Dane County is allocating over $1.6 million through its Conservation Fund to support projects that improve water quality and increase local food production, according to a county news release.
Dane County will allocate $1,004,900 to the town of Westport to acquire 105 acres of property in the Sixmile Creek Watershed. The town’s acquisition of this parcel connects a corridor of public lands that surround the north side of Lake Mendota. The property will protect existing wetlands, provide opportunities for wetland enhancement and restoration, and offer stormwater management benefits to enhance Lake Mendota water quality. The parcel creates additional open space for passive and organized public recreation, trail connections, native vegetation restoration, and wildlife and pollinator habitat.
Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens Inc. (MAFPG) will receive $660,000 to acquire 15 acres of property for a food pantry garden and related activities next to Pope Farm Park in the town of Middleton. Through this purchase, MAFPG will be able to increase operations at Forward Garden and provide educational opportunities revolving around sustainable agriculture, food, and wildlife ecology to the community.
