COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN FOR THE TOWN OF STANTON

3-20-2017

Table of Contents

PART I

Introduction

Land Use Concerns                                                    4

History of the Town of Stanton                             5

Cultural and Historical Sites                                   6

Background and Authority                                      7

Land Use Planning Process                                     8

Comprehensive Plan Objectives                            8

Survey Results                                                          10

Goals                                                                           11

PART II

General Demographics                                          12

Population                                                                 12

Economics                                                                 13

Occupation/ employment                                    14

Housing                                                                      15

Transportation                                                         17

Utilities and Community Facilities                      20

Agriculture                                                                24

Natural Resources                                                   25

Land Use                                                                    27

Intergovernmental Cooperation                         29

PART III

Factors Affecting Development                          37

Background                                                               37

Prime Agricultural Areas                                       39

Steep Slopes                                                             40

Surface Water                                                          40

PART IV

Implementation                                                       31

Community Cooperation                                       35

Local Ordinances                                                     35

County Ordinances                                                 42

Goals and Objectives                                             43

Integration                                                                46

Plan Monitoring, Evaluation, and Update        46

Page | 2

 

APPENDICES

1. Citizen Opinion Survey 49
2. Survey Results 51
3. 2010 Census Information 55
4. Maps 59

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This comprehensive plan for the Town of Stanton could not have been produced without the support of the Stanton Town Board. In 2002, the Town Board members agreed to enter into a three-year contract with Dunn County to develop the original plan. As part of that plan, the Town Board also created a Plan Commission ordinance and appointed a five member Plan Commission.

The creation of the original plan required considerable involvement and input from Town citizens, who responded to a citizen opinion survey and a landowners’ survey and attended open houses and visioning sessions to hear progress reports and to present feedback and direction to the Plan Commission.

Town of Stanton Plan Commission

The bulk of the work expended to the 2003 comprehensive plan was done by the Plan Commission members who met at least monthly from August 2002 to the completion of the project. In between meetings members conducted research, organized data, and wrote reports.

With the adoption of Dunn County Zoning in 2014, the Town Board recognized the need to update the original 2003 Comprehensive Plan and charged the Plan Commission with doing an update. A Citizens Opinion Survey was also conducted which gave the Plan Commission guidance with the Plan update.

Following is a list of the Plan Commission members who worked on the update and the facilitator provided by the County:

Melissa Schutz, Chair Nick Schaff Candy Anderson Bob Anderson

Pete Homlund Josh Edlund, past member Cheryl Hoffman, past member

Technical Assistance

Comprehensive planning documents such as this include a wide range of materials and information gathered and produced by many people. The Plan Commission relied on such talent to assist it in compiling and, in some cases, in analyzing data needed to create this document. Shown below are those who provided vital assistance to the Plan Commission:

Bob Colson, Dunn County Zoning                                                 Administrator

Because of the help of local citizens and the individuals named above, the Town of Stanton Plan Commission was able to complete the Comprehensive Plan update in 2016. Their efforts should help this Town to face the future with a clearer vision regarding land use decisions.

 

PART I     INTRODUCTION

During the late 1990s in Dunn County several issues arose that alarmed local citizens. The first was the development of large corporate farms with several hundred or even thousands of cattle located on one site. A large egg and chicken operation attempted to locate in northern Dunn County. A national organization wanted to construct a car racing track on the Connell Orchards in Weston Township. Realizing that they had few ways to prevent such developments, some townships, including Stanton, began to address comprehensive land use planning.

At the 2000 Stanton Township annual Meeting residents gave the Town Board village powers. Such powers allowed the Town Board to create a two-year moratorium on land use (interim zoning ordinance). At the same meeting, residents requested that the Board establish a committee to investigate future land use policies, and the Board appointed a three-member committee, Harold James, Robert Fitzwilliams and Mag Lansing.

After the Committee studied land use options, including county zoning, a special Town Board meeting was held on May 23, 2000 at the Knapp Village hall to present and discuss land use issues, with the assistance of Mike Helgeson, Dunn County Zoning Administrator. Subsequently, the Committee obtained, from the Dunn County Real Property Department, computer print-outs describing all Township parcels and indicating their owners. Using the Dunn County Comprehensive Zoning ordinance definition for zoning districts, the Committee identified all Township parcels so land owners could see how their property would be zoned. That data was transferred to a Township map, which color-coded each property according to zoning district, A1, A2, A3, etc.

This map was posted at the Knapp Village Hall, and property owners were asked to inspect it and to request changes, if they so desired. Two public meetings were held by the Committee and Mike Helgeson on January 31 and February 3, 2001 to answer questions and to hear suggestions.

Modifications of the maps were made based upon owner requests. After the maps were reviewed, they were submitted to the Dunn County Planning, Resources, and Development Committee. On June 12, 2001 that Committee recommended that the Stanton Zoning Maps be included in the County zoning ordinance. The amended ordinance was adopted by the Dunn County Board of Supervisors on June 20, 2001.

To gather opinions and ideas of residents for the construction of a citizen survey instrument, two public forums were held on September 26 and 29, 2001. Much discussion occurred, but there was no followup because it was learned that Martin Havlovic, UW Extension Educator, was already fully prepared to conduct, tabulate, and analyze a survey. Moreover, the Planning, Resources, and Development Department of Dunn County was on the verge of obtaining a state grant to assist Dunn County municipalities with their 2000 mandate to develop comprehensive land use plans. The Stanton Town Board adopted a resolution on October 31, 2001 to join eleven other Dunn County townships and the

Village of Elk Mound in a Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning grant proposal. On September 14, 2002 the Stanton Town Board adopted its Plan Commission ordinance and approved appointments of five Plan Commission members: Robert Anderson, Bryan Evans, Terry Golen, Steve Nielsen, and Marvin Lansing. Dawn Mitchell was designated as an alternate.

An update to the Comprehensive Plan was initiated in 2014 and completed in 2016. The revisions were made based on a 2014 Citizen Opinion Survey and the adoption of Dunn County Zoning.

History of the Town of Stanton

The Town of Stanton is located in northwestern Dunn County adjacent to the Towns of Springfield and

Glenwood in St. Croix County. It is a standard 36 mile township that includes the incorporated Village of Knapp on its south side and borders the Village of Boyceville on the north. Stanton is one of twenty-two townships within the county.

From the creation of the Northwest Territory in 1787 until 1818, the area currently named Dunn County was, in order, part of the following territories: Michigan, Illinois, and, finally, Wisconsin Territory in 1836. In 1818 Crawford County was formed to include all of Western Wisconsin and that part of Minnesota east of the Mississippi River. In 1840 St. Croix County was formed out of the northwest portion of Crawford. As settlement of Europeans increased following Wisconsin statehood in 1848, St. Croix County was reduced in size by legislative act. Dunn County was formed in 1854, initially including today’s Pepin County. Pepin County was created shortly thereafter in 1858.

As was often the case within the territories and later within states, many large townships were reduced in size to promote and to facilitate more effective local government when the land increased in population. New Haven Township was set off from Menomonie Township in 1866. On November 15, 1870, the Town of Stanton was created out of New Haven, including at that time what is now the south half of Tiffany Township. Tiffany was created in late 1873 or early 1874, leaving Stanton the 36 mile shape it has held for the past 128 years.

Explorers such as Nicolas Perrot in the late 1600s and Jonathan Carver, a hundred years later, visited the area. Permanent settlers were attracted to Dunn County by the growing timber industry. The first lumber mill was established in 1822 at the confluence of Wilson Creek and the Red Cedar River by Hadin Perkins, representing James Lockwood and Joseph Polette. Those holdings were purchased by William Wilson and John H. Knapp in 1846. In 1853, Andrew Tainter and Henry L. Stout bought in and formed the Knapp, Stout and Company. By 1873 Knapp, Stout had become the largest lumber corporation of its time, owning 115,000 acres of land and employing 1200 men. The close proximity of the Town of Stanton to this milling operation as well as the presence of Wilson and Annis creeks (flowing into the Red Cedar at the millsite) further stimulated industry and settlement.

The West Wisconsin Railway laid tracks along the southern border in 1870, locating a station in the

Village of Knapp. Government land, acquired by various means from the Winnebago (Ho Chunk) and Chippewa (Ojibwa), was given to the railway to finance construction. These land grants were composed of sections (640 acres), lying, alternately, north and south of the right-of-way. The sale of railroad lands to lumber companies and settlers not only increased the population and commerce, but gradually removed the virgin timber from the township. Cut-over land was fertile and quite suitable for the development of small farms.

During the late 19th and early 20th century, farms throughout Stanton were small, ranging from 40 to 160 acres. They became diversified, with cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and logging. In addition, many small farmers hired out during the winter months. For the most part, farming in these times was “a way of life” rather than a business. That condition began to change after World War II.

During the early 20th century, agriculture in Wisconsin was shifting from the growing of wheat and lumbering to dairying; Wisconsin was well on its way to becoming known as the “dairy state.” The hills, valleys, wetlands, and adequate, tillable lands of Stanton proved suitable for pasturing cattle and raising forage and feed grains. As a result, dairy farming spread throughout the township, supporting local creameries an cheese factories. When farms became more mechanized, they became larger and less diversified. Over the last fifty years, chickens and pigs, as well as cash crops such as cabbage and cucumbers, gradually disappeared from the once diversified operations. Each farm featured more cows that were being milked, and more milk production per cow. That, too, was soon to change.

Small farming has declined, drastically. One need only drive up County highways K, O, and Q to observe a large number of vacant dairy barns (many have disappeared). Dairy farming is not what it used to be. In the past few decades cows have vanished from most of the farms in the township. Furthermore, the terrain that was appropriate for the small farms of the past is not attractive to large family-owned or corporate farms. The many five, seven, or ten acre fields that cannot be connected and make it difficult to achieve the efficiency necessary for successful large-scale farming.

More and more land is being used for hobby farms, planted with trees, placed in government programs or planted with hay, corn, and soybeans. Many wetlands, once pastured or cultivated, have reverted back into their original state.

Currently, the vast majority of Stanton landowners do not make their living off the land. Still residing here, they either work in nearby villages or travel to Menomonie, Eau Claire, Hudson, or the Twin Cities to work. Others have moved to Stanton to retire amid the bounties of nature that may become the Town’s greatest asset.

In the 21st century, Stanton finds itself home to an influx of new citizens, attracted by the beautiful rural land, its reasonable proximity to work, as well as its educational, shopping, and cultural opportunities. Just to the west, St. Croix County has developed rapidly, putting pressures on Stanton. It is incumbent upon the Town of Stanton to manage its future with care. Hence the need for a comprehensive land use plan.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Since the incorporation of the Village of Knapp in 1905, the Town of Stanton has been completely rural. From its very beginning, town residents relied on nearby settlements and later villages for shopping, services, church and other traveling cultural events. The town industry was changing from logging to farming. One-room schools began to appear. Eventually nine one-room elementary schools and the Knapp grade school served the town. Knapp also provided two years of high school (see 1927 Stanton map). School reorganization in the early 1960s caused these “country schools” to close. Since then, Stanton pupils attend school in Boyceville, Glenwood City, and Menomonie for their elementary and high school education. One of those country schools, Pleasant Dale, has been restored and serves as a one-room county school exhibit for current students and interested adults. It is located next to the Knapp Elementary School and is run and managed by the Menomonie School District.

Former and current residents traveled to nearby villages and to Menomonie to attend church. Knapp, Boyceville, Downing, Glenwood City, Wilson and Menomonie all had and have Protestant churches and all but Knapp and Downing have Roman Catholic churches. Surely, church services were held in homes and some schools until congregations could build a church. Other than that, no church buildings exist in the current township.

Other than family burial spots, there have been two town cemeteries: the “old” town cemetery located in the south east quarter of Section 27 and the current Forest Hill Cemetery located on Hwy 12 in section 35. The old cemetery has been abandoned.

A house of historical significance is the Omar Cole House currently owned by Mason and Kristen Dusek (formerly by Tony and Margaret Sammenfink). Mr. Cole was the first settler in Stanton (1863) and built the existing house in 1868. In addition to being a farmhouse, it served as a stage coach stop, inn, and school. This house, located on 770th Ave. in section 34, is in great condition and continues to be used as a family dwelling.

The second house built in the town is believed to be that of the John Bailey family where Betty and Cliff Nielsen formerly resided and is now occupied by the Tony Finder family just north of Hwy 12 on Co. Hwy Q.

Today, as in the early days, town residents rely on nearby communities for cultural activities. However, with modern transportation, communication technology and extensive library resources, today’s’ residents easily avail themselves of a myriad of cultural opportunities while nestled in the rural hills of Knapp.

Sources:

Curtiss-Wedge, History of Dunn County

Dunn County Historical Society, Dunn County History

Mark Wyman, The Wisconsin Frontier, 1998

Town of Stanton Records

Background and Authority

Wisconsin act 9 of the 1999-2001 state biennial budgets commonly recognized as Wisconsin’s “Smart Growth” legislation was approved. Under the new law, any program or action of a town, village, city, county, or regional planning commission after January 1, 2010 that affects land use must be guided by, and be consistent with, an adopted Comprehensive Plan and meet the standards of Chapter 66. 1001 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The town utilized the following State Statutes to comply with the planning mandate, Chapter 60.61authorizes and outlines the relationship of planning and zoning for town government.

Chapter 62.23 enables the town to exercise village powers. On April 15, 2000 the town adopted Village Powers allowing the formation of a Plan Commission to develop a Comprehensive Plan and to perform other planning and zoning activities.

State law requires a Plan Commission to draft and recommend adoption of a comprehensive plan.

September 14, 2002 the Town Board drafted and adopted resolution 19 authorizing the formation of a Plan Commission

As per a state mandate all units of government must comply with the Wisconsin Dwelling Code (UDC). On September 16, 2004 the town adopted ordinance Number 22 authorizing a local control to inspect and enforce the UDC.

In 2014, the Town Board charged the Plan Commission with updating the Comprehensive Plan to be in compliance with the required 10 year update. The Plan Commission began having public meetings to review the Comprehensive Plan and with input and guidance from Bob Colson from Dunn County Planning and Zoning, the update process began. Each member of the Plan Commission took an area to review and update and several additional public meetings were held where the updates were reviewed and implemented.

After the Plan Commission came up with an updated draft, it was submitted to Bob Colson for review. Changes were made and the Plan was submitted to the Town Board for approval.

Land Use Planning Process

It was the responsibility of the 2003 Plan Commission to learn about past community changes, changes likely to occur in the future, and community likes and dislikes and to define what residents want the community to become. The Plan Commission studied supporting information and evaluated Township needs. Community participation in this process included a survey, visioning sessions, and open houses. The Plan Commission is charged with the responsibility for making recommendations to the Town Board to ensure that implementation of the plan is consistent with the goals and objectives. Based on its findings, this plan makes recommendations to the Town Board regarding appropriate actions necessary to address protecting/preserving valuable Township characteristics for a twenty year planning horizon.

The 2014 Plan Commission was charged with basically the same task – only to update and revise the existing Comprehensive Plan to fit with the opinions of the residents 12 years later.

As with the original Comprehensive plan, it is important to keep in mind the Comprehensive Plan is a working document that is to be used as a guide at the Township level when making important Land Use Decisions. The land use planning process is an on-going project and can be changed whenever the need arises.

Recommendations in the comprehensive plan are long range and it is important to understand that some of them may not be implemented for a number of years. It is possible that some recommendations may never be implemented. Consequently, recommendations to create local ordinances need not be drafted and implemented immediately. All recommendations, goals, objectives, and changes should be made incrementally.

When Stanton adopted Dunn County Zoning in 2013, a zoning map was approved by the Town and by Dunn County. That zoning map is included in the Comprehensive Plan.

Comprehensive Plan Objectives

Development has existed in the town since its inception, but it has only been in the last 10-20 years that these pressures have become an issue within the Township. Development pressures have reached the point where residents believe that if something isn’t done soon the town will risk losing its rural character.

The purpose of the plan is to provide information about the Town, its resources, its residents, and its existing character. The plan also addresses community concerns about what the community wants to be in the future and describes how it intends to get there. The Town Board and Plan Commission will use the plan to make decisions about future growth and development.

The plan is organized around nine planning elements: Issues and Opportunities; Housing;

Transportation; Agriculture; Natural and Cultural Resources; Utilities and Community Facilities;

Economic Development; Land Use; Intergovernmental Cooperation; and Implementation. Following are general overviews and an analysis framework addressing the nine planning elements and general overviews.

Issues and Opportunities

Provides demographic information and identifies development trends by identifying key issues and opportunities, researches selected trends in the local economy and demographics, and generates population projections

Housing

Provides basic information on housing stock in the community, analyzes trends, projects the number of households to be added over the next twenty years, identifies potential problems and opportunities associated with accommodating varied housing needs, and reviews State and Federal housing programs.

Transportation

Provides basic information about existing transportation networks in and around the township. It assesses existing transportation facilities, reviews statewide planning efforts, develops a long-term transportation plan, and develops goals and objectives.

Agriculture

Provides information on the variety of agricultural resources and programs in the area. It develops maps of important agricultural resources such as productive soils, topography, land cover, and water features. It identifies areas of significant agriculture and areas of non-agricultural importance.

Natural and Cultural Resources

Provides basic information on a variety of natural and cultural resources in the area, and develops maps of significant and/or environmentally sensitive areas such as productive soils, topography, land cover, and water features.

Utilities and Community Facilities

Provides information on facilities and services such as solid waste management, sewer, water, recreational areas and schools. It also identifies public facilities and services that need to be expanded. This baseline information can then be used to provide direction for utility, facility, and service growth as the population increases in the future.

Economic Development

Provides basic economic information about the Township by analyzing the economic base of the community and statewide trends affecting the community and region. It identifies desirable businesses and economic development programs at the local and state level and assesses the community’s strengths and weaknesses relative to attracting and retaining economic growth.

Land Use

Reveals the importance and relationships of land uses by preparing updating the existing land use map, identifying contaminated sites, assessing real estate forces, identifying conflicts, developing 20year projections, and preparing updating the future land use map.

Intergovernmental Cooperation

Describes specific actions and sequences to implement the integration of the above elements. It develops a process to measure progress and develops a format for updating the plan.

Community Involvement and Input

The development and implementation of a successful land use and development plan, and the creation of policies and management tools are based largely on community involvement. Planners involve the community by gathering public input, educating the public, and fostering a sense of ownership of the plan.

The purpose of this section is to review the community involvement activities and summarize input obtained during the planning process. The town has been involved in planning before the state mandate was issued. Therefore, the public participation process is split into pre and post planning grant categories.

Survey Results

Summary of Citizen Opinion Survey

The Plan Commission used the survey information from both 2003 and 2014 to guide the formation, update and revision of the Comprehensive Plan. The following paragraphs represent the feeling of the township residents with regards to residential need and land use.

The responses to the survey questions and comments indicate that people of the Town are concerned about the Town losing its rural character. They support the idea of preserving farms and farmland, particularly prime farmland. Most citizens do not find the noise, dust, and odors of farming difficult to live with, and they enjoy the open space, woodlands, and wildlife habitat. The vast majority are willing to support land use policies and regulations designed to preserve the rural and agricultural nature of the Town, within reason. The Citizen Opinion Survey is shown in Appendix A. Graphics comparing the 2003 survey results with the 2014 survey results are shown in Appendix B. The following is a synopsis of concerns:

Agriculture

• We need to preserve prime farmland for agricultural purposes.
• We like to have agriculture businesses in the township as long as they are not large scale or corporate in nature.
• There is harmony between farm and non-farm neighbors regarding dust, noise and odors.
• Agriculture business should be allowed only in designated places.

Housing

 Preference for single family homes rather than any other type of development. Suggested lot sizes should be between one and 10 acres.

Economics

• Economic development should occur in designated places only.
• A landowner or farmer should have the right to sell his/her farmland for purposes other than farming.
• Pits and quarries (sand and aggregates) should be allowed to operate in the Town.
• Concern for placement of an industrial sand mine near resident’s homes.

Transportation

• Town roads adequately meet the needs of the citizens and businesses. Town roads are well maintained.

Natural Resources

• Rural and agricultural character should be preserved in the Town.
• Currently, there are no problems with the contamination of groundwater and the pollution of streams.

Efforts are underway to improve surface water quality in the Wilson and Annis Creek watersheds.

• Issues related to groundwater, surface water and air, are important to the residents of the Town of Stanton and should be considered
• Woodlands and environmentally sensitive areas should be protected.

Local Government / Land Use

• Nearly half of the residents believed that land use regulations would have a positive impact on property values, and half believed they would have a negative impact.
• Land use policies and regulations should emphasize preserving the rural and agriculture character of Stanton.
• Citizens are satisfied with the current recycling program and solid waste handling.

GOALS

A goal is a long-term end toward which programs or activities are ultimately directed, but might never be attained. The goal represents a general statement that outlines the most preferable situation that could possibly be achieved if all the objectives and policies were implemented. The goals are the Town’s desired destination.

IDENTIFIED GOALS

1. Maintain rural character.
2. Optimize natural resources.
3. Promote recreational use of public lands.
4. Balance economic growth with township resources
5. Balance property owner’s rights with community needs
6. Maintain a quality transportation system
7. Maximize intergovernmental cooperative opportunities and shared services

PART II WHO ARE WE?

General Demographics

Unless otherwise noted the source for information is the 2010 US Census. See Appendix C for the 2010 Census data.

Population Changes

Recent trends in counties close to Dunn indicate that both projections are conservative. St. Croix County, lying immediately west of the Town of Stanton, is the fastest growing county in the state. St. Croix and Pierce counties have been important sources of workers for employers in the Twin Cities. Many Stanton residents, especially recent arrivals, are currently employed in the Twin Cities. To further illustrate the conservative nature of the projections, it is important to note that the State is paying the Town of Stanton shared revenues based on a 2010 population of 791, or a 10.6% increase since 2000.

	1990	2010	Total Percent Change
Stanton	637	791	24.18
Menomonie	13,547	16,264	20.06
Dunn County	35,909	43,857	22.13
Wisconsin	4,89I,769	5,686,986	16.26

Population Trends

Table 1 show population trends from 1970 to 2010 for Wisconsin, Dunn County, and the Town of Stanton. All of these entities grew in this forty-year period. Dunn County had a 50.4% growth rate; Stanton grew at the rate of 50.00%.

As of 2010, Stanton had 791 residents. Table 1 also shows two different population predictions. The first projection is based on the average increase, by decade, from 1970 to 2010, 12.52%.

Historical Population

	Historical Population by Decade						Population Projection
	1970	1980	1990	2000	2010	Per cent Change	Average increase 1970-2010	Average increase 1980-2010
Town of Stanton	527	553	637	715	791	50.00	10.73	12.67
Dunn County	29,154	34,314	35,909	39,858	43,857	50.4	12.60	9.27

 

Population Projections

Stanton’s population is projected to grow 11.25% by 2040 from 715 to 880. Based on growth since the 2010 Census, this projection could be conservative.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Census			Projections
1980	1990	2000	2005	2010	2015	2020	2025	2030	2040
553	637	715	799	791	820	840	860	870	880

The Town of Stanton contains 414 males, 52.3%, and 377 females, 47.7%. See Gender Distribution table. The Age Distribution table indicates that the median age is 41.7 and that the largest age group, those 45-49, constitutes 10.0% of the population while 12.5%, 99 people, are 65 or older.

Gender Distribution

	Total Population	Male	Female
	791	414	377
Percent	100.0	52.34	47.66

Age Distribution

	Number	Percent
Under 5	39	4.9
5-9	50	6.3
10-14	55	7.0
15-19	63	8.0
20-24	30	3.8
25-34	79	9.98
35-44	117	14.8
45-54	147	18.6
55-59	71	9.0
60-64	41	5.2
65-74	79	9.9
75-84	12	1.5
85 and older	9	1.1
Median Age	41.7 years

Race

774 people or 97.9% of the township is Caucasian. The remaining populating in the town is of American Indian or Alaska Native or Other.

ECONOMICS

General Overview

Short and long-term economic development will be directed by, or perhaps even driven by, the natural resources of the Township. Change and growth should be managed for the benefit of the entire community while recognizing the rights of the property owners. We recognize that the Township should encourage new businesses that are properly located and fit well into its rural nature.

Selected Survey Results

Twelve of the 44 questions on the Citizen opinion survey (COS) reported in March 13, 2003 dealt directly with economic issues, primarily farming. In January, 2004 an agricultural survey was sent to 120 farmland owners to identify useful data to assess the current and future vitality of the local agricultural industry. These surveys were followed by several meetings with the larger farm operators in the Township. These investigations produced the following findings regarding economic development:

Cropping tillable land is economically viable and projected to continue. Some of this farming occurs on a rather large scale. Thus, cash-cropping and dairying, although the latter has been declining in recent years, are vital parts of the local economy.

COS questions 1-9 clearly show that citizens want productive farmland protected but do not favor “factory farms.”

Business/commercial (other than home businesses) should be restricted to designated areas. This includes agricultural businesses.

Community Evaluation

Strengths

• A strong labor pool
• High quality local schools
• Proximity to UW System and CVTC, for education and community services
• Proximity to I-94
• Proximity to rail service
• Beautiful natural environment
• No environmentally contaminated sites
• Low crime rate
• Good medical services
• A number of religious institutions

Weaknesses

• No public sewer and water system
• No economic assistance programs to promote new businesses
• Poor infrastructure for telecommunications

Largest Employers in Region

Wal-Mart Associates, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie Public Schools, County of Dunn, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Mayo Clinic – Menomonie Center, and Cardinal Glass, Con-Agra and Andersen Menomonie, Inc..

Local Employers

Mattison Contractors, Pallet Service Corporation, Smith Equipment Company, Century Fence, Service Pro, Service Master, Ohly and the Boyceville Public Schools.

Regional Industrial/Commercial Parks

Name	Total Acres Available
Boyceville Industrial Park	250
Colfax Industrial Park	10
Knapp Industrial Park	6
Menomonie Industrial Park	350
Stout Technology Park	162

Source: West Central Regional Plan Commission

The town of Stanton does not have an industrial/commercial base to use as a basis for making future projections. However, the town would review any proposal against the towns plan. If the proposal is appropriate for the town, the town would work to secure such proposals. If the proposal is not appropriate for the town, the town would recommend they pursue the above listed Industrial/business parks.

Selected Economic Development Programs

The Town will work with Dunn County, the State of Wisconsin, and the Federal government to participate in appropriate economic development programs:

• The Community Development Block Grant-Public Facilities for Economic Development (CDBG-PFED)  The Community Development Block Grant- Economic Development (CDBG-ED)
• The Community Development Block Grant-Blight Elimination and Brownfield Development Program (CDBG-BEBR)
• Enterprise Development Zone (EDZ) Community Development Zones (CDZ)
• Rural Economic Development (RED) Early Planning Grant Program
• Wisconsin Development Fund-Major Economic Development Program (MED)
• Transportation Facilities Economic Assistance and Development Program. Customized Training Grant Programs
• Industrial Revenue Bonds
• Technology Development Fund Program. Transportation Economic Assistance
• Tax Incremental Financing

Summary

Agriculture is and will continue to be the largest business in the Town. Agriculturally related businesses will be encouraged as long as they fit within the rural and agricultural character of the area. While the town has many strengths, it is best suited to meet local agricultural needs. There are no public utilities (sewer and water). There is limited access to the State and county highway system. There is no rail service, and the town is not close to a major airport. Because of the small rural population, the state and federal economic development programs available do not apply. Therefore, industrial and commercial growth is not likely to occur. The town should encourage such businesses to locate in or near an incorporated area with proper utility and infrastructure.

HOUSING

The intent of this element is to provide basic information on the housing stock in the community. It analyzes trends, assesses needs, and identifies potential problems regarding accommodating the varied housing needs. For the purpose of this plan housing refers to the “actual building” while household refers to the “family structure living” in a housing unit. Because households analyze the number of people in a structure, housing and households are not a one to one comparison.

Census Analysis

According to 2010 census data, 327 housing units exist in the township. 259 were owner-occupied, 40 were renter-occupied, and 9 were seasonal recreational.

Housing Environment

The 2014 citizen opinion survey does not indicate as big of a concern of Stanton residents regarding control of housing. The 2003 survey indicated a large concern for control of housing. The Town Board adopted a Subdivision Ordinance in 2007 and the Town also adopted Dunn County Zoning in 2013.

It should be noted that there is one subdivision still being developed in Stanton on County Hwy. O, four miles north of Knapp, sections 10 and 11. There are 27 lots on 116 acres of land. Lots vary in size from one and a half acres to approximately eight acres.

Federal and State Housing Programs

• Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Housing and Intergovernmental Relations.
• Local Housing Organization Grant Program Low-Income Weatherization Program Rental rehabilitation Program
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Affordable Housing Program Community Investment Program
• S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Section 202/811. Capital advances for co-op housing for elderly or persons with disabilities.
• Multi-family FHA Mortgage Insurance
• Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
• Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program
• Foundation Grant
• Home Improvement Loan Program

Analysis

The data indicates that the housing supply is in reasonably good condition. Most of the units are owner occupied.

Future Housing Needs

Data from the 2010 Census indicates that from 1990 to 2010 the number of households in the Town of Stanton increased from 211 to 299, a 41.7% increase.

Transportation

The approximately 35.5 miles of roadway within the Town of Stanton are currently acceptable for the needs of its citizens and businesses. The roadways should be upgraded and maintained as needed to provide adequate transportation for the citizens. New roads will be added to the Town’s system as land is developed into both commercial and residential subdivisions. These new roads shall be constructed by the project developers and shall adhere to standards that will be adopted by the Town Board.

Three county highways are in the Town of Stanton and all three principally run from south to north. County Road Q runs from the west side of the Village of Knapp to State Highway 170. County Road O runs from the east side of the Village of Knapp to State Highway 170 in the Village of Boyceville. On the eastern side of the Town, County Road K runs from U.S. Highway 12 to State Highway 170, in the village of Boyceville.

Two highways in the Town are under state jurisdiction. State Highway 79 cuts across the northeastern corner of the Town. U.S. Highway 12 runs across the southern boundary of the Town. STH 79 was repaved in 2010 from US Highway 12 to State highway 170. US Highway 12 was repaved from State Highway 128 to Interstate

94 in the fall of 2015/spring of 2016. This project also included minor culvert work and guard rail modernization.

I-94 lies just to the south of the Township. I-94 is the most convenient route for residents traveling to Eau

Claire or to the Twin Cities. Access to I-94 from the Town is very convenient, with travel times from the Village of Knapp as low as 5 minutes. This potentially makes the Town an ideal place to live for people who enjoy living in a rural area, but who have jobs in larger cities.

The Town should work with WisDOT and the Dunn County Highway Department to make improvements on intersections of state and county highways with town roads, as needed.

The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) runs through the southern part of the Town. The Town should work with the Railroad to improve safety at all crossings and work with WisDOT and Dunn County to improve safety at their crossings also. New crossings should be avoided whenever possible. In the past, discussions have taken place regarding the inclusion of the UPRR track corridor in a plan to construct a high speed rail line from Madison to the Twin Cities. While this remains a long range goal for a statewide transportation plan, there are no projects on the horizon for high speed rail in the region.

Bike and pedestrian facilities should be encouraged when any roadways in the Town are upgraded. Dunn County currently does not have a county-wide bike trail map or plan. There are no state trails in the Town.

However, the nearest state trail is the Red Cedar Trail in Menomonie. This multi-use trail runs along the Red

Cedar River on an old railroad grade from Menomonie to the Chippewa River. Here it connects to the

Chippewa River Trail, which also runs along former railroad grade for much of its distance. The Chippewa River Trail connects to the Old Abe Trail, so bicyclists, cross country skiers, or hikers could travel all the way to Cornell, WI using only state trails.

Local snowmobile clubs have reached agreements with individual land owners to use local trails. State and County trails do not exist in the Town of Stanton.

Road Classifications

Rural Principle Arterial: Principal arterials serve corridor movements having trip length and travel density characteristics of an interstate or interregional nature. Interstate 94 would fall into this classification.

Rural Minor Arterial: Minor arterials, in conjunction with principal arterials, serve moderate to large-sized places (cities, villages, towns, and clusters of communities) and other traffic generators providing intraregional and inter-area travel movements.

Rural Major Collector: Major collectors provide service to smaller-to-moderate sized places and other intraarea generators, and link those generators to nearby larger population centers (cities, villages, and towns) or higher function routes. STH 12 and 79 run through the town, connecting the town with the City of Menomonie and to Interstate 94.

Rural Minor Collector: Minor collectors provide service to all remaining smaller places, link the locally important traffic generators with their rural hinterland, and are spaced consistent with population density so as to collect traffic from local roads and bring all developed areas within a reasonable distance of a collector road.                Minor collectors in the township are county highways K, O and Q.

Rural Local Roads: Local roads provide access to adjacent land and provide for travel over relatively short distances on an inter-township or intra-township basis. All rural roads not classified as arterials or collectors would be local function roads.

Road Pavement

According to state law, the Township inspects all roads eligible for state aid on a bi-annual basis and assigns a pavement condition rating. The system used is PASER (Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating). The PASER Rating System is used to evaluate each road segment, based on a scale of 1-10.

Most of the roads in the Town are rated Good to Fair.

Local Improvement Plan

Due to budget constraints the Town plans to maintain roads in as good of condition as possible using crack sealing, chip sealing, and small resurfacing projects. No larger projects are anticipated.

County Five Year Improvement Plan

Name	From	To	Mile	Year
CTH Q	IH 94	USH 12	2.7	2016

State Five Year Improvement Plan

The highways under state jurisdiction (USH 12 and STH 79) have been resurfaced in the recent past and there are no plans for future projects on these roads. Routine maintenance will take place as needed until the pavement condition merits more intensive work.

Existing Transportation Facilities

Air Transportation

Two light aircraft airports are nearby, Menomonie and Boyceville. Chippewa Valley Airport is located on the north side of Eau Claire, just off Business 53 (Hastings Way). The major airport in the region is the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Rail Transportation

Two rail lines, Union Pacific Railroad (Knapp) and the Wisconsin Central Limited Railroad (Boyceville), cross the county. The Canadian National Railway Company is the parent company of Wisconsin Central.

Bicycle/Walking Trails

The Red Cedar State Trail begins at the Menomonie Depot off STH 29, runs near the Red Cedar River for 14.5 miles, and connects to the Chippewa River State Trail. The trail accommodates walking, bicycling, and cross country skiing.

Special Transit Facilities

Two different types of transportation services are available for clients of the ADRC (those over 60 or disabled). They are the Doorstop Bus – now known as Demand Response Service and the Volunteer Driver Program.

Demand Response

Lift equipped vehicles are available to transport elderly/disabled clients in Dunn County.

Volunteer Driver Service

Individual transportation is provided by drivers using their own vehicles. Riders must be able to get in and out of a car without assistance. Priority trips include those to medical facilities and for nutrition purposes. A copayment of $.27/mile is requested.

To use the volunteer program for the first time, call the ADRC (715-232-4006) to be registered. When approved, requests can be made by calling Dunn County Transit (715-235-7433) 48 hours in advance.

Freight Transportation

Despite having good access to rail links, freight movement in the region is dominated by trucking. Given national trends in the air cargo industry and rail industry, it is expected trucking will remain the dominant mode of freight transportation well into the future. The closest trucking companies are located in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and the Twin Cities.

Existing Transportation Plans

Connections 2030

Connections 2030 is the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) long-range transportation plan for the state. This plan addresses all forms of transportation over a 20-year planning horizon: highways, local roads, air, water, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and transit. WisDOT officially adopted Connections 2030 in October 2009.

Midwest Regional Rail System

The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is a cooperative, multi-agency effort that began in 1996 and involves nine Midwest states (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin) as well as the Federal Railroad Administration. The Midwest Regional Rail System Plan elements include:

• Use of 3,000 miles of existing rail right of way to connect rural and urban areas
• Operation of a hub and spoke passenger rail system
• Introduction of modern, high-speed trains operating at speeds up to 110 mph
• Provision of multi-modal connections to improve system access

State Recreational Trails Network Plan (2003)

The State Trails Network Plan (DNR) encourages communities to develop additional trails linking to the statewide trail system. Planners could work with the DNR and the DOT’s Bicycle Transportation Plan to establish such trails.

Utilities and Community Facilities

Residents of the Town of Stanton currently utilize services and facilities needed to support this rural agricultural township. Their concerns about safety, health, mobility, education, and recreation are met, for the most part, by existing local and area services and infrastructures. This element examines the services that allow current residents to enjoy a high quality of life and make the Town of Stanton attractive to potential new residents.

Water Facilities

There is no public water system within the Township. Residents get potable water from private wells. The nearest public water systems are in the Villages of Knapp and Boyceville.

Wastewater Facilities

There is no public sanitary sewer system within the Township. The sanitary sewer needs of residents are met through private septic systems. The nearest public sewer systems are in the Villages of Knapp and Boyceville.

Future wastewater needs will be met through private septic sewer systems.

Storm Water Management Facilities

A storm sewer system is not available in the Township. Storm water is dispersed using the natural contours of the land in most sections of the Township, with drainage flowing down local creeks to the Red Cedar River. Where roads and other construction have disturbed the terrain, ditches, culverts, and bridges have to be used to allow continued drainage. These facilities have been constructed following state and county specifications.

Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling

Stanton Township operates its own solid waste management and recycling program. Residents are able to take their own garbage and recycling materials to the Center located at the Town Shop at their convenience. Materials that can be recycled include cardboard and newspapers. Garbage must be in a Town of Stanton bag, purchased at the Center for $1.50 each. Bags are also available at the Bob & Steve’s BP gas station in Knapp. Most recycling items need not be separated. However, cardboard and newspapers and magazines must be separated and deposited separately.

Residents are notified, twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, that large roll- off containers will be available to accept large items such as appliances, furniture, tires, trash, etc. There is a scheduled fee for this service.

The costs for this program are met by the fees and a grant from the state.

Recreation Facilities and Area Attractions

Several outdoor recreation activities are available in the area. These include hunting, fishing, hiking, golf, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are state and county snowmobile trails connecting to adjoining townships and counties.                There are also many local township and county parks with recreational opportunities. The Knapp Memorial Park, with a swimming beach, is free and available to town residents. The same is true for the Boyceville parks and school playgrounds in both communities. The Red Cedar River, Lake Menomin, and Tainter Lake offer water sports and fishing. The Red Cedar Trail runs for 14.5 miles along the Red Cedar River between Menomonie and Dunnville where it joins the 30-mile long Chippewa Valley Trail leading to Eau Claire. In addition, Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, located east of Menomonie, offers over 700 acres of recreational opportunities including trails highlighting the preserved wooded hills, wetland and prairies.

Library Services

There are four public libraries in Dunn County: Boyceville, Colfax, Menomonie, and Sand Creek. Dunn County is a member of Indianhead Federated Library System (IFLS) a multi-county system which provides library services to all residents within the system. The service includes full access to public libraries participating in the system as well as books by mail and a bookmobile. As members of IFLS the four libraries have access to library consultants who provide information services such as reference, interlibrary loan service, and support for children’s services and services for special needs. All four libraries are governed by municipal boards that meet monthly and are appointed by their municipality. The closest library to Stanton residents is located in Boyceville.

Police Protection

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Department provides public safety services to the Township as part of their overall protection responsibility for the county. These services include 24-hour law enforcement, process service, court security, and jail facilities.

Fire Protection

The Boyceville Community Fire District, along with four other townships and the Villages of Boyceville, Wheeler, and Knapp, provides fire protection for the Township. Mutual aid agreements are in place with the Menomonie and Glenwood City Fire departments; they will be put into motion when called upon.

The Department has nine trucks; two engines, three brush trucks, three tankers, one command truck and one Polaris Ranger with a trailer.

Major funding comes from assessments from each municipality based upon equalized property value, fees from fire calls, insurance rebates, and donations.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

EMT services to the Township are provided by the Boyceville Community Ambulance District, composed of the same municipalities as the Fire District and one-third of the Town of Sheridan. Boyceville has mutual aid agreements to assist when needed and vice versa with nearby districts. Currently, the District has two fully equipped ambulances and a part time Director who supervises twenty trained and certified EMTs. EMT services are available on a 24-hour a day basis, seven days a week.

This is an organization with EMTs paid a set rate for each “run.” The cost of this service is borne by assessments to each municipality based upon population, fees received from users and insurance companies, and Medicare/Medicade. Uncollected fees are absorbed by district property owners.

Municipal Buildings and Equipment

The Township owns a town shop and a salt/sand storage facility on about a two- acre site centrally located in the Township. The shop houses a truck for snow plowing and hauling rock and other road materials; a tractor with loader; a brush cutter; a road grader; and storage space.

Stanton uses the town shop for all meetings, elections, open houses, and special events.

Electrical and Natural Gas Transmission

Electrical power is provided to the Township by the Dunn Energy Cooperative and Xcel Energy. Natural gas service within the Township is limited to the incorporated Village of Knapp. Propane gas and fuel oil are supplied by local dealers from the surrounding communities.

Telecommunications Services

Local telephone lines are provided by the CenturyLink Telephone Company. Long distance service is available from AT&T and other companies. Cellular phone service is available from a number of companies.

Many residents have computers with internet access, and most residents have TV service via antenna and satellite dishes.

Health Care Facilities

Township residents have ready access to health care in Menomonie, with larger clinics and hospitals available in Eau Claire. Specific facilities include the Mayo Clinic – Red Cedar Medical Center, the Marshfield Clinic, Prevea and the Oak Leaf Medical Network. These facilities are associated with a health network that provides extensive referral services. In addition, services are available from a number of other specialized health care providers including dental, chiropractic, optometry, and alternative health care approaches.

The Mayo Clinic – Red Cedar Medical Center, the largest of the facilities, provides both clinic and hospital care. Independent physicians and visiting specialists from the Mayo Clinic provide extensive services through the clinic. The Mayo Clinic Hospital is licensed for 55 beds and houses a critical care unit and a birthing center. Emergency care is available on a 24-hour a day, 7-days a week basis.

Child Care Facilities

A number of licensed child care facilities are available in the area. These range from day care providers approved to offer care in their own homes to larger group centers. These facilities provide care ranging from infants to children age 12.

Five licensed group centers for up to 20 children are operating in the City of Menomonie. Twenty-two licensed in-home centers for four (4) to eight (8) children are listed with Menomonie addresses. Three certified day care providers for no more than three children are also listed in the area. In addition, seven (7) licensed or certified care facilities are listed with Elk Mound, Elmwood, or Eau Galle addresses.

Information on current child care facilities is available from the Dunn County Human Services Day Care Coordinator.

Cemeteries

One cemetery is located in the Town on Highway 12 east of Knapp; it is managed by a Cemetery Association. Plots are available.

Schools

Stanton is served by three K-12 districts: Boyceville Community Schools; Glenwood City Schools; and the Menomonie Public School District, which has a K-5 elementary school in Knapp. Most of the township is within the Boyceville District. Open enrollment options are available to residents who desire them for their K12 students.

The Township is part of the Chippewa Valley Technical College District. The nearest campus is located in Menomonie. Other CVTC campuses are located in Eau Claire (main campus), Chippewa Falls, and River Falls.

Other higher education degree programs are available from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and University of Wisconsin-River Falls, all within commuting distance. Other institutions of higher learning are offering courses via on-line and outreach programs.

Contaminated Sites

There are no known contaminated sites within the township therefore there are no opportunities to redevelop these sites.

Agriculture

The residents of the Town of Stanton are greatly concerned about the livelihood of our agricultural neighbors. As a town we support agriculture and want:

• To see agriculture remain a vital part of the community.
• To do our share to maintain the spirit of positive cooperation within the community.
• To be responsible stewards of our land.
• To help other to understand what happens when farmland is lost.
• To create plans for the future that creates a consensus for both farmers and rural residents. In general, the town has not experienced major conflicts with the non-farm residents.

However, there has been concern about how future growth will impact the agricultural community. To accommodate existing agricultural use while coexisting with natural resource preservation, the town should identify productive land and inventory sensitive areas in need of protection.

The Town of Stanton recognizes the history of farming, the desire of current residents to maintain the rural character of the town, and the need to identify diverse farming practices. County zoning regulates any land division and uses including intensive agricultural uses.

Citizens provide input via open houses, visioning sessions, and surveys recommends minimal restrictions on land use, but they also want farms to survive because “they like it the way it is.” These two expectations could very well be contradictory, particularly when land has more value for rural residences and recreation use than for production agriculture.

Important Soils

The Dunn County Land Conservation Division and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service were used as resources to examine the topography and soils of the Town of Stanton. In 2003, the Ag subcommittee was composed of practicing farmers who provided their first-hand knowledge used in this report.

Tillable land, including some rather steep slopes, has been cultivated for well over 100 years. As a result, considerable soil once on relatively flat, high land has eroded, leaving several feet of silt loam deposited in the many valleys. Conservation practices during the second half of the 20th century and, more recently, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP, 3,000 acres in 2003) have stemmed the loss of valuable soils. Appendix D shows productive soils in the town. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are considered highly productive, while fourteen percent (14%) are classified as medium-productive. Together 42% are productive. However, by consulting other maps one easily observes that some of those productive soils are on woodlots, are on slopes greater than 20%, or are located on or near water quality management areas.

Most of the highly productive soils in large tracts are located in the high lands in the western part of the township (Sections 7, 8, 18, 17, 16, 19, and 30). Also, in the southeastern part of the township, sections 25 and 26, several large tracts of productive farmland can be found. While all productive land in the township is a valuable resource needing protection, these large tracts may be more attractive for modern larger scale farming.

Natural Resources

The Town of Stanton is located in northwestern Dunn County and is bordered on the south by the Village of Knapp and on the north by the Village of Boyceville. It is crossed by County roads K, O, and Q that often curve around rolling hills, covered with deciduous trees. There are many oak-lined draws and groves of deciduous and evergreen trees offering endless vistas of hills, woodlands, meadows, and valleys.

The Town’s natural resources include productive soils, woodland, clean groundwater and wildlife which, all help to define the rural character.

Significant resources of the Town have been identified and when possible mapped. Mapped resources include productive soils, surface water, water quality management areas, steep slopes, wetlands, areas that are occasionally and frequently flooded, and woodlands that are greater than 10 acres.

Steep Slopes

Areas with slopes greater than 20% are considered to be environmentally sensitive. These areas are subject to severe erosion from tillage, land clearing, road construction, and home construction unless precautions are taken. Most slopes are wooded but some are pastured, while few, if any, are cultivated. These slopes are prevalent throughout the township but less so in the southeast corner.

Wetlands

Wetlands are a valuable resource because they store flood waters, filter sediment and nutrients, and serve as groundwater recharge areas. These are areas that have hydric soils (water at or near the surface through most of the growing season) and support hydrophytic vegetation (plants that thrive in wet conditions).

Floodplains

Floodplains are lands that are generally adjacent to creeks, rivers, lakes, and wetlands and that are susceptible to flood flow (floodway) or areas of slack water (flood fringe). For purposes of this plan, “floodplains” includes areas which are subject to occasional or frequent flooding (based on soils).

Woodlands

Woodlands, for the purpose of this plan, are woodlots 10 acres or greater in size which is the minimum acreage required to be enrolled in the State’s Managed Forest Program.

Hydrology

Although hydrology refers to both surface and groundwater, for purposes of this plan and mapping, it refers to those rivers and streams which are designated on the 7.5 Minute USGS Topographic Maps.

Wildlife

All lands and waters, whether cropland, woodland, wetland, river, stream, floodplain or even a residential yard, support an ever increasing variety of wildlife.

Groundwater

It is the water that saturates the tiny spaces between alluvial material (sand, gravel, silt, clay) or the crevices or fractures in rock. It is vital for all of us. We depend on its good quality and quantity for drinking, recreation, use in industry, and growing crops. It is also vital to sustaining the natural systems on and under the earth’s surface.

Although no specific maps are available at the town or county level showing groundwater, other than soils attenuation maps or groundwater elevations based on USGS topographic maps, it is known that groundwater tends to be localized, often following the same watershed boundaries as surface water.

Nonmetallic Mining Deposits

The Town of Stanton has limestone deposits which are comprised of the Prairie du Chien Group. The limestone of the Prairie du Chein Group is underlain by the Jordon Sandstone. In 2010 the Jordan Sandstone became valuable as an aggregate that can be used for fracking oil. There is both limestone and sandstone being mined in the Town of Stanton.

Endangered Resources

The Endangered Resources Program works to conserve Wisconsin’s biodiversity for present and future generation. The State’s goals are to identify, protect, and manage native plants, animals, and natural communities from the very common to the critically endangered. They desire to work with others to promote knowledge, appreciation, and stewardship of Wisconsin’s native species and ecosystems.

Wisconsin’s Endangered Species

These are any species whose continued existence as a viable component of this State’s wild animals or wild plants is determined by the Department of Natural Resources to be in jeopardy on the basis of scientific evidence.

Wisconsin’s Threatened Species

Currently no threatened or endangered species are known to exist within the township. For additional information contact a local DNR representative.

Land and Water Resource Management

In addition to Agriculture, Natural and Cultural Resources being a required element of a Comprehensive Plan, every county in the State of Wisconsin is required to have a Land and Water Resource Management Plan which identifies its resource concerns and strategies for addressing and correcting the problems. The Town’s Comprehensive Plans will be consolidated into Dunn County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan. The county plan will provide an educational strategy, a voluntary program to achieve compliance with applicable state and county standards, and a regulatory approach should the first two approaches fail.

Land Use

Selected Survey Results

None

Existing Conditions

The existing Land Use map was generated by analyzing demographic data related to development. It shows the patterns of development up the time that the map was generated. It is probably already inaccurate since development is a constant force at work changing the landscape, but the importance of the map isn’t its accuracy, rather the patterns and types of development that have occurred. Stanton is a large township with some large farm fields that lend themselves to large scale agricultural practices. Housing development is another major land use shown on the map. Because of its proximity to the Village of Knapp and the city of Menomonie, Stanton has experienced residential development. The following chart is a statistical look at the various land uses within the township.

Land Use Summary

Total acres in the Town is 21,928.68

	Total	Improved	Total
General Property
Residential	220	201	635.01
Commercial	4	3	13.94
Manufacturing	0	0	.0.
Agricultural	575	0	13,197.04
Swamp & Waste	264	0	769.49
Forest	335	0	5,461.97
Other	96	95	187.12
Total	1,494	299	20,264.57
Woodland Tax
Private Forest	0	0	0.0
Managed Forest Open	23	0	703.45
Managed Forest Closed	24	0	578.9
Total	47	0	1,282.35
Exempt Property
Federal	0	0	0.0
State	5	0	112.14
County	29	0	98.62
Other	17	0	171.0
Total	51		381.76

Land Demand

Currently in the township there are two major demands for land agriculture and housing. Of these two uses housing demands will have the largest impact on the demand for land.

Land Prices

Based on the 2015 Average Farmland Values for Dunn County from the National Agriculture Statistics Service, the average land prices for the following three uses are:

$3,670/acre farmland

$3,000/acre residential

$3,300/acre commercial

Contaminated Sites

None exist within the township

Redevelopment Opportunities

The town is basically agricultural in nature. It is a rural environment.               There are no incorporated areas other than the Village of Knapp, no blighted neighborhoods, and no abandoned commercial/industrial sites. There are no traditional redevelopment opportunities. Redevelopment in rural areas happens as farmland is converted to non- farm uses.

Land Use Conflicts

Land use conflicts occur when different land uses are placed or are planned to be placed close to or next to each other. The nature of the conflict depends on the circumstances and the views of those affected by the land uses. Regardless of the type or degree of conflict, they can have significant impacts on a community’s quality of life and land values. Conflicts can also affect future land use development patterns. After discussions with elected officials and the general population, no land use conflicts have been identified. There could be a potential for land use conflicts as of the writing of this document for Industrial Sand Mining and Confined Animal Feeding Operations, however, depending upon the year there could be many other land use conflicts that will arise that the Town will need to make decisions on with the help of this Comprehensive Plan.

Preferred Land Use Map

The Preferred Land Use Map represents the preferred patterns of development in the town over the next twenty years. It mainly deals with the two land uses, residential and agricultural development. These uses represent both the citizens concern over “Protecting Agricultural Land” and “Preserving Rural Character”,

The Preferred Land Use Map is shown in Appendix D and is also known as the Official Zoning Map of the Town of Stanton.

Future Boundaries and Extensions of Public Utilities and Community Facilities

The Village of Knapp is part of Stanton Township. The village has not annexed lands nor has it extended utilities beyond its corporate boundaries. All indications are that this has not changed. The town of Stanton will remain open to communication with the village regarding future expansion and utility needs.

Intergovernmental Cooperation

The changing nature of this political environment begs for improved communication and planning between and among adjacent municipalities and regional agencies. To accomplish this, a compilation of objectives, policies, maps, and programs for joint planning and decision make should be implemented. Such entities include town, counties, school districts, and special service districts (i.e., fire/ambulance districts). When the intergovernmental cooperation activities become operational, the benefits to the citizens should include reduced conflicts; early identification of issues; consistency and predictability of government behavior; and the development of trusting relationships between jurisdictions and the local officials who govern them.

Stanton Township is a rural community, composed of farm, rural residences, and several businesses operating out of the residents’ homes. Interacting agencies include the Villages of Knapp (an incorporated village wholly within Stanton’s boundaries), Boyceville, Wheeler, and Wilson; the townships of Lucas, Tiffany, Sherman, New Haven, and Hay River. Overarching these entities are Dunn and St. Croix counties and the State of Wisconsin. Four of the above listed townships and three villages (excluding Wilson) currently share several fire and ambulance districts. Stanton is a large green space between several small rural villages.

Continuing unwritten agreements exist between the Town of Stanton and the villages of Knapp and Boyceville and between the Town of Stanton and the townships of Lucas and Sherman for road maintenance and snow plowing. All but two are “tradeoffs,” requiring no money exchanges. Only Boyceville and Sherman are charged for services on boundary roads. These arrangements work well and allow for more efficient and effective road maintenance. Evaluation of these agreements occurs as needed.

Looking to the future and anticipating changes that will very likely occur, contact with surrounding municipalities is essential since changes and decisions in one jurisdiction could easily have an impact on another. Stanton is not an “island” but part of a community of townships and villages. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate joint planning where sensible and practical.

Village of Knapp

Surrounded by Stanton Township, Knapp is situated near the southern end of the Township. It has a sanitary district and its own wells. The Village limits extend far beyond existing development, leaving considerable room for expansion, which the above utilities could accommodate.

US Highway 12 and the Union Pacific Railroad run east and west through the one and three quarter mile width and the Village limits. These features are assets for future commercial, industrial, and residential growth.

Knapp Memorial Park, with bathrooms, a pond with swimming beach, and other amenities; is free and open to the public. Thus, many Stanton residents use the Park and volunteer to help maintain it. A few businesses and the Post Office serve Stanton residents, particularly those who live in the southern part of the Township.

Village of Boyceville

Boyceville’s Village limits form part of the northern boundary of Stanton Township. That village also has a considerable amount of undeveloped land within its boundaries, most of it bordering Stanton. That area is served by two State highways, 170 and 79, and by the Central Wisconsin Railway. Boyceville is also prepared for and interested in economic and residential development.

The only agreement, a verbal one, between Boyceville and Stanton is Stanton’s plowing and maintenance of a portion of boundary road.

Boyceville’s business district, Post Office, and Parks and Community Recreation serve the northern part of Stanton.

Lucas Township

An unwritten road plowing/maintenance agreement is the only cooperative venture between Stanton and Lucas.

Tiffany, Sherman, Sheridan, Stanton, New Haven, Hay River, Boyceville, Wheeler

The above towns and villages are members of the Boyceville Fire District and Boyceville Community Ambulance District. This formal organization is a voluntary organization created to provide fire protection and ambulance service to the residents of the participating municipalities. The Fire Department and offices for both services are located in Boyceville. Volunteers serve the Fire District. Agreed upon fees for each municipality fund both services, and both districts are governed by voting members from each municipality. Meetings are held monthly.

Dunn County

Dunn County provides construction and maintenance of County Highways K, O, and Q that run south to north through the Town. The County also maintains State Highways 12 and 79, major commuter highways located within Stanton. Dunn County also provides the only law enforcement in Stanton and Knapp at the present time. Other services provided by the County include property tax collection, comprehensive planning support, permits for and inspection of sanitary service system, and oversight of regulations and laws such as wetlands and flood plains. The Town of Stanton adopted Dunn County Zoning in 2013.

The County also supports the Land Conservation Office and the UW Extension Agent’s Office and provides technical information to Township residents and officials. Those services presently appear to meet the needs of the Township. Dunn County also runs the Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Program which governs the reclamation of non-metallic mines in the Town of Stanton.

PART III

Factors Affecting Development

There are man-made and natural barriers acting as constraints to development such as water, topography, soil conditions, and regulatory controls. In many situations it is possible to overcome these barriers through costly development methods. However, the purpose of analyzing soils and identifying areas according to their development limitations is not intended to restrict development but rather to warn residents, the Town of Stanton Plan Commission, and Town Board of potential problems that may be costly to overcome.

Following are descriptions of some manmade and natural development limitations that were considered:

Background

Most of Dunn County is composed of land known as Western Coulees and Ridges, “characterized by highly eroded, driftless (unglaciated) topography, relatively extensive forested landscape, and big rivers and a wide river valley. This includes the Mississippi and Chippewa. Some areas contain cold streams fed by springs. Silt loam (loess) and sandy loam soils cover sandstone resting on top of dolomite. “Vegetation consists of bluff prairie, oak-forest, oak savanna, and some mesic forest.” Relic conifer forests are present…. There are floodplains with connected wetlands. Agriculture, including dairy and beef forms, is the primary use of land on the ridge tops and stream valleys. Some croplands and pasture lands are set aside in the Crop Reserve Program (CRP). “Wooded slopes are often managed for oak-hardwood production.”

“Dunn County occupies 870 square miles near the Mississippi in the region of the older drift and driftless area.” The major soils are Knox silt loam and Marshall silt loam, made largely of loess wind-borne to this region.

Dunn County lies within a roughly S-shaped transition belt known as “the tension zone” where Northern Forests and Southern Forests meet. “Early forest surveys indicate that Northern forests consisted of a mosaic of young, mature, and ‘old growth’ forests composed of pines, maples, oaks, birch, hemlock, and other hardwood and conifer species.” “Southern Forests are distinct from the Northern forests because of the predominance of oaks and general absence of conifers. They are relatively open or have a park-like appearance, created by the lack of small trees and shrubs. Examples of southern Forest biological communities are found within southern Dunn County.”

Glacial Deposits

The most extensive glacial-lake deposits in the Lower Chippewa basin consists of interlayered silts and clays in the Chippewa and Red Cedar Valleys that were deposited when the margins of a glacier located in Minnesota and Iowa blocked drainage in western Wisconsin roughly 460,000 – 770,000 years ago.

Glacial outwash is present in the Red Cedar Valley.

Bedrock Geology

Most of the bedrock geology found outcropping in the Town of Stanton consists of Cambrian-age

(approximately 5.2 million years old) sandstone. Many outcrops around the Town exhibit the sandstone that makes up the majority of the Township.

The Trempealeau Group, consisting of the Jordan and St. Lawrence Formations, along with the Tunnel City Group, make up approximately 85% of the bedrock geology formations in the Town. A small area along Wilson Creek in the southwestern part of the Town is underlain by the Wonewoc Formation, another sandstone formation.

In the southern three-fourths of the Town, portions of the Ordovician-age (approximately 4.6 million years old) Prairie du Chein Limestone can be found. This limestone has the potential to produce commercial-grade limestone aggregate products. Most of the sandstone formations in the Town were at one time covered by this limestone. However, millions of years of weathering and erosion has taken it away.

The most durable limestone remains today and can be found capping some of the sandstone hills northwest of Knapp on the western side of the Township and some of the hills between County Highway O and County Highway K as well as some of the hills between county Highway Q and County Highway O.

The depth of the bedrock in the Town is approximately 0 to 40 feet.

Sources:

Bedrock Geology of Wisconsin, Northwest Sheet, by M.G. Mudrey, G.L. La Betge, P.E.

Myers, and W.S. Cordua, 1987, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Regional Map Series (Map 87-11).

Bedrock Geology of Wisconsin, West Central Sheet, by B.A. Brown, 1988, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Regional Map series.

Depth to Bedrock of Dunn County Wisconsin, by I.D. Lippelt and T.E. Fekete, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Miscellaneous Map Series.

Soils

Soils in the town have been mapped, analyzed and categorized as to their development suitability. Soil characteristics within the first few feet of the surface play an important role in the amount and quality of water entering the groundwater. Specific development limitation information can help decision makers determine the suitability of specific areas for particular types of development. Some limitations can be overcome, or their effects minimized, if proper measures are taken. The Town should encourage development where public services can be maximized and where the limiting factors can be avoided. In areas with severe limitations questions regarding the economic and environmental feasibility of such development should be posed. It is also important to note that the following information is generalized for planning purposes and that these materials do not replace the need for site-specific evaluation.

The following sections identify areas with limitations for developing septic systems and buildings with basements, as identified by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The class of limitations in which a soil type is placed is dependent on depth to bedrock, slope, depth to water table, shrink-swell potential, corrosivity, likelihood of flooding, and potential for use as a foundation base.

Septic Suitability

Soils place limitations on the construction and function of septic systems. The entire town has some soil conditions unsuited to septic development due to predominance of soils that are well or excessively drained, steep topography, or soils with shallow depth to groundwater or bedrock. In areas with shallow soils that are excessively drained, concentration of septic systems could threaten groundwater quality. Current septic system regulations only require a minimal soil depth, sufficient water infiltration into soil, and minimal separation between wells and drain fields. These regulations may not fully address the potential impacts of unsewered development in the Township.

Basement Suitability

Soil limitations affecting basement construction are mostly due to friable soils and shallow depths to bedrock or groundwater. Basements can be built where friable soils exist, but usually result in higher excavation, backfilling and erosion control costs. Basements often cannot be built on shallow bedrock or in areas with a shallow groundwater depth. Radon levels in the Township are high due to the bedrock being so close to the surface.

Flood Plains

The Town of Stanton has a number of areas adjacent to streams where water fluctuations can cause flooding. To protect property and public investments, Wisconsin Statutes 87.30(1) requires counties, cities and villages to implement Floodplain Zoning. Dunn County is responsible for administering the Floodplain Management Program.

Development in a floodplain is usually determined through the use of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100-year floodplain maps. While these FEMA flood insurance maps delineate the floodplain, past experience indicates these maps are old and errors have been found. Another method is to map soils that show evidence of flood conditions. For the purpose of this plan the flooded soils have been mapped, and, as is the case with the FEMA maps, errors have been found. Therefore, it is important to note that the following information is generalized for planning purposes and that these materials do not replace the need for site-specific evaluation.

Prime Agricultural Land

This land is necessary for the continuation of the production of food or fiber and was defined strictly by soil productivity. It did not reflect whether the land is currently being cropped or has a history of cropping. For planning purposes, soils are considered to be of high or medium production if they meet the following 3 criteria:

1.          Prime Farmland

Prime farmland is defined in the USDA-NRCS-Wisconsin Technical Guide, Section 2, Dunn County Cropland Interpretations-Prime Farmland, Pages 1-2, Dated 11/22/95, as land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and that is also available for these uses (the land could be cropland, pastureland, rangeland, forest land, or other land but not urban or built-up land or water areas). It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops in an economic manner when treated and managed, including water, according to acceptable farming methods.

2.         Productivity for Corn

According to the USDA-National Agriculture Statistics Service Dunn County 2015 Corn Estimates, 84,900 acres of land was planted to corn and harvested for grain with an average yield of 160.2 bushels per acre. 14,100 acres of corn were harvested for silage with a yield of 17.5 tons per acre in 2014.

3.          Productivity for Alfalfa

According to the USDA-National Agriculture Statistics Service Dunn County 2015 Hay Estimates, in 2015 28,400 acres of alfalfa were harvested with a yield of 3 tons per acre.

4.         Productivity for Soybeans

According to the USDA-National Agriculture Statistics Service Dunn County 2015 Soybean Estimates, in 2015 57,400 acres of soybeans were harvested with a yield of 48.1 bushels per acre and total production of 2,759,000 bushels.

                5.         Capability Class

According to the USDA-NRCS-Wisconsin Technical Guide, Section 2, Dunn County Soil Descriptions NonTechnical, Pages 1-26, dated 11/22/95, there are 8-land capability classes, which are practical groupings of soil limitations. The limitations are based on characteristics such as erosion hazard, droughtiness, wetness, stoniness, and response to management. Each class reflects the land’s relative suitability for crops, grazing, forestry, and wildlife. Class 1 soils are best suited for agriculture and class 8 soils are least suited. For planning purposes soil classes were combined and mapped.

See Soil Productivity map in Appendix D. Class 1 and 2 soils are combined into soils of high agricultural importance, class 3 soils considered to be of medium importance and class 4-8 are considered to be poorly suited for agriculture production. The town does not have an abundance of prime farmland. See Soil Productivity and Preferred Land Use maps in Appendix D. However, the land identified as prime farmland may have to be preserved for the purposes of agricultural-economic benefits and for protecting the rural character of the town. While prime farmland does not pose a direct obstacle to development, it should carry significant weight when determining areas better suited for development. If the town wishes to maintain the viability of agriculture, efforts will have to be made to limit development in these areas.

These factors were evaluated using the LESA program (Land Evaluation and Site Assessment). It is a numerical rating system designed to take into account both soil quality and other factors affecting a site’s worth for agriculture. Soil quality factors are grouped under land Evaluation (LE). The other factors are grouped under Site Assessment (SA.) The SA factors are of three types: non-soil factors related to the agricultural use of the site, factors related to development pressures, and other public values of the site. For the purpose of this plan only the LE portion of the program was utilized.

Steep Slopes

Steep slopes are any area where the slope of the land is greater than 12%. Areas having steep slopes can be categorized into three categories 0-12%, slight, 13%-19%, moderate and 20% and greater, severe limitations. Development on slopes 0-12% should consider the effect of direct runoff to receiving waters or wetlands and may need to follow state approved construction site erosion controls. Land with slopes 13%-19% should also consider the effect of direct runoff to receiving waters or wetlands, follow state approved construction site erosion controls, and institute best management practices to control on site runoff and pollution. Land with slopes of 20% or greater represents a significant threat of severe erosion, which results in negative impacts to surface and ground waters as well as higher construction costs. Development on slopes 20% or greater should be highly discouraged.

Surface Water

Surface water resources include water that is standing still or flowing, navigable or intermittent, which collects and channels overland runoff. Streams are the primary components that make up surface waters in the Township and of primary concern is shoreland protection. Shorelands provide habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial animals and vegetation. Shorelands act as buffers to protect the water quality of these resources. However, shore lands are also prime areas for residential development and are receiving increased exposure to contamination from residential development and recreation use. The State of Wisconsin requires counties to prevent the loss and erosion of these resources by adopting and enforcing a shoreland ordinance.

PART IV

Implementation

The Town of Stanton Comprehensive Plan was implemented in 2003. The updated 2016 Plan continues to provide for rural development and objectives recommended by the Town’s Plan Commission. This section identifies the mechanisms to continue to implement those recommendations such as community cooperation, local ordinances and county ordinances.

How to Implement

This plan looks twenty years into the future. The recommended direction for the Town Board to follow is in the form of goals and objectives. Since the plan looks at the next twenty years, it’s possible that not all of the goals will be implemented right away. Some goals may have prerequisites such that another goal or some other action may need to be completed before they can be addressed. Also some goals may have a higher priority while others may need additional resources.

Community Cooperation

Community cooperation was utilized as the educational and communication tool to assist the town in analyzing the need for local zoning in 2012. Through community cooperation the town stays informed on local and county concerns and educates its citizens about development issues. Community cooperation is also the mechanism to encourage intergovernmental cooperation.

Local Ordinances

Another common implementation tool available to the Town Board is local ordinances. The town currently has some local ordinances in place and will continue to review them against the comprehensive plan, county zoning ordinance, and state statutes for inconsistencies and will make necessary ordinance revisions. For example, the Town Board could request the Plan Commission to draft language amendments to an existing ordinance or to draft language for a new ordinance. If the Town Board were to adopt additional ordinances, the comprehensive plan, county ordinances and state statutes will be used as guides.

Subdivisions

Control of land divisions is of particular importance, since decisions regarding the subdivision of land are some of the first official activities involving public policy as it relates to new development. Chapter 236 of the Wisconsin Statutes sets forth minimum platting standards.

All townships in Dunn County, zoned and unzoned, fall under Dunn County Subdivision review. Subdivision review deals with the legal requirements to create one or more lots from an existing parcel. Subdivision review does not deal with zoning issues such as setbacks, lot sizes or land use. Towns with village powers can, within statutory limitations, write and adopt local ordinances such as a subdivision ordinance. Adopting a local subdivision ordinance requires local review along with county and, in some instances, state review. Enforcement of the local ordinance would be the responsibility of the town. Towns are authorized under Section 236.45 to adopt subdivision control ordinances that are at least as restrictive as Chapter 236. Several types of subdivision ordinances are available such as traditional lot and block or conservation (clustering) subdivisions. Information on subdivisions is available through the Dunn County Planning Resources and Development Department, UW-Extension, and private consultants.

Site Plan Review

Preserving rural character and creating a sense of community are important issues that are connected to the visual characteristics of the town. When the town adopted Village Powers it received the power to create a site plan review process. Site plan review can deal with the general principles of housing placement or it can deal with very specific site planning standards. Currently the Town cooperates with Dunn County Planning & Zoning for site plan review on any subdivisions.

County Ordinances

The County’s comprehensive ordinances regulate subdivisions, storm water, erosion control, and zoning. Most local units of government rely on zoning as the strongest tool to regulate the use of property in the public interest. Zoning is a means to properly place community land uses in relation to one another while providing adequate space for each type of development. It can be used to control the development density in each area so the property can be adequately served with governmental facilities. Zoning directs growth into appropriate areas while protecting existing property by requiring new development to provide adequate light, air and privacy to the citizenry within the community. Zoning ordinances usually contain several different zoning districts such as agricultural, conservancy, residential, commercial, and industrial. They also indicate specific permitted uses and special exceptions within each district and establish minimum lot sizes, maximum building heights, and setback requirements.

Zoning

In 2014, the Town of Stanton officially adopted Dunn County Zoning.

Dunn County Zoning regulates the use, size, shape and placement of lots on any land as well as the use and location of structures on lands. The Town of Stanton is divided into several zoning districts. Before a new use is established on any lands in the Town, it must be determined if the use is permitted under County Zoning or if it is allowed with a Special Exception Permit from Dunn County which requires Town Plan Commission and Town Board recommendations. If the use is not permitted or allowed as a special exception, a zoning land use change could be required, which requires Town and County approval to amend the Zoning District Map.

Town comprehensive plan recommendations are long range, and it is important to note that some areas of the Preferred Land Use map may not be developed for a number of years.

Goals and Objectives

A goal is a long-term end toward which programs or activities are ultimately directed, but might never be attained. The goal represents a general statement that outlines the most preferable situation that could possibly be achieved if all the objectives and policies were implemented. The goals are the Town’s desired destination.

Through the use of an updated citizen opinion survey sent out in 2014, inventory data and other community input, the Plan Commission has reviewed and updated Town goals based on the survey. Goals are not necessarily specific to a particular planning element. Therefore connection and crossover to other goals and planning elements is inevitable.

                GOAL:          Maintain the rural character

Objective

Promote the aesthetic beauty of the Town

Objective

Encourage low density housing

Objective

Protect green space

Objective

Encourage landowners to maintain woodlands

Objective

Discourage Conflicting Land Uses

                GOAL:          Balance economic growth with township resources

Objective

Identify current and potential for economic growth.

• Identify existing businesses and home businesses.
• Identify desirable businesses
• Coordinate economic growth with other goals.

Objective

Identify existing and potential town resources

        Determine how local resources can support economic growth in the township.

                GOAL:          Plan for Increased Housing Demand

Objective

Promote diverse housing

Objective

Determine preferred land use areas

• Residential
• Agriculture
• Other

GOAL:           Balance property owner’s right with community needs

Objective

Recognize community needs

        Confirm community needs with public participation results

Objective

Recognize property owner rights

GOAL:           Maintain and develop a transportation system

Objective

Maintain written town road standards

• Maintain existing criteria for new road construction
• Maintain existing criteria for reconstructing existing roads
• Continue maintenance of existing roads
• Periodically review road standards and driveway standards

Objective

Continue to participate in the town road inspection program

          Semi-annually evaluate local roads using the PASER system          Semi-annually evaluate local bridges and culverts o  Review plan with town patrolman o     Maintain necessary facilities and equipment o   Maintain a pool of resources as an emergency back- up plan         Annually prioritize and update the plan

Objective

Study reducing speed limit on town roads

• Seek input from town residents
• Determine actions if any to be implemented
• Install signage

Maximize intergovernmental cooperative opportunities and shared services

Objective

Identify and assess existing and potential cooperative agreements with neighboring units of government such as:

• Road maintenance
• Shared equipment / personnel
• Neighboring planning efforts
• Emergency services
• Land Use Decisions

Objective

Enter cooperative agreements, if needed

• Develop agreements
• Adopt agreements
• Review and amend as necessary

Preserve Town History & Culture

Objective

Recognize the Importance of the Town’s Historical & Cultural Resources

• Support interested citizens
• Explore potential historical resources

Optimize Natural Resources

Objective

Recognize the Importance of Supporting Citizen Participation in Communication regarding the Town’s Natural Resources

        Provide information for all citizens and landowners regarding Natural Resources.

Objective

Preserve productive agricultural land.

• Identify and describe options
• Self-determination through land stewardship programs.
• Utilize the Comprehensive Land Use Plan when making Land Use Decisions regarding Agricultural Land

Integration

In order to meet the goals and objectives laid out in the plan, portions of other planning elements may come into play. While some goals are specific to a particular element, achieving the goal may require a much broader overview. The driving force behind this whole process has been a comprehensive analysis of the community. As the town begins to implement its goals it should comprehensively assess the impact the objectives will have on the rest of the plan.

Plan Monitoring, Evaluation and Update

The plan is subject to the passing of time, which may make objectives and recommendations obsolete. Plan monitoring and evaluation is an ongoing process and eventually will lead to plan updating. The time that elapses between the adoption of the plan and the need to update it depends on new conditions and issues that demand a plan update. The Town of Stanton will monitor the progress of plan implementation and evaluate it against changing conditions on at least as changes warrant. The Plan Commission will remain flexible with regard to updates. However, it is not expected that updates will be necessary more often than every two years.

APPENDIX A

2014 Citizen Opinion Survey

APPENDIX B

Survey Results

APPENDIX C

Census Information

APPENDIX D

Maps

 

Town of Stanton – Citizen Opinion Survey

 

For this survey please check     the option that best represents your opinion.
We need to preserve prime farmland for agricultural purposes
A landowner or farmer should have the right to sell his or her farmland for purposes other than farming
There should be a limit on how many animals can exist on a farm
Agricultural businesses are important in Stanton
Productive farmland should not be converted to non-farm uses
Large scale corporate farms do not fit the rural character of Stanton
More single family housing is preferred in Stanton
There is a need for start-up type housing for young families in Stanton
Landowners should be allowed to sell their land to whomever they choose regardless of how the land will be used
Business/commercial development should be allowed only in designated places
Agri-business development should be allowed only in designated places
I am concerned with the way things are happening in Stanton regarding land use and growth
Land use regulations would have a negative effect on the value of my property
Land use regulations would have a positive effect on the value of my property
Land use regulations governing development in Stanton should be more restrictive
Land use regulations and policies should be relaxed so that development can respond to market conditions
Land use policies and regulations should emphasize preserving the rural and agricultural character of Stanton
Outside night lighting in Stanton should be kept to a minimum.
There is a problem with contamination of groundwater in Stanton
There is a problem with pollution of rivers and streams in Stanton
Issues related to groundwater contamination, pollution of rivers and streams, and air quality are important to me
I am satisfied with the way Stanton is handling solid waste
Enough is being done regarding the recycling program in Stanton
It is important to preserve woodlands and environmentally sensitive areas in Stanton
Excavation should be allowed by landowners, provided their primary purpose is non-commercial

 

For this survey please check     the option that best represents your opinion.
Construction aggregate and sand pits for local road projects/maintenance should be allowed to operate in Stanton
Nonmetallic mines should be allowed to operate in Stanton provided the total mine area does not exceed 10 acres
I am opposed to having a sand mine near my home
Stanton roads are adequate to meet my needs
The roads and highways in Stanton adequately meet the needs of citizens and businesses
Industrial business that may require rail access may be important to Stanton in the future
The town’s website has the information I need
Town officials are approachable and available
I feel adequately informed about town business

 

 

For this survey please check the option that best represents your opinion.	We need to preserve prime farmland for agricultural purposes	A landowner or farmer should have the right to sell his or her farmland for purposes other than farming	There should be a limit on how many animals can exist on a farm	Agricultural businesses are important in Stanton (1)
Agree	65	53	40	71
Disagree	7	20	31	4
Not Answered	4	3	5	1
Agree	82.1	89.9	61.9	47
Disagree	15.5	6.5	33.3	46.6
Not Answered	2.4	3.6	4.8	6.6

2014

2003

(1) 2003 question: “Ag business should be recruited for establishment in Stanton”.                                       (2) 2003 question: ” Large scale corporate farms should not be encouaged to buy land in Stanton”.

• 2003 question asked “Yard lights should be regulated to minimize nighttime light pollution”.
• 2003 question asked “Pits or quarries should be allowed to operate in Stanton”.

NOTE: There was no “Strongly Agree” or “Strongly Disagree” options in the 2003 survey so in the 2014 survey each of those were combined