population Age ...... 4 Table 2 Trempealeau County Population Estimates and Projections ...... 5 Review of Recreational Demand ...... 7 Recreational Demand ...... 7 Table 3 Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Participants by Activity (Age 16+) ...... 8 Table 4 Projected Trends in Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Activities ...... 9 Inventory of Existing Facilities and Needs/Actions ...... 10 1. Developed Land Activities ...... 10 Driving for Pleasure ...... 10 Camping ...... 13 Table 5 Trempealeau County Public and Private Campgrounds ...... 14 Golf ...... 16 Tennis ...... 16 Picnicking ...... 18 Table 6 Public Picnic Facilities in Trempealeau County ...... 19 Playground Activities ...... 22 Trail Activities ...... 22 Bicycle Trails ...... 22 Horseback Riding on a Trail ...... 23 All-Terrain Vehicle Trails ...... 23 2. Limited Development Activities ...... 25 Hunting...... 25 Table 7 Public Hunting Areas in Trempealeau County ...... 26 3. Water Activities ...... 28 Fishing ...... 28 Swimming ...... 29 Table 8 Swimming Facilities in Trempealeau County ...... 29 Motor Boating/Water Skiing and Jet Skis ...... 30 Canoeing/Kayaking and Sailing ...... 30 Table 9 Surface Water Resources in Trempealeau County ...... 31 4. Winter Activities...... 33 Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing ...... 33 Snowmobiling ...... 33 Ice Skating ...... 33
I Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
5. Viewing and Interpretive Activities ...... 34 Historical and Cultural Sites ...... 34 Historical Points of Interest ...... 35 Cultural Events ...... 35 Public Parks and Other Outdoor Recreation Facilities ...... 36 Federal Outdoor Recreational Facilities ...... 36 State Outdoor Recreational Facilities ...... 36 State Wildlife Areas ...... 37 State Fishery Areas ...... 38 State Natural Areas ...... 38 Mississippi Valley Conservancy ...... 41 County Outdoor Recreational Facilities ...... 41 School Properties and Quasi-Public Facilities ...... 42 Action Plan ...... 43
Maps Map 1 Trempealeau County Land Cover...... 2 Map 2 Trempealeau County Cities, Villages and Town Populations ...... 6 Map 3 Trempealeau County Scenic Routes ...... 12 Map 4 Trempealeau County Public and Private Campgrounds ...... 15 Map 5 Trempealeau County Golf Courses ...... 17 Map 6 Trempealeau County Picnic Facilities & Highway Waysides ...... 21 Map 7 Trempealeau County Bike Trails ...... 24 Map 8 Trempealeau County Wildlife Areas and Rod & Gun Clubs ...... 27 Map 9 Trempealeau County Recreational Water Activities ...... 32
II Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVE AND GOALS
Outdoor recreation aids citizens' physical health, as well as Trempealeau County’s objective in preparing this Outdoor the health of the economy, as high-quality recreation Recreation Plan is twofold; this first is to provide an orderly opportunities attract visitors to the county each year. framework for guiding future development of the County’s Trempealeau County recognizes the need for a own recreation properties; and the second is to provide a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. County, City, single source document in which the individual community Village, and Town officials as well as concerned citizens are plans can be brought together to provide a county-wide aware of the need for local outdoor recreation facilities and inventory of existing outdoor recreation facilities and are also aware that the needs vary within the county and opportunities and also to provide an opportunity to view the change with time. This plan is intended to serve as a guide entire county for future planning purposes. to the county and its municipal subdivisions in the development of specific recreation programs and long-range To accomplish this objective the following goals have been objectives. The plan is also intended to assist in local identified: government’s budgetary considerations when planning for the maintenance and further development of recreation 1. Maintain an outdoor recreation program that protects facilities. The recommendations and proposals found within the natural environment and responds to the outdoor this plan are aimed at the continued preservation, recreational needs of the residents and visitors of the acquisition, development, and improvements of the area’s county. outdoor recreation facilities. It is local government’s responsibility to periodically further investigate and seriously 2. Formulate an action plan to meet the needs or public consider the recommendations cited within this plan that demands for outdoor recreation facilities in the county provide for the orderly growth, development, and and municipalities. maintenance of the area’s outdoor recreation resources. 3. Have a program that enables the county and municipalities to continually maintain and improve their recreation programs in a way that is economically feasible and environmentally sound.
4. Encourage the private sector to provide certain quality services and facilities for outdoor recreation purposes.
5. Consider the impact on the local economy of the many visitors and tourists in the area who utilize the county and municipal outdoor recreation facilities.
6. Establish a policy of re-evaluating goals and objectives and project plans when necessary.
7. Maintain eligibility for Federal and State grant Crystal Lake in V. Strum programs. This plan is also intended to assure the county's and municipalities' eligibility to participate in the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF), Aids for the PLANNING PROCESS Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (ADLP), Urban Green Space Program (UGS), and Urban Rivers Grant The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission Program (URGP). The existence of a recreation plan will coordinated and prepared this Outdoor Recreation Plan, also assist the county and communities with their overall with assistance from the Trempealeau County Parks, planning and development efforts for which financial Tourism, and Economic Development Committee, the assistance is also available from other federal and state Department of Land Management, and the Land Records programs designed to assist in the development of viable Department. All the villages and cities of Trempealeau communities. The provision of adequate recreation facilities County were sent information pertaining to the updating is a goal that concurs with the national emphasis on process and asked for their input. The County and each improving the quality of life in our communities and municipality will adopt the Plan before it is effective in that preserving a balanced environment. jurisdiction.
1 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
are located in a patchwork fashion on the steeper slopes and on lighter soils not suitable for crop fields or pasture. These lands, which are mostly in small private non-industrial holdings, are valuable for the commercial timber crop as well as for wildlife and watershed conservation purposes and their contribution to the overall scenic attributes of the county. The following map shows the generalized Land use/Land Cover in Trempealeau for the year 2016.
Trempealeau County has important natural water resources. The Trempealeau River, which rises in Jackson County,
Rural landscape in the county crosses the central part of the county and empties into the Mississippi River at the county’s southwestern boundary. AN OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTY The Buffalo River, with its north and south forks rising in Jackson County, is formed at their union just west of Osseo, Located in west central Wisconsin, Trempealeau County and crosses the northern part of the county from the east to had an estimated 2014 population of 29,184. The U.S. the west before entering its namesake county. Smaller Census defines rural as any territory with a population less waterways, such as Elk Creek, Beaver Creek, and other than 2,500. Using this definition the county is mainly rural, feeder streams are scattered about in the county and are an as there is only one out of the 11 incorporated cities or important part of the area’s natural environment. Small man- villages that have a population larger than 2,500 people. The made lakes are located on the streams and rivers at Eleva, city of Arcadia had a 2010 census population of 2,925. The Strum, Osseo, Independence, Blair, and Galesville. There county is 42 miles long and is approximately 18 miles wide, are some natural, spring-fed lakes along the southern except for a small sector in the lower half of the county where boundary, and the backwaters of the Mississippi River form the width is 23 miles. The southwest sector of the county several lakes. borders the Mississippi River for approximately 10 miles and the remaining southern boundary, except for 5.5 miles, Map 1 Trempealeau County Land Cover borders the Black River. The county contains an area of 739 square miles. Located in the state’s scenic coulee region or “Driftless Region” and characterized by broad, rolling uplands and deep valleys, Trempealeau County is known for its scenic beauty throughout the year.
Trempealeau County is easily accessible to population centers to the north and south. An excellent highway system serves the area. The Interstate system, I-94, crosses a small portion of the northeast sector of the county with an interchange at U.S. Highway 10, and U.S. Highway 53 traverses and connects several communities in the county in a north-south direction, and State Highways 35 and 93 also serve as key arterials for the county.
THE LANDSCAPE
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue 2016 Final Statement of Assessment indicated that there was 403,667 total land acres in Trempealeau County. Of this amount, 253,247 acres or 63 percent of the total County acreage was assessed as agriculture. In some areas of the county, farming is hindered due to steep valleys, ridges, and undesirable soil conditions. The second largest land use category in the county is Agricultural Forest with 78,860 acres or 18% of the total acreage. The forests of the county
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Trempealeau County’s land and water resources provide Table 1 Trempealeau County Employment by Industry excellent habitat for wildlife resources. Deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, gray and fox squirrels, and waterfowl are the most important game species in Trempealeau County. Upland INDUSTRY # Employ % game hunting is excellent on wooded, brushy uplands and 15,166 100 along wooded and brushy portions of streams and rivers. Civilian employed population 16 years and over There are abundant areas, which have excellent waterfowl 1,227 8.1 hunting. Trapping is possible due to the large populations Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining of furbearers. Trout are found in many streams and in three Construction 909 6.0 man-made lakes, and the major rivers provide a variety of Manufacturing 4,248 28.0 warmwater fish. Wholesale trade 337 2.20 Retail trade 1,426 9.4 Transportation, warehousing, utilities 634 4.2 Information 178 1.2
Finance, insurance, real estate, rental, 630 4.2 leasing Professional, scientific, management, administrative and waste management 700 4.6 services
Educational services, and health care and 3,222 21.2 social assistance Arts, entertainment, recreation, 738 4.9 accommodation, food services 495 3.3 Other services, except public administration Public administration 422 2.8 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate.
Per Capita Personal Income According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009-2013 American Trempealeau Marina on the Mississippi River Community Survey 5-year estimate Trempealeau County’s Per Capita personal income was $25,017. This amount is 9.1% lower than the state’s average of $27,523 and 11.1% lower than the National average of $28,155. The Town of SOCIO - ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS Chimney Rock had the highest per capita personal income at $110,070 and the City of Arcadia had the lowest at $19,003. Employment Of the 26 Towns, Villages and Cities within the County 17 had According to the U.S. Department of Census Bureau’s 2011- a lower Per Capita personal income than the County average 2015 American Community Survey, Manufacturing (28.0%) and 9 had a higher income. and Education Services, and Healthcare and Social Assistance (21.2%) employ 49% of the residential workforce. The next largest employment category is Retail Trade with only 9.4% of the workforce (See Table 1). Urban/Rural Although manufacturing jobs have grown within the county, According to the 2010 Census, Trempealeau County has there are also large numbers of residents who commute to 50.72% of its population living in incorporated communities. places of employment outside the county; especially in Eau This percentage has remained fairly constant for the last 40 Claire, La Crosse, or across the Mississippi to Winona, years. In 1970 the County had 46.91% of its population living Minnesota. The Wisconsin Department of Work Force in incorporated communities. The percentage for the 1980 Development reported that in January of 2015 the County 1990 and 2000 Census were 45.75%, 47.49% and 50.09% unemployment rate was 5.2 percent. This rate was down respectively. The increase of 0.63 percent from 2000 to 2010 from the January 2014 unemployment rate of 6.0 percent. indicates a slight slowing down trend of the incorporated communities growing at a faster pace than the unincorporated
3 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 areas. This movement of people will have an impact on the access and amount of public lands for recreation purposes. The small lot urban dweller, whether it is a city of 2,000 or a village of 200, does not have the capability to provide a myriad of extensive outdoor recreation experiences on his or her own land and therefore is more dependent upon a public park system which offers a broader range of outdoor opportunities including hunting, hiking, camping, and picnicking. As more people move to the incorporated communities and rural areas and farms are sold off for development, lands previously used for recreation are lost. Many rural residents can find extended outdoor recreation experiences on their own land. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, hiking, and scenery viewing can all be done on their own property and their dependence upon a government sponsored recreation facility may be primarily for support of team sports like softball. Overlook along STH 93 south of C. Arcadia
Farming Trempealeau County is a rural county and farming is a major Population The population of Trempealeau County has increased 10% part of the landscape. The past 4 1/2 decades has seen a between 1980 and 2010. As shown in the following table, decline in the number of farms and the number of acres in the County declined during the 80’s, and grew during the farming within the County. In 1970 there were 2,160 farms 90’s and 2000’s. The greatest increases were recorded from with a total of 431,000 acres in the County. By 2002 this number had declined to 1,744 farms on only 367,830 acres. 1990 to 2000 with the County population growing by 6.9%. Projections made by the Wisconsin Department of As of 2012, the number of farms further decreased to 1,436 Administration indicate that the County will continue to grow, on 323,157 acres. This is a decline of 724 farms or 33.5 and will increase 10.5% from the 2010 population by the percent and 107,843 acres or 25.0 percent. As discussed year 2025. The projected growth in population will place previously this decline in the number of acres on farms has more demands on outdoor recreation facilities and increases a detrimental effect on outdoor recreation. the need for an updated outdoor recreation plan. The
population is split evenly between people living in
incorporated communities and unincorporated towns. Map 2 shows the location of the incorporated cities and villages and unincorporated towns, and their 2000 and 2006 populations.
Population Age Trempealeau County, according to U.S. Census Figures, had a median age of 35.7 in 1990, 38.3 in 2000 and 40.8 in 2010. This is an increase of 5.1 years since the 1990 Census. The County’s percentage of population 65 years and older was 15.8%, this figure is higher than the State’s percentage which, was 13.8% and the Nation’s which was 13.1%. Both of these figures indicate a trend of the county has an aging population which will change the outdoor Rural Landscape recreation needs and demands for the county.
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Table 2 Trempealeau County Population Estimates and Projections % 2014 2015 2020 2025 1980 1990 2000 2010 change estimate projection projection projection 80-10 T. Albion 605 696 595 653 7.93 663 660 685 705 T. Arcadia 1,919 1,710 1,555 1,779 -7.30 1,837 1,855 1,975 2,070 T. Burnside 639 653 529 511 -20.03 509 505 510 505 T. Caledonia 507 555 759 920 81.46 931 945 1,020 1,085 T. Chimney Rock 390 267 276 241 -38.21 236 235 235 235 T. Dodge 399 397 414 389 -2.51 390 385 390 390 T. Ettrick 1,420 1,309 1,284 1,237 -12.89 1,242 1,220 1,230 1,225 T. Gale 1,553 1,563 1,426 1,695 9.14 1,725 1,745 1,845 1,940 T. Hale 983 971 988 1,037 5.49 1,048 1,045 1,085 1,115 T. Lincoln 935 889 829 823 -11.98 856 860 905 940 T. Pigeon 876 766 894 891 1.71 901 895 930 950 T. Preston 1,112 963 951 953 -14.30 970 970 1,005 1,035 T. Sumner 785 711 806 810 3.18 820 825 855 885 T. Trempealeau 1,504 1,341 1,618 1,756 16.76 1,792 1,815 1,935 2,030 T. Unity 564 473 556 506 -10.28 500 495 505 510 V. Eleva 593 491 635 670 12.98 677 685 720 755 V. Ettrick 462 491 521 524 13.42 521 520 530 535 V. Pigeon Falls 338 368 388 411 21.60 413 415 430 440 V. Strum 944 949 1,001 1,114 18.01 1,124 1,130 1,175 1,215 V. Trempealeau 956 1,039 1,319 1,529 59.94 1,612 1,630 1,750 1,865 C. Arcadia 2,109 2,266 2,402 2,925 38.69 2,929 2,990 3,185 3,350 C. Blair 1,142 1,126 1,273 1,366 19.61 1,378 1,390 1,460 1,515 C. Galesville 1,239 1,278 1,427 1,481 19.53 1,507 1,525 1,600 1,665 C. Independence 1,180 1,041 1,244 1,336 13.22 1,352 1,365 1,435 1,500 C. Osseo 1,474 1,551 1,669 1,701 15.40 1,698 1,705 1,760 1,800 C. Whitehall 1,530 1,499 1,651 1,558 1.83 1,554 1,550 1,570 1,580 Trempealeau Co. 26,158 25,263 27,010 28,816 10.16 29,184 29,360 30,725 31,840 Wisconsin 4,705,642 4,891,599 5,363,715 5,686,986 20.85 5,732,981 5,783,015 6,005,080 6,203,850
1980-1990-2000-2010 Population --Decennial Census U.S. Bureau Of Census 2014 Population Estimate and 15 -20- 25 Population Projections--Wisconsin Dept. of Administration-Demographic Services Office 2010-15-20 Projections--Wisconsin Department of Administration-Demographic Services Office
5 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Map 2 Trempealeau County Cities, Villages and Town Populations
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REVIEW OF RECREATION DEMAND
RECREATIONAL DEMAND yielding the greatest health benefits. Chapter 4 explores current urban offerings of urban recreation across municipalities in For guidance on the demand for recreational outdoor activities a Wisconsin when compared to similar peers. Chapter 5 review of the Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor examines public and private holders of recreation land through Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2011 – 2016 was conducted. Every Wisconsin and the programs that encourage conservation and five years, Wisconsin publishes a Statewide Comprehensive acquisition of public land and protection and public access of Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to serve as a blueprint for private land. Chapter 6 lists seven goals, each with a list of state and local outdoor recreation planning as required by the actions, designed to encourage the connection of Wisconsin’s Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of residents to the great outdoors with their state. The goals are: 1965. For the 2011-2016 Wisconsin SCORP, the State not only met the requirements of the (LWCF) Act but also reflected on the 1. Assess, understand and adapt to growing recreation America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) Initiative, launched in 2010 by tourism demands and preferences. President Obama.1 2. Improve integration of outdoor recreation interests and needs in land use and other relevant planning efforts. Chapter 2 of the SCORP analyzed demand for outdoor 3. Continue to provide and enhance public access to recreation activities by popularity and by setting. The outdoor Wisconsin recreation land and waters. recreation activities presented in the 2011-2016 SCORP are 4. Conserve rural landscapes and forests through primarily based on the 2005-2009 National Survey on partnerships and incentives. Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) and Outdoor Industry 5. Address funding challenges associated with managing Foundation (OIF) studies, Table 3. The number one outdoor Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Resources. recreation activity identified is Walking for Pleasure, with 87.7 6. Promote outdoor recreation as a means of improving percent of the surveyed public engaging in this activity. This is public health among Wisconsinites. an activity that can be carried out in both urban and rural settings 7. Establish great urban parks and community green with no special equipment needed and can be enjoyed equally spaces. by all ages. The second most popular outdoor activity is Gardening or landscaping for pleasure, with 65.4% As we progress into a new century, events and issues that participating. Other activities ranking at the top were influence outdoor recreation in the future are changing. Issues, View/photograph natural scenery (65.3%); Attend outdoor which will influence future outdoor recreation activities, include: sports events (65.0%); Family gathering (63.5%); Visit nature centers etc. (63.5%); View/photograph other wildlife Land use patterns are shifting (57.9%); Driving for pleasure (52.8%); View/photograph Ownership patterns in rural areas are changing wildflowers, trees, etc. (52.4%); Sightseeing (50.6%); Budgets for operation and maintenance of recreation Bicycling (48.7%); Boating (any type) (47.3%); Picnicking resources are not expected to increase (47.0%); Visit historic sites (46.7%); and Snow/ice activities (any type) (45.9%). Activities with less than 2% of the In addition, the demographics of the county are shifting. population participating are: Orienteering (1.6%); Scuba Diving Between 1990 and 2010, the County’s population increased (1.1%); Windsurfing (1.1%) and Surfing (1.0%). In addition, by 14% and the County’s median age increased 5.1% during Chapter 2 looked at 15 year recreation trends. Table 3 shows that same period. As people age, the recreation activities they projected trends in Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Activities. participate in may change. The changes in family structure The table identifies those activities which will have an increasing (and increase in single parent families) also changes demand, a decreasing demand and those which will remain recreation choices. Income levels can also determine stable. participation in an outdoor activity.
Chapter 3 discusses the inclusion of health and wellness in outdoor recreation planning. Outdoor activities were identified
1 Wisconsin SCORP 2011-2016 “Chapter 1 - Introduction” 7 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Table 3 Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Participants by Activity (Age 16+) Number of Number of Participating Participating 2005-2009 Percent 2005-2009 Percent Participants (1,000s) Participants (1,000s) Rank Activity Rank Activity 1 Walk for pleasure 87.7 3,947 38 Hunting - any ty pe 22.2 999 2 Gardening or landscaping for pleasure 65.4 2,944 39 Off-highw ay v ehicle driv ing 19.8 891 3 View /photograph natural scenery 65.3 2,939 40 Trail running 18.6 773 4 Attend outdoor sports ev ents 65.0 2,926 41 Snow mobiling 18.3 824 5 Family gathering 63.5 2,858 42 Big game hunting 18.0 810 6 Visit nature centers, etc. 63.5 2,858 43 Canoeing 17.9 806 7 View /photograph other w ildlife 57.9 2,606 44 Visit prehistoric/archeological sites 15.5 698 8 Driv ing for pleasure 52.8 2,377 45 Boat tours or ex cursions 13.9 626 9 View /photograph w ildflow ers, trees, 52.4 2,359 46 Ice skating outdoors 13.5 608 10 Sightseeing 50.6 2,278 47 Ice fishing 13.1 590 11 Bicy cling 48.7 2,192 48 Waterskiing/Wake boarding, tubing 13 585 12 Boating (any ty pe) 47.3 2,129 49 Coldw ater fishing 12.8 576 13 Picnicking 47.0 2,115 50 Primitiv e camping 11.4 513 14 Visit historic sites 46.7 2,102 51 Small game hunting 11.3 509 15 Snow /ice activ ities (any ty pe) 45.9 2,066 52 Rafting 9.2 414 16 Yard games, e.g., horseshoes 44.7 2,012 53 Cross-country skiing 8.8 396 17 Gather mushrooms, berries, etc. 42.8 1,926 54 Horseback riding (any ty pe) 8.7 392 18 Visit a beach 42.3 1,904 55 Tennis outdoors 8.5 383 19 Golf 41.8 1,881 56 Backpacking 7.4 333 20 Sw imming in lakes, streams, etc. 41.7 1,877 57 Kay aking 7.3 329 21 View /photograph birds 41.7 1,877 58 Row ing 7.2 324 22 Fishing - freshw ater 37.4 1,683 59 Dow nhill skiing 7 315 23 Day hiking 36.7 1,652 60 Horseback riding on trails 6.6 297 24 Motorboating 36.0 1,620 61 Use personal w atercraft 6.5 293 25 Visit a farm or agricultural setting 35.3 1,589 62 Snorkeling 6.2 279 26 Sw imming in an outdoor pool 34.5 1,553 63 Snow shoeing 6.1 275 27 Visit a w ilderness or primitiv e area 33.7 1,517 64 Migratory bird hunting 4.1 185 28 Warmw ater - Fishing 33.2 1,494 65 Sailing 3.9 176 29 Attend outdoor concerts, play s, etc. 32.8 1,476 66 Rock Climbing 3.8 171 30 Soccer outdoors 32.3 1,460 67 Snow boarding 3.7 167 31 Running or jogging 32.1 1,445 68 Mountain climbing 2.7 122 32 Mountain biking (off-road) 30.7 1,382 69 Cav ing 2.6 117 33 Sledding 28.2 1,269 70 Inline skating 2.5 113 34 View /photograph fish 26.7 1,202 71 Orienteering 1.6 72 35 Dev eloped Camping 25.4 1,143 72 Scuba div ing 1.1 50 36 Handball or racquetball outdoors 23.5 1,058 73 Wind surfing 1.1 50 37 Visit other w aterside (besides beach) 22.6 1,017 74 Surfing 1 45 Source: Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2011-2016
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Table 4 Projected Trends in Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Activities Increasing Adventure racing Popular as both an individual and a group activity Demand Driving for pleasure An easy activity for the aging baby boomer generation
Developed/RV camping Baby boomers are a continued driving force for this growth Kayaking Cheaper entry points have attracted more participants
Visit a dog park Urban residents continue to demand more of these areas Soccer outdoors Youth growth is still strong in urban areas
▲ BMX biking X games popularity may be driving this growth Climbing Indoor climbing walls have led to an outdoor resurgence Stand up paddling/paddleboarding A fast growing water sport sweeping the country Triathlon (on-and off-road) Varying distance events have allowed for growth Off-highway vehicle driving Post-recession growth continues Gardening or landscaping for pleasure The “grow local” concept is taking hold at many levels Stable Demand Walk for pleasure Market saturation does not allow for large growth
Running or jogging Gen Y replacing the baby boomers for this activity Water parks Recession may have caused this growth to slow
Motorboating Still easy access in a water-based state
Day hiking Popular with many generations
▬ Golf Time constraints do not allow for growth Tent camping Continues to be stable, growth is illusive Snowboarding May have peaked after 20 years of growth Trail running A stable niche activity with Gen Y View/photograph wildlife An easy activity that spans generations Bicycling (road and non-paved) Popular with many generations – access is still key
Snowshoeing After large growth, this has stabilized
Decreasing Hunting Continues to struggle with generational loss and private access Demand Inline skating A large decrease in the last six years, the bottom may be near Skateboarding/skate parks Gen M is free-skating with longboards ▼ Horseback riding on trails Recession impacts have caused this to decrease with no rebound Softball Baby boomers continue to leave this sport Downhill skiing Gen Y does not have the numbers to replace aging baby boomers Source: Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2011-2016
9 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 INVENTORY OF EXISTING FACILITIES AND NEEDS/ACTIONS
Outdoor recreation is an integral part of the fabric of human environment. Over 87% of Wisconsinites enjoy some form of outdoor recreation. Therefore, the planning of outdoor recreation facilities is of utmost importance for the development of healthy and viable communities. Three important parts of recreation planning are: (1) Determine the demand for different types of outdoor recreation activity, (2) Inventory the existing facilities which accommodate the various types of outdoor recreation activity, and (3) Evaluate the existing facilities and determine the need for improvements or additions to meet the existing and anticipated recreational Buffalo River State Trail demand.
Proactive planning is important to ensure that recreation is Driving for Pleasure accessible to all citizens. One of the greatest challenges is understanding the ever-changing needs of those participating The form of outdoor recreation engaged in by 52.8% of the in outdoor recreation. The 2011-2016 SCORP examines state's residents and one that can be enjoyed even when it is outdoor recreation by recreation setting, the environment in not the participant's major purpose is scenic driving, or "Sight which people recreate. The activities were divided into five seeing.” Since it occurs while sitting in a fuel consuming groupings: vehicle, an environmental purist might not consider it outdoor 1. Developed Land recreation; yet it is clearly an activity directly dependent upon 2. Limited Development the beauty of nature and upon facilities with which to view this 3. Water natural beauty. 4. Winter 5. Viewing and Interpretive In recognition of this scenic beauty two types of road segments in the county are specifically recognized and designated for pleasure driving. The Great River Road, a 10-state, one province, scenic/historic Mississippi River 1. DEVELOPED LAND ACTIVITIES Parkway is Wisconsin’s only designated National Scenic Byway. In Wisconsin, the Great River Road parallels the Outdoor recreations in developed settings are those activities Mississippi River for 250 miles from Prescott in the north to which use some form of man-made development (such as Kieler in the south and passes through Trempealeau County roads or sidewalks) or involve a high level of social interaction. on STH-35 between La Crosse and Buffalo County. This Developed land setting outdoor recreation is the most popular road, marked with signs showing the old-fashioned form of recreation. Two activities, Walking for Pleasure (87.7% steamboat pilot's wheel, passes from the west county line at participating), and Gardening/ Landscaping for Pleasure Marshland, through the village of Trempealeau and to the (65.4% participating), are the two most popular forms of south county line at Hunter’s Bridge. recreation in Wisconsin. Other activities in this grouping are Attending outdoor sports events (65%), Family gathering In addition to the Great River Road, several other roads have (63.5%), Driving for pleasure (52.8%), Bicycling (48.7%), been recognized as “scenic routes”. This recognition has Picnicking (47%), Yard games (44.7%), Golf (41.8%), Soccer been given in a tourist promotional brochure prepared by the outdoors (32.3%), Running or jogging (32.1%), Developed Trempealeau County Land Records Department. The roads camping (25.4%), Handball or racquetball outdoors (23.5%), identified in that brochure, as well as some of the natural Horseback riding (any type) (8.7%), Tennis outdoors scenic features, are shown on Map 3. This scenic drives (8.5%),Horseback riding on trails (6.6%), and Inline skating map can be obtained from the Department of Land (2.5%). Management or are available on tremplocounty.com. Historical sites listed in these brochures are discussed in the “Historical” section of this Plan.
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Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
An auto nature trail has been marked through the 700-acre Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, located west of the village of Trempealeau. This five-mile trail is described in a brochure, which identifies and explains 15 numbered stations along the route.
Tamarack Creek State Wildlife Area Needs/Action:
Nonresidents do considerable pleasure driving and The Rustic Roads program of the Department of sightseeing, which has a favorable impact on the economy. Transportation is a good way to achieve this goal. To be This demand will only exist as long as the resource is officially designated as a rustic road and be eligible for signing maintained. Changes in land use may reduce the and listing in the state brochure, the following criteria for desirability of the resource for sightseeing purposes and is a designation should be met: challenging problem for outdoor recreation providers. Outdoor recreation providers need to be involved in land use Outstanding natural features along its borders such issues to ensure that adequate areas of land are protected. as rugged terrain, native vegetation, native wildlife, or Due to the fact that this activity is almost entirely related to include open areas with agricultural vistas with the scenic, historic, or natural resource attractions available, signing it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the attractions to serve the anticipated demand. This will necessitate the protection of these attractions from changes in land use and Lightly traveled local access road which serves from incompatible uses. The county's various land use and primarily adjacent property owners and motorists, zoning ordinances that together make up the county's bicyclists and hikers seeking recreational enjoyment environmental protection tools are among the best friends of rustic features outdoor recreationalists have as they work towards protecting the outdoors. No scheduled or anticipated major improvements that would change the rustic characteristics An identification and inventory of especially sensitive or remarkable scenic resources could be carried out in the Have a minimum length of two miles and where county by citizen committees using Critical Resource feasible, be either a loop or connect to major roads at Information Program (CRIP) techniques developed by the both ends of the route University of Wisconsin - Institute for Environmental Studies. This survey would help clarify roads to be officially designated as "rustic" or "scenic".
11 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 Map 3 Trempealeau County Scenic Routes
12 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Camping tag, and other playground and recreational facilities, snow skiing, and snowmobile facilities. The campground There are probably few other outdoor recreation is open all year. experiences where the demands or expectations of the participants vary so widely. Some campers want amenities Champions Riverside Resort - This is located in the town such as electricity, hot showers, laundry facilities, and of Gale on the Black River. It has 148 campsites, of amusements like miniature golf and movies. Other campers which 104 have water and electric hook-ups, and 8 have seek solitude and campfires with their amusement being no hook-ups. There is a swimming pool, mini-golf, and morning bird song and hiking. Private for-profit the usual game room and outdoor facilities such as campgrounds in the county make no apologies for trying to horseshoe and volleyball courts. There is a beach, shore meet the expectations of the former group. The fishing sites, and boat ramp on the Black River. expectations of the latter or "wilderness" group will probably not be fully met anywhere in Trempealeau County simply because there is no "backpack trails - high mountain country" terrain in the county.
In the 2011-2016 SCORP, “Developed Camping” was reported as an activity in which 25.4 percent of the adult respondents engaged in.
Champions Riverside Resort
In addition to the three private camping facilities, there are several public facilities. Approximately one hundred fifty camp spaces have been developed in six public campgrounds. Two-thirds of these are provided by the Department of Natural Resources at Perrot State Park. Five Campsites at Stoney Creek RV Resort –Osseo communities; Blair, Eleva, Independence, Strum, and Whitehall, supply the remainder. Camping is frequently an end in itself and the primary purpose of the trip, but often camping is an adjunct to Generally, the camp spaces are good-to-excellent in another purpose. Families may view camping as a way to condition and are designed to accommodate both trailer and save lodging money while on a vacation. tent campers. Sanitary facilities such as toilets and showers are excellent at the state and county parks, as well as private There are two private campgrounds in Trempealeau County. campgrounds. Because of the sites' proximity to other These facilities help to respond to the needs for camping outdoor recreation resources, such as swimming, fishing or facilities and supportive activities. Following is a brief boating, all are capable and usually hold campers for description of these facilities. extended periods of time.
Stoney Creek RV Resort is the largest of the three Although designated spaces are not provided, limited-time private facilities. It is located a quarter mile east of the camping is permitted at municipal parks in Osseo, Interstate 94/ U.S. Highway 10 interchange. They offer Independence, and most other communities when there are nearly 200 sites, with a variety of full hook-ups and special community- wide festivals. Boat and canoe camping various combinations of sewer, water, and/or electric takes place on secluded islands and sandbars of the main hookups. There is a separate area for tent campers and channel and backwater areas of the Mississippi and Black also offer one and two bedroom rental cabins. The Rivers. Space for this type of primitive camping is also facility provides toilets, showers, disposal facilities, provided in Perrot State Park. laundry, store, swimming pool, hot tub, mini-golf, laser
13 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
All public and private campgrounds were inventoried with expanded by units of government in Trempealeau County results tabulated and shown in Table 5 and Map 4. should not try to imitate the amenities offered at commercial campgrounds. A clean simple camping area, possibly with Table 5 Trempealeau County Public and Private a trailer pump-out facility and clean toilets, will meet the Campgrounds needs of most campers. Based on the availability of piped Camp water, the percolation capability of the soil and the projected Area Ownership Spaces number of campsites, a flush-type toilet facility may be necessary. 1 Osseo Private 192
2 Crystal Lake Park V. Eleva 23
3 Eleva Park Village of 10 Eleva 4 4 Seasons Park C. 6 Independence 5 Colonel Larson Park C. Whitehall 7
6 Riverside Memorial C. Blair 10 Park 7 Champions Riverside Private 148 Resort 8 Perrot State Park State of 97 Wisconsin 9 Pietrek Park County 119 Crystal Lake Campground, V. Strum TOTAL 612 Source: Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission
Needs/Action:
As was stated earlier, the expectations of campers vary widely. Some prefer camping in communal conditions that others would find intolerable. The generally recognized standards tend to favor the more widely dispersed type of camping, which assumes there are five campsites per acre. There is also a standard assumption that the average number of campers per campsite is four. Therefore, one acre of campground can accommodate 20 campers per night. Generally, the Department of Natural Resources discourages small villages with limited financial resources from establishing campgrounds in village parks. The continuing maintenance and policing required to operate a quality campground is often beyond the financial ability or long-term commitment of a small local governmental unit.
Private campground operators have been very strongly opposed to additional state or county activity in campground establishment or expansion. The commercially operated type of highly structured campground, with commercial amenities, does not appeal to all campers; many prefer the more "wild" atmosphere of a state or county park, especially if the other features of the park are what has drawn the visitor to the area initially. Campgrounds developed or
14 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Map 4 Trempealeau County Public and Private Campgrounds
15 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Golf Tennis
There is one 18-hole course and five 9-hole courses in the Tennis is both a participatory and spectator sport, which county, all of which are open to the general public. Three of gained great popularity in the late 70's and early 80's. Many these courses are located on city or village owned land and small communities constructed tennis courts in their village are operated by non-profit organizations, while two of the parks. It is not an activity which has been traditionally courses are owned and operated directly by nonprofit associated with such other outdoor recreation activities as community organizations. Map 5 shows the location of hunting and fishing, but the federal Land and Water Trempealeau County's golf courses. The 2011-2016 Conservation (LAWCON) Fund has funded many of the SCORP reports that 41.8 percent of the population plays courts and now is being used for major rehabilitation of golf. This is an increase of 10.8 percent from the 2005-2010 existing facilities In the State of Wisconsin Tennis Outdoors SCORP. has an 8.5% participation rate. Demand is varied from community to community based upon local interest and A generally accepted standard for determining golf course programs. There are tennis courts in Four Seasons Park in capacity is that one 9-hole golf course can accommodate Independence, Memorial Park in Arcadia, Riverside 250 golfing occasions per day. Memorial Park in Blair, Stoddard Park in Osseo, Farm Progress Days Park in Whitehall, and Cance Park in Needs/Action: Galesville.
It appears that the existing courses have a high level of play. Needs/Action: Only two new courses have been built in the La Crosse area since 1990, which benefits players in the southern part of Tennis is the type of outdoor activity usually associated with Trempealeau County. The large amount of land and money urban parks. The individual communities must evaluate required to construct a course are limiting factors in their own residents' desire for tennis courts versus the other developing new courses. park activities. Existing courts should be maintained and rehabilitated as necessary to insure a quality-playing Trempealeau County Golf Courses surface. 1. Viking Recreation Area - 9 holes, par 36, 3030 yards. N.E. side of V. Strum 2. Osseo Golf Course - 9 holes, par 35, 6020 yards. V. Osseo 3. Whitehall Municipal Golf Course - 9 holes, par 35, 6080 yards. C. Whitehall 4. Arcadia Country Club - 9 holes, par 35, 2738 yards. N.E. of Arcadia on STH 93 5. Trempealeau Mountain Golf Club - 18 holes, par 71, 6485 yards. ½ mile N. of V. Trempealeau on STH 35 6. Ettrick Golf Course - 9 holes, par 36, 3075 yards. V. Ettrick
Osseo tennis courts
Ettrick Golf Club
16 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Map 5 Trempealeau County Golf Courses
17 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Picnicking
Picnicking implies that people are traveling to a predetermined location to eat a meal in an outdoor setting. It may be the major purpose of the outing or it may just be auxiliary to a camping trip or a ball game. Many areas with picnic tables located along highways are used for resting more often than picnicking. Some picnic areas, especially in village or city parks, are often used for large family gatherings or reunions which last for several hours, while some highway rest stops are used almost exclusively by Memorial Park – V. Eleva travelers for just a few minutes. Picnicking ranked as the thirteenth most popular outdoor recreation activity with 47 Only four picnic areas are located adjacent to swimming facilities. percent participation rate in the 2011-2016 SCORP. These four, which contain more than 75% of the county's tables, receive the heaviest use. Table 6 is a generalized list of public Roadside parks and some city waysides provide picnic picnic areas in the county and Map 6 identifies the location of tables, which are used primarily by transients or visitors to these picnicking areas and highway waysides. the area. Also, private and public camping areas include picnic tables, but these are used primarily by campers. Needs/Action: Although these supplies of picnic tables were inventoried, they were not included in the supply total cited in the The theoretical "standard" for measuring the use of picnic following paragraph. areas assumes each picnic "event" involves four people and the turnover rate per table per day is one and one-half. This means that each picnic table provided for the public accommodates six people per day. Although this seems very low, especially when you consider the many people that may sit at a table in a given day at a busy highway rest area, they are also averaged in the all day long family parties. With approximately 540 tables in public parks in the county, 810 people per day can be accommodated. Since no projected demand figures exist, no theoretical number of tables to meet the potential demand can be stated. Picnic areas that exist as part of a broader outdoor recreation experience or that are located in a pleasant environment are more apt to be used than a table in a small park or one haphazardly located.
Picnic Pavilion in Stoddard Park – C. Osseo Each community can observe the pressure for picnic tables at its own parks and determine if additional units should be Using the criteria of availability and suitability, the added. As with most types of demands, the peak period is approximately 540 picnic tables in Trempealeau County are only a small portion of the total time; but picnic tables, considered to have significant impact on outdoor recreation. especially if added nearby to existing tables, are a relatively More than half of these are provided at Perrot State Park, inexpensive outdoor recreation device. with the remainder scattered throughout the county, including the eleven incorporated communities and two county parks. This can be seen by referring to Table 3.
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TABLE 6 Public Picnic Facilities in Trempealeau County Map ID # City/Town Park Name Special Features (1) 1 Eleva Eleva Lake Park Shelter, Flush Toilets & Lake Access Memorial Park Shelter Broiler Fest Grounds Shelter & Flush Toilets 2 Strum Woodland Park South Shelter, Flush Toilets & Lake Beach Woodland Park North Gazebo & Lakeshore Access Walnut Park Shelter Rod & Gun Club Park Shelter, Water, Toilets, & River Bank Access Crystal Lake Park Shelter, Flush Toilets & Lake Beach DOT Wayside - USH's 10 & 53; 0.8 miles 3 DOT Wayside Pit Toilets & Hand Pump West of Osseo-Town of Sumner 4 Osseo Central Park Shelter Stoddard Park Shelter, Toilets & Lake Access Neighborhood Park Shelter Winnebago Indians Historical Marker Shelter & Flush Toilets, Faucet Water, Tourist 5 I-94 Wayside - East Bound Interstate Highway Rest Area Information Board DOT Wayside - USH 53; 5.5 miles S. of Scenic Overlook, Tables, Tourist Information 6 Buena Vista Wayside Osseo - Town of Hale Board 7 Pigeon Falls Ekern Memorial Park Shelter, Toilets & Pond Access Sletteland Park Adjacent to USH 53 8 Whitehall Colonel Larson Park Shelter & Flush Toilets Melby Park Shelter & Flush Toilets Frederickson Park Adjacent to USH 53 City Hall Park Shelter Between Whitehall & Independence on 9 Farm Progress County Park Shelter, Water, and Pit Toilets STH 21 at County Nursing Home property 10 Independence Four Seasons Park Shelter & Flush Toilets Island Park Shelter, Water, Toilets & Lakeshore Access City Hall Park Lakeshore & Swimming Access Between Arcadia & Independence - Town Shelter, Water, Toilets, & Trempealeau 11 Pietrek County Park of Arcadia shoreline access
DOT Wayside - USH 53 - STH 95; 1.0 mile Pit Toilets, Hand Pump, & 12 DOT Wayside N of Blair - Town of Preston Tourist Information Board 13 Blair Riverside Park Shelter, Water, & Toilets Strand Wayside Adjacent to STH 95 14 Arcadia * Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Walk Deer Pen Park Deer Pen, Shelter & Toilets Schultz Park Shelter, Toilets & Trempealeau River Access
19 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
TABLE 6 Public Picnic Facilities in Trempealeau County Map ID # City/Town Park Name Special Features (1) DOT Wayside - STH 93; 4.4 Miles S of 15 DOT Wayside Scenic Overlook Arcadia 16 Ettrick Municipal Park Shelter & Flush Toilets Game Time Park Playground 17 Galesville Artic Springs Park Shelter Roadside Park Adjacent to USH 53, Gazebo High Cliff Park Nature Trail, Scenic Cliffs Reception Park Shelter & Flush Toilets John F. Cance Park Shelter & Flush Toilets City Square Park Adjacent to USH 53, Gazebo DOT Wayside - USH 53-STH 93; 1.5 miles 18 Decorah Park Wayside Historic Marker E of Galesville 19 Trempealeau Central Park Shelter, Water, & Toilets Swimming Pool Park Water & Toilets Duck Pond Park Water & Toilets Youth Sports Club Shelter, Water & Toilets Boat Landing Water & Toilets Trempealeau Lakes; S of Village of 20 Trempealeau Lakes Fishing Area Water & Toilets Trempealeau 21 Perrot Park North of Trempealeau Perrot State Park (Fee) Shelter, Water, & Toilets 22 Trempealeau Refuge Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Water & Toilets *Arcadia has additional park land but these three are the best picnic parks. (1) All facilities have tables and trash receptacles
20 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Map 6 Trempealeau County Picnic Facilities & Highway Waysides
21 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Playground Activity Trail Activities
The fact that most of the participants are children should not Many of the most popular outdoor recreational activities can detract from its importance as an outdoor activity. Formal be accommodated by providing “trails”. Activities such as playgrounds with equipment like swings, slides, and “wildlife watching” or “bird watching” can enjoyed through climbing bars are usually associated with municipal parks the use of trails, in addition to the more traditional trail rather than extensive county and state forest areas, activities such as walking and bicycling. Trails serve a although the county's Pietrek Park does provide playground multitude of recreational activities, although bicycle trails can equipment. The private campgrounds in the county also also serve as legitimate transportation facilities. With the have children's playgrounds. exception of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, which are treated separately, trails are definite features existing on In addition to formalized playground sites with apparatus; the ground, and are maintained in order to keep them level open turf fields, free from holes and other dangerous serviceable. Hiking, walking, nature walking, horseback obstructions, are valuable play areas. Softball, baseball, riding, all-terrain vehicle, cross-country skiing, and bicycle and increasingly, soccer, are popular field sports which trails are considered together in this section. Map 7 shows require some level of preparation, although small children in the Trempealeau Trails bike loops. particular can “play” these sports on an open field with little in the way of marking or formal facilities. Bicycle Trails - Wisconsin is fortunate as a state to have the Needs/Action: fine bicycle trail system it has developed. It was one of the first states to promote a “rails to trails” program. The Playgrounds can range from simple to elaborate. One of the previously mentioned Great River State Trail is built on the fairly recent innovations has been the development of former Chicago and Northwestern Railway right-of-way wooden or fiberglass “fort” or integrated play apparatus. between Onalaska and the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. Although this equipment is expensive to purchase and Within the refuge the trail is marked on other roads, with install, it offers more imaginative play opportunities than several side trails and access to State Highway 35 at the simple swings, slides, and teeter-totters. Installation of north boundary of the refuge. This trail, surfaced with fine, playground equipment, while a primary responsibility of the packed stone screenings, connects at its south end, in La municipality operating the park, is also a good project for Crosse County, with the La Crosse River Trail, which leads community civic groups. Individual community park plans to the Sparta-Elroy Trail, and the Omaha Trail, to give a present additional information on specific needs and actions smooth surfaced virtually auto-free bike and hiking trail from regarding playgrounds. Trempealeau County to Reedsburg, one third of the distance across the state.
Bicycling Magazine calls Trempealeau County “cycling nirvana” and “the perfect getaway,” as it is pastoral and known for its challenging climbs. “Trempealeau Trails” Bicycle Association has created 18 bike loops throughout the countryside (seen in Map 7) and more information can be found at http://www.tourdetremp.com/.
The Buffalo River State Trail gives east-west access across the northern edge of the county between Fairchild and Mondovi on another former Northwestern Railway right-of- way. The surface of this trail is not as finished as the Great River Trail and many areas of old cinder ballast or sand blows suit this trail better for mountain bikes or hiking rather than the typical narrow tired touring type bicycle.
Bicycles are considered vehicles by state statute, and have
John F. Cance Memorial Park in Galesville a legal right to operate on any public roadway except where specifically prohibited, such as on the Interstate highway system or other freeways, or on some bridges. Common sense however indicates not all bicyclists feel comfortable, or are competent to ride in certain traffic conditions, just as
22 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 some motorists feel uncomfortable in heavy or fast traffic participation rate. Horseback riding is permitted on the conditions. The Department of Transportation (DOT), with Buffalo River State Trail between May 15 and October 31. input from county highway and district DOT staff has There is a horse trail from Four Seasons Park in examined several variables, with traffic volume (Average Independence to Pietrek Park along the Trempealeau River Daily Traffic-ADT) and roadway and shoulder width being and one is being developed from Pietrek Park to Arcadia. the major ones, to classify all state and county roads in There are no commercial horse rental or riding stables in the unincorporated areas as having “Best”, “Moderate”, or county. “Undesirable” conditions for bicycling. In cooperation with the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (BFW) four maps, which One designated horse trail in the county is the Eagle View together cover the entire state, have been published and are Horse Trail that runs parallel to STH 93 in Arcadia from available for public sale. Town roads within the county Cross Road to Pietrek County Park. Maps and information generally have low traffic volumes and would be favorable to can be found at www.tremplocounty.com/. bicyclists; but in most of western Wisconsin, including Trempealeau County, the limited sight distances and lack of shoulders on Town roads would be factors making them less suitable for slow moving bicyclists. The two longest stretches of State Trunk Highway (STH) or U.S. Highway (USH) in the County having conditions Moderate or better for bicycling are STH 95 between Arcadia and USH 53 two miles north of Blair, and USH 10 from the intersection of USH 53 west of Osseo to the west County line. STH 121 between Pigeon Falls and the east County line and USH 53 between Pigeon Falls and CTH HH south of Osseo are also shown as Moderate conditions for biking. USH 53 from Pigeon Falls to the south County line, STH 93 between Galesville and the north County line, and STH 121 between
Whitehall and Independence are all rated as “Undesirable Great River State trail Conditions” for bicycling.
All-Terrain Vehicle Trails - The 2011-2016 SCORP off highway vehicle driving has a participation rate of 19.8%; however, The Department of Natural Resources has reported that all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle riding is a rapidly growing sport in Wisconsin since 2014. A somewhat larger percentage might use off-road vehicles as a means to access remote hunting or fishing sites, although Trempealeau County’s settled agricultural land use patterns probably make such use less necessary than in the more northerly counties.
ATVs are permitted on the Buffalo River State Trail between Mondovi and Fairchild during May 15-October 31. No ATVs are permitted on the Great River State Trail.
Great River State Bike Trail Sign
Horseback Riding on a Trail - Horseback riding on a trail is not an activity which has a lot of participation Statewide or the Trempealeau County region. According to the 2011- 2016 SCORP Horseback Riding on a trail had a 6.6%
23 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 Map 7 Trempealeau County Bike Trails
24 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
2. LIMITED DEVELOPMENT During the summer months, a naturalist is on staff at Perrot Park to lead and interpret nature hikes. There is a short trail ACTIVITIES through the scenic Beaver Creek gorge at High Cliff City
Park in Galesville, and Pietrek County Park near Arcadia has Limited Development activities take place in undeveloped, or a short, marked trail along the Trempealeau River. The Farm primitive sites and general involve hiking, camping, or some Progress Days park between Whitehall and Independence form of hunting. Activities in this group are: Day hiking also has hiking areas. (36.7%), Visit a wilderness or primitive area (33.7%), Mountain biking (30.7%), Hunting-any type (22.2%), Big game hunting (18.0%), Small game hunting (11.3%), Primitive camping (11.4%), Migratory bird hunting (4.1%), Backpacking (7.4%), Rock climbing (3.8%), Mountain climbing (2.7%), Caving (2.6%) and Orienteering (1.6%). Following is an inventory of the land based and limited development activities in Trempealeau County.
Walking for pleasure is the number one most participated in outdoor recreation activity with a participation rate of 87.7%. This activity can be enjoyed by all ages and can be done anywhere from a marked trail to your local neighborhood. Hiking/Walking trails through forest/brush land, marshes, or a combination of these areas serve as nature trails for bird watching and nature observation. View / Photograph Natural Scenery is the third highest activity and is engaged in by approximately 65.3 percent of the population. View / Photograph Other Wildlife has a 57.9% participation rate.
Hiking and Walking Trails - Outdoor recreation planners define "hiking" as a walking trip of more than four hours (usually 8 miles) duration. Often times camping facilities are associated with this type of long distance hiking trail. A Trail in High Cliff City Park - Galesville "walk" is any foot travel for pleasure of less duration than a hike and may include a rugged terrain interpretive nature trail two or three miles long, or a paved surface a few hundred Hunting feet in length from a parking lot to a scenic overlook. Hunting and consumptive uses of natural resources in general, Activities listed in the 2011-2016 SCORP that can be done has come under increasing criticism from an urban population on trails are the following: Walking for pleasure with an 87.7 that is removed from the land; yet true hunters are sensitive to percent participation rate, View/Photograph Natural Scenery environmental issues and have, through license fees and (65.3%), View/Photograph Other Wildlife (57.9%), Bicycling personal financial and labor contributions, improved land cover (48.7 %), Day Hiking (36.7 %), Mountain Biking (Off-road) conditions so that all people, hunters and non-hunters alike, (30.7%), Trail Running )18.6%), Snowmobiling (18.3%), may enjoy wildlife observation. This of course cannot ignore Cross-country Skiing (8.8%), and Horseback Riding on the fact that some persons carrying firearms in the field, by Trails (6.6%). their actions, cause public condemnation for their behavior, which threatens continued public support for all hunting The Buffalo River State Trail, across the northern part of the activities. county between Mondovi and Fairchild, and the Great River State Trail between Onalaska and the Trempealeau The state's white tail deer population continues to increase and National Wildlife Refuge northwest of the village of this can cause several problems: (1) Increased highway Trempealeau, and Perrot State Park, provide hiking accidents, (2) Increased conflict with agricultural crops and opportunities. There is a marked five-mile long "walking" ornamental plantings, (3) Increased potential for deer disease trail within the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and at (i.e. Chronic Wasting Disease) and human disease (i.e. Perrot Park there are 8.5 miles of designated walking trails, Lymes), (4) Possibility of long term native habitat destruction with 0.6 miles specifically marked as a nature trail. The 0.7- by overfeeding. mile trail to the top of Brady’s Bluff is especially popular.
25 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
One of the factors standing in the way of hunting, and deer hunting in particular, is the lack of land open to hunting. Statewide, hunting remains a popular sport as indicated by the 22.2 percent participation rate reported in the 2011 – 2016 SCORP. Trempealeau County has thousands of acres of private lands on which hunting can be done with permission, and there are about 9,500 acres of state and federal public hunting areas. In addition, there are rod and gun club properties upon which public hunting may be available. Individual club policy varies. Do not assume these fish and game club lands are available for public use without checking with the club first. Map 8 shows the location of hunting areas.
Osseo Rod and Gun Club
Table 7 Public Hunting Areas In Trempealeau County Area Approx. Acres Owner Buffalo River Wildlife 490 (Scattered Wisconsin DNR Area (Marsh) Tracts) Chimney Rock 570 Wisconsin DNR Borst Valley 636 Wisconsin DNR Elk Rod & Gun Club Elk Rod & Gun 450 * Tollefson Marsh 120 Wisconsin DNR Whitehall-Pigeon Whitehall-Pigeon R 275 Washington Coulee Public Hunting and Fishing Area Rod & Gun & G *
Upland game in Trempealeau County includes pheasants, Vosse Coulee 100 Wisconsin DNR grouse, squirrel, quail, rabbit, and deer. Waterfowl hunting Lakes Coulee 430 Wisconsin DNR is abundant in many areas especially in areas along the Washington Coulee 28 Wisconsin DNR rivers and in the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Tamarack 537 Wisconsin DNR
Deer hunting is the hunting activity that attracts the most Hardies Creek 58 Wisconsin DNR Trempealeau Nat'l U.S. Fish & Wildlife attention in Wisconsin and Trempealeau County. In 2014 4,090 the deer harvest for the state of Wisconsin was 304,289 Wildlife Refuge Service Perrot State Park deer. In Trempealeau County there were a total of 7,399 1,208 Wisconsin DNR deer harvested in 2014. (special permit only) Trempealeau Lakes 127 Wisconsin DNR Van Loon Wildlife 279 (TrempCo Needs/Action: Wisconsin DNR Area portion only) Land or easement acquisition by state or county Source: MRRPC Survey of State and County Sources - 1998 governments for public hunting access should be continued *See statement on Page 37 regarding Rod and Gun Club lands when a willing seller exists and the property to be acquired fits into an overall plan of public hunting areas. In Trempealeau County, private land will continue to play an important role in providing hunting opportunities. Local sportsmen's clubs should continue to cooperate with state and national conservation organizations and with the Department of Natural Resources in hunter education programs, and in maintaining good relations between hunters and landowners.
26 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Map 8 Trempealeau County Wildlife Areas and Rod & Gun Clubs
27 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
3. WATER ACTIVITIES Although all these problems are serious, some of them can Water-based outdoor activities are among the most popular be overcome in the future with wise and complete watershed recreation activities in Wisconsin. The 2011-2016 SCORP planning. The result should be a decrease in silt and estimates participant rates for the following water activities: pollution free, life-sustaining rivers, which will be more Boating, any type (47.3%); Visit a beach (42.3%); Swimming suitable for outdoor recreation activities. in lakes, streams etc. (41.7%); Freshwater fishing (37.4%); Motorboating (36%); Swimming in an outdoor pool (34.5%); All recreational water resources in Trempealeau County are Warm water fishing (33.2%); Visit other waterside, besides listed in Table 8 and shown on Map 9. beach (22.6%); Canoeing (17.9%); Waterskiing (13.0%); Coldwater fishing (12.8%); Rafting (9.2%); Kayaking (7.3%); Rowing (7.2%); Use personal watercraft (6.5%); Snorkeling (6.2%); Sailing (3.9%); Scuba Diving (1.1%); Windsurfing (1.1%) and Surfing (1%).
Trempealeau County's rivers and streams are important outdoor recreation assets. The Mississippi, Black, and Trempealeau Rivers and numerous small watercourses total about 1,300 acres of surface water. Although surface water acreage represents only 0.27 percent of the county's area, it offers opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation pursuits. In fact, surface water is such an important element in attracting recreation development and participation that most recreational growth has taken place only in areas adjacent to the county's rivers and streams. In addition to boating and fishing and scenic opportunities that any water body can Lake Marinuka – C. Galesville provide, the Mississippi provides a powerful historical and cultural presence. The Mississippi River is one of the "world class" natural attractions that Asian and European visitors Fishing most often want to see when they visit North America, and the scenic Upper River can provide a unique experience. Fishing and Wisconsin are almost synonymous in many people's minds, especially visitors from Illinois. Unfortunately, water resources are not uniformly distributed Wisconsinites also must think fishing is good in Wisconsin throughout the county. This unequal distribution, as noted as 37.4% of the population participate in Freshwater fishing. by previous county outdoor recreation plans, has resulted in Trempealeau County offers an abundance of streams, an imbalance in the location of recreational developments. rivers, and small lakes to accommodate the high demand While the residents of the southern portion of the county placed upon it. There are approximately 526 acres in lakes, have easy access to water resources, residents of other ponds, flowages, and river bays, including the sloughs and parts have been less fortunate. This has restricted growth channels of the Mississippi, Buffalo, and Trempealeau rivers potential and opportunities to participate in certain water- and smaller streams. The more important sport fish species based recreation activities. found in these waters are Bluegill, Crappie, Walleye, Northern Pike, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass (Black Siltation and continuous water turbidity have affected the River), and Catfish. quality of facilities and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Many sloughs, ponds, and marshes have filled with silt, Trout fishing is also possible in Trempealeau County. resulting in undesirable boat sites, hazardous pleasure According to a comprehensive Trout Stream list prepared by boating, and decreased habitat for waterfowl and fish. In the DNR, there are 333.1 miles of trout streams in addition, pollution has created similar problems. Municipal, Trempealeau County. These trout streams are classified into industrial, and agricultural wastes have contaminated river three classes. Class I streams are those which have good waters, increased fertility, and decreased the quality of the water conditions with high natural reproduction and suitable opportunities for activities such as swimming and water density of native trout with little or no hatchery stocking skiing. Unfortunately, successful fishing and hunting needed. There are 82.41 miles of Class I streams. Class II ventures are reduced as a result of habitat loss and the streams have good water conditions and may have some direct destruction of the flora and fauna of the rivers. natural reproduction, but light to moderate stocking is
28 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 necessary to insure adequate density for good sport fishing. addressed outdoor issues. In the case of Trempealeau There are 85.85 miles of Class II streams. Class III streams County, this ranking doesn't suggest a lack of interest but totaling 164.84 miles have marginal water conditions for rather a sufficient supply. Presently, there are six public sustaining trout populations on a year-round basis. municipal pools, located within the cities or villages of Continual hatchery stocking is necessary to provide Arcadia, Blair, Galesville, Osseo, Trempealeau, and adequate fishing. Whitehall. There is also a public beach located at Crystal Lake in the village of Strum, along the Trempealeau River at Most of the small inland lakes in the county either do not Pietrek Park, and on the sandbars along the Mississippi and allow motorboats, or limit use to electric motors. Bank and Black Rivers. Poor water quality and erratic currents make bridge fishing is a popular form of fishing access. The river and stream swimming undesirable. Tables 8 and 9 Mississippi River and its backwaters, including the and Map 9 describe these public swimming facilities. "Trempealeau Lakes" can be fished with motorboats via ramps or entry from the main river. Table 8 Swimming Facilities in Trempealeau County Map City or Village Type Size of Needs/Action: ID # Pool/Beach 1 Strum Public Beach 6,489 sq. ft. A major cause of trout fishery degradation is agricultural 2 Osseo Public Pool 5,750 sq. ft. uses on the watersheds, particularly uncontrolled entry of 3 Whitehall Public Pool 6,351 sq. ft cattle into streams. Other causes of fishing degradation are the continued siltation and eutrophication of impounded 4 Arcadia Public Pool 6,408 sq. ft lakes and ponds. Continued soil conservation awareness, 5 Blair Public Pool 2,160 sq. ft. stream fencing, and non-point farm and urban area pollution 6 Galesville Public Pool 3,570 sq. ft. control are desirable practices if Trempealeau County is to 7 Trempealeau Public Pool 3,500 sq. ft. maintain a high quality fishing resource. Needs/Action:
The Department of Natural Resources will continue to Existing swimming pools in the six communities must be acquire fishing easements as the need arises. Boat/canoe maintained at least at their current capacity or may be access sites and roadside parking areas at bridges over expanded as the need exists. Communities that operate rivers would help increase the usefulness of the water swimming pools usually also accept the responsibility of resource. providing lifeguards. If a community provides an unguarded swimming area at a pond or lake, they should be aware of their potential liability.
Fishing Pier at Osseo Rod & Gun Club
Swimming Pool at Arcadia Memorial Park Swimming
In the 2011-2016 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, swimming in lakes and streams had a participation rate of 41.7%, swimming in an outdoor pool 34.5%, and visiting a beach 42.3%. Pool swimming can of course also be done in an indoor pool but the SCORP only
29 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Needs/Action:
The lack of suitable water prevents motor boating in Trempealeau County except for areas on the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers, and water skiing is limited to the Mississippi River.
Swimming Pool in Col. Larson Memorial Park - Whitehall
Motor Boating/Water Skiing and Jet Skis
According to the 2011-2016 SCORP, motor boating is Lake Martha – C. Osseo engaged in by 36 percent of the adult resident population in Wisconsin. An obvious hindrance to this activity in Canoeing/Kayaking and Sailing Trempealeau County is the lack of large bodies of water. The only adequate sites for motor boating are on the Mississippi These three water sports are generally low impact activities, River. A marina and ramp in Pool 6 and boat launch ramps in although in some parts of the state popular canoeing waters Pool 7 both on the Mississippi River in or near the Village of can become very crowded with the resultant adverse impact Trempealeau provide access to motor boating opportunity. on the natural environment. In Wisconsin 17.9% of the population considers canoeing a sport in which they Jet Skis or "personal watercraft", and Air Boats are both participate. Other types of non-motorized watercraft use have controversial uses. Only a few crafts operating recklessly or fewer followers, Canoeing/Kayaking was listed as having a too close to other boaters can adversely affect many users and 7.3% participation rate, and Sailing was listed at only 3.9%. wildlife habitat. Air Boats are controversial in the fact that they Other types of non-motorized watercraft use have fewer are quite loud and disturb other boaters and people fishing. followers with "wind surfing" being the most esoteric with one However, both of these uses can be beneficial or even crucial percent of the population engaging. Canoeing enthusiasts during search and rescue operations. will find that Trempealeau County offers opportunities along both the Mississippi and Black Rivers. The Long Lake Water Skiing is a more established sport, and is dependent Canoe Trail has signs posted either on the shore or in the upon motorboats for its conduct. It requires a lot of room, marsh areas along a route beginning and ending at the Long and allows little opportunity for other users on the water Lake Landing. The trail extends southeasterly through while skiing is occurring. Related to water skiing but gaining backwaters and sloughs to Big Marsh and return. There are in popularity are tubing behind a boat and wake boarding. no legal restrictions to travel anywhere in the backwaters, Both of these activities are included within the Water Skiing but the marked trail may give comfort to a novice in the category. Water Skiing has a 13.0% participation rate. No otherwise similar marsh and woods environment which lakes in the county are suitable for water-skiing because of could be disorienting. Other potential canoe streams are the their small size. Buffalo and Trempealeau rivers but obstructions presently create problems. River access points are shown on Map 9. Extensive use is made of both the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers by local residents and boating tourists Needs/Action: on weekends and vacations. Boating enthusiasts, with houseboats and other large craft, take advantage of vast Clean water is essential for all water sports, but for stretches of water. Scenic views, geologic features, and canoeable waters it is especially desirable. The same land occasional glimpses of wildlife add to the pleasure of their use practices aimed at improving water quality for fishing activity. Primitive overnight camping and picnicking take apply to canoeing enhancement. place on the numerous sandbars within the federal wildlife refuge and at Perrot State Park.
30 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Table 9 Surface Water Resources In Trempealeau County Information, Lake or Acres of Water & Max Location Type of Facility, Owner/ Operator River Name Depth of Lake Activities Etc. INLAND LAKES AND RIVERS Eleva Pond 5 (9) V. of Eleva Village Park - bank fishing Village of Eleva - informal canoe access Crystal Lake 54 (8) V. of Strum Boat access - fishing - Village of Strum sand swimming beach Lake Martha 18 (9) C. of Osseo City Park - boat landing - City of Osseo fishing Osseo Pond 8 (13) T. of Sumner Osseo Rod & Gun Club - Osseo Rod & Gun Club open to fishing - no boats facility - open to public allowed Bugle Lake 31 (10) C. of Independence Two public access parks - City of Independence Elk Creek drainage Lake Henry 37 (10) C. of Blair Public park on south side, City of Blair with boat ramp & courtesy dock - no overnight docking - "No Wake" rule in effect throughout lake Lake Marinuka 70 (10) C. of Galesville One public access site City of Galesville Dodge Pond 2 (10) T. of Dodge Fishing and canoe launch Dodge Sportsman Club - area open to Public MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TREMPEALEAU LAKES COMPLEX First Lake 17 (3) Part of Trempealeau Bottom land lakes - part Wisconsin - DNR Lakes complex; between of back waters of STH 35 and Burlington Mississippi River Northern (BNSF) Railroad Second Lake 24 (7) South of BNSF Railroad Bottom land lakes - part Wisconsin - DNR North of area resort homes of back waters of Mississippi River Third Lake 29 (8) Between Second Lake Bottom land lakes - part Wisconsin - DNR and BNSF Railroad of back waters of Mississippi River Round Lake 40 (7) South of Third Lake, Bottom land lakes - part Corps of Engineers/ U.S. flows into Long Lake of back waters of Fish & Wildlife Service Mississippi River (USFWS) Long Lake 22 Total (11) Partly in Trempealeau Mostly in La Crosse Corps of Engineers/ Co. County USFWS
Source: Surface Water Resources of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin DNR (1970); Wisconsin Lakes, Wisconsin DNR (1995); and Port of La Crosse Harbor Inventory and Plan, MRRPC (1988)
31 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 Map 9 Trempealeau County Recreational Water Activities
32 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
4. WINTER ACTIVITIES Snowmobiles
Snow and ice based activities are those that involve some form Snowmobiling is the 41st most popular outdoor recreation of frozen water. Winter activities are very popular with pursuit, with 18.3 percent of the population participating. Wisconsinites with just over 45% of residents participating in Snowmobile registrations, administered by the Department of some form of snow or ice activity. The 2011-2016 SCORP Natural Resources, provide a funding source to acquire trail estimates participant rates for the following winter activities: easements and to maintain the trails by grooming and signing. Sledding (28.2%), Snowmobiling (18.3%), Ice skating Snowmobile clubs also participate in trail building and outdoors (13.5%), Ice fishing (13.1%), Cross-county skiing maintenance. There are 10 Snowmobile Clubs in (8.8%), Downhill skiing (7.0%), Snowshoeing (6.1%), and Trempealeau County and 193 miles of interconnected Snowboarding (3.7%). snowmobile trails. These trails, mostly marked across
cooperative private lands are found in all parts of the County Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing and connect to trails in surrounding counties. The County These popular winter sports have an 8.8% and 6.1% coordinates the operation of the snowmobile trails within the participation rate respectively. Trails used for biking or hiking county. The trails give access to each community and in the summer are usually suitable for use as a cross-county rendezvous sites in most communities. There are bridges at skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. The exception is for some river crossings, and the trails are groomed. The trail ties into hiking trails especially in wooded areas which may be too steep adjacent county trail systems and to the statewide system. or curved for ski trails but would be suitable for snowshoeing. Needs/Action:
The typical cross-county skier/snowshoer seeks a quiet Using mostly cooperative private lands for trails is both a solitude and therefore trails, which permit snowmobiling, positive and a negative. It is positive in that purchasing of land such as the Trempealeau County portion of the Great River for trails is not necessary. The negative being that land owners State Trail and the Buffalo River State Trail, are usually not control whether or not trails go through their property. If considered prime cross-county skiing trails. The surface snowmobilers do not follow marked trails, ride when trails are condition of a snowmobile trail is not usually conducive to not officially open, and/or ruin private property, land owners good skiing or snowshoeing. The Great River State Trail, in can easily become disgruntled with snowmobilers. Then the neighboring La Crosse County is designated exclusively for land owners could shut off the trail through their property. cross-country skiing on 3.2 miles between Onalaska and Therefore, education regarding rules and responsibility for safe Midway, but on the Trempealeau County portion, not riding is a must to maintain good relations with land owners. including the part on the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge, skiers share the trail with snowmobilers. Marked ski trails Ice Skating totaling 8.3 miles long are maintained within Perrot State Park, and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Other Ice skating outdoors had a 13.5 percent participation rate in the large public holdings such as the county parks, Colonel 2011-2016 SCORP. Virtually all ice-skating in Trempealeau Larson Park in Whitehall, Crystal Lake Park in Strum, and County is done on manmade rinks or lakes that are cleared of Riverside Park in Blair can provide some cross-country snow. The unreliability of ice on rivers and other large bodies skiing and snowshoeing opportunities even if they do not of water make the shallow flooded rinks the most common have sufficiently maintained trails. skating experience.
Needs/Action: Needs/Action:
An overall need for more trail mileage exists in Trempealeau Since most of the skating is done on facilities that are built County. The 10.3 miles of Great River State Trail, which lie by people, it is important for municipalities to continue to in Trempealeau County, would accommodate 536 users per provide skating rinks. Sometimes skating facilities are made day. A typical winter weekend may see hundreds of skiers by flooding parking lots, but this has the obvious on the trail. Based solely on these numbers, Trempealeau disadvantage of reducing parking space at a recreation County is deficient in total miles of developed ski trails. facility. Lights for night skating at least one facility in a Because the Buffalo River State Trail typically municipality will provide for the recreational needs of the accommodates snowmobilers in the winter, that trail cannot working person. A warming house is also a nice facility to be applied to the "standards.” consider.
33 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
5. VIEWING AND INTERPRETIVE or historic value. Communities should recognize the scenic and cultural value of architecture. A building need not have ACTIVITIES been the home of a famous person, or the site of signing of a famous treaty to warrant preserving, if its style represents The most popular viewing or interpretive activity Statewide is a particular era, or adaptation of form to function. Viewing or Photographing Natural Scenery with a participation rate of over 65%. The 2011-2016 SCORP estimates The private sector can play a role in the prudent participant rates for the following viewing and interpretive development of many historical sites. These business activities: Attend outdoor sports events (75%), Visit nature people must remember that the public’s environmental and centers (63.5%), View/photograph other wildlife (57.9%), cultural concern will demand a sensitive quality display of View/photograph wildflowers, trees, etc. (52.4%), sightseeing the historical and cultural features. (50.6%), Visit historic sites (46.7%), Gather mushrooms, berries etc. (42.8%), View/photograph birds (41.7%), Visit a Scientific or natural areas may never attract as many tourists farm or agricultural setting (35.3%), Attend outdoor concerts, as water slides or ball games, but tourism is not their primary plays etc. (32.8%), View/photography fish (26.7%), Visit purpose. The county and communities should support efforts to prehistoric/archeological sites (15.5%) and boat tours or identify and preserve unique ecological or cultural features within excursions (13.9%). the county. A recent study (1998) by the Mississippi River
Parkway Commission (Great River Road) identifies historical and
archaeological features along the Great River Road corridor, and Historical and Cultural Sites recommends ways each community can emphasize and Although historical sites, markers, and scientific sites are not enhance these features to increase tourism and enhance the outdoor recreation facilities per se, they contribute a great local quality of life. deal to the enjoyment of outdoor activities, such as picnicking, pleasure driving, and sightseeing, and add to the Decorah Peak is identified by an historical marker at a general character of Trempealeau County. The 2011-2016 highway wayside. The peak itself, visible from the wayside, SCORP estimates that over half of state residents have is privately owned. An adjacent rock prominence, Decorah gone sightseeing in the past year, while just under half Mound, is owned by the Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit visited historic sites. Scientific or natural areas may never organization, which acquires ownership from willing sellers, attract as many tourists as water slides or ball games, but of properties with unique environmental value. Nature tourism is not their primary purpose. The county and Conservancy lands are open to the public and pay local communities should support efforts to identify and preserve property taxes. unique ecological or cultural features within the county. Sites such as Decorah Peak and Perrot's Post are recognized by the State Historical Society as having statewide significance. Other historic sites are recognized by the State Historical Society but these are private residences and are not available for public inspection.
Scientific and natural area sites are designated by the Department of Natural Resources as having a unique biological or ecological value, which represents an endangered or threatened habitat, or a biological association. Brady's Bluff Prairie, in Perrot State Park; and Tamarack Creek Bog in the Tamarack public hunting area are examples of this type of designation.
Needs/Action:
There are historic sites of local interest, but they have not been permanently marked or publicized. Potential historic Historical Marker along STH 53 recognition could be given to such structures as the old Melchoir Brewery and Hotel at Trempealeau, old log structures still existing throughout the county, and early Chimney Rock, in the Town of Chimney Rock, is a natural homes or stores which are unique in their architectural style rock prominence approximately 15 feet high by 20 feet
35 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 square. In the early 20th century it was a favorite picnic spot Blair Cheese Festival-3rd weekend in September and meeting place. There has been interest, over the years, Coral City Daze– Weekend after Mother’s Day in acquiring this landmark into public ownership both for Eleva Broiler Celebration-weekend after Memorial Day assured protection of the rock itself and for development of Ettrick Fun Days– 4th weekend in August a public day use park in one of the county's most scenic Galesville Apple Affair-October; 4th of July Celebration townships. This acquisition effort should continue. Trempealeau County Fair-3rd week in July Independence Days-2nd weekend in June Historical Points of Interest: Osseo Lake Martha Days-3rd weekend in June Pigeon Falls Memorial Celebration-Memorial Day weekend Trempealeau County has numerous historical sites and points Pleasantville Fourth of July Celebration-4th of July weekend of interest: Trempealeau Catfish Days-2nd weekend after July 4th Whitehall Beef and Dairy Days-3rd weekend in August 1. Mississippi River Parkway: First Project, Great River State Trail, WI-35, Trempealeau: The first 5-mile-long section of the Great River Road project, or the Needs/Action: Mississippi River Parkway as it was originally named, was built near here in 1953 and extended east across Communities should recognize the scenic and cultural value of the Black River. Built by Wisconsin with federal aid and architecture. A building need not have been the home of a with the confidence that the other nine river states would famous person to warrant preserving, if its architectural style continue the work, this section of the project symbolized represents a particular era, or adaptation of form to function. the faith of Wisconsin in the integrity and permanence of the nation's institutions. The completion of this first The early Native American sites currently being studied have part of the 2,000-mile project provided tangible the potential to provide an educational opportunity for visitors evidence that the concept of a pleasurable riverside to learn more about the area's first citizens. After the major highway along the banks of the Mississippi River, from research efforts are finished, and arrangements can be made its source to the sea, would be realized. with the landowners, a dignified sensitive display of the site, or 2. Soldier’s Walk Memorial Park, City of Arcadia: A 54- sites, could be developed. acre memorial park dedicated to veterans and all who have served. It is the largest Memorial Park in the U.S., Scientific or natural areas may never attract as many tourists outside of Washington D.C. Other features at the park as water slides or ball games, but tourism is not their primary are an aquatic center and picnic areas. purpose. The county and communities should support efforts 3. Gale College, City of Galesville: Now known as Old Main to identify and preserve unique ecological or cultural features Historical & Community Arts Center, was a private college within the county. A recent study (1998) by the Mississippi founded by George Gale, opening in 1854 and closed in River Parkway Commission (Great River Road) identifies 1939. historical and archaeological features along the Great River 4. St. Peter & St. Paul Catholic Church, City of Road corridor, and recommends ways each community can Independence: Founded in 1895. emphasize and enhance these features to increase tourism 5. 1902 Restored Opera House, City of Independence. and enhance the local quality of life. 6. The Historic Trempealeau Hotel, Village of Trempealeau: Hotel, restaurant and Saloon established Nature interpretive centers and historical markers help share 1871 and one of the few survivors of the 1888 fire. The these treasures with other residents and the traveling public. hotel features modestly priced, European-style rooms, The County’s Parks, Tourism, and Economic Development complete with homemade quilts and antique furniture. Committee is making a good start with the series of brochures, 7. James Grant Marker, Hamlin Valley Cemetery, Town of which identify these unique features, and those efforts should Albion: James W. Grant (1846-1941) was a continue. Civil War veteran who served with Company G of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He was a cousin of The private sector can play a role in the prudent development President Ulysses S. Grant. of many historical sites. These business people must remember that the public's environmental and cultural concern will demand a sensitive quality display of the historical and Cultural Events: cultural features.
Arcadia Broiler Days–Last weekend in May Ashley for the Arts-August
36 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021 PUBLIC PARKS AND OTHER OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
So far in this recreation plan each activity has been considered individually. Trempealeau County offers year-round recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. Hiking, biking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing are popular recreation activities in the County. The two State Trails, State Natural Areas, Two National Wildlife and Fish Refuges, Perrot State Park, Historical sites, and county parks are recreational assets the county has to offer its residents and visitors alike.
FEDERAL OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Lock and Dam 6 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - This 200,000-acre refuge includes Fish and Wildlife Service and Corps of Engineers lands along both sides of the Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minnesota to STATE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Rock Island, Illinois. About 411 acres are within Trempealeau County, down river, or southeast, of the Village of Trempealeau, and include part of the Perrot State Park – This 1,434-acre State Park includes “Trempealeau Lakes” complex of bottomland lakes, Trempealeau Mountain, a significant mass of tree clad earth specifically Round Lake and Long Lake. Several islands in and rock that rises 425 feet above the Mississippi River, with the Trempealeau County portion of Pools 6 and 7 are also its base completely surrounded by water. Within the park part of this wildlife refuge. there are Native American mounds believed to have been made by the Hopewell culture between 100 BC and 500 AD. Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge – This 5,617-acre Later works of the Archaic, Early Woodland, and Effigy tract, laying partly in Trempealeau County, is a separately Mound cultures also left evidence of their period on this bit administered refuge from the larger Upper Mississippi River of the earth. A popular feature of the park is the 520-foot Refuge. It is the bottomland holding of the former Delta Fish Brady’s Bluff and its spectacular view of the river valley. The and Fur Farm, an old privately held tract which was a park has a staff naturalist in the summer, and in addition to membership hunting club in the early 20th century. This hiking trails, boat access, shore fishing, and day use picnic refuge is the northern terminus of the Great River Trail, and areas, there are 97 campsites ranging from electrically provides near wilderness hiking, hunting and fishing equipped sites for camper vehicles to “primitive” sites for tent opportunity at the Trempealeau River mouth. campers.
Lock and Dam 6 – This Corps of Engineers navigation control structure divides Pool 6 from Pool 7. There is currently a visitor observation platform public toilets, and visitor parking. In addition to visitors who observe the lock operations, fishing along the down river guide-wall is a popular activity.
35 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
-State Wildlife Areas- Chimney Rock Wildlife Area Trempealeau County has 6 State Wildlife Areas in the The first land was purchased in 1959 to protect the wetland County. These wildlife management lands are owned by the habitat that exists on the property. Since the initial purchase state and are available for general public access. the Chimney Rock Wildlife Management Area has grown to Wisconsin's Wildlife Areas provide a full range of traditional 634 acres in size. The property has been actively managed outdoor recreational uses. All of the Wildlife Areas allow: through land acquisition, timber harvesting, tree and shrub plantings, grassland plantings, establishment of hunter Birding walking trails and wetland development. Cross country skiing (no designated trail) Fishing - trout Size: 634 acres, all state-owned Hiking (no designated trail) Location: 9 miles north of Independence. Access Hunting - especially noted for rabbits, squirrels, deer, along CTH Y, 2 miles west of STH 93. turkey, ruffed grouse and pheasants (stocked Principal Wildlife: Ruffed grouse, squirrels, deer, rabbits, annually) and turkeys. Trapping Habitat: Hardwood forest, Marsh, Grassland and Wild edibles/gathering some farmland. Wildlife viewing
Some wildlife areas also allow camping, bicycling, Lakes Coulee Wildlife Area horseback riding, dog training, field trials (dog competition), State acquisition on the Lakes Coulee Wildlife Area occurred and snowmobiling. Any restricted uses of wildlife areas will in 1960 as part of the Scattered Wetlands Program. Since be designated with signs at the property. For safety, non- the initial purchase, the Lakes Coulee Wildlife Management hunters should be aware that hunting season, especially Area has grown to 808 acres in size. The property has been deer season, is not the best time to be in these properties. actively managed through land acquisition, timber harvesting, tree and shrub plantings, grassland plantings, Borst Valley Wildlife Area prescribed burning, establishment of hunter walking trails The first land purchased in 1968 and officially established as and wetland development. In addition to the hunting a State Wildlife Management Area in 1979. Since the initial opportunities, the wildlife area is host to a Class III trout purchase the Borst Valley has grown to 1,343 acres. The stream. property has been actively managed through land acquisition, timber harvesting, tree and shrub plantings, Size: 808 acres, all state-owned grassland plantings, establishment of hunter walking trails Location: 2 miles southwest of Blair on both sides and wetland development. of State highway 95. Principal Wildlife: Ruffed grouse, squirrels, deer, rabbits, Size: 1,343 acres, all state-owned and turkeys. Location: 7 miles northwest of Independence at Habitat: Marsh, timber farmland. intersection of CTH V and CTH W Principal Wildlife: Ruffed grouse, squirrels, deer, rabbits, turkeys, furbearers. Tamarack Creek Wildlife Area Habitat: Upland hardwoods, Marsh, Grassland Acquisition began in 1959 under the Scattered Wetlands Program. The property has since grown to 542 acres in size. Management on the property consists of boundary posting, parking area maintenance, prescribed burning, timber management and tree/shrub planting.
Size: 542 acres, all state-owned Location: 10 miles north of Trempealeau on west side of STH 93. Access on CTH F. Principal Wildlife: Turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, deer, ruffed grouse, great blue herons. Habitat: Upland hardwoods, Marsh, Bog, Grassland.
Tamarack Creek Wildlife Area Sign on CTH F
37 Trempealeau County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2017-2021
Tollefson Marsh Wildlife Area Tollefson Marsh Wildlife Area is a 120-acre property in Washington Coulee Fishery Area Trempealeau County. Size: 87.6 acres, (69.6 state owned, 18 easement) Size: 120 acres, all state-owned Location: 3 miles east of Beaches Corners on CTH Location: 4 miles south of Osseo on east side of C, South of Washington Coulee Road 1 UTH 53. mile. Principal Wildlife: Ruffed grouse, squirrels, deer, rabbits. Recreation: Trout fishing. Habitat: Marsh, Hardwood forest. Habitat: Stream, shrub marsh, upland forest.
Vosse Coulee Wildlife Area
Size: 123 acres, all state-owned -State Natural Areas- Location: 4 miles northeast of Blair and 2 miles State Natural Areas (SNAs) are areas that are being preserved north of STH 95 on CTH W. by the DNR to protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's Principal Wildlife: Ruffed grouse, deer, furbearers, rabbits, native landscape. The DNR has designated 673 State Natural and turkeys. Areas encompassing 373,000 acres in the State; Trempealeau Habitat: Marsh, upland forest. County has nine of these designated sites within its boundaries. All nine are open to the public year-round unless otherwise noted at the State Natural Area site. The following are allowable and prohibited activities.
-State Fishery Areas- Allowable activities The state's first land purchase for conservation occurred in In general, the activities listed below are allowed on all DNR- 1876 when 40 acres were purchased south of Madison for the owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such Nevin Fish Hatchery. More recently fishery projects that meet as SNAs closed to hunting, are posted with signs on site. both habitat and public use need have broadened in scope to Hiking include lands adjacent to streams and lakes. These lands Fishing protect the watershed, and provide for compatible recreational Cross country skiing uses such as hunting, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Fishery Hunting areas along streams, rivers, and lakes protect water quality by Trapping reducing erosion and run-off, and improve habitat and fishing Scientific research (permit remit required) opportunities. Trempealeau County has 3 State Fishery Outdoor education Areas in the County. Wild edibles Pets Wildlife viewing Buffalo River Fishery Area Prohibited activities Size: 1,290 acres, (840.5 state owned, 450.45 Horseback riding easement) Rock climbing Location: 6-8 miles west and east of Osseo along Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and the Buffalo River. Scattered parcels. snowmobiles except on trails and roadways Recreation: Trout fishing, berry picking, hiking. designated for their use Habitat: Stream, shrub marsh, upland forest. Collecting of animals, non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed Trempealeau Lakes Fishery Area wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead. Size: 64 acres, all state-owned Collecting for scientific research requires a permit Location: 1 mile southeast of V. Trempealeau. issued by the DNR Access from STH 35. Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other Recreation: Fishing, canoeing, pier for disabled non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as fishing. wildflowers or grasses Habitat: Lakes, marsh, forest, Camping and campfires prairie. Geocaching Marsh, timber farmland
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Borst Valley Sedge Meadow Showy forbs include stiff goldenrod, prairie coreopsis, Borst Valley Sedge Meadow a 20.21-acre meadow features spiderwort, and flowering spurge. Buffalo River Trail Prairies a Driftless Area sedge meadow lying in the Sunshine Valley is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural portion of the Borst Valley Wildlife Area. Numerous seeps Area in 2002 and is 153 acres in size. Access is from the help maintain this community and probably helped limit past junction of I-94 and Highway 10 in Osseo, go east on 10 3.9 grazing to extremely dry conditions. Site diversity is good miles to a parking area on the north side of the highway. The especially for being within the Driftless Area where sedge largest section of prairie runs about 3 miles west and 2 miles meadows are relatively uncommon. Sedge species are east of the parking area. The other three natural area abundant and include lake, water, fringed, inland, tussock, remnants are all accessible via the recreational trail. and wolf sedge. Other species present are bulblet water- hemlock, crested wood fern, cinnamon willow-herb, Chimney Rock Oak Savana boneset, bottled gentian, fowl manna grass, jewelweed, Located on the north side of Hawkinson Valley within the marsh vetchling, swamp candles, sensitive fern, marsh Chimney Rock Wildlife Area is the 10.3-acre Chimney Rock cinquefoil, cordgrass, marsh fern, and culver's root. Borst Oak Savanna. This site features an exceptional oak opening Valley Sedge Meadow is owned by the DNR and was with large diameter red oak, white oak, and bur oak designated a State Natural Area in 2010. Access to the dominating the canopy. The understory supports a high meadow is from the intersection of Highways 93 and 121 in diversity of savanna indicator species. Species include Independence, go north on 93 3.2 miles, then west on State Canada hawkweed, tall anemone, Kalm's brome, New Highway 121 3.7 miles, then north on County V 2 miles, then Jersey tea, Virginia wild rye, showy tick-trefoil, early horse northwest on Engum Valley Road nearly 0.6 miles to a DNR gentian, prairie alum-root, and lion's foot. Other plant parking area west of the road. species present are fringed puccoon, showy goldenrod, prairie violet, rockrose, prairie coreopsis, short's aster, and Brady’s Bluff Prairie sky-blue aster. Chimney Rock Oak Savanna is owned by the Brady’s Bluff Prairie a 20.65-acre prairie is located within DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010. Perrot State Park. Access to the prairie is from the Access is from the intersection of County Highways D and V intersection of STH 35 and Main Street in Trempealeau; go in Strum, go west on V 3.2 miles, then south on State south on Main Street about two blocks, then west into Perrot Highway 93 6 miles, then west on Highway V 1.3 miles, then State Park on South Park Road 2.6 miles to a parking lot northwest on Hawkinson Valley Road nearly 1 mile to a DNR west of the road. Access via the Brady's Bluff hiking trail. parking area. Brady's Bluff Prairie is a dry bluff prairie on a steep, southwest facing Mississippi River bluff that rises nearly 460 Great River Trail Prairies feet above the river. The bluff, composed of sandstone The 33-acre Great River Trail Prairies are located along the capped with Prairie du Chien dolomite, affords a spectacular Great River State Trail in La Crosse and Trempealeau view of the river valley from its summit. The prairie contains Counties. Access to the Prairies can be made from the over 100 species of native Wisconsin plants. Some species junction of Third Street (STH 35) and Main Street in are at or near their northeastern limit here. The prairie is also Trempealeau, go north on STH35 0.1 mile, then northwest home to several rare plants. In addition, several rare animals on Park Road 1.4 miles to the intersection of West Prairie are also harbored by the natural area including three Road (just past the cemetery). Park along W. Prairie Road butterflies: olive hairstreak, striped hairstreak, and and walk east or west along the recreational trail into the columbine dusky-wing along with the state threatened wing State Natural Area. The Great River Trail Prairies features snaggletooth land snail. Brady's Bluff Prairie is owned by the two very diverse sand prairie remnants located an old DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1952. railroad right-of-way. Unintentional fires started by the sparks of passing locomotives helped maintain the prairies Buffalo River Trail Prairies through time. Today, management such as brushing and Buffalo River Trail Prairies contains four high quality prescribed burning helps sustain the prairies. It is one of the remnants located along the Buffalo River State Recreation last remnants of the Trempealeau Prairie. The prairies also Trail. Once an old railroad right-of-way near the meandering harbor a healthy population of the rare clustered poppy Buffalo River, the trail now harbors diverse stretches of mallow. Great River Trail Prairies is owned by the DNR as prairie that were historically maintained by the unintentional part of the Great River State Trail and was designated a fires sparked by passing railcars. The four prairie remnants State Natural Area in 2002. stretch between Eleva and Osseo. One is located west of Eleva, two east of Strum and the largest --a five-mile stretch east of Osseo. The prairies contain numerous species with grasses including big and little blue-stem and Indian grass.
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Hawkinson Creek Wet Prairie Trempealeau Mountain Hawkinson Creek Wet Prairie features an exceptionally Trempealeau Mountain is 90 acres is size and is located plant-rich prairie situated along a Driftless Area stream. This within Perrot State Park. Access to the area is from the 11.79 acre wet prairie is located within the Chimney Rock intersection of State Highway 35 and Main Street in Wildlife Area. The hydrology appears to still be intact and Trempealeau; go south on Main Street about two blocks, there are numerous seeps and rivulets throughout the area. then west into Perrot State Park on South Park Road 2.6 Along with an abundance of saw-toothed sage, the site miles to a boat launch west of the road. Access is by boat. supports grasses including fringed brome, bluejoint grass, Trempealeau Mountain is surrounded by the Mississippi and Canada wild rye, Upland wild timothy, and fowl manna Trempealeau Rivers; the steep-sided Trempealeau grass. Forbs present include Canada anemone, swamp Mountain is one of only three solid rock islands along the milkweed, shining aster, swamp thistle, common boneset, entire stretch of Mississippi River. Standing 425 feet high, pale spiked lobelia, Michigan lily, spotted jewelweed, prairie the mountain was used as an early navigational device by alum-root, northern bedstraw, wild four-o'clock, mountain steamboat captains and other river travelers. The mountain mint, swamp betony, and swamp saxifrage. While this site is mostly wooded with black and white oak and basswood. has probably suffered past grazing, few comparable Red oaks are found on the southeast-facing hollow with wetlands exist within the Driftless Area. Hawkinson Creek large patches of interrupted ferns while sugar maple and Wet Prairie is owned by the DNR and was designated a basswood dominate on the cooler northeast facing slopes. State Natural Area in 2010. Access if to the site is from the On dry south-facing slopes are small patches of dry prairie. intersection of County Highways D and V in Strum, go west The mountain is rich in archeological features with on V 3.2 miles, then south on State Highway 93 6 miles, then numerous Native American mounds, burial sites, and west and north on Highway V 1.7 miles to a DNR parking habitation sites. The name Trempealeau comes from the area. French, “la montagne qui trempe à l’eau” meaning “the mountain whose foot is bathed in water”. Trempealeau Mountain is owned by the DNR, as part of Perrot State Park Tamarack Creek Bog and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002. The 130-acre Tamarack Creek Bog State Natural Area is located within the Tamarack Creek Wildlife Area. Access to the Bog is gained by going west on STH 35 1/2 mile, from the intersection of STH’s 93 and 35/54 in Centerville, then north on CTH F 6.6 miles. Park along the road and walk east into the site. To reach the northern unit, continue north on F 0.9 mile to a parking area on the west side of the road. Walk east into the site. The Tamarack Creek Bog consists of one of the largest tamarack swamps in the Driftless Area outside the Glacial Lake Wisconsin area. The swamp forest and open marsh occur along both sides of Tamarack Creek and its tributaries in a zone 0.25 to 0.5 mile wide and about 6 miles long. The occurrence of this large wetland complex in the ridge and coulee region may be a result of Tamarack Creek aggrading its stream bed when the Mississippi gorge was flooded with glacial melt waters. Numerous species typical of northern Wisconsin bogs are present including many orchids, balsam fir, Canada yew, yellow blue-bead-lily, American starflower, and several violets. Nesting birds are diverse and include the uncommon Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii). Tamarack Creek Bog Many mouse and vole species support such predators as red fox and the least and long-tailed weasels. The best area of tamaracks are in the northern unit. Poison sumac is abundant here. Tamarack Creek Bog is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1968.
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Vosse Coulee state’s Trempealeau Lakes State Fishery Area. In addition Vosse Coulee is a botanically rich site located along the to the appeal of the chain of spring-fed lakes for fishing, the eastern edge of the sandstone influenced Driftless Area. area is listed on the Great Wisconsin Nature and Birding This 100-acre site is located within the Vosse Coulee Wildlife Trail. The purchase by MVC increases this local protected Area. The area harbors a diverse wet prairie, a small high habitat to 219 acres. The acquisition provides for fishing, quality dry-prairie, an oak opening restoration site, and a swimming, canoeing and bird watching. The property is high quality mesic prairie undergoing restoration. Wet located south of State Highway 35 and the Great River State prairies now encompass less than 500 acres statewide and Trail, and is accessible from Lake Road, Pickerel Road, and are of high conservation value while oak openings and mesic Bass Road. Also nearby is access to the Upper Mississippi prairie have been nearly extirpated and require committed National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and its Long Lake Canoe restoration efforts. Although common historically, mesic Trail. The Great River State Bicycle Trail trailhead is nearby prairies are extremely rare today due their high productivity as well. The property is located entirely within the for agricultural use. The wet prairie supports numerous “Mississippi River- Large River Corridor,” identified by sedges and a good variety of showy forbs. Plants include Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan as being of “Continental Joe-pye weed, boneset, Michigan lily, swamp milkweed, Significance.” The area is available for public use. culver's-root, cup plant, marsh bellflower, turtlehead, water- hemlock, swamp thistle, grass-leaved goldenrod, flowering spurge, ox-eye sunflower, bottle gentian, purple meadow- rue, golden Alexander, and cowbane. White meadowsweet is fairly common. Vosse Coulee Creek is Class 2 trout water, supporting both Brook and Brown trout. The stream is flanked by alders. A few small silver maple, cottonwoods, and box elder are also present. The creek is a tributary of the Trempealeau River and both the stream and spring runs provide additional diversity to the site. Vosse Coulee is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010. Access is from the intersection of State Highway 95 and County H north of Taylor, go west on 95 2.5 miles, then north on County W 2.1 miles. The site lies east and west of the road. Great River State Trail
State Trails – The two State Trails, Great River and Buffalo COUNTY OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES River, are located at opposite ends of the county. Both have been discussed in the Trails section of this plan. The two Organized countywide recreational activities include the 4-H differ in that the Great River Trail is primarily for hikers and clubs; the County Fair, held the 3rd week in July; the projects bicyclists, with seasonal snowmobile use, while the Buffalo of the County Historical Society; and the county associated River Trail allows horse, ATVs, and hunting, as well as snowmobile clubs. snowmobiles. The County currently operates two parks and the non-profit Nature Conservancy – The Wisconsin Chapter of the county fairgrounds. The two parks are Pietrek Park on STH Nature Conservancy owns two small parcels in the county 93 between Arcadia and Independence, and Farm Progress near Galesville, including the historic Decorah Peak. This Park on a portion of the County Farm. private non-profit organization purchases land, which has unique environmental scientific value, or is habitat for rare or Pietrek Park – is a 100-acre facility four miles north of endangered species. The parcels are intended to protect Arcadia and five miles south of Independence on State resource values, and are not intended as pubic recreation Highway 93. It is located on the Trempealeau River. This sites; however non-intrusive entry for nature study is park was designed for youth use. It has a kitchen and eating permitted. These properties are subject to the same shelter with electricity and running water, and a primitive property taxes as any private property. shelter with electric only. It also offers a newly constructed bathroom with flush toilets and showers, two pit toilets, 20 Mississippi Valley Conservancy picnic tables, playground equipment, canoe landing/beach, Trempealeau Lakes observation deck along the Trempealeau River, wildlife area In 2009 MVC purchased the Trempealeau Lakes property and nature trails. Shelter/kitchen renovation with an with its half-mile of frontage on Second Lake that abuts the educational rain garden to be completed in 2017.
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Farm Progress Days Park – This ten-acre park is 2 ½ miles west of Whitehall on State Highway 121. It is adjacent to the Trempealeau county Health Care Center and County Farm. There is a softball diamond, two tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court, seven picnic tables, a picnic shelter, running water, paved walking loop, a pit toilet, and a stocked fishing pond.
County Fair Grounds – The fairgrounds located in Galesville provide a unique facility for structured outdoor activities. Use of this facility for fairs, exhibitions, and other such events is expected to continue. Playground at the Galesville Grade School
Several sportsmen clubs own land in the county, and some of these allow access by the general public, whereas others limit access, or at least give a preference, to members. Sportsmen’s clubs that are known to provide general access are Osseo Rod and Gun Club, which also includes an eight acre fishing pond; Whitehall-Pigeon Rod and Gun Club; Elk Rod and Gun Club; the Dodge Sportsmen’s Club, which includes a small ox-bow lake and Trempealeau River access; and the Associated Conservation Clubs scattered parcels adjacent to the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. Other clubs, whose access policies are not known, include Arcadia Sportsmen Club, Blair Sportsmen’s Club, Ettrick Rod and Gun Club, and Trempealeau Archers. Before entering any of these Rod and Gun Club properties, even those known to permit public use, the user should determine entry policy from a club member. Some of the facilities may have gun or arrow firing ranges, and an unexpected visitor could create a safety problem.
Pietrek County Park, Arcadia
SCHOOL PROPERTIES AND QUASI-PUBLIC FACILITIES
Public School Districts are entities that are allowed to apply for Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds (LAWCON). The Osseo-Fairchild and Gale-Ettrick- Trempealeau school districts have school forests in the county, which are open to the general public for hiking and nature study. In addition most schools have playground equipment that is available for use by the general public throughout the year. The Osseo forest has an undeveloped access road and parking area for fishermen using the Buffalo River.
Whitehall-Pigeon Rod & Gun Club
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-“ACTION PLAN”-
The following Action Items were developed by Trempealeau County Parks, Tourism, and Economic Development Committee.
Action Item Priority Dates to be completed Pietrek Park
Improve Kloss Shelter and kitchen to accommodate classroom uses High 2017-2021 Develop interpretive elements on nature trail system High 2017-2021 Improve canoe landing Low 2019-2020 Develop routine youth education programs and events at the Park High 2017-2021 Install improved signage and gravel pads on campsites Medium 2018-2019 Construct Park Manager cabin/office Medium 2017-2020 Farm Progress Days Park
Maintain the water quality and fish populations of the pond Medium 2017-2021 Blair Farm
Construct proper signage and recreation trail Low 2017-2021 Construct observation deck/fishing pier Low 2017-2021 Horse Arena at Pietrek Park
Install seating/bleachers at horse arena Low 2018-2021 Install payment procedures signage near arena entrance High 2017-2018 Install water area and tie off for horses Low 2018-2021
Trempealeau River
Map and promote canoe landings as well as list online High 2017-2019
County-wide Increase outdoor recreational/environmental education activities for youth High 2017-2021
Maintain adequate staffing for county facilities High 2017-2021 Distribute promotional materials for outdoor recreation and tourism High 2017-2021 Continue improvements to signage along existing bike routes Medium 2017-2021 Increase the online presence of Trempealeau County outdoor recreation opportunities via social media and other outlets Medium 2017-2021
Install informational and interpretive signs on county owned properties High 2017-2021 Develop small rest areas for bicyclists along bike routes Low 2017-2021
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