Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources

Home , Yahara River

Town of Bristol Town of Windsor CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE Comprehensive Plan 2019-2039

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N ³ ± P.3-4 - Crop Type TABLE OF CONTENTS

3-2 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Planning Area Farmland Urban Agriculture Prime Farmland Drainage Districts

3-6 NATURAL RESOURCES

Physical Characteristics Water Resources P.3-5 - Drainage Districts Land Resources Impact of Built Environment

3-21 CULTURAL RESOURCES

Places Events Organizations

P.3-15 - Environmental Corridors & Stewardship Areas Agricultural, Natural and Cultural P.3-18 - Impaired Waterways Resources3 AAGRICULTURALG R I C U L T U R A L RESOURCESR E S O U R C E S

Patrick Marsh Viewshed

This chapter examines the current Planning Area Urban Agriculture state of the agricultural, natural Farmland As populations increase, commu- and cultural resources within the Although Sun Prairie is considered nities will need to provide land for Planning Area. This information will an urban center within Dane Coun- development both within the exist- help to identify those resources that ty, agricultural uses and practices ing urban area through infi ll and should be properly managed or pro- still exist within the City’s corporate redevelopment and in new areas adjacent to existing developed ar- tected as well as provide informa- boundaries. As shown in Map 3.1, eas. Urban development can in- tion regarding factors that may place there is approximately 987 acres corporate urban agriculture, such natural limitations on development. of land within the City’s boundaries used for agricultural purposes with as community gardens, commu- These three types of resources have 225 acres surrounding the munici- nity supported farms, etc. The fol- shaped the City’s past growth and pal Water Pollution Control Facility lowing section discusses the local will likely continue to infl uence city used to cultivate marsh grass and urban agricultural amenities. growth into the future. the City leases 20 acres of land within Sheehan Park for crop pro- Community Gardens Volume 2 of this plan element con- duction. The remaining agricultural Community gardens provide a tains the goals, objectives, policies lands in the City limits are privately number of benefi ts including an in- and recommendations that are in- held and used for crop production. creased sense of community own- tended to guide the preservation, ership, a cost eff ective source of As shown in Figure 3.1 (on the next fresh produce, a way to socialize protection, expansion or improve- page), there are signifi cant por- with friends and neighbors, educa- ment of natural and cultural resourc- tions of the planning area that are tional opportunities, and increased es in Sun Prairie. under agricultural production. The access to green space. agricultural use of these properties is likely temporary until such time There are two community gardens that these areas are developed for within the City. One is run by the urban uses. Sun Prairie Community Garden Organization (SPCGO). The gar-

3–2 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 den began in 1999 and is located on a city-owned property immedi- DID YOU KNOW? ately east of the Sun Prairie Pub- lic Library (1340 Linnerud Drive). For agricultural operations to remain viable, a critical mass of rela- Plots are available for rent to peo- tively uninterrupted agricultural land may be necessary. This creates ple that reside or work within the effi ciency for businesses providing resources and services to farm- City, or reside within the Sun Prai- ers, and prevents confl icts with surrounding non-farm uses. Potential rie School District. The second is issues include farm noise and odor, traffi c confl icts with slow-moving Smith’s Crossing Community Gar- farm vehicles, trespassing and soil erosion. Agricultural land’s impor- den, located at 2481 Jenny Wren tant functions and benefi ts must be weighed when considering devel- Trail. The garden was founded in opment, preservation and other land use decisions that may impact 2013 and is dedicated to providing the agricultural sector. fresh produce to local food banks, building knowledge of gardening Source: Sun Prairie Future Urban Development Area (FUDA) - Environmental Condi- tions Report (2014) techniques, and fostering neighborhood cooperation.

Figure 3-1: Agricultural Land by Tract (2010)

Town of Bristol Town of Windsor

Farmers Markets There are three organizations C £151 ³ ± [ hosting farmers markets in the City of Sun Prairie, including two Sun N

Prairie Farmers Markets and the ³ ±

Prairie Lakes Farmers Market. The V V markets provide locally sourced ³ ± produce, meats, cheeses, ﬂ owers, and number of processed items n of Burke C (e.g., soap, honey, maple syrup, ³ ± N etc.). ³ ± £51 V V [ ³ ± The Downtown Sun Prairie Farm- ers Market runs year round on Saturdays. The outdoor market Town of Sun Prairie runs from May through October at 330 E Main Street. The indoor winter market runs from November through April in the City Hall build- N ing. ³ ±

TT ³ ± FUDA Study Area Municipal Boundary Base Farm Tract Size 11 -20 51-100 301-500 Urban Service Area <5 21-35 101-200 501-1000 Limited Service Area 5-10 36-50 201-300 1001+

Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental Conditions Report (2014)

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–3 The Tuesday Sun Prairie Farm- Figure 3-2: Crop Type (2010) ers Market (1110 Main Street) runs from May to October.

Prairie Lakes Farmers Market is Town of Bristol run by Prairie Lakes and is held in Town of Windsor the central courtyard and pavilion (2824 Prairie Lakes Drive). The market is open on Thursday late C £151 afternoons between mid-May and ³ ± [ mid-October. N ³ ±

Industrial Food Market V V Another opportunity for connecting ³ ± to area agricultural resources is through the Industrial Food Market n of Burke C Coalition (IFM), a project formed by ³ ± N ³ ± the Dane County Planning and De- velopment Department. Created in £51 V V [ ³ ± 2006, IFM works to connect large volume institutional buyers and large businesses with local and or- Town o f Sun Prair ie ganically grown Wisconsin agricultural products, and increase market opportunities for local growers.

IFM works through education and N ³ ±

FUDA Study Area Agricultural Land Use (2010) Soybean Hay Field Pasture Urban Service Area Ag Buildings Wheat Tobacco Field Fruit/Vegetable DID YOU KNOW? Limited Service Area Corn Dry Pea and Bean All Other Crops Aquaculture Municipal Boundary Nursery

All t b All town jurisdictions have Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental Conditions Report (2014) some form of agriculture conservation and some have agricultural preservation. All outreach to better connect buyers long-term need for the continued except for Burke participate and sellers through the Badger- growth and development of the in Agricultural Exclusive Zon- land Produce Co-op Auction. City. Due to political and physi- ing at the 1/35 acre standard. cal barriers to growth to the north, Windsor also has a Purchase Prime Farmland west and southwest, it is likely that of Development Rights Pro- some areas of prime farmland to Figure 3-3 (see Appendix D) il- gram and a designated Agri- the south, southeast and east will lustrates the soils in Sun Prairie cultural Enterprise Area. The be displaced by urban develop- and the surrounding area that are City of Sun Prairie has cooper- ment at some point in the future. classiﬁ ed as prime farmland. Ac- ative or boundary agreements cording to the Natural Resource with both Windsor and Bristol, Conservation Service, prime farm- Drainage Districts and is party to (with Madison land is land that has the best com- Drainage districts are areas of land and DeForest) a coopera- bination of physical and chemical that are drained for agriculture or tive plan for the dissolution of characteristics for producing food, other purposes using open ditch- Burke in 2037. feed, forage, ﬁ ber, and oil seed es, tiles, pumps or levees. Districts crops. Although preserving pro- are governed by drainage boards Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environ- mental Conditions Report (2014) ductive farmland is important, this who have the authority to levee needs to be balanced against the assessments against landown-

3–4 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3

Figure 3-3: Agricultural Soils Classiﬁ cations (See Map 3-1 in Appendix Parcels 2/151 NRCS Farmland Soils

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T ers within the district who receive beneﬁ ts from the drainage. Those assessments are used to cover the cost of constructing, maintaining, and repairing the drainage system. As shown on the graphic on the right, there are two Dane County Drainage Districts in the planning area (Districts #8 and #9), including 1,090 acres of land within the City of Sun Prairie that is in Drain- age District #9. The City maintains the stormwater infrastructure within the corporate boundaries and residents are charged for this service through the City’s stormwater utility. Questions have been raised as to whether City property should continue to be taxed by two diﬀ erent entities for stormwater management services. Figure 3-4: Dane County Drainage Districts

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–5 NNATURALA T U R A L RESOURCESR E S O U R C E S

Patrick Marsh

Physical Characteristics The eastern part of Dane County According to the National Resourc- Geology is known as the drumlin and marsh es Conservation Service, there are Dane County has a varied and physiographic area and includes very few occurrences of bedrock unique geologic and physiograph- most of the City of Sun Prairie. The issues. These are generally locat- ic setting. In the center of Dane deposits found in this area include ed on the western and northeast- County is the Yahara River Valley, general glacial deposits with exten- ern boundaries of the City where which encompasses some of the sive areas of marsh deposits. This the bedrock lies between zero City of Sun Prairie and the sur- area consists of many low drumlin and three feet of the land surface. rounding area. In this area, deep hills interspersed with shallow gla- However, there are known areas glacial deposits dammed up large cial deposits and scattered wet- around the City where bedrock valleys and formed a chain of large lands. The only lakes in this area has been a problem for develop- lakes and wetlands. are small stream impoundments or ment. Specifi c areas have been shallow marshy lakes. encountered during construction to the west of the CTH C corridor, and north of the Sun Prairie Business Park. DID YOU KNOW? Topography Understanding the community’s inventory of natural resources and the The topography in Sun Prairie and rules and regulations that are in place to protect these resources is a the surrounding area is generally critical step in the process of planning for future growth and develop- fl at with some gentle slopes. There ment. A balance is needed between the economic growth of the City are several high points in the City. and the preservation of important natural resources that contribute to The topography of the land west of the environmental health of the community and the quality of life for Schuster Road reaches an eleva- city residents. Identifying critical resources and potential confl icts now tion of 1,040 feet above sea level will help all involved in future development decisions to be better pre- and is the City’s highest point. pared to address and resolve such confl icts, and will help to ensure A second high point is located in that critical resources are adequately protected. the southwest corner of the Wyn- dham Hills subdivision. The lowest

3–6 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 point in the City is located in the far northwest corner of the City where DID YOU KNOW? the Token Creek crosses these lands. The topography in this area Mineral resources are important economic assets. These areas provide signifi - is 899 feet above sea level. Other cant opportunities for regional infi ltration practices to replenish the groundwater. low points in the City are located These areas should be protected from development until after the mineral re- along the Koshkonong Creek and sources have been utilized and the site reclaimed. the Canadian Pacifi c Railroad on Source: Sun Prairie Future Urban Development Area - Environmental Conditions Re- the south side of the City. Areas of port (2014) steep slopes represent challenges to urban development and should be considered for preservation. Re- fer to Map 3-2 for location of slopes greater than twenty percent. Mineral deposits having potential Mineral extraction potential within for extraction are usually located the Sun Prairie extraterritorial ju- in land zoned agricultural and are risdiction area includes an area of Minerals subject to state and county regula- potential sand and gravel deposits Mineral resources in Dane County tions with regard to mining extrac- along the eastern edge of the City. are non-metallic in nature. Non- tion and restoration. Increasing As shown in Figure 3.5, the south- metallic aggregate resources urbanization near resource areas ern end of this area has the highest provide essential material for the represents the predominant barrier potential as an extraction site, with construction of roads, buildings, to effi cient extraction of these im- the balance of the area having a utilities and community facilities. portant resources. lower potential. Figure 3-5: Mineral Resources %" og op op op og Mineral sm og Resources

og Legend .! %"N op Potential Source for High op Quality Sand & Gravel .! High C %" gd Low .! Quarry Geologic Unit Name ge ¤£151 op Glacially Scoured "%VV gd Dolomite Plateaus sm op Glacially Eroded ge Slopes

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Notes: op .! ge Source: City of Sun Prairie with sand and gravel .! data provide by Dane County Planning & ge og Development and geologic data provided by op Wisconsin Geological and Natural sc op History Survey. op op Date Adopted: November 3, 2009 sc op Source: Sun Prairie Comprehensive Plan (2008)

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–7 Soils Figure 3-6: Development Limitations (See Map 3-2 in Appendix D)

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ate the ability of land to replenish ur 2/151

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rry Rd Qua ne contaminants, and to determine Sto GE OF DEFOREST Stonehaven Dr n e d n k o o Rd suitability and stability for develop- T P rn ek Wilb u re C Dr er t Alb ert the Great D r Tow TOWN OF BRISTOL TOWN Sain St TO WN O ment. t TOWN OF SUN PRAIRIE

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IRIE 2/151 Planning Jurisdiction Waterbody T

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h er C t re ea Towne and low areas surrounding creeks w k Wetlands rk a t S that have severe limitations for ur- Parcels Floodplain VILLAGE OF COTTAGE GROVE ban development. Figure 3-6 de- picts the location of non-hydric and sive agricultural practices. Most hydric soils in Sun Prairie and the Water Resources wetlands have experienced wide- surrounding area. spread ditching, grazing, and in- Regulation festation by invasive plants. Water resources are regulated and Vegetation protected at all governmental lev- Vegetation in this landscape has Eff orts are being made to plant na- els. The Dane County Lakes and been signifi cantly changed due to tive species on some public open Watershed Commission and the agricultural and urban land use space lands. Examples include na- Dane County Board of Supervi- practices. Land cover within and tive plantings on stormwater man- sors have authority, by Chapter 33 surrounding Sun Prairie that had agement lands, and prairie resto- of the Wisconsin Statutes, and the once been dominated by prairies, ration eff orts on lands adjacent to Capital Area Regional Planning brush, oak openings, and marsh- the public library and at some area Commission, by NR 121 of the es are now primarily developed schools. In addition, the City is Wisconsin Administrative Code, to or used as agricultural cropland. planning a large-scale wetland and recommend minimum water quality Most riparian zones have been habitat restoration eff ort on lands regulation standards and guidance degraded through forest clearing, located west of S. Bird Street and of water quality programs that ap- urban development, and inten- south of Sheehan Park. ply within the county and cities. The County administers these regulations unless a City chooses to DID YOU KNOW? adopt and administer their own regulations that are at least as restric- Precipitation that soaks into the ground and recharges the ground- tive, or more so, than the County’s. water, eventually discharges to streams and other water bodies, The City of Sun Prairie has chosen helping keep water temperatures low and enhancing oxygen sup- to adopt such regulations through plies. This favors habitat for fi sh and other sensitive aquatic spe- the City’s Shoreland and Wetland, cies. Development without mitigation measures can disrupt the Floodplain, and Stormwater Run- ground/surface water balance resulting in less recharge and more off , Erosion and Non point Source stormwater runoff . Pollution Ordinances.

3–8 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3

Groundwater Figure 3-7: Depth to Groundwater Groundwater serves many purposes, including development con- sumption, irrigation, and ﬂ ow to lakes, streams and rivers. In Dane "%N

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ST AT E HIG HW AY from the upper sandstone and un- 19 consolidated aquifers. Municipal %19 WINDSOR ST " ST WINDSOR

wells draw their water supply from N k e E

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R BI G groundwater recharge for both lev- S S els of aquifers. Figure 3-7 shows groundwater depth in the Sun

Y Prairie area ranges between 0-50 T

C feet. The relative shallow depth to ¤£151 "%N groundwater may pose a risk of City of %"T basement ﬂ ooding and ponding in Madison certain areas of the City. 0' - 1' 3' - 6' Surface Water Urban Service Area Although Chapter 106 of the Wis- 1' - 3' 6' or greater City Limit Planning Area consin Administrative Code autho- Source: Sun Prairie Mapping (2008) rizes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as the primary Figure 3-8: Relative Inﬁ ltration - Potential for Enhancement regulatory agency overseeing groundwater controls, local land use decisions and water utilities N

have increasing responsibility to ³ ± protect ground and surface water. t V V ³ ± Figure 3-8 indicates where inﬁ ltration enhancement potential may City of Sun Prairie be the greatest (from Sun Prairie’s rke C FUDA Report). These areas high- ³ ± N light opportunities where more per- ³ ± meable soils (e.g., sand and gravel V V deposits) may be present deeper ³ ± in the soil column. These may be ideal locations for regional stormwater facilities that could be used Town of Sun Prairie to inﬁ ltrate stormwater generated in other parts of the watershed.

Surface Water FUDA Study Area Municipal Boundary Surface water resources (i.e., Urban Service Area Wetlands/Floodplain Variable High Medium Low lakes, rivers, wetlands and wa- Limited Service Area tersheds) require a regional level Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental Conditions Report (2014) planning approach. The City of

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–9 Figure 3-9: Token Creek KOSHKONONG CREEK Watershed Relative to Groundwater Basin Koshkonong Creek is approximately 42 miles long and the upper portion of the creek fl ows from the headwaters at the east edge of the City through the southern portion of the City. The stream has an average width of twenty feet and an average depth of one foot. The creek fl ows through an open channel through most of the City with short enclosed sections in the Linnerud Drive area. The creek supports a warm water sport fi shery in all but the fi rst six miles of its length where it fl ows through the City and the Water Pollution Control Facility, which discharges treated effl uent. A Sun Prairie Stormwater Utility Ordinance is in force to help control unfi ltered runoff from storm sewers into the creek.

TOKEN CREEK Token Creek is a signifi cant natural resource feature in the Sun Prairie area unique for its freshwater spring-fed stream ecosystem and many in- herent ecological and aesthetic values. Passing through mostly agricultural land, the main stem of Token Creek is approximately ten miles long and fl ows from just north of Sun Prairie to Cherokee Marsh, and is the primary tributary to the Yahara River. The creek has an average width of Source: Water Resources Atlas for fi fteen feet and an average depth of 1.5 feet. Water from the springs and Token Creek (1997) other groundwater sources from Token Creek contributes the most signifi - cant amount of base fl ow to Lake Mendota. Sun Prairie is intersected along its The Token Creek area is subject to a high level of development pressure length by both surface water and from adjacent communities, including the City of Sun Prairie. Stormwater groundwater divides. General wa- runoff from these areas and three major highways is often warmer than ter fl ow to the north and west of lakes and streams, and can raise water temperatures and degrade fi sh these divides is in a south-westerly habitat. Surrounding lands that drain to Token Creek have been desig- direction toward the City of Madi- nated as Thermally Sensitive Areas. The City has taken several measures to help mitigate the impact of development, including the construction of son. Water fl ow on the south and a greenway near STH 19 and CTH C, and improved stormwater manage- east side of the divides is gener- ment practices that place an emphasis on infi ltration. ally toward the communities of Deerfi eld and Marshall. See the side bar describing the two major creeks that run through the City of Sun Prairie.

Watersheds As shown in Figure 3-10, a majority of the City of Sun Prairie is within the Lower Rock River Basin en- compassing portions of the Yahara River/Lake Mendota and Upper Koshkonong Creek Watersheds.

Most of the original wetlands of the Lower Rock River Basin have been drained to accommodate agriculture and many streams Token Creek sections had been ditched and

3–10 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 straightened to provide more effi - Figure 3-10: Subregional Watersheds cient drainage. These conditions, coupled with warm temperatures, C £151 ³ ± [ erosion of sediment and nutrients from cropland, discharge of treat- N ed wastewater from urban devel- ³ ± V V opment (and hydrologic modifi ca- ³ ± tions) contribute to overall poor f Westport water quality. Additionally, erosion City of Sun Prairie Town o f Bur ke C from construction sites and runoff FUDA Study Area ³ ± N ³ ± from urban land uses as a result of Urban Service Area £51 V V increased urban development will Limited[ Service Area ³ ± continue to exhibit more strain on the quality of the basin. Municipal Boundary Town of Sun Prairie Maunesha River The Upper Yahara-Mendota Wa- V

³ ± Upper Koshkonong Creek tershed was designated in 1995 Upper Yahara River as a Priority Watershed by the

Wisconsin Department of Natural Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental³ ± Conditions Report (2014) Resources (DNR). Covering 85 includes the Koshkonong Creek, The Maunesha River Water- square miles in north central Dane which empties into the Rock River shed drains 88 square miles of County, this watershed touches a after fl owing through Lake Kosh- northeastern Dane County that mixture of urban, suburban, and konong. Although erosion control is characterized as seventy per- agricultural land. Based on DNR regulations are in eff ect, develop- cent agricultural land created from groundwater susceptibility map- ment, along with agricultural uses drained wetlands. Twenty miles of ping, the watershed has a medium in the City and adjacent munici- the Maunesha River fl ows through susceptibility for groundwater con- palities, continue to be a concern Dane County, before eventually tamination. As urban development in this area. The DNR identifi es the joining the Crawfi sh River. The expands on Sun Prairie’s west watershed with a medium suscep- river is a shallow, meandering, side, there is raising concern about tibility for groundwater contamina- wetland drainage stream with a decreased groundwater recharge tion. low gradient. The river is classi- and altered base fl ow in Token fi ed as a warm water sport fi shery Creek. The most northeastern tip of the and rates fairly good water quality City along US 151, and portions of in comparison to other monitored The Yahara River Watershed the eastern boundaries, are within streams in Dane County, but is drains almost 467 square miles in the Maunesha River Watershed subject to runoff of agricultural fer- Dane County and includes parts within the Upper Rock River Basin. tilizers and erosion. of the north and west sides of the As the City continues to grow in City of Sun Prairie. This watershed these directions, development will includes Token Creek, which emp- have more infl uence and eff ect on ties into the Yahara River and ulti- this watershed. mately the Rock River after fl owing through Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. DID YOU KNOW? Polluted urban runoff takes two general forms: The Koshkonong Creek Water- 1. Stormwater running off impervious surfaces such as rooftops, shed drains approximately 279 parking lots and streets, carrying sediments, nutrients, and other square miles of mostly agricultural pollutants; and land in the far eastern part of Dane 2. Sediment-laden water fl owing from development sites into County and includes eastern, cen- streams and lakes. tral and southern portions of the

City of Sun Prairie. This watershed Source: DNR, Lower Rock River Basin-wide Issues

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–11 Wetlands In 2012, RPC Restoration Ecologist Floodplains Wetlands provide valuable wildlife identifi ed and mapped wetlands in Cities are required by section habitat and contribute greatly to the Sun Prairie area. Figure 3-11 87.30 of Wisconsin Statutes and the aesthetic appeal of an area. (on the next page) illustrates the Chapter NR 116 of the Wiscon- They are natural fi lters for storm- valuable wetlands grouped by their sin Administrative Code to adopt water runoff and provide many present or potential biological confl oodplain zoning ordinances to additional benefi ts in the areas of dition, scientifi c value, public use, meet the minimum standards pro- pollution control, drainage, and hy- extent of degradation, and imme- vided by the state. The City’s fl ood- drologic function. diate or long-range threats. While plains zoning provisions are found all wetlands have value, decisions in Chapter 17.28 of the Zoning Wetlands are regulated and pro- must sometimes be made as to Ordinance. Floodplains are identi- tected at all governmental levels where specifi c approaches and effi ed as the 100-year fl oodplain as and development is generally pro- forts are best tailored or targeted designated on the Flood Insurance hibited within wetland areas. Dane Rate Maps (FIRM) prepared by County and the City of Sun Prairie Other potential wetlands may ex- the Federal Emergency Manage- both enforce a buff er zone from ist, however, it is likely that not all ment Agency (FEMA). The City wetlands, shorelands and bodies of them are mapped and further also requires the identifi cation and of water, within which only limited investigation is needed at the time preservation of the fl ood carrying uses may be located. of development. Map 3-2 (Figure capacity of drainage areas that 3-6) identifi es the general location are not mapped by FEMA through According to the Wisconsin Wet- of known wetlands in the Sun Prai- its platting and development ordi- lands Inventory, the wetlands in rie area. Also see the City’s Offi cial nances. the City of Sun Prairie are general- Zoning Map: Environmental Corri- ly found along Koshkonong Creek dor - Natural Resource Protection General fl oodplain boundaries are and Token Creek. (sheet 2). depicted on Sheet 2 of the City’s Offi cial Zoning Map: Environmental Corridor-Natural Resource Protec- tion. Map 3-2 (Figure 3-6) includes the FEMA-mapped fl oodplains as well as other natural resources Wetland Feature in Meadow Crossing in Sun Prairie and surrounding areas. A detailed site analysis is required whenever development is proposed on any property that contains a fl oodplain area shown on either the City Zoning Map or the FIRM. It is sometimes necessary to seek amendments to these mapped fl oodplains when a proposed development area can be shown to be outside the fl oodplain. This process starts with City zoning staff and involves the De- partment of Natural Resources (a regional water management engi- neer) and FEMA. DID YOU KNOW? The hydrology of a particular site is determined by the amount, fl ow, Land Resources frequency, duration, and depth of water. Wetland, or ‘hydric’ soils are Environmental Corridors saturated or waterlogged for all or part of the year. Environmental corridors in the Sun Prairie Urban Service Area have Source: Dane County Wetlands Resource Management Guide been mapped by the Capital Area

3–12 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3

Figure 3-11: Wetland Groups

N ³ ± f DeForest

19 V V OP ³ ±

OP19 City of Sun Prairie OP19 151 own of Burke C £

³ ± [ N ³ ±

V V ³ ±

[£151 ¨¦§90 Town of Sun Prairie ¨¦§94 g FUDA Study Area Municipal Boundary Group I (Protect) Group IV (Enhance, Restore) Urban Service Area Wetlands not Inventoried Group II (Protect & Enhance) Group V (Restorable Former) Limited Service Area Group III (Protect, Enhance, Restore) Group V (Non-Restorable Former) Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental Conditions Report (2014)

Regional Planning Commission (CARPC). Once delineated and adopted, local, state and federal agencies use the corridors to help make decisions regarding the location of urban development and major facilities.

Title 17 of the City of Sun Prai- rie Zoning Ordinance establishes natural resource protection regulations for defi ned Environmental Corridors. Map 3-2 (Figure 3-6) shows the natural resource fea- tures included on Sheet 2 of the City’s Offi cial Zoning Map: Envi- ronmental Corridor-Natural Re- source Protection. DID YOU KNOW? To address fl ooding and control water quantity, the Federal Emergen- There are approximately 1,269 cy Management Agency (FEMA) requires municipalities to perform acres throughout the City of Sun fl oodplain mapping and management plan development to receive Prairie defi ned as environmen- federal fl ood insurance.

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–13 tal and open space corridors that of fl oodplain and wetland bound- In 1991, The City of Sun Prairie are additionally serving to func- aries. As described in the CARPC and City of Madison executed an tion as drainageways and storm- Environmental Corridor Policies intergovernmental agreement re- water management. Some of the and Criteria, there are both “major garding community separation with corridors include the 100-year changes” that require Wisconsin the intent of designating and main- fl oodplain, wetlands and detention DNR approval and “minor chang- taining a permanent open space ponds. es” which can be approved ad- corridor along US 151 between the ministratively by CARPC staff . Ap- two municipalities. This agreement Sun Prairie’s Environmental Con- plicants with questions about this has been altered several times, ditions Report (2014) suggests process should talk to City plan- most recently through the adoption areas for environmental corridor ning staff and the CARPC Direc- of the Town of Burke, Village of expansion due to existing high- tor for Environmental Resources DeForest, City of Sun Prairie and quality resources (i.e., wetlands, Planning. City of Madison Cooperative Plan, prairies, savannas, woodlands), adopted by all four communities as well as optional stewardship Open Space in January 2007. The agreement areas that have medium-quality In addition to providing parkland establishes goals for the establish- resources that potentially could for the public, open space serves ment of a landscape buff er along require protection through site de- to protect and preserve water qual- the highway and the preserva- sign and review recommendations. ity and quantity, reduce non point tion of key lands for open space See Figure 3-12 (on the next page) source pollution, and enhance and recreation uses, among other for these identifi ed areas. scenic beauty and wildlife habitat things. Refer to Exhibits 11 and 12 through both managed and natural of the Cooperative Plan for more It is sometimes appropriate to areas. The City of Sun Prairie has detailed information. reduce or revise the CARPC- 411 acres of city-owned parks and mapped environmental corridor additional open space adjacent to Urban Forest when detailed site data is avail- schools. able showing the exact locations There are just a few areas classifi ed as woodlands scattered throughout the City, but they contribute to the fabric of an urban forest. An urban forest is defi ned as all of the trees and other vegetation in and around a community, including tree-lined streets, trees in home landscapes, school yards, parks, riverbanks, cemeteries, va- cant lots, utility rights-of-way, and adjacent woodlands.

With the assistance of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Greenway (DNR) Urban Forestry Grant, the City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recre- ation and Forestry Department DID YOU KNOW? completed a Tree Inventory and Management Plan in November “Environmental Corridors” are contiguous systems of open space in 2007. All street, park and public urban and urbanizing areas that include environmentally sensitive space trees, and planting sites lands and natural resources requiring protection from disturbance and were cataloged. Since 2007, there development, and lands needed for open space and recreational use. have been many new planting Source: Dane County Department of Planning and Development Environmental of trees, which has bolstered the Corridors Fact Sheet City’s inventory; however, it has also created an imbalance in the

3–14 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 recommended tree diameter ratio Figure 3-12: Environmental Corridors & Stewardship Areas C £ that provides a sustainable pattern ³ ± [ of growth and coverage. Based on Sun Prairie’s tree inventory, the majority (57%) are less than six N inches in diameter with over forty ³ ± V V percent of City trees comprised ³ ± of maples (25%) and ash (19%). Sixty-eight percent of the ash trees are classiﬁ ed in fair to worse con- City of Sun Prairie C

dition and should be monitored for ³ ± N susceptibility to Emerald Ash Borer ³ ± infestation. V V ³ ± Patrick Marsh Natural

Resource Area Boundary Town of Sun Prairie (NRAB) (est. 2001) Located just south of US 151 on ³ ± the eastern edge of the City of Sun FUDA Study Area Major Roadway Environmental Corridor Area Prairie, this resource area encom- Government and Conservation Lands Municipal Boundary Optional Corridor Expansion Madison Urban Service Area Optional Stewardship Area passes 990 acres of both public Limited Service Area and private land. Approximately 330 acres are protected for wet- Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental Conditions Report (2014) land and prairie preservation and restoration. The majority of public land around the marsh is owned by Figure 3-13: 2017-2022 Park and Open Space Plan the DNR (225 acres), Dane Coun- ty (25.5 acres), and the Natural 2017-2022 PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN Heritage Land Trust (79.5 acres). The City of Sun Prairie Parks and In 2017, The City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Depart- Open Space Plan 2009-2013 iden- ment updated the City’s ﬁ ve year Parks and Open Space Plan (CORP), tiﬁ es lands to the west and south now effective through 2022, which serves as a guideline for the plan- of Patrick Marsh as planned open ning, development and maintenance of the City’s park system. The

space. plan contains an analysis of the present and future recreational needs. b ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Brooks Ridge Dr ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Katie Ida Ln ! ! ! Tar tan Tr l ! ! ! Sunny Wood Dr ! ! ! City of Sun Prairie Map ! ! ! ! ! ! Lyman's Run ! ! !

RidgePt ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Misty Ct )"N 7 Miles! ! To Riley Deppe Co. Park Park and Open Space Plan 4

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! ! ! ! !

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The shallow marsh encompasses Egre Rd !

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! Sun Prairie ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!Stonehaven Dr Stone Quarry Rd ! Other City or Village

Stonehaven Dr ! ! !

! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! Stoneridge Estates Business Park Pond !

! Stonehaven Park ! ! ! Frawley Dr !

line length and is home to more !

Community Park Patrick Marsh ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! Roads !

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Corinth Dr ! ! ! !

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Shonas Highlands Park Millrun Cir ! !

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Chandler Ln Grandview Park !

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Memorial Park !

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! ! Orfan !

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! than 100 varieties of waterfowl Tar a D r ! Miller St ! Monaghan Way !

! C.H. Bird Elementary !

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! ! !! Saint Albert The Great Dr Broadway Dr å ! Town Hall Dr

Tow e r D r ! !

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! ! ! ! !! ! Heatherstone Rdg ! ! ! Bruce St Schumann St !

Lynwood Dr ! ! ! !

! ! Valley Park

! Irving Dr ! ! Planned Public School Chalfont Dr ! ! ! !

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! ! Schey Park

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! Vandenburg Heights Park Athletic Way !

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! Davis St Davis ¬19 ! ! !

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! Westwynde Park ! W Kohler St

Taft St

Elementary !

Daniel St ! !

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! ! ! Derby Dr

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! 151 and grassland nesting birds. The ! ! ! Community Facilities

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! E Goodland St !

! ! Gateway Park ! ! ! ! ! Schuster Rd

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Tem ple tonTer ! ! ! !

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! Jerico Ln ! !

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Juniper St ! ! Pine St !

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Swansee Rdg ! ! ! ! ! !

Renstone Park ! ! ! !

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! ! Carriage Hills Park ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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Wyndham Hills Steven St ! ! Planned Bike/Pedestrian Facilities

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Birkinbine Park !

! Wetmore !

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! Blooming Fox Run ! !

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Dickson Dr ! ! !

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! Cardinal Community Park ! !!!!!!

! Community N Bird St

! ! Eastside !

Innsbrooke Dr !

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! !!!!! ! ! ! Meadows Park

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! ! Crest Park ! Planned Multi-Use Path (Off Road)

! ! Park

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ASt ! ! Lincoln Dr å! ! ! ! !

! Gerald Ave !

Pony Ln

! Martin St ! ! ! Columbus St

Patrick Marsh resource area was !

Wallinford Cir !

å !

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Tok en R d ! ! ! !

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! ! ! ! ! Pilgrim Trl ! !

! Planned On-Road Bike Lane Schiller St !

! ! ! ! Blankenheim ! ! !!

! Willowbrook Park

! Swordleaf Ln ! !

Wilson St !

! ! !

Montana Ave ! !

! !

Park ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

Selkirk Dr ! ! ! ! ! !

Ironwood Dr Evergreen Park! ! Kelly St !

! Prairie View ! ! !

North St

! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! Planned Parks and Facilities

! !

! ! ! Davison Park !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Sun Prairie ! Carriage Hills Estates

Shiloh Rd Middle School Davison Dr ! Rebel Dr !

! Frederick St !

! Vine St

! ! Jones St !

! ! Union St

! ! !

! Royal Oaks ! å Dewey St

! Historical Community Park

! !

! Thomas Dr ! !

å !

! ! !

N ThompsonN Rd Flint St

included in the DNR Land Legacy ! !

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! City Hall

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! Neighborhood Park

! ! !

! Elementary ! Allen Ave! Museum! Skala Rd

! ! !

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! ! ! !

Church St

Westside ! Audley Dr

Rattmann Rd ! Chase Blvd

Royal Oaks Park !

! ! !

Town Hall Rd

! ! !

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! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! Ivory Dr ! !

! Oak Ridge Park !

! Elementary

! Cannery Square !

Kelvington Dr !! !

! Ruby Ln ! !

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Bull Run ! ! Crystal Ln ! å

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å ! !

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Kentville Dr ! !

! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ¬19 Windy Ridge Park ! ! ! « !

! ! Buena Vista Dr ! Lothe St Academy ! !

! !

! Wisconsin Ave ! !

N Grand Ave Grand N ! ! !

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! ! £151 ! ! Park !St!

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Tal on P l Collingwood Dr ! Manley Dr

! Ring St Uplands Park ! Glacier Crossing ! Report (2006) as one of the 229 ! ! ! ! ! !

Colorado Ave !

! !

! ! ! !

! ! Oakview Park !

! ! !

! ! ! E Linnerud Dr

! ! å

! Park !

Weybridge Dr ! ! ! ! Harvard Dr # Planned Special Use Facility (see Key)

! !

Sunburst Rd ! Cardinal Heights ! Westside Community ! Angell !

! !

! New Elementary School

! ! !

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! Hart Rd

Bookham Dr !

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! Upper Middle School !

! Services Building ! Park

! !

Sunhill Dr ! !

!! ! ! Sun Ct !

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! ! ! Sunfield St

W Main St!

! Planned Joint School District/

! Pheasant Run Park !

! !

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! Vernig Rd

5 ! !

! !

W Main St !

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! ! Family

! City Park ! !

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! ! W Main St ! ! !

! !

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! ! ! Library ! !

! !

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Aquatic Center !

! ! ! !

! ! !

places that are critical to protect !

! !

East Meadow Park !

! !

! Sanibel Ln

! ! !

! ! Hazelnut Trl !

! ! ! ! !

! ! !

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! ! ! ! !! Linnerud Dr

! ! Planned Special Use Facilities Key !

! ! !

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! Pelican Ln ! !

! ! !

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! 1. Combined Neighborhood Park/ !

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! Hall DrTown ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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! Misty Meadow Park ! ! Hawthorn Dr

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! ! !

! å

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! Pet Exercise Area

! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! !

Fox Point Park !

! !

! ! ! !!! ! Sun Prairie High School ! !

Hallmark Way ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! Jasper Cir !

! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! PasqueSt ! !! ! Cornwall Cir

! ! !Blue! ! Aster! Blvd ! ! ! ! 2. Carry-in Watercraft Access Point

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

“to meet Wisconsin’s future con- !

! ! ! Andaman St

Sheehan! Park

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! 3. Passive Recreation Area

Leslie Ln ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! Hunter's ! !

! !

! ! S Bird St ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

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! Sunny Valley

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !

Ridge Park ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! S !Thompson Rd !

! ! ! ! !

! ! McCoy Rd! ! ! ! ! ! !

Elna Rd ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! Park

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! Triumph Dr ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! Lens Rd

! !

! ! ! !

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Brooks Dr ! ! ! ! ! !!! !

! ! !

! ! ! Existing Parks and Facilities Lance Ln !

! ! !

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! !

! ! !

! !

Clarmar Dr

servation and recreation needs in !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! Smith's Crossing ! !

Pet Exercise Area ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

Providence Green ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Pond Rd ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Neighborhood Park ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! Community Park ! !

Bunny Trl ! !

Pleasant St !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !

Suchomel Rd

S Grand Ave ! ! !

! ! Silverado Dr

! !

! ! ! ! Hoepker Rd ! ! Wild IrisSt

! ! ! ! !

! ! Community Park ! ! !

å ! !

! ! ! !

! Heritage! Ln !

! !

! ! Village Park Dr !

! ! ! ! ! Creekside !

! !

Jenny Wren Trl ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! Bauer Dr ! ! ! ! !! ! !

Elementary ! ! ! ! Special Use Facility

! Bird St ! ! ! !

! 3

the next 50 years.” ! !

! ! !

Celebration Pkwy ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Bailey! Rd

! Creek

ong ! !

! n !

Don Simon Dr ! o !

! ! !

! k ! !

O'Keeffe Ave ! ! Private Park !

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! !

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! ! ! !

Reiner Rd ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

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! ! ! !

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! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! Public School Open Space and

! ! !

! ! ! !

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Thoreau Park ! !

! ! Recreational Facilities

! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

151 ! ! American Pkwy American

! !

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! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! 3 Miles ! 00.50.25

! !

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! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !! ! ! To McCarthy Co. Park

! !! !

! Miles !

! ! ! ! ! !

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! Ter r a C t Capitol Dr !

2 Miles To McCarthy Co. Park Co. McCarthy To Miles 2

! !

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! ! ! ! ! !

! !

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! !

! ! b !

! ! ² ! !

! ! ! !

! ! !! !

The Dane County Parks Depart- ! ! ! ! Sources: City of Sun Prairie, Dane Co. LIO

! !

! ! ! !

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! ! ! !

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! ment worked with several area ! !

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VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–15 rick Marsh Project Plan, adopted Token Creek NRAB ment impacts. Development lands in June 2003. The plan encourag- (est. 1970) within the City eventually drain into es ongoing purchase of land at the this portion of Token Creek, and Located adjacent to Sun Prairie, site to restore the wildlife habitat, as a result, stormwater treatment within the Towns of Windsor and create trails that connect the pro- has been scrutinized very closely Burke, and covering an area of tected properties at the Marsh with within this corridor in recent years. 890 acres, this resource area ex- surrounding neighborhoods, and tends from I-90/94 on the west open the land to the public for hik- The Token Creek Conservancy along the creek to CTH C on the ing, nature study, and other activi- was created to include lands pre- east. The Token Creek valley is ties. served through purchases, conser- characterized by several wetlands, vation easements, and land donat- which remain close to their natural A local conservation group, the ed by property owners. The Dane state, and heavily wooded mature Patrick Marsh Conservancy, has County Parks and Open Space hills identifi ed as a signifi cant natu- been working with the Natural Plan 2018-2023 recommends the ral and recreational preservation Heritage Land Trust to raise funds following actions: potential at the edge of an urban- to acquire lands surrounding the ized area. marsh, with the intent of restoring » Continue working with Wis- wetland and wet prairie habitat on consin DNR and conservation Land preservation, stream restora- these lands in the future. Funding organizations on streambank tion, and fi sh habitat improvement has been obtained through various restoration and fi sh habitat im- eff orts have been a priority for this sources, including grants through provement projects; natural resource area. In 1997 the the State of Wisconsin, the Dane Token Creek Watershed Associa- » Dane County work towards ac- County Conservation Fund Grant tion was formed and has worked quiring lands north and east of program, and contributions from with the DNR, Dane County, and Token Creek County Park to the City of Sun Prairie and numer- neighboring communities, includ- STH 19; and, ous private donors. ing the City of Sun Prairie, in eff orts » Begin implementation of the to mitigate growth and develop- 2011 master plan.

Koshkonong Creek NRAB (est. 2006) Located in the Town of Sun Prairie, and covering almost 3,600 acres, the resource area is intended to provide a greenbelt open space between the City of Sun Prairie, Madison and the Village of Cottage Grove, and could help provide a long-term rural transition into the Town of Sun Prairie.

This project area extends from the Patrick Marsh City of Sun Prairie south to I-94 and the northern tip of the Bloom- ing Grove Drumlin Natural Re- DID YOU KNOW? source Area. It also includes environmental corridor lands northeast Patrick Marsh overfl ow is directed away from the natural outlet on the of McCarthy County Park that drain west side of the marsh to a watershed spillway culvert to the northeast into the Koshkonong Creek. This that pipes water under Stone Quarry Road and US 151, discharging corridor could provide a diversity it to a wetland north of the highway and into the Maunesha River wa- of benefi ts including fl ood mitiga- tershed.

3–16 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3

Figure 3-14: Patrick Marsh Open Space Plans

Source: Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan 2006-2011 Patrick Marsh Planned Open Space tion, wetland restoration potential, The City of Sun Prairie’s planning and future recreation opportunities area contains a diverse array of such as shore ﬁ shing and trails. streams, wetlands, woodlands, Protection of these lands is also and grassland habitats that sup- expected to include working farms port numerous wildlife species, that exist throughout the drainage and some are threatened or en- district areas. dangered. Finding a threatened or endangered species does not indicate that development cannot Impact of Built occur. Rather, prescribed man- Environment agement practices can be used to avoid impact. Table 3-1 on the fol- Threatened & lowing page shows the threatened and endangered resources in Sun Endangered Species Prairie’s planning area. Token Creek Wisconsin State Statute 29.604 and Administrative Rule NR 27 established the Wisconsin Endan- Navigable, Designated, & gered and Threatened Species Law that is administered by the Impaired Waters 303(d) Wisconsin Department of Natural The Yahara River, Token Creek, Resources (DNR). The Natural Koshkonong Creek, and Maune- Heritage Inventory (NHI) program sha River are classiﬁ ed as navi- maintains a statewide database gable waters. Token Creek and representing the known occur- Koshkonong Creek are also con- rences of rare species and natural sidered Areas of Special Natural communities. Where there is the Resource Interest and therefore possibility or likelihood that an en- require state permits for any con- dangered resource may be pres- struction activity as governed by ent, an Endangered Resources the DNR through Chapters 30 and Review by DNR may be neces- 31 of the state statutes. sary. Koshkonong Creek Tributary at Sheehan Park

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–17 Per Section 303(d) of the Clean Table 3-1: Threatened & Endangered Resources Water Act, the DNR must report all Special Natural impaired waters in the state that Endangered Threatened are not meeting water quality stan- Concern Communities Prairie Parsley dards. The DNR maintains a list of None Least Darter (fish) Calcareous Fen impaired waters, and reports ev- (plant) Small While ery two years to the United States Western Harvest Southern Sedge Lady's Slipper Environmental Protection Agency Mouse (mammal) Meadow (EPA) on its priorities for dealing (plant) Tufted Bulrush with impaired waters through the Wet-Mesic Prairie Dane County Land and Water Re- (plant) source Management Plan. See Figure 3-15. Figure 3-15: Impaired Waterways Invasive Species Invasive species are any plant, animal, ﬁ sh, insect, or pathogen not indigenous to a region. When introduced, these non-native species negatively aﬀ ect native species, ecosystems, recreational activities, commercial, agricultural, and aquacultural resources. The absence of predators and competi- tors lead to rapid and aggressive dispersion. Native species with limited population size or ecological range can be particularly sus- ceptible.

The DNR and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection have authority to regu- late invasive species and the DNR has proposed an Invasive Spe-

DID YOU KNOW? According to the Bureau of Endangered Resources, 90% of the occurrences of threatened and endangered species in Dane County are located within 300 feet of streams and 700 feet of wetlands or small ponds. In general, most natural resource objectives can be accomplished within these zones (i.e., 300 feet from the edge of a stream/wetland, and 700 feet from the edge of an exceptional wetland/pond greater than two acres with quality upland habitat nearby). The overall conservation objective should be to direct development away from sensitive and critical resource areas. If that is not possible, it is incumbent on planners and engineers to design developments to provide equal or greater natural resource protection. This can be accomplished through advanced conservation design techniques, restoration of other areas, and more based on the type of development, site characteristics, and options available. Source: Sun Prairie FUDA - Environmental Conditions Report (2014)

3–18 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3

DID YOU KNOW? Invasive plants and animals are the second major threat to biodiversity in the United States.

cies Identifi cation, Classifi cation On October 1, 2015, the EPA and Control Rule to allow for more lowered the eight-hour ozone rapid collaboration with local gov- standard. Because the ozone ernments and landowners to con- standard has been lowered to 70 tain and prevent infestations. The ppb (from 75 ppb), there may be City of Sun Prairie municipal code more air quality advisories issued, requires by law the destruction of even if the air quality itself has not all noxious weeds by landowners. changed. Violation of these stan- Examples of invasive plant spe- dards would require more strict cies known to be present in Sun pollution emission controls. Major Prairie include purple loosestrife, factors aff ecting air quality include a wetland perennial that grows in vehicle, industrial, power plant, a wide range of habitats; and reed and farm emissions. canary grass, a wetland perennial grass often found in moist organic soils. Environmental Contamination The migration of the Asian Beetle Industrial and commercial proper- and Gypsy Moth are currently be- ties are a potential source of re- ing monitored. The Emerald Ash lease of contaminants that aff ect Borer (EAB) was fi rst identifi ed in natural resources and the envi- Purple Loosestrife Wisconsin in Ozaukee County in ronment. The DNR Remediation August 2008. Urban concentra- and Redevelopment program en- tions and areas immediately adja- sures proper cleanup of the recent face the highest risk of EAB lease of hazardous substances to infestation. land, water or air. Degradation of groundwater is the primary concern for environmental impacts Air Quality from contamination. Releases are The Clean Air Act requires the EPA most often discovered at the time to set National Ambient Air Quality of property transfer and during Standards (NAAQS). By means building expansion/demolition and of a statewide Air Monitoring Net- infrastructure activities. work, the DNR is responsible for monitoring six NAAQS criteria As of August 2018, the DNR data- pollutants considered harmful to base of contaminated and cleaned public health and the environment. up sites identifi ed 173 open and They are Carbon Monoxide, Lead, closed sites within the corporate Nitrogen Dioxide, Particulate Mat- boundary. As noted in Table 3-2 ter (PM10) and (PM2.5), Ozone, (on the next page), Sun Prairie has and Sulfur Oxides. The closest four sites listed as open sites in- monitoring station recording parti- volving ongoing cleanup. cle pollution (PM2.5) levels for the area is located on the east side of Madison. Reed Canary Grass

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–19 Contaminated Property Table 3-2: Sun Prairie Contaminated Sites (Open Status in 2018) Remediation Parcels of industrial or commercial Activity Number Address Type property with identiﬁ ed contami- 06-13-402124 Chiquita 151 Market St. Open VPLE nants have the potential to become Processed Foods viable redevelopment sites. Typi- 03-13-193977 Davison 423 Columbus St Open LUST cally located in urban areas, the C-Store remediation of these inﬁ ll proper- 02-13-195919 CGC Bulk 220 E Linnerud Dr Open ERP ties makes best use of existing in- Plant frastructure and contributes to the 03-13-548068 Prairie minimization of community sprawl. 400 W Main St Open LUST Foreign Cars

Funding for the assessment, re- Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources mediation, and planning of under utilized and environmentally contaminated sites is available to local nance downtown revitalization ef- Grant for planning, implementa- governments through county, state forts in Sun Prairie. The Downtown tion, and remediation of industrial and DNR grant programs. Some of Master Plan, adopted in 2001, was sites within the project area. Rede- these programs are listed below. made possible in part with funding velopment included a new public awarded from two Better Urban gathering open space and the re- Tax incremental fi nancing (TIF) Infi ll Land Development (BUILD) habilitation of an historic cannery districts have been created to fi - Grants and a Site Assessment building.

DEPARTMENT OF DNR PROGRAMS DANE COUNTY COMMERCE PROGRAMS PROGRAMS • Brownfi eld, Green Space and • Blight Elimination and Brown- Public Facilities Grant • Better Urban Infi ll Land De- fi elds Redevelopment Grant • Brownfi eld Site Assessment velopment (BUILD) - as part of the Community Grant • Commercial Revitalization Development Block Grant • Land Recycling Loans Loan Funds (CDBG) program. • Stewardship Grants • Community Development • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Zone program • Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund

3–20 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 CCULTURALU L T U R A L RESOURCESR E S O U R C E S

Cultural and historic resources can help deﬁ ne a community’s sense of identity and link the present with the past. This section will examine the places, events and organizations that contribute to the City’s history and uniqueness.

Pre-History Community History The fi rst inhabitants to Wisconsin Sun Prairie, Our Home: By Peter Klein followed the larger animals into the area as the glaciers retreated more Sun Prairie’s settlement in 1837 than 10,000 years ago. Evidence was preceded by Native American of early residents can be found settlements in this area for more through pottery, arrowheads, burial than 12,000 years. Native Ameri- mounds and other archaeological can history is important to under- fi nds. According to the State His- standing the development of early torical Society records, the area Sun Prairie. Caucasian settlers around what is now known as Pat- Native American trails became rick Marsh was used as a campsite roads. Burial Mounds, village during prehistoric times. sites, and artifacts still remain in this area. Native American people In fact, according to the Patrick continued to visit this area into the Marsh Project Plan developed by 1960s; they remembered their his- the Dane County Parks Depart- tory through oral tradition ment, a major Ho-Chunk village that included the confl uence of Madison and Sun Prairie were three major Native American trails born out of the infl uence of de- was located on the southwest cor- velopers in the Wisconsin Terri- ner of the marsh. The village may torial government. James Doty, have still been used by the Ho who owned many acres of land in Chunk during the early settlement the four-lakes area of what is now days. Dane County, convinced the ter-

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–21 ritorial legislators to build the new ing their crops and extending their Wisconsin Territory capitol in the markets away from the Sun Prairie “paper city of Madison.” The ter- area. ritorial legislature commissioned Augustus A. Bird as the architect The village’s dependence on the and construction foreman of the farming community experienced a new capitol. major change with the formation of the Sun Prairie Spark Plug Factory In 1837 Bird assembled carpen- in 1919. This factory, later known ters and mechanics in Milwaukee as the Sun Prairie Porcelain Com- for the construction of the new pany, provided a major alternative territorial capitol in Madison. Af- to employment in the agricultural ter days of rain that rendered the community. The company provid- trip memorable, the sun came out ed women with full-time employ- when they entered the lobe of a ment. Women comprised about small prairie. A member of the ex- half of the factory’s employees. pedition inspired by the sun on the prairie named the site Sun Prairie German Prisoners of War worked on June 9, 1837. in the factory during the war. Can- ning Company employment re- Sun Prairie was the western fron- cords in the 1950s listed many cat- tier when the fi rst white settlers egories of employees that worked arrived here. Local stories and in the factory. The factory later de- legends are replete with the dif- pended upon Hispanic employees fi culties involved in the settlement and constructed housing units for of the Sun Prairie area. The Sun some of its employees. Prairie Squatters Protective Soci- ety formed on March 5, 1845. An- The village of Sun Prairie incor- other society was the Sun Prairie porated into a city in 1958. The and Token Creek Anti-Horse Thief need to provide housing for mili- Society. When the survey of the tary personnel stationed at Truax newly incorporated Village of Sun Field in the 1960’s was the cata- Prairie was completed on Nov. 20, lyst for Capehart, a housing area 1868, it marked the separation of consisting of 280 units off of North the village from the Town of Sun Bird Street, an area now known Prairie. as Vandenburg Heights and Prai- rie Homes. Capehart brought Sun Sun Prairie was primarily a farming Prairie’s residents their fi rst major community as late as the 1960s. contact with people of diff erent eth- The village served as an econom- nic and racial groups. ic, religious, and cultural center for the farming community. Ru- New industries developed in the ral Schools and rural settlements community during the 1950’s & such as Pierceville, North Bristol, 60’s, these industries including: East Bristol, and Burke Station the Wisconsin Cheeseman, Diesel became community centers. Sun Injection Service, Foulke Rubber Prairie had the fi rst Rural Free De- Products and General Telephone livery Route in Wisconsin, which Company. Admiral opened a tele- started on November 17, 1896. vision component factory in Sun Prairie in 1965, which was later The formation of the Sun Prairie redeveloped in 1967 as Goodyear. Canning Company in 1900 gave General Casualty opened a two- farmers another way of preserv- story building containing 120,000

3–22 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 square feet in 1982. Sun Prairie Crosse House has continued to diversify with steady growth of new business es- tablishments and business expan- sions in the Sun Prairie Business Park.

Sun Prairie changed from a farming community of 2,263 residents in 1950 to a community of 4,008 in 1960. In 1970 city residents increased to 9,935. Approximately 25,370 residents in 2008. Two periods of signiﬁ cant population increase have taken place: from 1960 to 1970 and from 1990 to the present. Much of this growth has occurred to the west and northwest, most likely inﬂ uenced by the proximity of this area to transpor- tation corridors that connect Sun Prairie with the rest of the Madi- son region. The majority of the recent increase has occurred on the City’s west side, in concert with Madison’s outward expansion.

The growth of the city over time has led to a great deal of change in the community, as example of this change can be illustrated by the changes in the community’s school facilities. In n 1950, the Sun Prairie School Public School System consisted of one building serving grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 2019, the eighth and ninth public elementary schools were constructed. The district operates two middle schools, one upper middle school and one high school. In April, a referendum Adam and Mary Smith House | Pre and Post Relocation to construct a second high school for the community passed. There are also several private schools in DID YOU KNOW? the city oﬀ ering alternatives for the The State Historical Society conducted a survey of Sun Prairie’s ar- student population. chitecture beginning in 1977. The inventory currently lists 55 sites with historic architecture; however, a number of the buildings are no longer Sun Prairie’s history will continue in existence. A full list of these sites can be obtained through the State to evolve, changing its employ- Historical Society. More detailed information about these and other ment opportunities, housing, and sites can also be obtained at the Sun Prairie Historical Library and community services, to meet future Museum. needs.

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–23 Places National & State Register of Historic Places The City of Sun Prairie has fi ve properties listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The Crosse House, built in 1883 and located at 133 West Main Street, is a two-story frame structure trimmed in the Victorian, Carpenter Gothic style. The building architecture is unique in Sun Prairie. Historically the house has been used for a number of purposes including a doctor’s offi ce and pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Historical Museum c.1920’s creamery and ice cream shop. Due to the construction of the new Wa- serves as the anchor and name- mann Canning Company Factory ter & Light Commission (SP Utili- sake for the Smith’s Crossing de- located at 151 Market Street. The ties) building in 1999, the Crosse velopment on the City’s southwest factory, constructed in the early House was moved approximately side. 1900’s and active into the 1970’s, one lot to the west of its original served the surrounding agricultur- location. al industry through vegetable pro- cessing and canning. The build- Another Sun Prairie home on the ing now serves as the anchor for National and State Register of His- Cannery Square, part of the City’s toric Places is the Adam and Mary downtown redevelopment project. Smith House, originally located along USH 151 between Madison The Chase Grain Elevator located and Sun Prairie. This brick struc- at 123 Railroad Street is the fi fth ture was built in late 1800’s of the property on the National Register Italianate architectural style and On April 6, 2000, the Columbus and it was added in 2010. The was recently moved approximately Street Water Tower was placed on unique design incorporated the si- one half-mile as a result of an ex- the National Register of Historic los, workhouse, offi ce and convey- pansion of Highway 151. It now Places. The water tower is a 60- ors into one structure when it was foot high structure rising from a two built in 1922. foot rusticated foundation, which is almost entirely below the level of In June 2019, the 100 and 200 the plaza and the street. The tower blocks of East Main Street, were is topped with a steel tank, which added to the National Register of adds 30 feet to its overall height of Historic Places as the Sun Prairie 92 feet. The water tower is signifi - Downtown Historic District. The cant to the history of the commu- District is comprised of 26 contrib- nity because this modern structure uting buildings that retain historic and the necessary administrative signifi cance. organization to manage it marked the development of the community Wisconsin Architecture from a village into a municipality. and History Inventory The State Historical Society con- The fourth property, listed on the ducted a survey of Sun Prairie’s National and State Register of His- architecture beginning in 1977. toric Places in 2004, is the Fuhre- Cargill Granary (Chase Grain Elevator) The AHI currently lists 55 sites with

3–24 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3

Figure 3-16: Sun Prairie Historic District

historic architecture; however, a Native American Mounds number of the buildings are no lon- Although there are no documented ger in existence. A full list of these Native American burial mound sites sites can be obtained through the in the area, a cluster of mounds is Wisconsin State Historical Society. said to be located approximately ½ More detailed information about mile southwest of Patrick Marsh in these and other sites can also be the wooded area of what is known obtained at the Sun Prairie Histori- as Carriage Hill - according to the cal Library and Museum. Patrick Marsh Project Plan devel- Cemeteries oped by the Dane County Parks Harness Racing Department in 2003. The mounds Cemeteries are another exam- are located on private property and ple of a resource that can add to are somewhat protected by the ex- a community’s sense of history. isting residential development. Formally catalogued burial sites are protected from disturbance by Angell Park State law. Angell Park, located between CTH N and the railroad tracks on the The location of many area cem- City’s east side, was created in the eteries can be found on Map 3-7. early 1900’s when Colonel William The Sun Prairie Historical Library Angell donated 15 acres of ‘An- and Museum maintains a ‘death gell’s Grove’ to the village Volun- list’ on its website that includes a teer Fire Department. The oﬃ cial more detailed description and lo- Angell Park: Corn Fest 1970’s dedication of the park took place cation of the many area cemeter- on June 20, 1903. ies.

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–25 The Volunteer Fire Department fi n- the Museum. The museum build- day season. The lighting ceremony ished construction on the fi rst park ing has served many purposes currently takes place the Friday pavilion in 1904, to coincide with over the years including use as after Thanksgiving in front of the the 2nd annual harvest festival in a library, city offi ces, the village Sun Prairie Historical Library and August of that year. In 1919, the council chamber, World War II Red Museum. pavilion was moved and expanded Cross center, and as the original to its present location. The recon- site of the Colonial Club. There are numerous other events struction at that time doubled its that occur in the community, both original size and added a lower Downtown Sun Prairie contains a on a regular basis and as one- fl oor. The pavilion currently houses number of historic buildings and in time events, such as the Cannery the National Midget Auto Racing June 2019 the 100 & 200 blocks of Square Block Party, Strawberry Hall of Fame Historical Display. East Main St were recognized by Fest, Maxwell Street Days, the Art being placed on the National Reg- Fair in Sheehan Park, and many The park was and continues to ister of Historic Place as an His- more. The Chamber of Commerce be the site of many community toric District. The City has recently is a good resource for information events. The park has hosted har- implemented an overlay district as regarding community events. ness racing, auto racing, industrial part of the adoption of the Busi- fairs, high school athletics, recre- ness District Revitalization Plan to Groundhog Day ation classes, and was the site of encourage the preservation and For over 60 years, the Sun Prairie the city pool from 1958-1992. enhancement of historic buildings community has proclaimed Sun in the downtown area. Prairie to be “The Groundhog Cap- Now at approximately 62 acres in ital of the World.” The tradition of size, Angell Park continues to host Events Groundhog Day is tied to Candle- the Midget Auto races throughout There are numerous events that mas Day, a centuries old celebra- the summer months, is home to occur in the community, both on tion day in Europe. Folklore states: the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festi- a regular basis and as one-time “If the day is bright and clear there’ll val, and now includes the recently events with a sampling of events be two winters in the year.” constructed Firemen’s Park In the summarized below. For additional Prairie. community events see the Cham- The Groundhog Day tradition in ber of Commerce’s and/or the City Sun Prairie dates back to 1948, Sun Prairie Historical of Sun Prairie’s website. when Wisconsin celebrated its Library & Museum centennial year. The centennial This Georgian Revival Style red Community Tree Lighting event was commemorated in various ways, both public and person- brick building, located at 115 E. A tradition since 1915, this event al. Main St., was constructed in 1924 marks the beginning of the holi- and serves as the headquarters of

Photo Source: Sun Prairie Historical Museum

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One such eff ort was created by mately 1,000 people on hand was Each festival ended with fi reworks commercial artist Ira Bennett of regularly held to hear Jimmy the on Sunday evening. Later festival Eau Claire, Wisconsin. With his Groundhog predict an early spring additions included a festival pa- young son, bennett decided to cre- or six more weeks of winter. Jim- rade, a Corn Boiler Run, and the ate a series of commemorative my the Groundhog boasts an 80% extension of the festival to four post cards relating various loca- accuracy rate in predicting what days. tions in Wisconsin to the holidays type of weather is in store! throughout the year. Sun Prairie The festival moved to Angell Park’s was selected to celebrate Ground- Since 2012, the City of Sun Prai- more spacious grounds in 1955, hog Day because the groundhog rie and the Business Improvement the third year of the festival. The sees his shadow when the sun District have hosted the annual 1957 corn festival committee as- comes up on the prairie. Thus, Sun prognostication downtown in Can- signments included eight commit- Prairie was picked for the honor. nery Square on February 2nd. tees: dance, corn, butter, queen, concessions, corn sales, rides, Associated events and promotions Sweet Corn Festival and advertising. Bingo in the An- over the years have included the The fi rst annual Sweet Corn Festi- gell Park pavilion was added to the formation of a Sun Prairie Ground- val was held on August 29 and 30 roster of events in 1973. hog Club, a groundhog wedding, a in 1953. It is the oldest sweet corn groundhog funeral, a moon rocket festival in Wisconsin. The 1953 The festival is the major event launch, and on occasion some and 1954 festival grounds extend- of the year in Sun Prairie. A corn pomp & circumstance. In addition, ed along the two blocks of Angell building staff ed by volunteers re- there has been an annual com- Street, just north of Main Street. mains the center of the festival. Lo- memorative USPS postmark. The 1953 festival served 13,000 cal service clubs and organizations ears of corn and two hundred use the festival to gain operating For many years the Sun Prairie pounds of butter to 6,000 people funds for their community projects. Chamber of Commerce partnered on Saturday, August 29. In 1997, Stokely USA, expanded with local organizations to host the their facilities. Stokely had cooked Groundhog Day event, and mem- The fi rst corn festivals set the for- the corn for the festival for years ber businesses participated via mat for future festivals. Future so the festival had the challenge booth displays and promotion. A events, included a corn eating con- of fi nding a new location to steam community breakfast with approxi- test, music, and local talent shows. over 70 tons of sweet corn. The so-

VOLUME 1: COMMUNITY INDICATORS REPORT | 3–27 lution came in constructing a new Organizations “community owned” corn cooking Midget Racing came to Angell Park A number of organizations exist building with the help of local busi- in 1946 when the harness racing to promote and maintain a range nesses and residents interested track was shortened from a one- of cultural resources within and in taking “stalk” in the Sun Prairie half mile to a one-third mile semi- around the city. Some examples Sweet Corn Festival. The commu- banked, clay oval. Over the years, include: nity rallied to protect the future of concrete walls and double steel the time-honored tradition that the barriers have replaced the hay Friends of the Sun Prairie festival had become. The new corn bales and trees that once lined the Historical Library & steaming facility was completed in perimeter of the course. Modern 1997. concession and restroom facilities, Museum coupled with a remodeled public The purpose of this organization is Today, approximately 100,000 pavilion at trackside have added to to support the on-going eff orts of people attend the four day Sweet spectator comfort and enjoyment. the Public Museum located at 115 Corn Festival on the 3rd full week- East Main St. The Friends spon- end of August. Nine local organiza- Races are generally held every sors fund-raising events which in- tions still use the festival as one of Sunday evening between Memo- clude tours of the Downtown His- their major fundraisers during the rial Day and Labor Day. toric District and historic homes year and utilize hundreds of volun- within the City. teers to staff the fest. On Saturday and Sunday nearly 80 ton of sweet Sun Prairie corn are served on the grounds. Historical Restorations The corn and the carnival continue This non-profi t group was orga- to be the major attractions on the nized in 1976 for the purpose of grounds. preserving the historic Crosse House on at 133 West Main Street. Midget Auto Racing Its on-going mission is to preserve Midget Auto Racing originated in and restore any improvement in 1934 at the Gilmore Stadium in the City that has a special charac- Los Angeles, CA. Soon thereafter, ter or historical interest as apart of the sport spread throughout the the cultural characteristics of Sun country and began in Wisconsin at Prairie. the Blue Mound Dog Racing Track in Brookfi eld, WI.

3–28 | CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources Volume 1 • Community Indicators Report3 Sun Prairie Civic Theatre Sunshine Place This community theatre group was This charitable, non-profi t organi- organized in 1970 and performs zation directs and administers the four diff erent productions per year. operation of a facility located at 18 They are headquartered within the Rickel Road within the city. The repurposed Bradley farm barn lo- building currently houses the city’s cated at 550 South Bird Street ad- food pantry, and provides beds jacent to Sheehan Park East. Per- and mattresses, clothes for school- formances are held at the Cardinal aged children, toys and school sup- Heights Upper Middle School au- plies. Additional space is provided ditorium and the Sun Prairie High for Dane County human services School Performing Arts Center. offi ces. It is intended to provide a single point of access to help The Colonial Club meet the needs of underserved Flags of Freedom Parade This organization originated in residents. In addition, a community 1969 to establish a meeting place meal, Sunshine Supper, is served and activities for seniors. The Co- weekly to provide a healthy nutri- lonial Club Senior Activity Center tious meal and fellowship, and all is now located at 301 Blankenheim are welcome to attend. Avenue and services the surrounding area senior population with a Northeast YMCA of Dane wide range of activities. More infor- County mation about the organization can The YMCA, 1470 Don Simon Dr, is be found by visiting their website. a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy Sun Prairie Area living and for social responsibil- Community Band ity. The programs are designed to The Community Band, was formed build health spirit, mind and body in 1961 and is a volunteer organiza- for all. Sun Prairie Rotary Club Breakfast tion comprised of 40-50 musicians. They provide free performances The American Legion Post #333, throughout the Sun Prairie area VFW Post #9362 and a list of other which includes everything from tra- organizations and their contact in- ditional and contemporary concert formation can be obtained by con- band music, marches, show tunes, tacting the Sun Prairie Chamber of jazz and holiday music. Commerce.

Sun Prairie Civic Theater

Concerts in the Park

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