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Preserving and Restoring Watersheds and Wetlands
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Friends of Cherokee Marsh
News about the Marsh and Watershed
News about the marsh, Friends activities, and development plans in and around the marsh and watershed.
Newsletter
2012 Dec 2011/Jan 2012 - Feb/Mar - Apri/May - Jun/Jul - Aug/Sep - Oct/Nov
2011 Dec 2010/Jan 2011 - Feb/Mar - Apri/May - Jun/Jul - Aug/Sep - Oct/Nov
2010 Dec 2009/Jan 2010 - February/March - Apri/May - June/July - Aug/Sept - Oct/Nov
2009 Feb/Mar - Apr/May - June/July - Aug/Sept - Oct/Nov
2008 Feb - Apr - June - Aug - Oct - Dec
2007 Dec
UW Researchers Intercept Sediments
UW researchers Chin Wu and Khurran Khan, PhD. candidate, have been studying the movement of sediments in the upper Yahara River at Cherokee Marsh. In Oct. 2011, in cooperation with the WDNR and Madison Parks, the team installed an experimental, temporary “floating bog interceptor” (FBI) along the north shore of Cherokee Lake. The interceptor blocked wave action and changed the direction of flow in the area. Preliminary data collected suggests that during a short time period, the FBI has played an important role in capturing sediments. Photos and preliminary data.
Parks and Open Space Plans Updates
Our comments on the City of Madison's draft Parks and Open Space Plan update.
Our comments on Dane County's draft Parks and Open Space Plan update.
Sub-area 1 and 2 Plans
City Planning was considering a request for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to allow increased population density in the area north of Wheeler Rd., east of N. Sherman Ave., west of HWY CV, and south of Cherokee Marsh wetlands. (Sub-area 1 in the Cherokee Special Area Plan). A new proposal moves the project across Wheeler Rd. to Sub-area 2.
Friends of Cherokee Marsh statement about the proposed amendment
Friends of Cherokee Marsh Wetland Buffers fact sheet
City Planning information and schedule
Newsletter article: Senior Housing Proposed for Wheeler Rd
Lake Levels
Wheeler Road Retention Ponds
Madison City Engineering has proposed two stormwater management ponds and a wetland restoration on City land north of Wheeler Road between Comanche Way and School Road.
Friends of Cherokee Marsh statement on the proposed ponds.
Land Protection News
On April 14, 2010, the City of Madison completed its purchase of 23 acres to add to Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. The land is west of N. Sherman Ave., north of the golf course, and adjoining the Conservation Park's south boundary. City documents. More details in our newsletter.
The Cherokee Special Area Plan
The Cherokee Special Area Plan and maps (January 2007) from the City of Madison's Planning Unit.
The Madison Common Council has approved plans for three condo duplexes at the north end of Burning Wood Way. Final layout with landscaping and erosion control (4MB PDF). The latest word is that this site will have three single-family homes instead of condos.
MINUTES: Long-Range Transportation Planning Commission (LRTPC). Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Boardwalk
In 2005, most of the boardwalk that crossed a portion of the marsh was torn out due to maintenance issues and concerns about damage to the wetland.
The Friends' position paper on the boardwalk.
Cherokee Marsh Restoration Project
In 2008, the Madison Parks Division won the Wisconsin Wetlands Association's first annual Wetlands Enjoyment award. The award recognizes Parks’ work to protect the wetlands in Cherokee Marsh and encourage recreation such as fishing, paddling, birding, and hiking. The Friends of Cherokee Marsh nominated Parks and Conservation Resources Supervisor Russ Hefty for the award.
Information about Madison Parks' Marsh Restoration
Cherokee Marsh Management Plan for Eastern Wetland. From the Parks Division.
Survey of the Cherokee Marsh Restoration Project by Jenna Lind, Molly Schneberger, and Rachael Steller. Student project documenting correlations between water depth and vegetation presence, species presence and biomass, and submergent aquatic cover on the wetland floor.
Statement from the Parks Division about the tree cutting on Wheeler Rd.
Lake and Watershed Preservation
News Reports
Dane County Regional Airport earned an FAA environmental award for working to preserve the wetlands while extending the runway safety area along county highway CV. November 21, 2006.
Other Links
Yahara River / Lake Mendota Watershed. Background and recommendations from the Lower Rock River Water Quality Management Plan, 2001.
Dane County's 2006-2011 Parks & Open Space Plan. The plan covers the county's Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area, Yahara Heights County Park, and the Yahara River.
Dane County's Office of Lakes & Watersheds handles manure management, erosion control, and more. It's part of the Land and Water Resources Department, which is also responsible for conservation, land acquisitions, and parks.